Working Moms Refuge | Single Moms

Family
Career
Art of Juggling
Single Moms
Dad's Voice
News
Health
Bookshelf
Recipes
Sports Mom

Archives
Contact Us

Discussion Lists
Wisdom of Mothers
Resources

Dana's Diary: It finally happened ...

by Dana Tjosvold

... and it wasn't pretty!! I stepped on the scale last week to see ... no change!! I knew this day would come, and I thought I had prepared myself, but the impact was still somewhat devastating, and I must admit that I have not fully recovered.

I'd like to think that this is just one of those plateaus you hit during the losing process, but I know better. I was so far off my eating and exercising plan last week that I almost forgot I was supposed to have one. I actually sat down and ate one whole sleeve of Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies without batting an eye. I hit a big bump in the road!

Now the question is: "How do I pick myself up and get back on the plan without doing further damage?"

I'm back to measuring portions (yes, I thought I could estimate) and drinking my water (you guessed it, I'd given that up, too). The exercise is getting back on track and I'm trying very hard to focus on my previous success rather than wallowing in self-pity.

There were some success stories these past two weeks as well. I did lose another 2 lbs. the first week (for a total of 31) and TWO ... yes TWO ... people noticed (and commented on the fact) that I had lost weight. WOOHOO! I guess I celebrated that event a little too much with the Girl Scout Cookies!

This has been such a roller coaster battle. I've been up one week, down the next, and overwhelmed by the scope of this goal on a daily basis. When I think about having to be aware of everything I eat for the rest of my life, I wonder if I'll ever make it. Then I remind myself that I only have to think about today. I don't have to make it through the next 10 years, just the next 10 minutes.

So one day at a time, here I go!

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!