Weekly Check in

I've been a snacking fool this week.  I had pizza TWICE and ate a variety of salty crispy things.  I'm kind of on a roll here people.  Oye.  I need a little auto-speaker that sounds off when I come into the kitchen, "Step away from the pantry".

This week, I made it to Positively Fit three times.  And this week I'm excited to say my mother-in-law is in town, which means I can hit the gym all week.  I attended bootcamp yesterday and took my first strength and stability course this morning.  It was awesome, although my buns are burning tonight!

As far as the over-consumption of food goes, I really need to get it back in check. I know I was making some noise last month about a possible juice fast.  Maybe its time to revisit that idea.  I'd use it not as a weight loss tool, but as a cleanse to sort of re-set my system.  I need to look at everything I'm putting in my mouth and just ask simply, "Is it worth it?"

Check In - Week 70

Hi.

How was your week?
(seriously, tell me about your week in the comment section below)

Mine was good.

I've been brainstorming about how to buy myself a little more time in my studio.  My usual pattern is to start a big project at night and then peter out in the wee hours with nothing really to show for it by morning.  Because of that, I'm getting poor sleep and my artistic output is happening when I'm at my most groggy.  After a full day of kids and appointments and meals and driving and school, day's end is not the time to bring my A-game.

So last night I was asleep by 9pm with an alarm clock set and ready.  By 4:45am, I was in my studio painting and writing. My plan for the week is to try out this new schedule.  Up and at 'em at 4:30am. Work in the studio until 7am. Then, have my day as usual.  But instead of staying up 'til all hours trying to eek out something creative, go to sleep by 9:30pm.

Wish me luck!

The "I Did It" List

attended two boot camp classes

spent some quality time with friends

stayed in my PJs all day on Sunday

watched my son, Charlie, have some amazing break through moments

5 loads of laundry

my bell pepper and broccoli plants are finally fruiting!

Check In - Week 69

I remember once reading a passage written by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh where he talks about the earthly life as a tumultuous sea. We're on a rocky ocean and meditation and reflection allow us to calm the waters. When we're able to quiet the frothy sea, it becomes glassy and clear. Then, you can see what lies beneath the surface. And sometimes what lies below is not a coral reef or a calm swaying forest of seaweed but a shipwreck.

This week has given me the gift of quiet time. The stormy sea is settling and I can now peer into the scene below preserved by saltwater. I'm seeing the 300 pound woman that I was suspended in the depths. I'm seeing Charlie's once healthy and in-tact brain water-logged and tied to the wreckage.  Achieving clarity is tough.

But then, I draw my gaze from the sea below and look around the deck of the ship and realize that everything worth saving is above water.  We're all here, breathing free air, lighter, fresher and more connected than we've ever been. Some of the life I'm leading is here by divine grace and some of it is here because I dragged it out of the wreckage, towed it to the surface and hauled it's dead weight onto the decks. Today I'm grateful for what remains.

The "I Did It" List

I attended 3 boot camp classes at PFLH

I've been seeing a chiropractor to assist with my bent-out-of-shape body
I bought my first pair of jeans in over a year!

Jack and I went on a double date with some neighbors

I went out with some friends for a drink - all of whom have kiddos with special needs

I painted

...and I opened a shop to sell my paintings (see it HERE)

Check in - Week 68

I once read that perfectionism is self abuse of the highest order.  It's true that one of my less than admirable traits is a "little miss perfect" strain that causes me to hold myself to an unachievable standard.  And when I inevitably fall short of that impossible goal post, I do get down on myself a bit.  Its not an overwhelming part of my life, but its presence must be dealt with.

I would like to say for the record here that while I acknowledge this character flaw, my perfectionism is an internal struggle against myself and not for public consumption. I have never pretended to be perfect here at Smaller Sarah or at my other blog, for that matter. When I write and blog, I am honest and forthcoming about my life and my environment. I have never created a false image or misled my readers by painting a perfect picture of a life that doesn't reflect my real circumstances. I am by nature, an upbeat person with a very sunny outlook.  My positivity is not spin. It is simply who I am.  From day one, this blog has been about accountability and motivation.  And I am here today, still marching forward with the same intention: to stay connected to my goal of a healthy life, to be accountable for my actions and to stay inspired.

Since my little breakdown, I've been very careful with my energy and my time. I am still attending boot camp classes and I am resting. I am not eating as well as I could be, but I'm also not resorting to any fast food shenanigans either.  I'm in an intentional state of limbo, waiting to make any big moves until my life settles a bit.

This week, my son Charlie was fitted with orthotic leg braces (for those of you who are new to my blog, he has cerebral palsy and you can read about him HERE). He is also in a feeding class for children who cannot consume food unassisted or eat solids. We are attending 7 therapy sessions a week and I just found out that he needs oral surgery soon (nothing major, no worries). My world is revolving around Charlie right now and there is very little time for green smoothies and meditative moments. But I'm trying. Some days are better than others.  My goal is to remain connected, calm and healthy - in that order.  This week I hit all three.  So, all in all, it was a good week.  Not perfect, but even better - it was good.

Check In - Week 67

This week, I've been taking stock of what is good in my life. I'm still working on it, because it takes a long time to acknowledge the extensive and ever-widening list of awesomeness in my world. When I slow down and count the ways in which goodness and plenty manifest in my life, I am overwhelmed. Bing Crosby sings to Rosemary Clooney about it in "White Christmas". Counting my blessings is always a great exercise and a beautiful way to center myself and step into a space of gratitude when I'm feeling less than myself. Last weekend was a doozy, but somehow this week, things are looking brighter. Why? No reason. I'm just becoming more comfortable with the current state of things, I suppose.

This week, I attended three classes at Positively Fit.  I also met a chiropractor who offered to see me for an adjustment since my body is in a state of revolt. I have an appointment set for tomorrow. (Yay!)  And on the food front? I did not attend to my eating habits this week whatsoever. One thing at a time, eh?

My weight is starting to matter less and less to me. I think there are two main reasons behind this shift. One is that I've been at a constant weight, more or less, for the whole summer. I think my body is very comfortable and happy at this weight. The other reason is that, while I'd like to drop another 20 pounds or so, my current weight is a healthy one.  It's not my ideal weight, but by all calculations, its a healthy, physically fit body.  And for now, that's enough for me.

So from now on, instead of weighing in on Mondays at Smaller Sarah, I'm going to simply check in. You know... its that thing you do when you call your mom at the end of the month.  You check in. You tell her what you've been up to. You re-cap. You touch base and connect.

Weigh In - Week 66

Becoming "exquisitely comfortable with who I am" is a toughie.  Turning my gaze inward is usually really beneficial for me, but sometimes I bump into old junk that stops me in my tracks.  The process of settling into my new self is proving to be a slow one with lots of opportunities for back sliding.  But I'm content to stay with it or rather, in it - living the questions fully so that I can one day live the answers.

It's tough to come up with an "I Did It" list for this week... so here goes nothing:

The "I Did It" List

I attended two boot camp classes

we bought a used car so that I can take my son to therapy every day of the week

I watched a really funny episode of "Doc Martin" that I'd not seen before

I bought myself a pair of divinely soft PJs from the super discount rack at The Gap

I didn't slap anybody

Weigh In - Week 65

Alrighty. This is it.  This is the phase I've dreaded since starting this process in June of 2011.  The doldrums.  I'm not losing any weight.  I'm off my game.  My schedule is all caddywompus and I am not feeling the push or motivation that has buoyed me through this entire past year.

It doesn't really matter why. What matters is that I turn this ship around.  I'm ready to find some wind, raise my sails and move.  Today was the end of my long summer travels.  I'm back from my brother-in-law's wedding (which was lovely) and my kiddo starts school this week.  No more setbacks.  Just juicing and boot camp and long walks and moderation and lots of water!

Weekly re-cap:

I've gained a pound this week.  Perhaps it was the amazing catered events I attended this weekend, which were always accompanied by cocktails and ended with dessert. Oh it was sinful! I also threw my hip out this weekend by lugging my 31 pound baby up stairwells and through airports and across busy streets and in heels no less!  So I'll be making an appointment with my chiropractor.  Oye.

And finally thank you to all of you who are still here reading even in the face of missing posts and silent weeks. I so appreciate your encouragement and faith in the process. You are a beautiful reminder to be in the "now" and to let up on the self-judgement pedal. Thank you!

Pounds gained this week: 1

Total pounds lost: 77

The "I Did It" List

traveled with my family to Seattle for a family wedding

slow danced with my husband

photographed two more homes for my freelance writing gig

paid off some credit cards (yay)



And here's a photo from the weekend taken by my mother-in-law. 
While I'm feeling stuck, I'm still feeling happy.
That beautiful man in blue is my husband
and that yummy looking sidecar cocktail on the table is MINE!

 

Weigh In - Week 63

I'm home home home!  Dallas greeted me with a big rain storm and highs in the 80's.  What a beautiful home coming.  I'm back to bootcamp this week.  I was the only one in class this Friday, so I got a serious work out.  It's so tough to come back after three weeks away, but it's a good-hurt.

I'm still holding steady at a 78 pounds loss. I'd like to do a mini juice fast this week to recalibrate my system.  I'm feeling a little digestive bogginess that might be cleared up with some serious juicing.  It also might kick up my weight loss a bit.  Tinker tinker tinker.

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 78

The "I Did It" List

got back into my bootcamp routine

bought a few new songs from iTunes for my running playlist

made LOTS of green lemonade for myself and the hubby

And finally, I'm hosting a giveaway on my other blog, La Maison Boheme, that you might be interested in.  Shabby Apple is giving one of my readers a 75 dollar gift card to use as they like on their website.  Shabby Apple has lots of great clothes and accessories.  But they also have fitness gear like the stuff pictured below.  So go and enter the giveaway HERE. 

Weigh In - Week 62

I haven't been posting much this week because I'm still on vacation at my Mama's home in Oregon.  I'll be home in a few days and back to my morning boot camp classes, my Vitamix and my beloved Breville juicer.  But for now, I'm content with the slower pace, country roads and fresh produce of Richland, Oregon.

I only got out for one 2-mile run this week.  And while I've been eating well, I've also had my share of goodies - two huckleberry milkshakes, a big plate of Mexican food smothered in cheese, a margarita and more than a few beers.  These kinds of treats - all of them smashed together in one week - used to totally throw me off my diet.  I'd gain a few pounds and feel horrible.  But now, while they aren't very sensible choices, at least my body can bounce back.

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 78

The "I Did It" List

ran two miles

ate lots of vegetables and fruit

waded in a mountain stream

watched falling stars during the Perseid Meteor Shower

paid my credit card bills

published a new article on Houzz.com

Weigh In - Week 61

This week has been an interesting mix of vacation Utopia and tiresome solo parenting.  I have loved being at my mother's farm with my boys.  Walker especially seems braver and more expansive here. Every morning he pulls on his rubber boots and heads outside to see what his Grandpa is working on.  Some mornings, my Mom takes Charlie so I can go for a run. And every day is filled with some kind of fresh, just-yanked-from-the-garden, produce that makes me swoon and curse my city life.  Seriously, I ate an heirloom tomato this week that brought me to my knees. Ah well, we can't have everything we want all at once - right? 

The good news this week?  I've finally broken my weight loss stand off.  I'm down two pounds this week.  Why?  I have no flippin' idea. (I know, I know... so helpful right?  Isn't this supposed to be a blog where I share my weight loss secrets and impart valuable and tested techniques to my readers?) My mom says losing weight is like finding a good man.  If you're trying to hard, you'll never succeed. Its only when you stop trying and let things flow that you drop the weight or meet Mr. Awesome.  Maybe so.

Pounds lost this week: 2

Total pounds lost: 78

The "I Did It" List

ran over 6 miles (three 2-mile runs)

ate amazing fresh produce

prepared beautiful meals for my family

picked up some literature about canning and preserving food (oh its on!)

I'm reading Barbabra Kingsolver's book "Animal Vegetable Miracle" (I'm almost done)

celebrated Charlie's 2nd birthday by baking carrot cupcakes

Weigh In - Week 60

I think I'm the champion weight maintainer of the summer. Either my body is at a comfy weight - one that it is loathe to give up, or I'm just not trying hard enough. Luckily, I'm not gaining. So, as usual, I'm happy with that.

I'm in Oregon this week and next, visiting my Mama's home. I am surrounded by amazing fresh organic food and lots of open roads on which to run, scamper, power walk and explore.  This morning I had a three-peach breakfast, followed by some whole grain toast slathered in home churned butter (a gift from a neighbor) and raw honey.  After washing it all down with a hot cup of coffee, I'm ready for a nap.  My daily run will have to wait until this evening.

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 76

The "I Did It" List

got one last boot camp class in before leaving town for Oregon

ran 3 miles yesterday with sprint intervals

ate healthy meals even while traveling with children through airports

had my flight cancelled and didn't throw a shit-fit (baby steps, eh?)

Also, I want to direct your attention to my most recent article for Houzz.com.  Why?  Because it's a home tour of my boot camp instructor's home!  I hope this inspires you to start that boot camp or yoga class you've been meaning to take.  Check out her awesome workout spaces - who can resist all of that gorgeous color?  Not me, certainly.  To read the full article and see the rest of Mallory's amazing home, click HERE. 

Weigh In - Week 59

I was reading THIS post the other day from one of my favorite design blogs. It's basically about Mercury in retrograde, which I am always highly aware of.  Mercury goes into retrograde four times a year. Astrologically speaking, it really messes things up.  Cars inexplicably break down, you suddenly hate the new bedding you just bought, no one seems to be listening and your hair looks terrible no matter what expensive potion you rub into it.

Mercury went into retrograde on July 14th and will continue until August 8th.  Maybe this is why I've been under the weather, a bit groggy and unable to shed any weight. One of my work-out buddies and I were talking today about stress.  She and I both have special needs kids and the summer has not been without its freak-outs and stresses.  The body's reaction to stress is to slow metabolism and hang on to weight.  Once the stress blows over and the winds change, then body functions begin to recalibrate.  So whether its Mercury or stress, I'm going to be kind to myself and wait it out.

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 76

The "I Did It" List

attended 3 boot camp classes

drank lots of water (from the tap)

hosted a brunch for my son's second birthday

ate red velvet cake balls at son's second birthday with no guilt

went swimming with my kids

had a beautiful date with my husband

Weigh In - Week 58

Do you guys remember the movie Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion?  One of the great films of 1997. Any way there is a scene where they're at a spin class trying to "get fit". 

Michelle:  Hey Romy.

Romy: Yeah Michelle?

Michelle: Remember when I had Mono?

Romy: Oh yeah, you were totally sick.

Michelle: It was like the best diet ever!

Romy: Oh totally.

Well, today I'm sick sick sick. I caught the dreaded Texas tummy big that everyone and their mother has had over the past few weeks. Jack had it, Walker had it, my friends and their kids have had it and now I have it.  I spent most of the night dealing with body functions I'd rather not talk about in this forum.  The upshot is that I have finally broken my 6 week weight loss stand off.

After 3 boot camp classes, a kick-ass 5K where I beat my personal record and a night of "viral evacuation", I'm down a pound. Will it come back?  Probably.  But don't be like that... just let me enjoy this moment.

Pounds lost this week: 1

Total pounds lost: 76

Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino as Romy and Michelle

The "I Did It" List

attended three boot camp classes

ran a 5K

juiced a little (but not enough)

made healthy meals for me and my family

and my husband, Jack, attended two yoga classes!

Weigh In - Week 57

After years and years of wearing the same nursing bras, I finally hauled my boobies to Nordstroms on my birthday for a bra fitting and purchase. I've been complaining of ill fitting underwear for a while now. Why didn't I go in sooner for replacement underwear? I'm not sure.

A lovely tiny woman led me into a fitting room and asked what size bra I was currently wearing. I didn't know, so we took it off and looked at the faded tag.  44E.  That sounded about right.  She looked at me, smiled and said, "What size do you think you are now?" I didn't know. "Probably a 40DD, maybe a 38 pretty pretty please." I said.

She came back with a few under wire bras. I haven't worn an under wire since Clinton was in office. I slipped the first one on and it fit like a glove. I looked at the tag: 36D. After some quiet joyful squealing and a little happy dance, I tried on ten more bras.  It was so nice to be wearing something that wasn't a binding uni-boob vice. I looked in the mirror and thought, "Hey. Not bad." I never ever ever think that when looking at myself in a dressing room mirror while trying on undergarments. My thoughts usually tend towards "Oh God why does it even matter what I wear under my shirt because it will never change the way I look or feel and just look at all the bulging bits and flaps and this is so embarrassing I'm just going to go home after stopping at the Starbucks for a grande caramel bomb Frappuccino".  To go from that to "Hey, not bad" is an enormous step in the right direction. My brain is finally starting to catch up with my body!

Pounds lost this week: 0

Pounds lost overall: 75

(still holding steady!)

The "I Did It" List

bought a bra (happy birthday to me)

did some clothes shopping as well and bought a skirt (gasp)

bought a new pair of cross trainers (happy birthday to me)

attended 2 boot camp classes

attended 3 yoga classes

juiced in 4 out of 7 mornings

went out to a vegetarian restaurant with my husband (happy birthday to me)

ordered a produce box from Bountiful Baskets

trained for my upcoming 5K this Sunday morning

went swimming with my kids twice

wore a bathing suit without cringing or covering my butt

felt loved

Weigh In - Week 56

Alright, I have a theory.  Fat cells are like sheep. They don't want to be separated from the group. But when one of them finally has the balls to step out and leave the herd, the others join in. Well, my fat cells are still in the "sheep phase" and I'm the dog running around them frantically yipping in hopes that I can divide the group.

The good news is that I'm maintaining my current weight loss. This is my fifth week with no loss, but I still feel good and fit into my new(ish) jeans. Also, today is the end of my single parenting stint. My adorable husband returns from the field tonight, ending a long string of work-related absences. And not a minute too soon. I had some tough news today (read about it HERE) and could use a shoulder to cry on. Jack has great shoulders.

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 75

The "I Did It" List

showered twice (this is big)

attended three days of boot camp

ate lots of bad bad bad food and didn't gain any weight

juiced four out of seven mornings
finally went grocery shopping and filled my fridge with whole foods

attended 6 therapy sessions and 1 neurology appointment for Charlie without falling apart

bought a new shower caddy because I was tired of looking at rusty bath gunk

Weigh In - Week 54

It's been a crazy wonderful week. I've had a lot of personal victories that seem, at first, to have nothing to do with my Smaller Sarah journey. But the more I contemplate this past year and the events leading up to this week, the more I can see the connection to my Smaller Sarah choices. So here is my new-to-me-but-I-already-knew-it, age-old, the-Buddhists-have-been-telling-us-for-eons discovery: everything you do affects everything you do. Once I decided to treat my body better, eat healthier food and get some exercise, other avenues of creativity and authentic living opened their doors to me.

My time in Utah is coming to a close. I travel back home to Dallas this weekend for the Kenna Cup, a golf tournament benefiting my son, Charlie. My husband's annual theater gig in Cedar City is always such fun, but I'm ready to return to the comforts of my home. One of the things I did NOT bring with me on this trip was a scale. I've been taking undercover reconnaissance missions to the bath isle at Walmart to weigh myself on their collection of scales. This involves taking the scale out of the box without damaging the packaging, placing it on the floor and standing on it before an employee asks, "Can I help you" - the subtext being, "What the hell are you doing?"

I'm still holding steady with a 75 pound loss. I used to get bummed out when my weight loss would stall or even out. I'd watch the weeks tick by without a loss and think, "What am I doing wrong?" But not any more. I've become more comfortable with the ups and downs of weight loss. The body is a living breathing organism affected by thousands of influences. Some weeks I lose and some weeks I don't.  As long as I'm making authentic choices that are in line with my needs, then its all good. Besides, I'll be back to my boot camp routine starting June 25th and reunited with my juicer on the 22nd!

Pounds lost this week: 0 

Pounds lost overall: 75

The "I Did It" List

ran 2 miles on Thursday

attended a yoga class on Wednesday night

did four sets of push-ups and sit-ups while watching cartoons with my son

made some lovely raw soups, smoothies and salads

submitted my first paid article to Houzz.com as a freelance contributor

enjoyed seeing my own home showcased on Houzz.com

received multiple inquires from buyers interested in owning prints of my art work

surprised myself by taking off in a dead sprint after a frisbee gone astray without getting winded

P.S.  Mallory at Positively Fit Lake Highlands has made a fantastic offer to Smaller Sarah fans on Facebook. Kick start your fitness plan with two free classes in the month of July! This offer is for new clients. How do you redeem your two free classes? Become a fan of PFLH on Facebook by clicking "like"in the upper right hand corner.  Then send PFLH a message saying "Hi, I'm from Smaller Sarah and blah blah blah..."  So if you're not already a Smaller Sarah fan on Facebook, click HERE.  Then become a fan of Positively Fit Lake Highlands by clicking HERE and get your two free classes!

New Goals and Weigh In - Week 53

I've had a wonderful week and a half to ruminate, journal and consider my goals for the remainder of 2012. Now that I've reached the 75 pound mark, I'm ready to continue forward with my weight loss and eventually weight maintenance. Eleventy-million years ago, I was a fit, healthy teen.  I played basketball and tennis and spent about nine to twelve hours a week doing some kind of cardio or weight lifting. During that time, I weighed between 160-165 pounds. I do not expect to ever weigh that much again, mainly because I've aged, had babies and live a completely different lifestyle. However, I think a reasonable goal weight for me at this age and stage of my life is between 185-190.

So, my new goal is to drop 25 pounds by December 31, 2012. This will take me from an original 288 pounds to 188 pounds during an 18 month period. I will do this by continuing my partially raw diet, juicing, and boot camp classes at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. I have another 5K planned for July 15th and would like to also run a 5 or 10K in the fall.

And while we're setting big lofty goals, let's just add my book to the pile! Not only will I drop 100 pounds by New Year's Eve, I'll also have a final draft of my yet to be named "Smaller Sarah" book. This all might sound a little "pie in the sky", but after losing 75 pounds I feel like I can do anything!

So there you have it.

The new plan is in place and I'm ready for the next chapter!

Pounds lost this week: 0

Total pounds lost: 75

The "I Did It" List

Spent 4 days in Zion National Park alone

trekked 35 miles while in Zion

ran 2 miles on my own

20 minutes of boot camp style strength training

attended a 2 hour Kundalini yoga class

attended a 2 hour yoga meditation cycle on Sunday morning 4-6am

ate lots of raw salads

drank LOTS of water

took my son camping overnight for the first time

took my family on a one-mile hike to Kolob Canyon

The Year Is Over!

Moment of truth, dear readers! A year ago today, I set a goal to lose 75 pounds in 12 months. And I'm over-the-moon, pee-my-pants excited to announce that I did it! This has been one of the most difficult, thrilling years of my life. This journey has changed everything about my life that needed changing and emphasized all the wonderful things in my life worth celebrating. Its been a spectacular ride.

Okay - so how about some before and after photos just for fun?

A little back story, for the new readers...

In August 2009, 20 months after the birth of my first child, I tipped the scales at 300 pounds. I was happy and satisfied with most everything in my life except my weight. But I was a busy mom with a toddler. I thought I lacked the time and the will power to get healthy.

 Fast forward to to June 2011...

 My body had been through another pregnancy and I was not only caring for my three-year-old, but my 10 month old baby who was dealing with a host of medical issues. I had lost a few pounds, but it wasn't enough. I was feeling lethargic and less than present with my husband and children. I was experiencing low grade head aches, breathlessness, huge energy dips throughout the day and a general malaise of ick. On June 1, after reading an inspiring weight loss blog and eating an overly large breakfast, I decided that I was done being unhealthy - missing out on the beautiful life I had created for myself. I decided to change my ways. And that's just what I did.

So what happens when a 6 foot woman loses 75 pounds?
Here are the stats:

                   June 1, 2011                                                       June 1, 2012

                   288 lbs.                                                               213 lbs.
                   Size 24/26                                                           Size 14/16

                   Waist 48 inches                                                   Waist 36 inches

                   Body Mass Index 39.1                                        BMI 29.2

                   Body Fat Percentage 34.31%                              BFP 25.39%

And the other big loser in all of this is my husband, Jack. Jack has adopted many of my menu changes by virtue of the fact that I'm the one who prepares meals in our household. He did not do anything else except eat less sugar and more veggies. He dropped 30 pounds and has maintained that loss for four months.  Here is a shot of us from June 2011 and another from last night. Together, we've dropped a total of 105 pounds.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me along the way. I am forever grateful. I've had so much fun this year, that I'm going to continue blogging. Next week I'll weigh in as usual and announce my new goal. But this weekend, I'm going to take some time to celebrate the close of my Smaller Sarah year and my 75 pound loss. Thanks again, everyone!

Weigh In - Week 49

Hello all!  I hope you've been enjoying the Q&A posts this week. Its always a good exercise to put my thoughts in writing - it clarifies my trajectory and also helps me better understand my process. So thank you for your questions and comments! I'm so excited because tomorrow, my husband Jack is going to write a guest post about how to support a loved one who is trying to get healthy and lose weight. Its going to be fantastic, so check back in tomorrow. (I think Jack is a genius, but of course I'm completely biased.)

Generally its been a good week. I was in desperate need of a little "me" time since Jack has been out of town on business for the past 15 days. So I signed up for a free 7-day trial at the YMCA. This allowed me to get in a few extra work-outs while some nice ladies watched my kids.  I'm hoping to become a member so that I can use their gym, their pool, their day care and their showers. Its not very often, while flying solo with two kids under the age of five, that I get to take a shower... so having a shower at the Y was a revelation! Three cheers for bathing!

I worked out 5 days in a row this week! I juiced and ate lots of raw meals. But I also did a lot of social eating this week, which meant homemade gniocchi (thank you Marta!), homemade Paella (thank you Melissa!), taco salad (thank you Betty!), home baked cookies (damn you... I mean thank you Natalie!). You get the idea - I've been noshing.  So while my physical activity was stellar, my caloric intake was on the high side. So no weight loss this week. In fact, I gained a pound - ugh. My one year weigh-in is in 11 days, so I'm going to make this week really count. No more cookies!

Pounds lost this week: 0

Pounds gained this week: 1

Total pounds lost: 70

The "I Did It" List

started a Facebook page for Smaller Sarah - click HERE or the sidebar icon to join
ran 2.5 miles on my own

attended 3 bootcamp classes

spent a trial week at my local YMCA

attended an extra 30 min. boot camp class on Thursday night

did 30 minutes of leg lifts with my resistance bands 2Xs this week

juiced 5 out of 7 mornings

bought a bathing suit (40% off) at Old Navy off the rack

attended a pool party and didn't wear a cover up the whole time (this is big for me)
and I was also hit on this week... watch out Jack!

Weigh In - Week 48

This week has been a revelation for me.  My husband is away again working out of state and I've had lots of time to write and ruminate.  I miss him, of course, but sometimes being solo provides a nice respite from habitual behavior.  In Jack's absence, I did a little experiment this week.  I did not make set meals, but rather allowed my kids (and myself) to eat only when we were hungry.  To facilitate this, I provided readily available raw, nutritious foods so that food prep would be unnecessary.  To my surprise, my son ate very little in the morning and slowly ramped up his food intake as the day wore on.  By dinner, he was ready for a full meal.  Usually I have to fight him to eat something in the evening.  I followed a similar pattern.  Water and green lemonade was all I needed between 6 and 10am.  Then a big helping of fruit around 11am satisfied my appetite until 2pm or so.  Then I'd have a green salad with some tomatos and chopped pecans or other topping in the afternoon.  By 6:30pm the whole family was ready for a meal. I felt energized and light all week long.  Hopefully I can continue the experiment and eat this way for the next few weeks.  I'm curious to see what happens with my weight and energy levels.

Pounds lost this week:  3

Total pounds lost:  71

The "I Did It" List

ate smaller portions 

attended three days of boot camp

drank more water / drank less coffee

consumed green juice 5 out of 7 mornings
bought a coupon for 10 boxing classes in the fall (can't wait to try it out!)

made homemade brownies for my son's school function and didn't eat them all

did Krispy Kreme take-out (at my son's request) and did NOT buy myself a donut

ate at Olive Garden, had half the Capellini Pomodoro, and brought the rest home for kids