In which I step back and take a look at what I’ve becomeMarch 27th, 2008 @ 7:01 am
The year before I got pregnant with Babboo was spent at weekly Weight Watcher meetings with a few of my girlfriends. We went to our WW meetings on Tuesday nights and then had a WW approved dinner at Applebee’s. With the WW program I learned how to control my eating habits and how to eat healthier and be healthier.
I made it to my goal weight and became a Lifetime Weight Watcher Member that year. I felt good about myself and my progress.
When I got pregnant with Babboo I was in the best shape of my life. During my pregnancy I tried to eat as healthy as I could. Aside from the Hostess Lemon Pies that in-utereo Babboo demanded, I continued to keep my eating and my weight in check.
I even managed to lose 6 pounds in my second trimester during our trip to Europe. (Apparently walking, with a backpack, through Europe will do that to you!)
I might not felt like it at 40 weeks, but my weight was right where it was supposed to be (according to who, I’ve always wondered?). I keep active and continued to walk a ton, up to the day I gave birth. The five days spent in the hospital after Babboo was born made me nervous. I knew I had some weight to lose and I knew how to do it, thanks to WW, but I was scared.
That first week, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t eating like a nursing mother should be. But even so, my weight was dropping like crazy. Being as this was my first time having a baby, I hadn’t known what to expect. I had read “9 months on, 9 months of” in regards to the baby weight. But, for me, the weight just came off.
I assumed this was all due to breastfeeding and good genes. So I forgot about counting my food points and WW became a distant memory. I also don’t believe in owning a scale. I just go by how my clothes fit. And dude, all my pre pregnancy clothes fit right away. (While my face was still bloated…the rest of me was totally back to “normal”.)
I admit I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing, even though I really wasn’t worthy of any of the credit for losing the weight.
I was fortunate enough to nurse Babboo for 14 months. During those 14 months I continued to not give WW and eating healthy a single thought. I ate when and what I wanted.
Good times.
It’s been 10 months since I kissed the nursing fairy goodbye. Gone are the days when my body magically turned the calories from ice cream and candy into sweet breastmilk for my child. No longer can I just assume the fat will magically disappear. I floated through Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day and now Easter with one hand holding tightly to a candy bar and the other hand on the TV remote.
And it’s staring to show.
And yet, I can’t stop shoving hand fulls of Easter candy in my mouth. I try to have self-control. Really I do. But damn it, French toast is just so darned good.
A WW coupon arrived in the mail on Tuesday. It offered Lifetime Members a chance to come back at a reduced rate. On Wednesday I went to a WW meeting, alone. I checked in, paid my money, and weighed in. I’ll be the first one to admit that I don’t have a lot to lose. Heck, I’m betting I can lose it in two weeks.
But that’s not the point. The point is that I know I’m walking on a slippery slope with my eating habits. I know where I’m headed if I don’t get help now. I know my negative potential. I need to recheck how I eat and how I deal with food.
I need help.
And Weight Watchers has been there in the past to help me.
When I got home from work yesterday, I got out all of my old WW books and read through them. I have a lot to relearn. I have some major changes to make. I read over my lists of what I used to eat. I made a grocery list full of my old healthy favorites like FF waffles and FF yogurt and fruit.
Today is the first day of counting my WW points and eating better. I have my tennis shoes in my backpack and I intend to take the long way home from Babboo’s school.
Wish me luck. I’m know I’m going to need it.
——————————–
We’re extra excited at our house today. You see, our very good friend Vesper is in labor, as I type this! She’s giving birth to a little playmate for Babboo. Head over to her blog to wish her luck. This is her first baby, so naturally, she’s a little nervous about the whole Motherhood thing.
My Sweet Babboo · Me · Addictions · Back in the day
Operation Pink Herring
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Food… how I love it. I am working on overhauling my eating habits, too. Two slices of pizza is fine. Four is not. I admire people who can stick to WW… I hate meetings and I hate people telling me what to do, so that route isn’t for me!
Heather
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I too have SERIOUS issues with food. I was soo upset when I stopped nursing and my weight went back up.
I now have about 20 lbs to loose but still… my desk is a smorgusboard of snacks and junk food. Perhaps after tax season?? 
Heather B.
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Ha! I just finished entering in my points for the day since I usually plan what I’m going to eat so I can enter the points in advance. And now I’m all pissed off because if I hadn’t had a stupid mini snickers bar then I could have wine tonight. Damn!
Rachel
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Good luck, Isabel! You will do great. I have to figure out a way to change my eating habits as well.
Keri
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I LOVE FOOD. I seriously should have a tshirt that says it. When I eat bfast I think about lunch, and so on…at dinner, I think about the next day. I was the same way when I was nursing, literally so small and just inhaling any food with in reach
NOW, I weigh more than I did AFTER I’d lost babyweight with my 2nd. Clothes that I wore then are TOO SNUG. I think “how did this happen’
so I , too, am watching what I eat & getting up and walking on my treadmill each day. I just have to. I cant stand my too tight clothes…
GOOD LUCK!
SJ
said,
March 27, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Righ on! I personally think that you look great as you are but you know what you want and how you feel so I think that re-joining WW is a step in the right direction! And by the way, you were adorable pregnant!
Good Luck!
Lindsey
said,
March 27, 2008 at 6:00 pm
You looked fabulous when I saw you in person, but I totally know what you mean. I have such a sweet tooth and when I want sweets I have a REALLY hard time resisting. It’s like all of my self-control just goes right out the door. And I know that if I don’t work out and watch what I eat, I will gain weight. I got really heavy in college and I’m always afraid I’ll get back to that weight again…which was almost 40 pounds more than I am now. I KNOW! And yes, I was drinking a lot and eating crap and as long as I don’t live that lifestyle I will be fine, but there is a part of me that is just sooo afraid of being that girl again.
Audrey
said,
March 27, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I have been working hard lately at not over-eating — something I have a tendency to do when a big plate of delicious food is in front of me. I try to put leftovers from dinner away as quickly as possible so I’m not tempted to go back for seconds, and it’s really been helping. I don’t get on a scale all that often, but I happened to check my weight over the weekend and I’m about 5 pounds closer to my goal weight than I was when I checked a few months ago. Funny how the pounds drop when you don’t keep eating even after you’re full!
Marci
said,
March 27, 2008 at 6:23 pm
You look HOTT! I am with you on the blasted Easter candy… I might just have to throw it all out!
Getting back on the WW wagon is SOOOOOO hard (at least for me it is!). Good Luck! You can do it!
Kim
said,
March 27, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Must be the season, I feel the same way. Of course my baby weight is uh, nine years old.
I did lose weight a couple of years ago but quitting smoking and losing my kids has made food my secret friend again. And I know my eating is purely psychological but I keep doing it. Which makes me sad and I eat more. Oh vicious circle, it’s making me dizzy. How do you stop that? I need someone behind me saying “DUDE, put down the cookies and walk away.”
Hopefully spring will be here soon and I can walk or bike ride or get outside and away from my refrigerator.
Christar
said,
March 27, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I know how you feel! Just like I was telling Frema, I was doing SO good about eating healthy, exercising regularly, and losing weight at a healthy pace. I have been losing weight ever so slightly for about 3 years. I’ve lost about 20 or 30 lbs (since I don’t own a scale either) and lost 4 dress sizes. I was looking my best before Christmas. Ever since then, I’ve had the hardest time trying to eat healthy and exercise regularly. The past 2 weeks I’ve kinda got back into the groove of things, but it’s still difficult.
P.S.
Weight Watchers is awesome! My mom lost 65 lbs. from them and I have really encouraged her to go back. She refuses because she said she doesn’t have the money. I’d love to give her a few months paid for for her birthday coming up.
Rhi
said,
March 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Good for you! I’ve been so horrible in my eating habits as of late. First, I was on the grief diet of Quarter Pounders and Fries. Now, I am on the breakup diet of 12 diet cokes a day and Quarter Pounders and Fries. And, sometimes a Filet o’ Fish. And, always, an Apple Pie. ALWAYS.
janet
said,
March 27, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I totally fell off the skinny wagon after my wedding and I am struggling to get back on. UGH, I hate dieting, but I must do it.
sizzle
said,
March 27, 2008 at 8:19 pm
WW is one of the few programs that work. Most pregnant ladies I have seen lately have dropped significant weight upon giving birth. I figure you guys are so damn TIRED from never sleeping, etc. that’s logical.
Abbie
said,
March 27, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I would love to start weight watchers, but I have always wonder how people with limited income (me) would afford it.
Isn’t it mad expensive?
Kayla
said,
March 27, 2008 at 8:38 pm
My pregnancy weight just fell off too. And I only nursed (well, pumped. He never got the hang of nursing. Chalk it up to being preemie) for 6 weeks, but I’m still eating like I’m nursing. I should probably knock that off. I’m looking a little soft round about the mid section these days.
PS You were so cute pregnant!
Anne
said,
March 27, 2008 at 8:44 pm
WW worked well for me, too! I was able to lose about 37 lbs and learn a lot of good habits. Since having The Baby, my eating isn’t quite up to par. I eat more fast food for lunch (since we don’t get out for dinner as much, I’ve been making it up by going out for lunch), and well, I just haven’t thought about it much. Plus, I discovered Frappucinnos. WTF? So much for not drinking calories. That stuff is addictive!!!
Diana
said,
March 27, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Congrats for going back to WW. I started going 10 weeks ago and it has been … okay. I’ve had a few off weeks (like this week, um hello Cadbury Mini Eggs) but so far I’m down 11 lbs. So, yeah, only 26 more to go!
The craziest thing about WW is realizing just how much I DID’T know about portion sizes and what is actaully healthy. I had no idea how badly I really ate.
Laurel
said,
March 27, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I don’t really need to lose any weight, but I am kind of jealous of you WW going folks. It would be nice to have a community of people to help keep me accountable for my eating and exercise choices!
I eat a lot of crap… and while that’s fine at 26, I know my metabolism’s days are numbered!
Nic
said,
March 27, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I have to keep reminding myself that that it’s a lifestyle change that I have to make not a diet. Dieting? Totally sucks. A healthy lifestyle? Well, it’s a pain in the ass to get there, but overall a good thing. I think. I’d be happier if I could eat more cupcakes.
Fraulein N
said,
March 27, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Good luck! I have no doubt you’ll drop the weight in no time. It’s great that you found something that works for you.
Marsha
said,
March 27, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Congrats for returning to WW!! I am 3 weeks away from earning Lifetime! I started in June and have lost 40lbs! Good Luck, please share with us your journey!
Jezer
said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:36 am
First, good luck! I know you’ll do great.
I have just recently come to terms with the fact that I have a very unhealthy relationship with food. Believe it or not, watching Paul McKenna on “I Can Make You Thin” has actually helped me reshape my attitude about food.
Now, if I can just come to terms with my body image issues. Whew, now that’s a whole ‘nother story.
Chas
said,
March 28, 2008 at 4:15 am
I wish you great luck with the weight loss!
I was very blessed, as you were, to have the weight come off quickly after pregnancy. Also like you, I love me some sweets. I could eat a candy bar every hour. If there are donuts in the house, I can’t keep them off of my mind. Five minutes ago, I was actually considering walking out to my car in my underwear to get a bag of Laffy Taffy out of my trunk (I didn’t do it). It’s a sickness, really….and I know that one day it’s going to catch up with me.
LaLa
said,
March 28, 2008 at 10:41 am
Good luck! I have fingers and toes crossed for you!
Frema
said,
March 28, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Oh, how this post speaks to me!
I want to do WW again, too, but I hate the idea of being away from Kara for another half hour during the day. I’m trying to convince my work to bring WW on board for the lunch hour. This is important, though, and I want to eat better. I want to lose this damn baby weight (plus the weight I wanted to lose before I even got pregnant).
Good luck to both of us!
meritt
said,
March 28, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I DO wish you good luck! Another friend of mine (who reads my blog but doesn’t have one of her own anymore…) just started up with WW on Monday! I am sending BOTH of you good vibes!!!!!
(And although I SHOULD be joining you to take off the 12 lbs. I’ve put on since resigning from my job last November 1st… I’m just going to sip my coffee and watch you from afar… LOL).
Virginia Gal
said,
March 28, 2008 at 3:08 pm
If all I was looking at was the scale, I would be happy, but since also I’m considering the way my clothes fit, I’m not satisfied with my size. I fully admit, the number on my clothing tags is small, but the ratio of fat to muscle is too large.
You would think with a wedding in Florida coming up the beginning of May that I would be more motivated to include exercise in my daily routine (or even that I would want to be healthier for myself). I don’t want to be seen in a bathing suit in my current body shape, but I’m not willing to put the effort forward to change my body. Like Kim I need someone to tell me “Just get off the couch and onto the damp elliptical already.”
Good for you for making the effort.
the ambitious mrs
said,
March 28, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I was also lucky to loose all my baby weight and more with no effort - just breastfeeding. That time is alsmot done for me and I fear for the future!
Melain
said,
March 28, 2008 at 5:10 pm
You are speaking my language babe. I have a demon that lives in my head who frequenly steps in and controls my actions in the food department. I am a STRONG woman in every aspect, and I am definitley fighting with myself over this. I’m not a good person to fight with because I will lose to me ever time. …er?…
Do you recommend weight watchers? Is it expensive? Do the cool kids make fun of you?
Stephanie
said,
March 29, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Oh, WW. I love it but I hate it. It is so easy to do it while you are doing it, but it is the initial motivation to actually do it that is AWFUL. But seriously, going to the meetings is so much of the battle!
Carrie
said,
March 30, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I am so glad you posted this! I’m going to my VERY FIRST Weight Watchers meeting tomorrow night! I gained 36 pounds while pregnant and I’ve only lost 26. I’m still breastfeeding my 12-month-old son, but unfortunately the weight doesn’t just come off for me. Ugh.
Anna
said,
March 31, 2008 at 1:47 am
Oh mine is a sordid love affair with food. Joined WW way back in 2002. Got married, got chubby, got pregnant. Luckily, like you pregnancy weight came off oh so easily. But I was chubby to begin with. So back to WW in November of 2006 and still haven’t made it to lifetime. Curse those last five pounds. But I should be happy that I’ve lost 25 pounds and kept it off…
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said,
April 21, 2008 at 3:07 am
[…] Might as well just get this one over with: I (re)joined Weight Watchers this weekend. I could probably write 17 posts on the topic (such as Again!? Oh, yes Again!) but I’d like to keep it short and sweet at least until I can start writing about on my success. For those of you who know and love WW (and I know you’re out there) I’m asking that you be my cheerleader (and I’ll be yours), because goodness knows I need all the help I can get. What are your favorite recipes/tips/mantras to make it past the hungry stage? […]
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said,
April 22, 2008 at 5:07 pm
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