Category Archives: Size 22

Apr 16 2012
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Size 22

Bum Body Workouts?

So here’s what happened.  Wednesday, I went to boot camp in the morning (go me!).  Then, I played tennis that night (yay!).  However, in the 5th game of tennis, I got a sharp pain in my left hip (just when my right hip was feeling better), right in front along the “panty line.”  There was no real big movement that caused it or anything, but I limped the rest of the night.  The next day, one would think the pain would have subsided.  When it happened, it felt weird – like hitting your funny bone – or a jammed finger.  I thought for sure I could “walk it off.”  Yet, every 100 or so steps I took, there would be a sharp pain, and this carried over into Friday.

In addition to the so-called injury (I mean, nothing really happened; it just started hurting), I felt some of the normal aches and pains of boot camp, times about 5.  In particular, I had some ankle pains and my bad knee throbbed.  Heavy, heavy sigh.

Where I’ve landed with this: I picked up my workouts, over-did it, and ended up out of commission.

So. Frustrating.  I may struggle with food above all else, but when it comes to workouts, I am ready to give it all I have and I feel like my body continually holds me back.

So, unable to work out, save equipment and places I don’t have ready access to, I did not work out Thursday, Friday, Saturday and as I write this, Sunday is still up in the air.  I’m in the process of researching some other options for now.  I’m sure that somewhere there is a lap pool, or one of those arm cycler things, that I can use, but as of Thursday, I didn’t have a little black book of such resources to call upon.

This got me thinking.  My two main sources of exercise, tennis and boot camp, are both pretty high impact; demanding on the body if you will.  And, though I love them both, when one or the other injures my body, I don’t have many options for lower-impact exercise while I recover.  Even walking was a non option when I hurt my hip.

What’s a girl to do?

Well, I’m exploring gyms.  Budget-wise, I can’t do tennis lessons AND boot camp AND the gym.  I probably couldn’t find the time to get the value out of all three anyways.  I was already contemplating a summer hiatus from tennis lessons just because of the heat, and my commitment to boot camp ends in three months (unless I have a medical reason to take a break… though I’d still need to finish out the 3 months once I’m better).  All this to say, I have budget for a gym membership!

Friday, I visited three gyms, and then three others on Saturday.  I plan to tell you allllll about it (such different experiences!), but the front-runner offers all kinds of classes, including rock walls, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.  In addition to a pool (low impact!), they have all kinds of weight machines and cardio equipment, yoga, Pilates, spin, pump, pseudo ballet and more.    There is even a dog-friendly path around a “lake.”  Oh, and group swim IN the lake (it’s a quarry, filled with water, ya’ll).  The price is comparable to boot camp and tennis lessons, so I could choose which to replace very easily.  I’m pretty excited about this plan.

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Nov 17 2011
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Confession, Goals, Size 22

And what a great feeling it is!

A year ago, I would not recognize the person I was today.  I would THINK I had it in me, but when push came to shove, I didn’t stick to my guns the way I did today.

Let me enlighten you a bit.  Today, something major happened.  Again, I have this lofty November goal/challenge to not eat any meals out.  I may not have spelled out every single little instance of this out clearly, but in my mind, this means no eating out, no ordering in, no picking up – no foods prepared by someone other than ME.  It’s a goal to get me closer to a smaller size, but ultimately it’s about building healthier habits.

Today was a thanksgiving (lower case t) lunch for all employees.  It was catered Mexican food (my fav) and it was free.  In the past, I had always said free food trumps healthy food.  I was also very poor back when I thought that, but you can see how my priorities were misaligned.  In those days, it didn’t matter if I was on day one of a diet – if someone else was paying, the diet could wait.

Quick confession regarding my decision today: I REALLY had to think about eating that (free) food.  I discussed with my coworkers the possible loopholes in my challenge that would allow me to eat this offering of thanks from our CEO.  They suggested I only eat the healthy stuff, skip the tortillas and cheese, etc. etc.  I even started thinking through a trade-off where IF I ate from the make-your-own-fajita train today, then I could not have diet soda OR processed foods for the rest of the month.  In the end, I decided PoK-e-Joe’s just was. not. worth. it.

Before I could talk myself into eating the yummy food, I made my Top Chef inspired Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Chicken Fresca and ate it before I headed to the conference room.  As everyone lined up to assemble their meal, I stood back and just chatted with coworkers who were waiting for the line to die down.  Eventually someone asked me why I wasn’t eating, and I explained my deal.

And get this!  They said that I inspire them! Me!

I’ve never thought much about inspiring others, especially where healthy choices were concerned.  I did however read this blog post once, by one of my favorite bloggers at one twenty five, where she talked about inspiring herself.  My choices today, and as of late for that matter, have inspired ME.  What a great feeling it is!

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Nov 14 2011
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Goals, Size 22

Goals for the week of 2011-11-14

So, this past week did not go so well in terms of goals.  By Tuesday morning I had already missed the mark.  My punishment: no Diet Dr. Pepper this week at the office (or anywhere – just mentioning the office because it’s available for free).  Dang, this will certainly be tough.

What worked for me so well before, however, was the week of Halloween and my goals then.  I vowed to work out every day (and I did!!), and eat at least 4 servings of vegetables every day (done and done!).

So, this week, I plan to work out 6 days – at least 40 minutes of cardio, AND eat at least 5 servings of fruits/veggies every day.  Since I’m struggling with my water intake (though without DDP what is left in this world??), I’ll add a “try for” this week: drink at least 6 eight-ounce glasses of water a day and one glass of milk.

When I succeed, I will purchase the Hungry Girl 300 under 300 cookbook – it’s been on my list!

Also in continuation is my November goal: no eating out.  Phew!

Nov 12 2011
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Size 22, The beginning

The Changes I Can’t See

Tonight, two amazing things happened!  First, I did a 40 minute elliptical workout.  No, that’s not any particular feat for me, but the way my heart responded and the way I continue to feel post work-out is so surprising.  I rocked that elliptical.  Usually it winds me after just a few minutes.  My thighs and abs are a little sore, but I feel GREAT an hour and a half after.

I think all that working out last week did wonders for my heart and continues to make it stronger.  It’s so interesting to see how I have to work harder to get my heart rate up – it has to mean good things!

The second thing that happened today is I realized my stomach has finally gotten used to less food.  I feel full on less food, and don’t have pangs of hunger an hour later.  I’m satiated on a meal I perhaps would have considered a ‘boring snack’ before.

And just for kicks, I would like to throw out there that not eating out for the month of November has been so rewarding and easy.  I considered doing it for December, but ultimately think I’ll give myself another type of challenge.  I can’t wait to tell ya’ll how November shakes – out :)

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Nov 12 2011
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Size 22, The beginning

Parental Love and Weight

I recognize that my writing skills are rusty, and I may not always build a story in the best way, hooking y’all early.  So, I will just preface this blog with a request: read it to the end, because that’s where I’ve really exposed some stuff deep in my heart.

I have never really sized myself up to others in terms of appearance.  I’ve very rarely walked into a room of strangers and thought ‘I’m the biggest one here.’  Occasionally I’ve said to myself “Oh good, I’m not the fattest one here.”  Which if I think about it, means I have just contradicted myself.  I MUST size myself up in terms of appearance when I walk in a room, however subconsciously.

But, being larger than others in the room has never really bugged me.  I think when I heard the kid-friendly messaging that people should love you for who you are, and not what you look like, it over-resonated with me.

I’m not a mother, but I’ve really been thinking about how I would talk about nutrition, health, weight and beauty with a daughter.  I kind of wish my parents had talked to me more about being thinner and the opportunities it opens for you, but I understand why they didn’t.

When I was in my mid-twenties my dad took a serious tone with me, and out of love and concern for my future, he said that I needed to lose weight if I ever wanted to find a husband.  He prefaced it by saying he would only tell me this once, ever – and he’s held to that.  As I write this, I’m having an emotional reaction not to what he said then, but the fact that he only said it only once.  It means throughout my life – my chubby, chunky entire life – he bit his tongue about my weight.  My mom too, was pretty quiet about my weight.

My Wonderful, Loving Parents (and me!)

It means they made a decision together, out of love for me, at some young, chunky moment in my life, to NOT give me a complex about it by over-harping on my snacks or meals, but instead encouraging the sports I was interested in (Tennis), and other healthy habits I’m likely not even aware of.

I cannot say they did me any disservice.  Parenting is difficult in a way I cannot fathom.  Somewhere along the way I just became wired to eat more and eat mindlessly (whether it was nature or nurture, I don’t care).  But, I’m also wired to feel that what I am on the inside matters, I know what love feels like because of the abundant love they gave me, and I relish in the encouragement they’ve always given me without criticism (then and now).

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Nov 11 2011
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Recipe, Size 22, The beginning

Making (Even More) Space

A while back I wrote a post about the lack of space for non-healthy food in my daily calories – if I’m trying to eat healthier things, and stay under 1360 calories a day, then there’s no space for “bad” things like fatty candy bars.

This idea of space has continued to percolate since that post. After writing it, I realized that space is a constant theme in my life (or the lack of it, anyway). I don’t always have the space in my budget for all that I want to buy. There is not enough space, in the form of time, to do all I want in my day.

Today I made a big move in terms of space – in finances and time. I got rid of cable. Completely.

This was a BIG decision for me. It took me a month to pull the the plug (quite literally); I kept promising myself I’d cancel it after True Blood, then after Weeds, then after Homeland, the CMAs, The Office, The Biggest Loser….

Hello, my name is Katie, and I’m addicted to craptastic television.

Well, it’s done. No more cable for now. I have probably gained about 10-15 hours of my week back, and about 75 bucks a month. Will I experience TV withdrawals? Sadly, depressingly, yes. BUT, I’m very excited with all I will be able to do – reading, more working out, more walking my dog, paying of debt, taking classes….

It’s a very difficult change for me, but another necessary lifestyle change none the less. I am super excited to see myself taking these steps and it only spurs me on.

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Nov 09 2011
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Size 22, The beginning

2nd Doors & Easter Eggs

Two years ago I had knee surgery.  I apparently have a high tolerance for pain, so the injury went undiagnosed for a while, and made it difficult to gauge the healing progress, since pain wasn’t really a factor for me.  However, there was this one little moment when I realized I was on the mend.

I could walk around pretty well post-surgery, though stairs and speed were still an issue.  My building had a key pad that would unlock two doors for a timed amount of time.  I had a very difficult time getting to the 2nd door because of the distance and a couple of steps.  But, one day I did it!

It was the tiniest mark of progress, but it made such a difference in my outlook on “getting back to normal.”

Today, as I continue to work on my waistline, I continue to find the whole process daunting.  I have over 100 pounds to lose and I know it’s going to take the greater part of two years to do it.  I can break it up into milestones, goals, mini goals, etc. etc., but those “2nd doors” are like little Easter eggs for me – it’s always fun to discover them – like the day I could see definition in my quad muscles, the day I got a runners high, and the moment I realized I liked broccoli.  These events spur me on and make it all worthwhile.

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Nov 08 2011
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Goals, Recipe, Size 22, The beginning

Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls!

Tonight I crossed one goal off this week’s list – I tried one new recipe.

I’m a Mexican food junkie, and so when I saw Sassy Southwestern Egg Rolls in the Hungry Girl’s 200 under 200 cook book, I was stoked.  I’m also a big fan of Chili’s Southwestern Egg Rolls, by the way.

These cut the calories by using low carb tortillas and stuffing them with chopped spinach, corn, and black beans.  There’s also some cheese, but it’s not much.

As I prepped the food, I was skeptical.  Spinach, in its Pop-eye canned form (or thawed), looks pretty gross to me.  Spinach is just one of those veggies I haven’t really come around to.  I recently tried the South Beach Diet spinach quiche cups and I just could not do it.  What a waste of eggs.

But.  BUT BUT BUT.  I actually LIKED the spinach-stuffed egg rolls.  I did make a few recipe modifications you should know about.  For one, I didn’t have red chili peppers, so didn’t include them.  I had a REALLY difficult time rolling up all the ingredients, so I ultimately put them in a muffin tin and cooked them that way.  I also (confession alert) added some cheese to the final item (in anticipation of cheese overcoming the spinach).  It didn’t need it, really.  Finally, I added one tortilla to the recipe because there was too much stuff (even in muffin form) to fit inside.

Check it out:

Nov 07 2011
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Confession, Size 22, The beginning

Idle Hands Make for Bad Decisions

I know there are things to be said about the best laid plans, but when you’re changing your life for the healthier, plans are important.

Tonight I had plans.  Plans to play tennis and make Hungry Girl’s Sassy Southwestern Eggrolls.  Tennis was cancelled due to rain, and eggrolls were cancelled due to un-thawed chicken.  This left me with a scary amount of unplanned time.

I used to revel in this kind of evening.  I would curl up on the sofa to watch TV and munch. All. Night.   I would start with something that was meal-like. AND THEN (remember Dude Where’s my Car?) I might have popcorn. AND THEN I might have some grapes.  AND THEN I might have some ice cream.

The food might have changed, but the process was fairly consistent.  Even when I was trying to have a fairly restricted diet, evenings were always a problem.  And they still are, apparently.

I was certainly more mindful of it as the temptations came on, but tonight I started with 3-seed bread toast and added the last of my tomato soup.  BUT THEN I wanted ‘a little something else.’  AND SO THEN I had some popcorn with parmesan cheese.  And I was literally about to wrap up this blog and realized I have boiled eggs sitting on the stove for the intention of some devilled eggs of which if prepared tonight, I would surely have more than one.  Sigh…

I think the most dangerous thing (for me) when it comes to weight gain has been passive, head-in-the-sand mentality.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this weight loss is going to take intention.  The next time I find myself 10 feet from the kitchen with no plan, I will make a new plan that will lend success and not munching.

Nov 07 2011
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Size 22, The beginning

Data Driven

I work in market research.  For those of you (that is, the majority of you) who don’t know what that means, I am part of a process where we create surveys for clients to help them answer business questions.  For example, maybe the Texas board of Tourism wants to know what brings people to Texas, and what makes Texas stay in Texas.  So, our team will create a survey, buy a random sample of people across the country (or world), and additional sample for Texas, and use the internet to survey them.  It’s far more sophisticated than Survey Monkey, but you’d get the idea if you’ve ever used the tool.

When all that is said and done, we take all the data and create a report and presentation for the client.  We look at it every which way, cut it by males vs. females, Texans vs. non-Texans, Americans vs. non-Americans, young vs. old, heavy travelers vs. lite travelers, etc. etc.

Basically all of this to say data and statistics turn me on a bit.

My ultimate goal in all of this is to be a healthy size 8 (hence, single digit denim).  I used some rough math, as I like to call it, to determine what weight it would take to get to that size.  But today, I came across DATA.  Well, self-reported data (which for a researcher like me, is kind of like of like going to six flags when you really wanted Disney World), but data none the less.

Some girl had asked the interwebs to report their weight, height and size, so she could do her stats class project (I like this girl!).  I took that data, looked only at the women in my height range: 5’3″ to 5’4″, and produced this lovely little thing:

Base: 219

Height / Weight / Size Chart. The blue plot points represent every piece of data I collected. For any junior sizes, (that is odd sizes), I rounded up to the next Women's size (i.e. a Women's 3 became a Women's 4). The red line is the trend. Obviously there is not one weight at every size, and obviously women lie about their weight, so this just smooths things out a big. The glow is nothing precise - just sort of gave me a range.

What’s funny here is I am surprisingly above the line.  That’s me, the orange plot-points, circled in black.  I would have thought with my wide hips, I would have to weigh LESS at a size 22 (and a girl with ginormous boobs would weigh more at a size 22).  Maybe my brain is frazzled and I’m thinking about this in reverse though.

In any case, to be a size 8, looks like I’ll need to get down to 140-ish.  And, since my short-term size goal is a 20, according to the graph, I’d need to weigh about 220.  Hrmmm. Here’s hoping I’m consistently above the line, because 220 is a LOOONG way away, and to do that by the end of December frightens me a tad.  Send me love, support, good wishes and prayers and I’ll send ‘em right back!

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