Monday, April 03, 2006

Holding myself accountable

Ok blogging world. I need to get serious about weight loss. The closer we get to trying to have another baby, the more I realize I need to get my weight under control. I need to do it for many reasons. One, I need to establish healthy eating habits as an example for my son, but also so I can be healthy during another pregnancy. Two, I want to feel better about myself. And three, because I know weight plays a big role in my fertility problems.

Before getting pregnant with Camden, I saw a fertility specialist who told me flat out that my weight could be an issue. We'd been to several other doctors who had not said anything, so I was a bit surprised by this. I had seen many women much larger than me get pregnant easily and so I figured my weight was not an issue. The doctor explained that many women have a set point in terms of weight. When their body reaches a certain weight, reproduction becomes harder. For some women, that limit may be really high. And for others, it can be rather low. I took that to heart and worked on weight loss. I lost 15 pounds in about three months. Not a ton, but I responded to my fertility medications better and became pregnant.

During my pregnancy with Camden, I continued to eat really healthy. For the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, any sugar would make me ill, and so I avoided it. I gained 20 pounds during pregnancy with Cam, which was a reasonable amount. Six weeks after having him, I had lost 30 pounds.

Unfortunately, the stress of a new baby, combined with little sleep, post partum depression, and a freaked out first time mom, I started to eat like crap. I grabbed what was easy and convenient. Cooking went out the window. I now find myself having gained back 10 of those pounds I originally lost. That, combined with the fact that I can tell my body is not working properly, inspires me to start a weight loss program again.

I am starting Weight Watchers again. My goals for this week are to count points each day and aim to stick to my points five days out of seven (I have to start small or I will self combust - I know myself that well). I also plan to walk three days this week. I will snack on healthy things. And the biggest thing - before I eat anything, ask myself, "Am I eating because I am hungry, or is something eating me?" I am a huge emotional and stress eater, so I know I have to analyze the real reasons I am eating.


And so I ask you, internet world, to help me with accountability. If I don't post a weekly update, hound me until I do. And join me if you so feel the need.

17 comments:

Julie said...

I'll totally hold you accountable! I restarted WW this morning, as well. I've even had a little slip up - but it got written down, which is huge for me. I had lost 100 lbs in the past (still 30 from my goal) but last year I packed 40 on after the baby (while pg, I gained 40, then had the baby, lost 30, then gained 40...yuck). Anyway, this is becoming a thread jack oh so quickly. Just trying to share experiences to let you know that I know where you're coming from!! You can do it!

Lei said...

Go, Rachelle! I will cher and root oyu on! You can do it! I lveo WW as well... my friend between pgs. :)

Lei said...

um, cheer, root and love

sorry, lol!

Unknown said...

Good luck with the weight loss! I think you can...I think you can...(from the Little Engine that could...sorry, that's what being around kids does to me!) I will be watching for your updates :-)

Carrie said...

Just take it one day at a time. You can do it. You are awesome!:)

Anonymous said...

I've got a body-care goal going on my blog for Mondays, too. You can do it. You're a tough cookie!

Kermit~the~Frog said...

I'm having the same problem--lost all my baby weight with the Gonz right away (never happened before with the first two) but gained ten back on my breastfeeding "diet." That makes 10 pounds gained per kid. With two kids to go, I don't like where I'll end up!

Jane said...

I feel the need too, just waiting to find the motivation.

You can do it, and it will be so worth it.

Dawnyel said...

I'm in the same boat you are with the whole weight loss thing affecting my ability to get preggo...It's hard, but we can do it! I'm hoping you can show ME the good example...I'll try too!

Stacy said...

I'm doing WW, too and am loving it! It makes a life change that you can live with. You can do this! The BIGGEST things you can do (that are really small things) to lose weight is: 1- drink your water, 2- get all your fruits and veggies, and 3- exercise regularly! When I do these I find I can "fudge" up now and again and still lose some weight!
Good luck!!!

smart mama said...

you can do it!!

Nicole said...

You can totally do it - way to go! My mom swears by WW, and my hubby lots quite a bit on weight on it too. I look forward to your progress!

Melodee said...

Good luck! My favorite success story is at msteechur.com's blog. Check her out!

Mama D said...

You can totally do it. Good luck. I have an awesome recipe including Fibre One cereal that is only 1 point if you have a sweet tooth.

sheri said...

You can do it! I've had so many friends get great success from Weight Watchers. I really should do it along with you. I need help desperately!

Melzie said...

You can do it! We can do it. You've seen me battling with my weight... We can't afford WW right now, but.. that's okay. :) My goal is to lose 10 pounds by june 1. Make small realistic goals. You'll get there! Oh, didn't know you had PCOS as well... something else in common. ;)

emlouisa said...

Oohh...maybe this will help me get motivated too!

WW rocks! Totally makes sense and is all about portions, which is what I need help with.

Good luck! I'll be hounding you!