I've started this blog to document my journey running while balancing motherhood, and eventually if I'm lucky enough, my next pregnancy.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Getting life under control

I guess I've been a tad on edge lately. I'm not sure why; I suppose I'm just a little run down or it could be I'm just feeling like crap for gaining weight over the holidays. My husband noticed-- it's hard not to notice when I'm in a bad mood, I suppose. I am the queen of dirty looks (it's been said by a number of former students of mine that I have the scariest look of all the teachers in our building). So D asked me if a day at the spa might help me unwind and get back to myself. HECK yeah!

But I was feeling some guilt about the idea of spending all kinds of money for a day at the spa, especially when I am due for a new pair of running shoes and am in need of a new sports bra. Add it up and I've got a price tag of $150 just around the corner. So I was talking to my mom about this, and she offered to cover my shoes as an early birthday present (and I swear I wasn't trying to work her)! Looks like I'm heading to the spa... but not so fast.

I want to earn my spa day, and I decided this is the perfect time to get my nutrition under control. Over the holidays I gained a some weight and my clothes are a little tight. I know what I'm supposed to eat, and for the most part, I eat healthy foods. My problem is that I eat too much. In order for me to lose weight, the only thing I've found to be effective is counting my calories. I saw a nutritionist a few months ago, and she suggested I stay at around 1900 calories a day to maintain my weight and 1700 calories to lose a 1 lb a week. She said I could cut as many as 500 calories a day either through eating less or working out, but she worried that I'd get too hungry and binge eat if I did it too often. I'm with her. Binge eating has in the past been a huge issue for me. (And she made it very clear that I would need to replace the massive calorie burn from long runs. I was so relieved to hear this as I have had a habit of feeling guilty for eating a bit more after a long run.)

So in order to earn my day of relaxation, I am making a pact with myself to write down everything I eat for the next 2 weeks. My hope is to stay in my calorie range. However, I think that what might be more important for me right now is to see just how many empty calories I'm consuming. I want these two weeks to be about awareness. I'm only going to be able to change my nutrition and make better choices if I know what I'm doing wrong.

At the end of two weeks (if I record my food every day), spa day.

I'll keep track of my foods and my calorie count on Calorie-Count.com and I'll report back here to let you know how it's going.

I'm just going to keep thinking... spa... spa!

7 comments:

  1. That sounds like a good, solid plan to see how many empty calories you are eating. i've been eating like crap for a few months now and it's really starting to catch up with me.

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  2. I just had a spa day and it was FABULOUS!! What an awesome treat to look forward to!! Good luck! :)

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  3. A good plan for your weight: good luck.
    In my recent past I noticed that I succeded in losing more weight, even if I don't need, with the cross training (running and swimming).

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  4. Rachel and I did that one summer and it worked great. It's so easy to just plunk yourself down with some food and ignore what's going in your mouth. Having to write down every item makes you very aware about what you are eating and how often. You'll do great.
    And don't beat yourself up over a little holiday slip-up. We've had one of the coldest winters in history; your body was probably trying to fatten you up for hibernation. It's hard to fight mother nature!

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  5. i believe in you! i don't think that i'm organized or disciplined enough to write all that down...but on the other hand, if i had a spa trip on the line i might be able to crack down and do it.

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  6. Hi! I found your blog through the Tall Mom spreadsheet. So glad I did! It sounds like we have a lot in common. :)
    Great idea about earning your spa day! Food is often my biggest struggle, and I really want to get a few more pounds off before my next half marathon. Keep it up!
    www.runningmommyragged.blogspot.com

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  7. Your plan sounds great, good luck (and work hard) earning that spa day! I found you through the Tall Mom 1000+ Mile Challenge and I see that we are both running the National Half. Training in PA has been a challenge, but now that I have a new blog to follow, that might help a little. thanks!

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I'd love to hear from you. Nothing makes me happier (except chocolate and cupcakes... but really, who can compete with them?)