Noom and the Measure of Success

 

Okay I liked my Noom lesson today.  It talked about how measuring progress does not have to be in lbs lost, but in other ways. Such as better sleep, less aches, and pains, making healthy choices, turning down treats, getting others to be healthier, basically they said, “Progress can be whatever the heck YOU want it to be”.  The topic was dealing with plateaus and how to just ride them out by focusing on other areas of success.  The body adapts quickly to calorie changes and will work with what it gets, so weight loss can get stalled a lot. Mine adapts very quickly unfortunately. I just need to not focus on the scale at times and look to other areas where I have made positive changes.  I noticed my cheeks do not look so fluffy LOL and I think my ankles look better LOL all the stuff in between still looks the same.

                I count it a success though that on my days off I am averaging over 11,000 steps a day. I also count it a success that every day I start with my lemon water and a healthy breakfast.  I think I am staying awfully close to my calorie allotment daily, so that is good as well.  Huge success is my kids are totally on board with helping me. They no longer try and tempt me with yummies. They look for the lighter versions of things now too.  Last night we made dinner together and used a sugar free marinade my daughter found at the store.  It was delicious and on 5 calories a serving or 115 calories for the whole bottle. It was Thai Chili and we poured it over sliced chicken breasts, cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. We then baked it all together. It was so delicious. Since marinade had basically no calories, veggies were all healthy and light, the chicken was only calorie dense food. I had removed all the skin and fat, so it was just meat. I could eat and not feel guilty. My daughter was immensely proud of herself for finding it.  She insisted I get the other two flavors, garlic parmesan and orange ginger, both sugar free as well. We cannot wait to try them.

                Another success was we went out and walked, it had been raining all evening, but we still needed our walk. Once it stopped pouring, we were able to walk with it just sprinkling a tiny bit. I finished the day with a step count of 12,424 steps. I got a lot accomplished yesterday.  I made a to do list and managed to cross them all off.  I like having a to do list.  It keeps me focused on what needs to be done.  Today I know in addition to Noom, this blog, lemon water and coffee (all I have done so far) I need to get food prepped for work weekend so I have healthy food choices to combat the chocolate and fatigue at work LOL, I have to do laundry, get my steps in (I do a big chunk of them in my living room while I watch an episode of The Mentalist), and then maybe work on this flamingo wreath I designed in my head for my room LOL.  I have all the stuff; I just need to put it together. Wednesdays I try and take it a bit easy since it is my last day of relaxation before work.

Oh yeah, I must get stuff for the Fourth of July this Sunday LOL it falls on my cheat day so YAY!!!  Son has asked for burgers. Totally doing that. I used to get fireworks, but then we saw the neighbors around us go crazy with their fireworks, so we always get amazing shows no matter where we look, front yard, back yard, windows, the fireworks are going off all around us.  The first year here we were lighting small stuff in the yard. One went about 6 feet high. My son had just said we should stop since did not want to scare the neighbors. Just then one of the surrounding houses started setting off professional grade fireworks LOL my son looked at me, laughing and said “we’re good” it was timed so perfectly that it was hilarious. Pets hate the noise, so they stay hidden, while my daughter and I run around the house, trying to see all the fireworks going off.  It is fun.

Hope + Noom = Success

     Back on normal schedule sort of LOL I got an extra day off this weekend, which is AWESOME. I used it to sleep and recover. So, my normal Sunday off I got a lot accomplished as well as did over 14,000 steps.  Between grocery shopping, errands, farmer’s market, and mowing my front lawn I was able to rack up bunches of steps. I did cheat on diet though, but it was my cheat day.  I stay mindful of calories, but do not track them LOL I probably went over allotment, but in my opinion, people need to have a cheat day once a week.  This gives them something to look forward to. I had so many yummies to eat, but I did not get to them all LOL

            I miss cooking. It was my creative outlet. Now if I cook, I must really try hard and make it as healthy as possible, or just let my kids eat it LOL this weekend I made stir fry.  They ate the meat and udon noodles, and I got all the veggies minus the broccoli, my daughter wanted them LOL.  I still am trying extremely hard, and a lot of the time I still believe I will succeed this time. When I daydream, it is about how healthy I will be this time next year.  If I can stay focused now, by Christmas I will hit a major goal.

            Noom confused me a bit though this week.  It said exercise does not really do much, it is more about the calorie intake. It did say exercise has LOTS of good benefits, but the most important thing to loosing weight is calorie intake.  I guess that makes sense.  A person could be working out 5 times a day, but if they are eating massive calories, the exercise will not do much. So, thinking it through, I am no longer confused LOL. I will however keep moving.  I know I feel better if I get my steps in.  I know when my son started his weight loss, all he did was cut back on calories. He focused on that first.  Then he added walking 5 minutes every hour, then 10 minutes an hour.  As I have mentioned before, he lost about 100 lbs. and is feeling so much better.  Now he is working on getting a bit of muscle tone LOL he got too skinny.  He can easily do push ups now and kicks. Before he had too much mass to do those things. He moves a lot more freely.  That is what I want the most, be able to move a lot easier.   

            This morning as I was making my lemon water I wondered briefly how much longer, I had to remind myself there is not end point, this is just the new normal.  Getting healthy is not something I will ever stop doing, it is just the way it is now.  The part of me that liked to overindulge and sit on the couch, is just going to have to get lost.  It sucks not being able to be lazy and just cook and eat what I want. What sucks more though is the pain I feel when I stand up, having to tell my daughter no because I am too tired, being scared when I feel short of breath or my chest hurting, and being terrified that I will not be there for when my daughter is an adult.  That is what keeps me going, and hoping that this will all pay off in the long run.

Noom Gave me Peace of Mind

 

I was so worried about getting sidetracked off my diet while my ex was in town, and we were all going out.  I am thrilled to say I did not WOOOHOOO!!!  I still lost 2lbs this past week.  So that is a total of 10 lbs. so far.  I am so happy and pleased with myself.  I am on an adrenalin high right now.  I hope it lasts all night long because I have been up since 5a.m. and I must work tonight.  By the time I get off work and home for bed, I will have been up 28 hours. Not going to be fun. My son is giving me some of his energy Mio to drink when I start fading.  He is so incredibly supportive of me.  I would be lost without him. 

Monday, we had a fun time together.  My ex, my son, my daughter, and I went to SeaWorld.  Lots of walking around and looking at the animals.  We found a new area that my daughter and I had never found before, the sea lions.  They were awesome and so loud.  I bought 5 trays of food for the lions, and they all fed them.  You had to make eye contact and throw fast, if threw slow the birds snatched it away.  We also went to watch the Orca Encounter show.  We had never done that either. It was cool up until the very end.  Then the water in the tank attacked me courtesy of the orca’s tail.  All I saw was a wall of water coming at me.  I got drenched!!! Not just a little wet but soaked all the way through wet.  And it was salty. I am trying to not think about what ended up in my mouth LOL. Everyone thought it was funny seeing me soaked, I did not. OK it was funny but uncomfortable being that wet for rest of the day. We also checked out the sharks, stingrays, and my favorite, the flamingos.

Tuesday, we went to Disney Springs. I thought I had blown it as far as calories, but thanks to Noom I was able to log in the poutine I consumed (which was totally delicious) and found out as long as I did not eat any more calories, I was still okay LOL. I refrained from eating any of the pizza they had, I stuck to munching on some cucumber slices to help get me through the video we watched and drank lots of diet sweet tea. As much as I hate logging foods, being able to look up calories on Noom has helped.  By end of day yesterday I was still 100 calories under my daily allotment. So, I did not beat myself up mentally for having the poutine. Without the app I would have assumed I totally messed up my diet and would have gone to bed depressed after probably telling myself since I had already blown it, I might as well have some other junk food. Noom took those thoughts away, so I was able to go to sleep feeling proud of myself for making it through the pizza LOL.

New and Healthy Goal

         This past weekend was definitely different.  Not only did I not have to work, but my ex-husband came into town to visit our son.  My son was not looking forward to it, but he was open to it at least LOL Perhaps part of him was looking forward to it? Thankfully he has been awesome to his dad. He has spent last couple of nights with him at his hotel instead of coming home.  When my son told his dad he was planning on doing that, his dad’s face lit up like he had won the lottery. I was so proud of my son for being able to do that.  It is funny to me that now his dad and I get along, we are friends now. Twenty-three years ago we were definitely not friends. Divorce was bitter and the custody battle lasted over a decade. It wasn’t until our son was in high school that we started being friendly again. He has a very simple life that in some ways I am envious of LOL he has his own business where he delivers who knows what with his truck. I think it would be so fun to be able to drive all over the country, stopping to look at interesting places if I felt like it, and getting to set my own schedule. He hardly has any bills and very little responsibilities in my mind LOL I realize there is probably lots more to it than I am aware of.  I couldn’t do it.  I fall asleep too fast when I get in the car, and I am driving LOL big drawback is he is unhealthy.

       My ex was shocked when he saw our son for the first time since pre-Covid.  During the past year my son lost close to 100 lbs. He looks amazing.  It also thrilled me to no end that when ex saw me he noticed I had lost weight, was nice to hear that my efforts are starting to be noticeable. I believe my ex found all the pounds our son lost though. He looks very unhealthy.  So that is my next project LOL I, along with my son’s help, and going to try and help ex get healthier.  I know my son would be devastated to lose his dad, and if he doesn’t change some habits, that is what is going to happen. I told my son he helps me so much, that he should help his dad as well. I told him I would find the tips and he could pass it along. Or if his dad wishes, I can be his diet buddy LOL it would also help me be accountable since I would be forced to practice what I preached.  It will be a challenge though since ex’s days are spent in the cab of his truck.  I told son to tell him “drink more water, chose the healthiest food options he can find at truck stops, no more soda or sweets, and three times a day move for 10 minutes”. I also told son he needs to send a text a day to encourage his dad to be mindful of his health. I will help son with those texts since he is not really into this yet LOL I am hoping that together we can get his dad healthier.

Noom Nom

 

          Well, I have the rare weekend off which is quite nice.  My ex-husband is driving in today to take our son out for a visit.  I think they are heading to Saint Augustine, Florida today.  While they are doing their thing, my daughter and I will be entertaining ourselves.  Since we are meeting at a mall, I think she and I will walk around that place for a bit, then possibly Ikea. Only been there once, but we found some fun stuff so might be worth a return visit since we will be in the area. I had wanted to go to a different farmer’s market than the usual one, but ex kind of is putting a damper on that one. Oh well, is probably better. I tend to get yummies that are totally not diet worthy at farmer’s markets LOL  

                I am still staying on my Noom diet. Even with my work schedule all messed up, I did not cheat. So far, I did not lose any more weight, but I also did not gain any weight, so I will call that a win. Perhaps this week I can convince the scale to move.  I am rationalizing it was due to less activity since all I did was work and sleep, no 11,000 steps a day. I also ate a few unhealthy options but stayed within calorie count LOL.

          According to Noom though, that is okay. No food is off limits, I just need make sure I do not overindulge. In case anybody is curious, Noom divides up foods into a color system, hence my rainbow food picture I swiped off the internet LOL (one of these days I will create my own amazing pictures to put on here). The three colors are green, yellow, and red.  The Noom system says about 30 percent of your intake should come from green foods, 45 percent from yellow foods, and 25 percent from red foods. It is just a tool to help teach and guide me in making smart food choices.  I have flexibility in what I wish to eat, there are no restrictions. The main focus I see so far, is staying within my calorie range. I start with 1200 calories a day, and if I exercise, the calories I expend are divided in half, and I get those half calories. For example, I burn 200 calories, I get 100 of those added into my 1200 to equal 1300 for the day.  The more I burn, the more calories I get to spend. Yesterday I burned lots of calories working and mowing, so I got to splurge on a Wendy’s Jalapeno Popper salad. It was delicious.

Wendy's Jalapeno Popper salad

Green foods like blueberries, apples, carrots, peppers, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, berries, bananas, oats, whole-grain bread, quinoa, non-fat dairy products, and egg whites are all great choices and typically do not have a lot of calories.  Yellow foods such as avocado, salmon, chicken, turkey, beans, tofu, whole eggs, tempeh, lean ground beef, black beans, chickpeas, and low-fat dairy are still healthy, but I need to watch the calorie count.  Red foods like olive oil and other oils, nuts and seeds, nut butters, dried fruit, beef, pork, full-fat dairy, bacon, French fries, burgers, potato chips, pizza, and cake are all high calories. 

          Some red foods are still healthy choices like the nuts and dried fruit, and others are not so healthy LOL I so wish those French fries had made it on the green list. I will steer clear of them, but bacon on the other hand is one that this Southern belle will refuse to give up LOL.  Since it is all about moderation, I can add a few pieces of bacon to some whole grain toast, a smear of olive oil mayo, sliced tomato, some lettuce and I have a scrumptious BLT to enjoy.  So red not necessarily bad or forbidden, I just need be careful with foods in that color area.

Noom Over Chocolate

 

          OMG This weekend was a challenge.  I was super busy at work.  I had way too many admissions, trying to keep them all straight in my head was an ordeal.  It really was not fair to me.  Sometimes just because I can do it, does not mean I should do it. Plus, side of being so busy, I did not have time to think about snacks and I got a lot of steps in.  So, I managed to not cheat (so proud of myself). On the last night, when I am at my most vulnerable, I faced an almost impossible challenge: CHOCOLATE.  A patient had left a box of chocolates as a gift for the nurses. Great googamooga I wanted a piece of chocolate. The other staff kept taking pieces and going on and on about how delicious they were, moaning was even involved LOL during those moments I swear they were purposely tormenting me because I am dieting. I am sure they were not, but I was not thinking very rationally with chocolate around.  What did I do to combat it? I opened my Noom app and did my daily lessons. I frantically read through them, desperately searching for skills to get me through temptation. I posted on the support group message stream about my predicament even LOL and you know what? I made it through LOL I did not take even a small piece of chocolate.  I realize one piece would not kill me, but it was what it symbolized.  If I gave in, then all that I had worked for was gone in my mind.  I would have felt like I let myself down.  I have been working extremely hard to maintain control of my appetite and diet. I have my kids involved in helping me get healthier.  If I gave in at the first temptation of chocolate, then I would feel like I let them and myself down.  So, I said no thank you. Even at the end of the shift, nobody around, just me and my conscience, I said no LOL shoot I peaked at the chocolates but restrained myself.  I felt so accomplished and proud of myself for that. Noom says I do not have to say no to any food, just have it in moderation.  Right now, until I am better in control, I am saying no to a lot of foods. Sort of detoxing from them.  I do not think I have had any added sugar in three weeks now. No white bread, only whole grain toast, no pasta, LOTS of romaine lettuce LOL and tuna. Keeping a tight grip on my diet right now until it becomes second nature. I am hoping to eventually get to my son’s level LOL he has not had sugar in years. Plus, he has lost almost 100 lbs.  He is amazing in my mind.

         

          Sundays are my relax and refresh day. I still do adulting stuff but I am also trying to do something fun as well.  I got home and mowed my lawn. Not really fun until I am done, then I feel so accomplished looking at my freshly mowed yard. It makes me feel not so old LOL I see so many people in neighborhood hire people to do their yard, but I manage to do it all by myself. I am a mess to look at afterward LOL it is a great workout. I also did laundry and grocery shopped so I would have all my diet food for the week. Work schedule is off this week so I had to get ready sooner than usual.  My kids and I made tacos for dinner (I didn’t have any, just the fun of cooking with Staci again) and we made a TikTok recipe for the first time. Pickled Red Peppers.  They were super easy. We thinly sliced up one large red onion and put into a mason jar. For pickling juice we combined 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, 1 tbsp salt, ¼ cup sugar, and some cracked pepper. Heated it up on stove to melt the sugar, then poured it over the onions in the jar. Lid on and set it on counter to cool before placing it in fridge. Overnight it turned pink LOL I cannot wait to try some on my salad today. Staci has decided she likes red onions now, so she is looking forward to trying some as well.

Noom is Working!!!

 

    I lost 5 lbs this past week!!!! I know I won’t lose that every week, so this is huge celebration!!! Since started Noom, I am down 7 lbs 😊 That is just incredible to me. My son says soon I will have to worry about my clothes falling off LOL I doubt that, I have drawstrings LOL Honestly I really haven’t noticed the loss in the mirror, but the scale says it is gone, so I will just believe. 

    Noom is working LOL who would have thought it would. I certainly didn’t.  I have been giving it a chance though, and it is paying off.  I have been logging my meals, staying within my calorie allowance, and walking every day with my kids. Well except on the weekend when I work, which starts tonight. What is also helping me stay on track is the support group surprisingly.  I really like being able to look at our message stream for new posts. We all have struggles and successes, and we get to share them there. Today the group coach said we could even share recipes if we wanted. I cannot wait to report my loss 😊 I know co-workers won’t be happy for me, but hopefully the Noom group will.  It was also great to message my personal coach that I lost 5 lbs. I got a big WOOHOOO back from her.

    The latest lesson from Noom is mindful eating. It is just what it sounds like. Being fully aware when you are eating. Not snacking while watching TV or playing on the computer. Making eating an event. Putting away distractions and focusing on what you are putting into your mouth. It really does work.  If I am just focused on what I am eating, I feel full faster, so I eat less.  It also helps to think if I really want those last few bites.  It is so hard unlearning the habit from childhood of finishing everything on my plate. Parents from my generation always said that, but back then the portion sizes were proper. Now portions are at least doubled. That Noom lesson was a couple of days ago LOL my favorite trick for that, is using smaller plates.

    OKAY challenging couple of weeks ahead. My work schedule is all messed up, my son’s dad is visiting, and my son has asked his sister and me to be a buffer while he is here, so we will be going out bunches. There is a food truck festival that we might go to on Sunday as well.  I will be doing my best to stay within calorie allowance and get my walking in. Must protect my 7 lbs now 😊