change is good

Today I saw a number on the scale that I have not seen since I was a freshman in college 6 years ago. I stepped off and on the scale three more times to ensure my entire body occupied the space above the scale. Checked if my contact lenses were in both eyes. Read the number again. And smiled.

As you know, I started on a weight loss program of my own design in January 2003. I started watching what I ate; I also bought an elliptical machine and began exercising 15-20 minutes, two or three days a week. Initially I lost 5 lb. After increasing my exercise routine to 30 minutes, 5 days a week, I lost another 5 lb. And that's where I've been stuck for the past 8 months. I tried exercising more and eating less with no results. Even a visit to the doctor yielded no rationale for why I couldn't lose more weight. I was doing everything right--or was I?

Ten days ago, I decided to experiment with my already low-fat diet: I cut out nearly everything with sugar and reduced my carbohydrate intake (sugar free whole wheat bread instead of white, no candy, no pop, no pasta, brown rice instead of white, no bread/rolls when we went out to eat). It was nothing extreme; I still ate normal-size portions and felt full after each meal. I even had a snack/dessert every night (sugar free jello, sugar free gummi bears, low-carb chocolate snacks, sugar free ice cream). My exercise routine stayed the same: 30 minutes, 5 days a week (mainly walking). Expectations were low. But what happened during this time has greatly suprised me. I don't crave sugary stuff. I don't get hungry two hours before mealtime. And amazingly enough, I've lost 4 lb. Four. Pounds. Can you believe it? FOUR!

Am I on the Atkins diet? No. Am I on the South Beach diet? No. I'm not "on a diet." I'm just making improvements in my own eating habits, trying to figure out what my body needs. I still believe that everyone's body reacts differently to food and exercise; what works for one person may not work for someone else. Apparently my body feels better and works better when I exercise regularly and eat less sugar. For the most part, I still eat what I like, or I eat a healthier version of it. Everything in moderation. I can actually see myself continuing this. And I feel absolutely great.

So at last I am getting closer to where I want to be. Losing 5-6 more pounds would put me at a healthy, manageable weight. I am content to stay a size 12; I just want to reach and maintain a better weight/BMI for my height and body type. That magical number is still at the high end of "normal," according to guidelines, but for me that would translate to "magnificent waiflike goddess." I also hope to lose part of that weight (maybe 2 inches) from my waist, which would help reduce my risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, and diabetes. None of those diseases are common in our family, but I still don't want to take any chances. I consider myself a 25-year old who is responsible for taking care of my future 65-year old self.

My real goal, and perhaps the deeper motivation for these changes, is to reach a healthier weight before pregnancy (hopefully by the end of this year!). Who knew it would be the Maternal Urge that actually helped me LOSE weight? :)