I don't know if the calories I consumed during the Christmas weekend haven't hit my weight yet, or I lost a lot of weight since my last weigh in but gained some back during the holiday or that my body was so overcome with the holiday spirit it forgot to absorb any calories at all. Either way I will take this weigh in. I weighed myself this morning at 236.6 lbs. That is a 2.4 lb weight loss since 12/15. Not bad considering any healthy choices, calorie counting, and exercise were left behind at home with the cats while we made our rounds visiting family. The weight loss total is now at 15.4 lbs. No change in measurements but I have noticed a few things:
1. My clothes are fitting better. I'm seeing a little hourglass figure forming. When I put on my jeans this morning, I didn't have to squat to loosen them up a bit (you know what I'm talking about, we all do it at some point). I don't know if these jeans are the usual one's I have to loosen for but for motivational purposes, I'll say that they are. I'm returning a new pair of jeans I bought Monday because when I tried them on again at home they seemed too loose. I don't know why I bought them in the first place. Even the Old Navy jeans (their jeans are the only jeans I have found that fit me well) I bought are a bit loose (but not enough to return). Hopefully that means going down a size soon.
2. While putting make up on in my in-laws guest bath, I noticed in the full length mirror that something looked different. As I stood there for a minute looking at myself at all angles, I figured it out. My boobs looked smaller. It was a Christmas Miracle! No seriously, with boobs like mine. Any tiny reduction in size, is noticable and welcome. This was further supported when I tried on a woven Old Navy shirt and it fit over my boobs. Old Navy knit shirts have been hit or miss with me but I have never been able to fit into the woven shirts.
3. My husband is noticing the weight loss and gave me a "You are doing a great job." He noticed enought that he is going to start working at being healthier. Probably the stereotypical Jan 1st type of thing.
Things are looking positive and things will get easier with Lee counting calories with me. Teamwork!
December 30, 2011
Weight: 236.6 lbs
Waist: 47
Hips: 46
Band: 42
Bust: 52
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's Not Hoarding If I Use It...In Two Years
Since starting couponing, I can't seem to pass up a really good deal. Seriously, a really good deal. I'm talking about 60-80% savings on a name brand item. Also, it just makes sense to stock up on items when they are cheaper than full price especially when it's something you use a lot . Because of this inability to pass on a deal, I have acquired a stockpile of items. This is my hoarding coming out.
--4 curl hair products
--4 nivea lip balms
--7 colgate toothpastes
--4 body washes
--16 shampoos/conditioners
--12 deodorants (not suave either, brands like old spice, right guard, dove and secret)
--4-12 pack razors
--4 pack ricola
--7 lysol cleaning wipes
--10 cans of cream of mushroom/chicken (we use these in cooking a lot)
--6 pasta sauces (used to have 10 thanks to Buy 2 Get 3 Free deal, add in some coupons and it's a must buy)
--12 boxes of assorted pastas (another B2G3)
--10 boxes of instant mashed potatoes
--5 boxes of brown rice (almost have some baged brown rice and bulgur wheat)
--3-48oz cans of chicken broth (we make homemade soup a lot)
--5-5lb bags of sugar ($1 each! Couldn't pass this up since I will be baking alot for XMAS and I'm sharing it)
--8 boxes of breakfast suasages
--24 bags of frozen steamable veggies (we eat a lot of veggies)
--11 laundry detergents (9 small bottles and 2 large bottles, if I add up all the loads and say I hypothetically do 4 loads a week, that means I can do laundry for 2.33 years without having to buy any more detergent. So I'm good in the laundry department.)
So that's it. It's not that big compared to some of the stockpiles you see on Extreme Couponing but for just Lee and I, I'd say it's pretty good. Like I said before I got these items for 60-80% off so how could I not stock up. In the case of the laundry detergent, I am donating some to a local animal rescue where my friend is a volunteer.
I try not to buy a lot of processed food. I'm not saying I don't buy it. Like the instant mashed potatoes but I use chicken broth to cut calories. They do come in handy for quick sides for dinners during hectic nights. What I have noticed on Extreme Couponing is that a lot of these people have TONS of processed foods from chips to sugary sports drinks/soda to candy to cookies. I remember yelling at the tv "No wonder you are obese! You have 55 bags of chips!" So when I coupon, I try not to be a slave to stockpiling lots of processed crap but a box of wheat thins might be thrown in there every once in a while.
--4 curl hair products
--4 nivea lip balms
--7 colgate toothpastes
--4 body washes
--16 shampoos/conditioners
--12 deodorants (not suave either, brands like old spice, right guard, dove and secret)
--4-12 pack razors
--4 pack ricola
--7 lysol cleaning wipes
--10 cans of cream of mushroom/chicken (we use these in cooking a lot)
--6 pasta sauces (used to have 10 thanks to Buy 2 Get 3 Free deal, add in some coupons and it's a must buy)
--12 boxes of assorted pastas (another B2G3)
--10 boxes of instant mashed potatoes
--5 boxes of brown rice (almost have some baged brown rice and bulgur wheat)
--3-48oz cans of chicken broth (we make homemade soup a lot)
--5-5lb bags of sugar ($1 each! Couldn't pass this up since I will be baking alot for XMAS and I'm sharing it)
--8 boxes of breakfast suasages
--24 bags of frozen steamable veggies (we eat a lot of veggies)
--11 laundry detergents (9 small bottles and 2 large bottles, if I add up all the loads and say I hypothetically do 4 loads a week, that means I can do laundry for 2.33 years without having to buy any more detergent. So I'm good in the laundry department.)
So that's it. It's not that big compared to some of the stockpiles you see on Extreme Couponing but for just Lee and I, I'd say it's pretty good. Like I said before I got these items for 60-80% off so how could I not stock up. In the case of the laundry detergent, I am donating some to a local animal rescue where my friend is a volunteer.
I try not to buy a lot of processed food. I'm not saying I don't buy it. Like the instant mashed potatoes but I use chicken broth to cut calories. They do come in handy for quick sides for dinners during hectic nights. What I have noticed on Extreme Couponing is that a lot of these people have TONS of processed foods from chips to sugary sports drinks/soda to candy to cookies. I remember yelling at the tv "No wonder you are obese! You have 55 bags of chips!" So when I coupon, I try not to be a slave to stockpiling lots of processed crap but a box of wheat thins might be thrown in there every once in a while.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Trying To Get Pregnant = Peeing On Things
I realized that if you are trying to get pregnant (or scared that you are pregnant), your world revolves around peeing on sticks whether it be pregnancy tests, ovulation tests and apparently now fertility tests. Here is this little plastic stick that sets you back $10-$20 and will be the deciding factor was to whether you will be overcome with joyful emotions, disappointment, relief or the "oh crap" feeling. What other thing could give you 4 possible outcomes?
You go through so many emotions before you even take a pregnancy test. You know when you are suppose to get a certain "visit" and you don't, you think "Am I? Am I pregnant?" But you can't take a test right away. No, you have to patiently wait 2 or 3 weeks for enough hormones to build up then you get to pee. During that time, you have to try to forget so you aren't tempted to take a test before it's "time" but it's hard because you are hoping that you are pregnant. Besides, those tests aren't cheap. Apparently, the pregnancy tests' claims that they can tell you if you are pregnant 6 days before your missed period are crap.
Instead of taking pregnancy tests if they were necessary each month, I have graduated to ovulation tests by doctor's orders to see if I am in fact ovulating. Each brand has different instructions and the brand I bought requires me to take a test every single day. So every single day, I go through the emotions and wait the required 4 minutes in anticipation to see if the day has come that I am ovulating and the test line matches the control line exactly so I can take the next course of action to put it mildly.
It's funny how my life has come down to peeing and waiting, all to have a little person grow inside me but I'll do it willingly.
You go through so many emotions before you even take a pregnancy test. You know when you are suppose to get a certain "visit" and you don't, you think "Am I? Am I pregnant?" But you can't take a test right away. No, you have to patiently wait 2 or 3 weeks for enough hormones to build up then you get to pee. During that time, you have to try to forget so you aren't tempted to take a test before it's "time" but it's hard because you are hoping that you are pregnant. Besides, those tests aren't cheap. Apparently, the pregnancy tests' claims that they can tell you if you are pregnant 6 days before your missed period are crap.
Instead of taking pregnancy tests if they were necessary each month, I have graduated to ovulation tests by doctor's orders to see if I am in fact ovulating. Each brand has different instructions and the brand I bought requires me to take a test every single day. So every single day, I go through the emotions and wait the required 4 minutes in anticipation to see if the day has come that I am ovulating and the test line matches the control line exactly so I can take the next course of action to put it mildly.
It's funny how my life has come down to peeing and waiting, all to have a little person grow inside me but I'll do it willingly.
Friday, December 16, 2011
No Pre-Diabetes But on Diabetes Medication??
My blood work came back and my glucose and insulin levels were normal! That's a relief! But I have PCOS. That surprisingly, I can handle. The doctor scared me with the insulin resistance but it has given me motivation to get healthier even though I don't have "pre-diabetes."
When I first told people I potentially had PCOS, I was surprised when people asked me what it was. PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition in which there is an imbalance of hormones that may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, small cysts in the ovaries and trouble getting pregnant. In a nut shell, no ovulation, no preggers.
I met with my doctor today about the next course of action. I was expecting her to tell me to lose more weight before she put me on drugs. How surprised was I when she wrote me a prescription for metformin which increases my body's sensitivity to insulin, improves the symptoms of PCOS and sometimes will cause the menstrual cycle to normalize. I read that for some women, it can also help with weight loss. Bonus! Hopefully I'm in that category. It's actually a diabetes medication but they have found that it can treat PCOS, obviously.
If that doesn't work, I will be put on a fertility drug along with the metformin. The dose will be increased each month and once I get the max dosage, which seems like only a few months, I will be referred to the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk for injections.
The burden and stress of not knowing has been lifted. Now I know what needs to be done and I'm heading in the right direction. I'm glad that it's not going to take as long as I thought it would. My mom is already hoping for triplets. That way her, my mother-in-law, and I will each have one to hold when they visit. She's kidding of course but there is only a 5-12% chance of twins on the drug (clomid) that I will be on. I guess we will see what happens.
When I first told people I potentially had PCOS, I was surprised when people asked me what it was. PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition in which there is an imbalance of hormones that may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, small cysts in the ovaries and trouble getting pregnant. In a nut shell, no ovulation, no preggers.
I met with my doctor today about the next course of action. I was expecting her to tell me to lose more weight before she put me on drugs. How surprised was I when she wrote me a prescription for metformin which increases my body's sensitivity to insulin, improves the symptoms of PCOS and sometimes will cause the menstrual cycle to normalize. I read that for some women, it can also help with weight loss. Bonus! Hopefully I'm in that category. It's actually a diabetes medication but they have found that it can treat PCOS, obviously.
If that doesn't work, I will be put on a fertility drug along with the metformin. The dose will be increased each month and once I get the max dosage, which seems like only a few months, I will be referred to the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk for injections.
The burden and stress of not knowing has been lifted. Now I know what needs to be done and I'm heading in the right direction. I'm glad that it's not going to take as long as I thought it would. My mom is already hoping for triplets. That way her, my mother-in-law, and I will each have one to hold when they visit. She's kidding of course but there is only a 5-12% chance of twins on the drug (clomid) that I will be on. I guess we will see what happens.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Six Goals
I started this blog to document my weight loss in hope that by posting it, I will be more likely to keep up with it. Every 15th and 30th of the month, I will post my weight and measurements. My major goal is 180 lbs. That was my lowest weight at the beginning of my sophomore year of college. The summer before I was up in Canada doing research so I was doing quite a bit of physical work. Mix that in with decent food and I lost 20 lbs. That is why 180 lbs is my goal.
To reach this major goal, I am dividing it up into smaller goals of 10 lbs to make it less daunting. I am currently at 239 so that means 6 mini goals. Here it goes:
December 15, 2011
Weight: 239lbs
Waist: 47 in
Hips: 46 in
Chest: 52 in
To reach this major goal, I am dividing it up into smaller goals of 10 lbs to make it less daunting. I am currently at 239 so that means 6 mini goals. Here it goes:
December 15, 2011
Weight: 239lbs
Waist: 47 in
Hips: 46 in
Chest: 52 in
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Oh God, I Coupon?!
People start couponing for various reasons. I decided to start when I saw those crazy people on Extreme Couponing getting 50 tubes of toothpastes for free. Now we didn't necessarily need 50 tubes of toothpaste but I thought if I could get stuff for free, close to it or dirt cheap, why not? I do have to say that it is impressive what all those people can get and it makes me feel better when I see some do it ALL for charity.
At the time, Lee and I weren't strapped for cash and made a comfortable living so it became a game to see how much I could save. I acquired a stockpile, not a room full, but for Lee and I it was enough of various items. Then in August, Lee's union went on strike and we knew we would have to watch our spending because we didn't know how long the strike would last. We figured out we could last about 2 months between me working, our small savings, and Lee's small strike pay. Glad we had that stockpile and coupons so we didn't have that worry in the back of our minds about paying a lot for food. Harris Teeter having their triple coupon event was perfectly timed with the strike too. Lee would make fun of me when I first started couponing but that quickly changed when we went shopping during triple coupons. He doesn't make fun of me anymore...much.
Thankfully the strike didn't last too long. Probably 2 or 3 weeks. But I will continue to have my stockpile. You never know what life will throw at you and I am glad I won't have to worry about buying laundry detergent at full price because I have quite a few bottles (understatement) that will last us a good long while. The money saved will go towards paying down credit card debt and increasing our savings which I like seeing go up substanially every month.
Now, coupons in action. I went to Harris Teeter last Friday. We are good on certain items but I plan on doing a lot of baking this holiday so I needed to stock up. Lee wanted some quick things for lunches and I needed somethings for last weekend's party.
The key to using coupons is to not use a coupon until that item goes on sale. Combine that tatic with Harris Teeter doubling coupons up to $0.99 and any electronic coupons Harris Teeter has, you can save a LOT of money. One of the best deals is when there is a BOGO special because you don't have to buy two items and one item will ring up half price at Harris Teeter. Since they both ring up on the register, you can use one coupon per item if you buy two.
Harris Teeter has an extra savings program called e-VIC where you can put electronic coupons on your VIC card and every Friday they send out an email with 5 special deals only for e-VIC customers. Again, combine with coupons and you can get stuff for dirt cheap. With all of this in mind, you can shop at Harris Teeter for cheaper than Food Lion or Walmart. A friend of mine told me that when people tell her that Harris Teeter is "so expensive," she simply tells them they aren't trying hard enough.
Harris Teeter savings from last week:
4 lb Dixie granulated sugar - reg $3.49/e-VIC price $1.97 - $0.50 coupon x2 = $0.97 final
Hormel Compleat meal - reg $2.47/sale $1.87 - $0.50 (coupon $1 off 2) = $1.37 final
2 Werther's Soft Caramel - reg $1.99/ sale $1.79 x2 - $0.75 coupon x2 (coupon for 2) = $1.08 each final
Karo syrup - reg $2.99/sale $2.49 - $0.40 coupon x 2 = $1.69 final
Minute Rice - reg $2/sale $1.50 - $0.50 coupon x2 = $0.50 final (75% savings)
Vicks Nature - reg $8.29/sale $5.49 - $3 in coupons = $2.49 final (70% savings)
Coffemate Creamer - reg $2.59/sale $1.67 - $0.75 coupon x 2 = $0.17 final (94% savings)
Millstone Coffee - reg $8.99/sale $4.49 - $2 coupon = $2.49 final (70% savings)
3 Balance Nutrition Bar - reg $1.45/sale $1 x3 - $1 coupon = $0.67 each final
8 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - reg $1.89/sale $1x8 - $0.40 x4 coupons x2 -$0.50 e-VIC = $0.54 final
Along with my other items, my final total came to $44.08 with a total savings of $52.75 after coupons and VIC savings. Not my best shopping trip but I saved more than I spent which is always a goal.
**Updated: I went to Farm Fresh yesterday because they double coupons up to $1 on Wednesdays. On other days, they double up to $0.99 like Harris Teeter. They also were having a mix&match deal where they take off $5 when you buy 10 specific items.
7 Progresso Soups - Reg $2.39/sale $1.79 - $0.50 mix&match deal - $1 couponx2 = $1 each
Celestial Seasonings Tea - Reg $4.09/sale $3.19 - $1 couponx2 = $1.19 (63% savings)
Wholly Guacamole - Reg $3.29 - $1 couponx2 = $1.29 (60% savings)
6 Birds Eye Veggie Steamables - Reg $2.29/Sale $1 - 2 $1 coupons x2 = $0.33 each (85% savings)
9 Balance Nutrition Bar - Reg $1.39/sale $1 - 3 $1 coupons x2 = $0.33 each (76% savings)
3 Kraft Shredded Cheese - Reg $4.49/sale $2.49 - $0.50 mix&match deal = $2 each
2 Werther's Original Soft Caramels - Reg $2.19/sale $1.79 - $1 of two coupon x2 = $0.79 each (64% savings)
At the time, Lee and I weren't strapped for cash and made a comfortable living so it became a game to see how much I could save. I acquired a stockpile, not a room full, but for Lee and I it was enough of various items. Then in August, Lee's union went on strike and we knew we would have to watch our spending because we didn't know how long the strike would last. We figured out we could last about 2 months between me working, our small savings, and Lee's small strike pay. Glad we had that stockpile and coupons so we didn't have that worry in the back of our minds about paying a lot for food. Harris Teeter having their triple coupon event was perfectly timed with the strike too. Lee would make fun of me when I first started couponing but that quickly changed when we went shopping during triple coupons. He doesn't make fun of me anymore...much.
Thankfully the strike didn't last too long. Probably 2 or 3 weeks. But I will continue to have my stockpile. You never know what life will throw at you and I am glad I won't have to worry about buying laundry detergent at full price because I have quite a few bottles (understatement) that will last us a good long while. The money saved will go towards paying down credit card debt and increasing our savings which I like seeing go up substanially every month.
Now, coupons in action. I went to Harris Teeter last Friday. We are good on certain items but I plan on doing a lot of baking this holiday so I needed to stock up. Lee wanted some quick things for lunches and I needed somethings for last weekend's party.
The key to using coupons is to not use a coupon until that item goes on sale. Combine that tatic with Harris Teeter doubling coupons up to $0.99 and any electronic coupons Harris Teeter has, you can save a LOT of money. One of the best deals is when there is a BOGO special because you don't have to buy two items and one item will ring up half price at Harris Teeter. Since they both ring up on the register, you can use one coupon per item if you buy two.
Harris Teeter has an extra savings program called e-VIC where you can put electronic coupons on your VIC card and every Friday they send out an email with 5 special deals only for e-VIC customers. Again, combine with coupons and you can get stuff for dirt cheap. With all of this in mind, you can shop at Harris Teeter for cheaper than Food Lion or Walmart. A friend of mine told me that when people tell her that Harris Teeter is "so expensive," she simply tells them they aren't trying hard enough.
Harris Teeter savings from last week:
4 lb Dixie granulated sugar - reg $3.49/e-VIC price $1.97 - $0.50 coupon x2 = $0.97 final
Hormel Compleat meal - reg $2.47/sale $1.87 - $0.50 (coupon $1 off 2) = $1.37 final
2 Werther's Soft Caramel - reg $1.99/ sale $1.79 x2 - $0.75 coupon x2 (coupon for 2) = $1.08 each final
Karo syrup - reg $2.99/sale $2.49 - $0.40 coupon x 2 = $1.69 final
Minute Rice - reg $2/sale $1.50 - $0.50 coupon x2 = $0.50 final (75% savings)
Vicks Nature - reg $8.29/sale $5.49 - $3 in coupons = $2.49 final (70% savings)
Coffemate Creamer - reg $2.59/sale $1.67 - $0.75 coupon x 2 = $0.17 final (94% savings)
Millstone Coffee - reg $8.99/sale $4.49 - $2 coupon = $2.49 final (70% savings)
3 Balance Nutrition Bar - reg $1.45/sale $1 x3 - $1 coupon = $0.67 each final
8 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - reg $1.89/sale $1x8 - $0.40 x4 coupons x2 -$0.50 e-VIC = $0.54 final
Along with my other items, my final total came to $44.08 with a total savings of $52.75 after coupons and VIC savings. Not my best shopping trip but I saved more than I spent which is always a goal.
**Updated: I went to Farm Fresh yesterday because they double coupons up to $1 on Wednesdays. On other days, they double up to $0.99 like Harris Teeter. They also were having a mix&match deal where they take off $5 when you buy 10 specific items.
7 Progresso Soups - Reg $2.39/sale $1.79 - $0.50 mix&match deal - $1 couponx2 = $1 each
Celestial Seasonings Tea - Reg $4.09/sale $3.19 - $1 couponx2 = $1.19 (63% savings)
Wholly Guacamole - Reg $3.29 - $1 couponx2 = $1.29 (60% savings)
6 Birds Eye Veggie Steamables - Reg $2.29/Sale $1 - 2 $1 coupons x2 = $0.33 each (85% savings)
9 Balance Nutrition Bar - Reg $1.39/sale $1 - 3 $1 coupons x2 = $0.33 each (76% savings)
3 Kraft Shredded Cheese - Reg $4.49/sale $2.49 - $0.50 mix&match deal = $2 each
2 Werther's Original Soft Caramels - Reg $2.19/sale $1.79 - $1 of two coupon x2 = $0.79 each (64% savings)
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Uterus Stands Alone
Last Tuesday I had my appointment to test for glucose and hormone levels to see if I do in fact have an insulin resistant and PCOS. I will have the results back in a week or week and a half since it is such an extensive panel. Waiting sucks. Part of me hopes there is a lab tech rushing to analyze the sample because he/she knows I am impatiently waiting. I know that it is not the case. Having only worked in an environmental lab, I know that labs have standard shifts, five days a week and not the 24-7 data spitting factories I want them to be in this case.
Infertility has always been in the back of my mind after my first gynocologist told me four years ago that the infrequent and almost nonexsistent periods could be a sign of PCOS. Since I was there for a perscription for birth control, it wasn't an issue at the time so I didn't need to get tested. Looking back now, I wish I was tested because knowing could have given me the reality check that I needed to get healthier becaue apparently a medical professional telling you "It would be good for you to lose some weight" doesn't give the same kick. I did have a glucose test done and everything was fine and I feel like I am the same size now as I was 4 years ago so I guess I felt like everything was fine.
I have been reading up on infertility and have found some other infertile women's blogs. Reading some of the experiences, I can't help but think that I am in this alone because really this comes down to my body and how it wants to function. Yes, I have the support of my husband, Lee, family and friends (which is very much appreciated) that is keeping me motivated to continue to exercise and get healthy. And yes, there is a possiblity that by losing weight, I will be able to conceive but in the end it comes down to what my body wants to do.
I don't even know yet if I am infertile. I guess I feel like I'm softening the blow by expecting negative results and not to get my hopes up. I have read that losing as little as 10 pounds can bring you back into the "fertile zone" so we will see how it goes. Despite the tone of this post and any future infertility posts, I am trying to be positive.
Friends and family are providing great support and it is great knowing that I have such great people in my life. Much thanks to Lee for putting up with me. Thanks for putting up with my groaning if he puts an extra little tablespoon of shredded cheese or asking him the very specific amounts of ingredients that went into a dish. I tend to want things to be done a certain way so I have taken over the cooking so I know exactly what I am putting into my food. Thanks for putting up with the things I am making. I have come to really like bulgur wheat for its high fiber and high protein so to help hold off hunger, and even though it is not Lee's favorite, he eats it with no complaints. Sometimes I chose to exercise over cooking thus causing dinner to be late or completely lacking but he doesn't complain and either patiently waits or starts cooking. Thanks!
Infertility has always been in the back of my mind after my first gynocologist told me four years ago that the infrequent and almost nonexsistent periods could be a sign of PCOS. Since I was there for a perscription for birth control, it wasn't an issue at the time so I didn't need to get tested. Looking back now, I wish I was tested because knowing could have given me the reality check that I needed to get healthier becaue apparently a medical professional telling you "It would be good for you to lose some weight" doesn't give the same kick. I did have a glucose test done and everything was fine and I feel like I am the same size now as I was 4 years ago so I guess I felt like everything was fine.
I have been reading up on infertility and have found some other infertile women's blogs. Reading some of the experiences, I can't help but think that I am in this alone because really this comes down to my body and how it wants to function. Yes, I have the support of my husband, Lee, family and friends (which is very much appreciated) that is keeping me motivated to continue to exercise and get healthy. And yes, there is a possiblity that by losing weight, I will be able to conceive but in the end it comes down to what my body wants to do.
I don't even know yet if I am infertile. I guess I feel like I'm softening the blow by expecting negative results and not to get my hopes up. I have read that losing as little as 10 pounds can bring you back into the "fertile zone" so we will see how it goes. Despite the tone of this post and any future infertility posts, I am trying to be positive.
Friends and family are providing great support and it is great knowing that I have such great people in my life. Much thanks to Lee for putting up with me. Thanks for putting up with my groaning if he puts an extra little tablespoon of shredded cheese or asking him the very specific amounts of ingredients that went into a dish. I tend to want things to be done a certain way so I have taken over the cooking so I know exactly what I am putting into my food. Thanks for putting up with the things I am making. I have come to really like bulgur wheat for its high fiber and high protein so to help hold off hunger, and even though it is not Lee's favorite, he eats it with no complaints. Sometimes I chose to exercise over cooking thus causing dinner to be late or completely lacking but he doesn't complain and either patiently waits or starts cooking. Thanks!
Monday, December 5, 2011
How did I get here?
Blogging...I guess I need a theme/purpose/point/subject so I'm going with "catch all."
I've been on a baking and cooking kick lately so I'll post my attempts at culinary creations. I'll post the pictures of the process and what the end product was supposed to look like if available. I have had people ask me where I got a recipe and I figured referring them to this blog would be easier than remembering to email a link. Which I often forget to do. Sorry grandma.
I coupon. But I'm not a crazy, 20 carts full, holding up the line, taking everything off the shelf, one room full of crap couponer. I use coupons to get awesome deals at a grocery store that people usually think is expensive. I do have a stock pile of things but I got them for dirt cheap or free so you can't pass that up.
I am in the process of losing weight. Not only for a more healthier me but for another reason to be explained later. I have been recording my calories and exercise using My Fitness Pal. If you are trying to lose weight, it's a great help! It has made me realize that I don't have to limit myself when trying to lose weight and that will help me stay on track. Here will be a place where I can lay it all out there to keep myself accountable for my choices.
I have been married to Lee for 2 years. From time to time, I look at him and think "I'm married?!" I was under the mindset that if it happens, it happens. Then throw in a little fear of getting hurt, therefore liking unavailable guys even though I would get hurt anyway but all the while making sure I finished school in the event that my eventual husband turned into an ex-husband and I didn't want to be dependent on his alimony because I couldn't support myself. Two notes: I'm not applying this to Lee so I don't have the future ex-husband in my mind and this was my own personal reason so it doesn't apply to your life or how I view your decisions. So all in all, I still find it hard to believe that I am in a domestic setting.
One husband. One stubborn wiener dog. One crafty wiener dog. Two crazy cats. One house. One blossoming career. All that is missing is the 2.5 kids, right? That brings me to the other reason for exercising. The looming cloud of possible infertility. All those years of not exercising after a childhood of swimming (despite what my mom says, we were at practice every single day) has caught up with me and my ovaries. I found out that I possibly have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and an insulin resistance. Both of which are tied together and could cause me not to ovulate thus making becoming a gestational carrier much harder. Here would be a place to vent because usually I hold things in. So we will see what happens. I go in for blood tests tomorrow and will have an ultrasound of my malfunctioning uterus next week. On the plus side, by not getting pregnant right away, I am able to reach my weight goal much faster!
Well that was long.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)