Weight Crisis!

02 Aug 2016 109 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , , ,

About 18 months ago, I made peace with myself. I decided that I wasn’t going to chase that elusive 9 1/2 stone, and that toned tummy. I had reached my happy weight.

Happy!

And that was great! I was hitting 10 stone, and fitting into all the clothes I wanted, I felt good.

I’d tried extreme dieting, done various exercise regimes, like the 30 Day Shred… but it wasn’t possible to keep it up. I had even done daily weighted Hula Hooping!

 

This was fun actually, I should try it again!

 

Then teaching happened, and along with an extra 3 hours a day at work, my pressure levels rose, my stress levels were higher, there was no time for exercise, and my eating pattern went haywire.

I still ate three meals a day, I didn’t have time to snack at work, but I was drinking more tea. Instead of one cup, with one sugar, in the morning, and herbal teas during the day,  I started saying yes whenever I was asked by my colleagues, and one cup turned into around 4.  My evening meal got later and later, and sometimes I wasn’t eating until 9.3o or even 10pm! And the worst thing, we had resorted to more takeaways than I wanted.

 

Ritu sure loves her food!

 

I knew I was putting on weight. My clothes started to feel really tight, I was uncomfortable in whatever I usually wore. My lethargy was getting worse again, despite taking my Vitamin D supplements.

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back when we had the photo shoot in Finland. The pictures were beautiful, it’s just I had acquired a double chin! And my face was looking decidedly plump.

 

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See! Case in question!

I was still in the middle of term, there were reports to be written, new children to visit, and all sorts so I made a decision that, come the summer holidays I would make a conscious effort to try and improve my lifestyle. On purpose, I didn’t weigh myself. I didn’t want to know!

Today I went for a routine check-up at the Dr’s surgery. BP was fine. Then he asked me to step on the scales… Had he taken my BP then, it would have been through the roof! I knew there would be bad news on that set of scales, I just didn’t want to have it confirmed.

And it was BAD! I am 72kg, which is over 11 stone!  That is the heaviest I have ever been!

In fact, the Dr was concerned, as the last time I was officially weighed, I was 2 stone lighter! When the scales hit near that weight last time, I had literally just given birth to Lil Princess, so there was a good excuse.

 

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Officially overweight!

 

I was ashamed! How could this have happened? Speaking to my Pops today, even he said that he didn’t want to mention it to me, but that I had looked more ‘cuddly’ last week…

So I made that decision. I had to do something.

I invested in some detox tea last week, and had started drinking it, causing a few headaches, and a day of dodgy tummies, but that was settled.

Bootea

I had made a conscious effort to eat better and was cutting out excess carbs like white bread, chapattis and pasta. Eating lots of fruit, and healthier alternative snacks…Sorry Malteasers, I cannot look at you at the moment!

So, when I got back from the Dr’s I downloaded the My Fitness Pal app so I could log my food and (any!) exercise. Then I found the Map My Walk app too.

Right. According to the Fitness app, I should be aiming to consume 1200 calories daily to aid a steady 2lb a week weight loss. And after logging my food today, I was already over by 200 calories!

So, when I got home from my in-laws, I promptly took the kids to the Gurdwara playing fields and did this!

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I went for a brisk (well, brisk for unfit me!) walk for half an hour, and nearly walked 3KM! Go Me!!!!

Hot and sticky, I showered, then got the kids ready for bed.

It felt pretty good, having that walk. I need to do that regularly.

Pops even gave me another one of his ayurvedic tips. When walking hold your ring finger down with your thumb on both hands. It activates various functions, like the liver and kidney, and helps promote the weight loss too!

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Now I am fighting cravings… it’s the pull of the late night snacking that I have got into the bad habit of recently. Tomorrow I am having a fasting blood test first thing in the morning, so I can’t eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours!

But I CAN DO IT!

I know I won’t get the toned tummy again, that would take a lot of work, but if I can get myself feeling slightly like myself again, that would be perfect.

Here’s to a healthier Ritu, and I hope to update you with good news in the near future!

Have a good week all!

 

 

109 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. noellovesfitness
    Aug 16, 2016 @ 04:14:04

    Keep on trying! Don’t give up! Just keep making steps in the right direction. Also, substitute fruit for your sweet cravings. That really helps me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 16, 2016 @ 09:00:54

      Thank you! I do try to… Recently with decorating, I have been grabbing whatever void us around, rather than planning my meals, but I will get back to it!!! And the extra exercise helps too 😊

      Like

      Reply

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  3. stevetanham
    Aug 04, 2016 @ 07:58:02

    I have to do it every year, Ritu. I like my food too much, not to mention the ‘occasional’ red wine! But every year it does work, so at least I feel in control of it long-term. Stick with it, girl! x

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. willowdot21
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 19:53:26

    You can do it girl! Keeping a food diary helps but you must be honest it is hard. Smaller meals too, try using smaller plates. Snacking is bad so keep raw vegetables handy, and fruit melon is good as it is mostly water. Exercise is excellent walking is great or you could join gym . Weigh yourself once a week maybe post it and we could support you. Sending you hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. 🌐 'M.' 🌐
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 17:37:36

    😀✌

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. keen peach
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 15:38:48

    You still look beautiful in your photo though! Nevertheless, I know how good it feels to get back on track. You got this girl. Have you ever made a vision board? They actually really work! I made one and read/pray over it every morning. It really keeps you focused!
    PS- How fun is hular hooping? I have one too! Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 03, 2016 @ 16:03:25

      I look at some photos from 2 years back when I was at optimum weight and felt good!
      And the hula hooping… when I was a kid I couldn’t hula for toffee! Then a nurse came to our work to do routine fitness checks. She said all was OK with me (then) but that I could stand to lose a couple of inches from my waist, and she recommended hula hooping. So I bought a weighted one (it’s huge!) And, aside from, a few bruises initially, I was hula-ing for 10 minutes a day! Loved it! I could hula and read blogs at the same time lol!!! I should start it again….

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. syl65
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 15:22:33

    You can do it Sister!! Don’t let the malteasers tease you! 🙏🏽💪

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Aimer Boyz
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 15:04:39

    I know how the weight can creep up 🙂 I just gave my daughter a bunch of clothes that are too small for me. I’m paying attention to what I eat again, even though cookies and chocolate (Malteasers!) are my idea of heaven.
    Thanks for that ayurvedic tip!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Tikeetha T
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 13:49:14

    Good luck! I know the feeling. I recently got diagnosed as diabetic and I’m struggling to. Exercise and healthier food choices and staying motivated are definitely a struggle but if you envision it and work towards it you can get there. LOL, at leas that is what I keep telling myself.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Judy Martin
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 12:47:08

    I saw this last night Sis and was really sad for you. When I met you at the Blogger’s Bash I thought then and still do, that you looked lovely. I didn’t think you seemed overweight at all, but of course, it is all about the way that you feel yourself.

    I too am struggling with my weight and despite trying desperately to cut the carbs and lose weight, I still seem to be fluctuating! Anyway, I am here to cheer you on and offer any support that I can, but remember you are still beautiful both outside and in!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Ruth
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 11:46:17

    I seriously need to do something about my weight – the older I get the more it worries me health-wise. Perhaps I should try blogging about it as I go along, to see if it helps me with motivation and moral support…? Good luck! 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. eloquentparadise
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 10:45:07

    I feel you because I have put on 4 kgs in the last 20 days, owing to a back muscle tear which doesn’t allow me to exercise. Ugh.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Antonia Michele
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 09:51:46

    Good luck, sounds like you’re off to a flying start.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. pranabaxom
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 08:10:12

    If I could have been 72kgs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 03, 2016 @ 08:18:03

      It was an eye opener for me!
      I guess I carry the weight well, so a lot of people don’t believe I’m overweight, but you know what, it’s worse when you know it yourself…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Erika Kind
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 07:25:01

    I guess sometimes the motivation is really only back when you hit a point that scares you. I know for sure that you will succeed. You are having a strong will and when you set yourself a goal you will reach it. It is all about habits. Your body gets used to treats quickly but you will be surprised how quickly it gets used not to get it. A bit discipline, drinking lots of water, and regular sports do wonders. You can, Sis!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Diya
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 06:16:46

    Good for you Ritu for taking positive steps towards your dream You! 🙂 I’m sure this post will be an encouragement for many out there who are in the same boat. Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. amommasview
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 06:07:21

    I honestly believe if you manage to eat earlier again a lot will already be done! I totally know how life can throw you off, even if you had great intentions and kept on track for a long time. My weight shoots up as soon as I stop working out. I think that’s the price you pay after working out for years. Your body is just too used to it. So with a really bad back for over 3 weeks now, I will hopefully be able to start working out again next week and then it will all be better…

    You can do it, Ritu! xoxoxoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Rajiv
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 05:25:12

    As we say in India, don’t worry. Be happy. Have a Charminar! Stop chasing stones, and you will be cool!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. wwwpalfitness
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 03:49:34

    Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Julz.......artist, blogger, photographer, graphic designer
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 02:29:22

    good luck

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Shadeau
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 01:48:50

    I wish you all the best, always–but to me, you’re beautiful, and adorable too ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Dinata Misovec
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 00:56:42

    It is so easy to gain and so hard to lose. I lost about 15 pounds with this Clostridium Difficile bacteria in my gut. I stopped walking because I didn’t want to be too far away from a toilet! I was starving all the time and started snacking. Now the clothes are getting snug again. Just like that. Ugh. Now it’s back to the discipline for me too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Timelesslady
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 00:54:13

    Thanks for the tip about holding the ring finger down with my thumbs while walking. I’ll give it a try. 🙂 Keep walking…you can do it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Lisa A.
    Aug 03, 2016 @ 00:11:54

    Just keep walking and cutting down on some snacks, Ritu. Try not to eat after 8 p.m. I know this is easier said than done but I’m sure you’ll get there! I want to lose a few pounds too so I quit drinking soda last week. I’ve lost 2 so far! I still want to lose 10-20 more if possible! I also want to start hitting the gym again. I got off track after my car accident.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. Meg Sorick
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 23:25:32

    Best of luck, Ritu!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. makingtimeforme
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 23:21:59

    Good luck friend. I’m struggling with extra weight too. Keep up the good work.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  28. Jim
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 22:59:32

    I’m here to help by eating those nasty foods that taunt you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. Becky Ellis
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 22:52:51

    You will meet your goal…you are on the right track…your photo is beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. swo8
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 22:50:56

    You look good in the hula hoop!
    I find what helps with me is to cut out desserts. (except for special occasions) If you you brush your teeth right after eating you tend not to nibble later. Portion size makes a big difference too. Good luck Ritu. All for good health.
    Leslie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  31. pensitivity101
    Aug 02, 2016 @ 22:31:15

    Good luck with your weight loss. Finding something that works for the individual is half the battle.:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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