one year. month one.

I was asked by two people on Friday night "What happened to the blog?" Well, life happened. And then I forgot to write about it. I'm sorry! But, I'm still here, still living the "lifestyle change."

I will admit, I experienced some defeat after my last weigh-in post and didn't know how to begin to write about it ... so I just didn't. Which completely defeats the whole purpose of "an all-encompassing, informative log," I know. So, I weighed myself that Monday evening and saw the numbers 156.2. Either I accidentally transposed the numbers in my brain or the scale experienced a momentary glitch, because the next morning I woke up and wanted to again be encouraged by that lovely number -- and I saw 162. That still means I lost 12 lbs in two weeks and it makes more sense with the inches I measured that same evening. Regardless of the fact that I didn't post about it, I didn't let that defeat me. I've kept on going and am happy to share some new numbers again with you today. It's one day shy of exactly two weeks, but ... who's really counting?

05/30/10

Bust: 38.5"

Waist: 32.5"

Stomach: 37.5"

Hips: 41"

Thighs: 23"

Arms: 12"

Weight: 156.2 lbs

Yes, the weight is the exact same as I posted two weeks ago - the weight that was inaccurate for whatever reason I'll never know. So that means I've only lost about 6 lbs in these last two weeks, but I'll take it. Along with the 11.5 inches total lost! I still have yet to incorporate exercise regularly, which I know will help get me going again. And I also had one weekend of living large, throwing low-carb out the window.

Last weekend, John and I celebrated our first anniversary. I cheated all weekend -- and paid for it by the time Sunday rolled around, with the stomach pains back and feeling overall lethargic and disgusting. (The way I used to feel on a weekly basis.) But the food! Oh, the food was delicious. We visited my friend Chef Dean Fearing at his restaurant, Fearing's, at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas and we ate like kings. It was a truly amazing weekend getaway with my husband that we both needed.

We were both able to 100% surprise one another with our gifts ... it's been a while since that happened for us! John ordered me this amazing Kurt Halsey print - the biggest print of my collection thus far. It's even more amazing in person. I have NO idea how he kept it a secret - he's that kind of gift giver ... The kind that can't contain excitement and must-give-gift-now! But, he held it in. Because he loves me and knows that I want the gift on the appropriate day - not a moment before.

And I got John tickets to see The Beach Boys - the concert is tonight in Shreveport. So, here in just a few short hours, we'll be heading out to see a band that has influenced him musically in the biggest of ways. I know it's not the original group of guys, but I still think it will be a neat experience to share.

I will leave you with another dessert recipe - one that I couldn't survive this diet without. I'll call it a chocolate mousse. You mix 2 T heavy cream to 1 T cocoa powder and one packet of a sugar substitute such as Splenda. This is just one serving but it is so rich and yummy that I couldn't eat the whole serving at once. However, I make up about five servings at a time so it lasts all week, and after lunch I can just grab a spoonful on my way out the door to satisfy my sweet tooth. You can also mix in vanilla extract, coconut extract or instant coffee for a mocha version that is extra delicious and helpful when I need a mid-day boost.

♥
kh

units & increments

The Atkins Diet starts with Phase I: Induction. The minimum period of time to remain in Phase I is two weeks, but most choose to stay longer depending on how much weight is left to lose. I officially started Atkins (the low-carb lifestyle change) on Monday, April 26. Today marks two weeks.

Last week was so busy with work that I was unable to take my measurements on Monday, so I decided to wait until the two week mark for that. I hopped on the scale some mornings, though not daily. And today I am glad that I chose to monitor the diet this way because boy, did I have a nice little surprise!

On Friday, I reported that I had officially hit the 10 lb. marker, weighing in at tenths over 163 lbs. I started, as you may recall, at 174 lbs. I took my measurements this evening around 7:00 p.m. - hours after lunch and before dinner. I took the original measurements around the same time two weeks ago.

05/10/10

Bust: 41"

Waist: 32.5"

Stomach: 39"

Hips: 42"

Thighs: 24"

Arms: 13"

Weight: 156.2 lbs

I was in shock when I stepped on the scale and saw those numbers. Because I did that after I took the measurements, and yes I noticed it was an inch here and there which I was pleased with, but I did NOT expect the first numbers to be a "1" and "5," respectively. I was giddy with excitement.

So, in two weeks, I lost 4.5" and 18 lbs. I'm not entirely sure where those 18 lbs. went ... I notice a change in the way my clothes fit, yes - but not what I would expect 18 lbs. to feel like. Regardless of what I think, the numbers don't lie. I'm still feeling great. And I have yet to truly incorporate exercise on a regular basis! That's coming next...

Over the weekend and today I was beginning to feel discouraged because I have been surrounded by Sweet Potato Smashfries, Chili's chips and queso, KFC biscuits - things I would have loved to inhale into my belly. But that's where I was going wrong. And because I did not do what habit wanted me to, I did not endure one stomach ache, nor one WHY-DID-I-EAT-SO-MUCH-I-WANT-TO-DIE feeling. Just because I miss carbs doesn't mean I want them back in my diet. And don't get me wrong - I enjoy what I'm eating. It fills me up and tastes pretty good. It does what food should do.

For Mother's Day, I made the Decadent Chocolate Cake that's allowed in Phase I. I do realize this was a bit of a selfish gift, but I wanted to be able to share a bit of what I'm doing. It's not melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but it was better than what most "diet" desserts probably are. I served it up with a dollop of whipped cream, sweetened with a smidge of Splenda.

The moral of the story? I am beyond happy with where I am. I know the weight will not continue to fall off as easily as it has over the past two weeks. And I know that once I do hit my goal weight, it's staying there that will be the biggest battle. But I just need to remember that the way I'm feeling is worth it - and the fleeting taste of that biscuit and the baskets of chips are not.

♥

kh

ten for ten

I am excited to announce that I have officially lost over 10 lbs! Following this "lifestyle change" hasn't been the easiest thing I've ever done, but it also hasn't been as difficult as I first thought it may be. Yes, when John and I go out to eat the waiter sits the bread or chips down in front of me, I want to bite his head off and say, "DON'T YOU KNOW THIS IS TORTURE!"

But, I think it's helping me to have to sit there and face said item and make the decision not to eat it. Just like with the ice cream cake last week. And the cupcakes this week. This is a choice.

And I have to say, while I do miss the crunch of chips and my morning half-a-bagel, I am feeling stellar. I occasionally stand up too fast and get a smidge dizzy, but I have yet to experience even the slightest of stomach aches and pains that used to plague my life daily. And that, my friends, is totally worth it.

The newest issue of BSCENE Magazine will hit the streets next week and I really couldn't be more excited. It is the first full issue in my new role as Production Manager, which I am loving. John doesn't even know who is on the cover or what the cover story is about -- it's that under wraps and totally amazing! Everyone grab the next issue, officially on the racks Wednesday!

♥
kh