I didn’t really want to write this post because I don’t want anyone to think I’m one of those weird people who eats crap all the time and doesn’t gain weight. Trust me, I hate those people too. I also don’t want anyone to think I’m anorexic or have body dysmorphia. I know the size I am and I know the size I like to be. The fact of the matter is that I struggle with my diet just like everyone else and I do love me some donuts and cupcakes. I frequently post pics of those things because, let’s face it, they’re fun! I like desserts but it doesn’t mean that I eat cake for breakfast and ice cream for dinner.
As a reminder of my history, I gained a lot of weight in college. I was probably at my heaviest right as I graduated and weighed 155 pounds. I am about 5’8 so that helped me carry it to a certain degree, but I was miserable. As a high school athlete I wasn’t used to being heavier. I hated having to buy clothes and the worst was bathing suit shopping. I once heard a guy on the street behind me say, “That girl has a huge ass!” Ouch. I started working out and watching what I ate using the South Beach Diet. Then I started running and the more I ran the less I had to follow South Beach. It was a Godsend because I love me some carbs. I lost weight and was not only healthier, but I was much happier and more confident.
Fast forward to six weeks ago. I took my break from running and didn’t really watch my diet as carefully as I probably could and should have. It was my birthday month and I over indulged a bit in sweets and my beloved carbs. It happens to the best of us. And guess what? My clothes started getting tighter and I gained weight. I gained seven pounds in all. Which, on the one hand, isn’t terrible for a six week running break, but on the other hand, I now have to work to take those seven pounds off.
I can practically hear the eye rolls. Bear with me. Seven pounds may not seem like a lot but we all know how it goes. Seven can quickly turn to ten and then ten to 15 and so on. This weight gain is enough to get me to re-commit myself to eating right and not just because I can run again. I can’t keeping using running as my crutch to eat like crap.
I have decided to do this the old fashioned way. Instead of cutting carbs this time, which has gotten especially difficult as a runner, I’m trying to be more mindful of the carbs I eat. I’m sticking to fruits and sweet potatoes and whole grains. I’m trying (oh good lord this hard) to stay away from french fries, hashbrowns, basically all white potato products, and bread. I’m counting calories and counting the calories I burn during exercise.
While none of this exactly fun, like those mini-donuts I ate on Saturday, it is necessary and I need to do it so my pants don’t keep getting tighter. The more muscles I can build and fat I can burn, the faster I can run. And that’s always a bonus in my book.
Have you ever had to start over with your nutrition? Any tips to share?
Virtual high five for being so honest about a tough subject! 🙂 I don't have any ground breaking advice other than I love my Shakeology…but for evenings that you may have to eat late, grab something from FitLife Foods. 🙂 I've been eating from there a little more frequently and the food is amazing. BTW, love that kitty's face in the pic! 🙂
Once I had my daughter…both times (you would think I would have learned with the first!) I got very serious with my food intake. Now I'm counting calories and eating Paleo! Once you get into a system that works for you with prepping meals and planning your week, I'm sure you'll drop those 7 in no time!!
I've been on a MUST DO SOMETHING! rollercoaster for the past two weeks. Its not that I've gained weight, its that my diet deteriorates to the point where all I eat is carbs with a side of dairy.
I have nothing helpful to say, but I understand where you're coming from. Good luck!
remember that it's calories in vs calories out. For me, being mindful of both WHAT I eat and HOW MUCH really helps. So I've been buying organic d'anjou pears every week and letting them ripen on the counter. When they are ripe and juicy, this is a much better way to get my sweet fix than a hand full of cookies. Also, if going out for lunch somewhere. Consider asking for a leftover box up front. Box up half the food at the beginning and save it for another meal. Things like that really help me.
Let me say first and fore-most..You look fabulous!It's funny because sometimes people look at me and say "it must be nice" meaning that I can stay thin and eat whatever I want. So not true!I work hard at it. I have found that preparing food ahead it a huge key to success. Also just having good quick fixes nearby. I have gone a little overboard this time because I am training for a fitness show in May. I am now cooking ahead and I always bring my little food cooler with me. I eat more now than I ever have and the pounds are staying off 🙂
I am always on that rollercoaster right next to you! I try to eat as healthy as I can – LOTS of veggies + fruit+ lean meats (fish, chicken) and the oaccasional treat when I get a serious bad craving (once a month?…)
Found that eating meals that are all the same size/calories throughout the day helped me to not be hungry. I don't believe in rationaling food out to make breakfast biggest, lunch big, dinner small. It never works out for me. I'm hungry by the time I go to bed.
Sugar Rehab has helped me a TON! I'm like you and worked my way through the weight loss cycle and am terrified as I can easily put it back on. Since I've cut out white starches besides rice and sugar (refined) I've seen such an improvement and know that's the key – Diet is 80% to me!
I overindulged last week and have been getting back on track ever since. I totally get what you mean by a few pounds turning into a snowball affect because that's exactly what happened to me in the past.
I'm a firm believer of balance and I have no doubt you'll lose those pounds. I pay closer attention to my carb intake when I need to lose some weight. That always does the trick.
I have a sweet tooth myself 🙂
I have no advice for you because I love the carbs too. I blame Spike, you can too.
I need to join you all on this watching what I eat deal. Its the hardest. Eating better also makes running easier. I found the weeks I eat better, my runs are better, which makes for happy Genna. I just need to remember that before I buy the pounds of chocolate from my students!
Here's to us, shedding the pounds!
Yup! Great minds think a lot. You can definitely lose the 7 pounds. I've got a ways to go before I'm at a weight I would consider a "goal" weight. I'd really like to get there in the next couple of years though before Tim and I start talking about having kids. I'm excited for my DietBet. And I think your plan of whole grains, sweet potato, etc is a great one! You can do this!!
I restart my diet everyday! As I have complained to you countless of times, weightloss is the hardest for me. But I think posting my workouts and being mindful have been what's really held me accountable. I have a feeling you will lose those 7 pounds in a jiffy once you get going!
I totally get it! I have to restart almost every time I'm coming off a hard training program because I too use training as a crutch to get away with eating whatever I want! You will be back to where you want to be in no time I know it!
You KNEW I had to comment on this right? 🙂
Calorie In Calorie Out doesnt work. If it did I would weigh 150 pounds. To borrow from a podcast, to see proof of this go to the end of a half ironman or marathon and watch the people crossing the finish lines. Most eat much fewer calories than they burn and work hard, yet still are over weight. It's more about the TYPE of calories, not the amount. That being said, everyone is different. I had thyroid cancer which caused my weight gain,not an extent, so I may not be the best example. All I do know is that once I cut out sugar and grains my weight started dropping and I have more energy than I ever have had. Try the book "Wheat Belly" 🙂
I try to be good, but if someone puts cheesecake out for breakfast, I am in…
Oh yes, evil weight gain. Been there, done that. Currently on lucky # five for Weight Watchers and I am down 13 pounds! And I can so feel it. Weight is relative – you know what your happy weight is, that weight is totally different for someone else. The good news is, you know how to get rid of it. You are so active, you'll turn it into muscle in no time. Fruits, veggies, fish, healthy oils, and water. That's what works for me. You got this!