Thanks Kate, I have a lot of sleep issues that can only partly be blamed on my kids and usually exercise helps me so better so it’s tricky to balance. But after a week like last week YES getting a decent night sleep is my top priority. Yesterday was better diet wise. I forgot and weighed myself today and felt discouraged so I’m going to try not to the rest of the week. I’m going to try to do some additional strength training, especially for my abs because I feel like my posture is bad and I look sloppy. But not eating junk is definitely the most important thing for actual weight loss.

Alexandra

Be kind to yourself, Alexandra. Kids are hard work and you only have so much total energy and will power. Definitely take a break from daily weigh ins. I’m not sure they are necessary anyway. And a “bad” day here and there is not going to make any difference. Sleep really is the most important thing for your health. It affects everything. My DD did not sleep through the night until age 4. It was brutal. I could not regularly work out for years. I get it! But it gets better.

Yesterday was fine. Focused on meals and kept the sugar low. Did a good workout and went to bed on time. Time to head outside because I have a long day of work ahead of me.

Hugs! kate

Thanks Kate, I think maybe I need to take a break from weighing myself for a while. I sort of gave up a little bit yesterday, which I know was dumb but I was so tired. One of my kids will go through these phases of getting up super early for a week or two (like 90 minutes earlier than normal) and I absolutely have to get up with him or he wakes up every one else. It’s totally derailed my morning workouts (although I’m proud I’ve still got in a couple at lunch and after work) and I’ve been SO tired and discouraged. Last night was finally a little bit better, I got in my workout and feel so much better. Off to a day of kid activities but at least I made a couple good choices already.

Alexandra

Hang in there, Alexandra! Remember you’ll feel better if you eat well. I’m getting up early, going for my jog and determined to do my full strength workout. I’m going to eat only when I’m truly hungry and focus on real foods.

I think how much worse I’d be if I hadn’t focused on anything this year. We may have gained weight, you know? Let’s do our measurements. I was thinking that, too.

And regardless, let’s enjoy the day, our families, and being alive.

Kate

Kate, I’m with you. I’m only loosely tracking my calories but I am eating 300 or so less per day than usual and somehow I’m back to the high end of my typical weight (and I definitely have like 15 lbs to lose, maybe more). I obviously don’t expect a big loss at that level of deficit but it’s frustrating I seem to have to make bigger changes to lose at all. I did have some M and ms yesterday but mostly have done pretty well. I feel stronger and fitter because I’ve been exercising pretty regularly so maybe I need to track my measurements or something too.

It’s going to be hard to stay on track today with a very early wake up from one kid and a party. I’m going to try not to get frustrated and give up.

Week has gone well. Problem is I’m stuck at this weight. Phooey!

Kate

My philosophy has always been to do things in this order: sleep, exercise, eat healthy. I think sleep and exercise make us feel better immediately. But it’s great to do all three!

Great job Kate! I did well today. I ran early this morning and then probably didn’t eat enough right after and then had a big dinner. No real junk but not super low calorie. Trying to find the balance because I think exercise is really helpful for my stress and eating. Will keep trying!

Alexandra

Hi Alexandra! I've had a brutal few days at work coupled with a kid taking 6 AP and IB exams all while having a cold! Whew!

I slipped over the weekend had some candy and I felt SO bad afterwards. Again and again I have to remind myself that I don't feel good when I eat sugar. It's so dumb! Haven't stepped on the scale in a few days but have been eating healthy foods in reasonable quantities. My knee is a bit off so I am taking a few days off from my jogs and walks.

Emphasizing protein and plants sounds like a great approach. I had to eat out at lunch today and I had the veggie base rather than the rice base. That makes a huge difference in calories.

I actually do think we've eaten less sugar this year and now we can focus on getting to a healthy weight. Let me know how it went today.

Alexandra again- had a pretty healthy day yesterday. I am generally doing well with sugar so thinking of trying to cut back a little on carbs because the scale is not moving, although I think my booty is looking a bit better from all the barre. Not cut carbs out, maybe just emphasize protein and fruit and vegetables more.
I really can’t get too over hungry or I am not a good mom and get headaches so cutting calories too drastically usually backfires.

Kate how are you doing?

Good morning! I had some modest treats for Mother’s Day but nothing I regret. Will try to have a very healthy day although I chose to sleep rather than get up super early to exercise. I think it was the right call because I’m very behind on sleep.

Good luck everyone!
Alexandra

I am under my red line weight for the first time in weeks today! My period is over and I’ve not been overeating. This is the motivation I’ve been looking for. If I keep this up, I can be at my green weight by June. I’m going to schedule my physical for June because it’s time and a little overdue. Hopefully the efforts I’ve made in reducing sugar helped my cholesterol numbers over the last few months. I’ve been far from perfect but focusing on it every day must have helped.

Alexandra—glad you are in a good place. Perfect can’t be the goal but if it’s only failing every week or so that’s better than every day!

Kate

Had a really poor eating day earlier this week but the past couple have been good! Great run again this morning- it is feeling really good to be back in the habit. Not much progress on the scale so I hear you Kate but I am feeling healthier.

Alexandra

Hey everyone just checking in. Had a low sugar and low calorie day yesterday although I did not exercise. Today I got some good exercise in and have not had any sugar yet. I’m feeling good and motivated to eat well and be hungry.

Kate

I am so tired of these extra 3 pounds. I know it’s ridiculous but I need them to be gone. I thought really focusing on sugar would help but I don’t think it’s working because it’s been four months and no change. On the whole I think I have eaten better than I would have otherwise but I am still not where I want to be. I know it is incredibly minor in the scheme of things but it is bothering me a lot this morning.

Kate