I lost another 3 pounds this week. That’s half of what I lost last week, but it’s basically what I expected. I usually lose quite a bit of water weight in the first week. The idea from here on is to be content with small victories and 3 lbs. is a definitely that.
I’ve been 100% faithful to my diet and excercise plan. I don’t eat more than 1800 calories a day and I’ve been working out 6 days a week for at least 30-45 minutes a day. But since it’s my birthday today, I think I’m going to have a cheat meal tonight and eat about 1000 calories more than what I normally would.
Before you bombard me with e-mails about sticking to my diet, let me explain that many experts actually suggest a cheat meal once a week. I was watching “Biggest Loser” this week and the male trainer, Bob, suggested that you have one high calorie cheat-meal a weel as long as you exercise that day too. Experts say that it’s good for you (as long as you don’t overdo it and don’t eat junk food) because it gives you something to look forward to each week and that it helps to increase energy during your workouts. Experts also say that this one high calorie meal can kick start your metabolism back into high gear. Dieting often results in a slowing of the metabolism effect. The body senses starvation and tries to lower the amount of energy it needs to continue to function on a daily basis. This means that you will be burning less calories just sitting still than if you hadn’t been dieting, which makes weight loss even harder. When you shock your system with a high influx of calories at one time, the body’s metabolism will show an increase and you’ll kick start your “furnace” into high gear once again.
So tonight, I’m having a high calorie birthday meal. Tomorrow, I’ll go back to 1800 calories per day and we’ll see how it works. If it affects my energy and metabolism as experts suggest, I’ll continue to have a cheat meal every Saturday night.
Right now, my short term goal is to be under 260 by April 1. I’ll post again next Saturday and let you know where I’m at. I’ve gotten e-mails from several people offering words of support . . . thanks for keeping tabs on me . . . It’s helping tremendously. Also, I’ve heard from several of you who are doing this weight loss journey along with me. Good Luck to you and hang in there. Keep me posted of your progress.
