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Dana's Diary: Slow but Steady

by Dana Tjosvold

Although I am still losing, the slow down has begun. I've lost 2.5 and 2.0 pounds over the last two weeks ... a total of 22 lbs. My diet buddy has given me a great visual of this. There are 4 sticks of butter in a pound. If I piled up 88 sticks of butter, I would see what I have lost!

I am still somewhat frustrated with the fact that my weight loss seems to be invisible to those around me. I have gone down two notches on my belt, one notch on my watchband, and my clothes have become very baggy, yet not a single soul has uttered a word of encouragement. Yes, I can definitely see a difference, but can't help wondering why no one else does.

The exercise is going well. I've developed a routine for my 5-minute "power walks" that is not only convenient, but a nice break from sitting at my desk. I have found that my weekend goal is a little harder to keep, but I am truly trying to make it a priority. Living in Minnesota is not conducive to outside exercise (which I prefer), so I am also looking forward to spring, and incorporating the outdoor activities that both my son and I love into an exercise routine.

An odd thing has occurred recently. I really "think" I need some new clothes in a smaller size, but have not yet made it into a store. Why? Because I'm terrified that when I pull the size 20's off the rack, they will be too small. Even though I see those numbers going down on the scale, I still find myself overly concerned with my success, almost like the scale must be wrong. I even found myself weighing a 10-pound bag of flour just to be sure the scale wasn't malfunctioning. I'm hoping to actually make it in to a store sometime this week ... but only if I'm really brave!

Useful Web sites:

The USDA Food Guide has links to all of the food pyramid information, including an interactive food pyramid and portion size information.

The Calorie Calculator allows you to calculate how many calories are required to maintain your current weight, as well as how many calories are required to maintain your ideal weight.

Another version of the Calorie Calculator estimates your ideal weight and calorie requirements automatically.

Dana Tjosvold is the single mother of Cameron. A technologist by profession, she is always creative and searching for "new and improved" ways of living life to its fullest on a budget!