Day 52 - In week 8 of ME

Not much change.  In a way, I'm surprised.
I really expected a time of "adjustment", followed by my body's realizing it was time to change and a steady progress downward in weight, inches, and body fat.  Alas, not the case.  The last 3 weeks have been completely the same.  Inches have not budged in ANY spots AT ALL.  Weight is only down about 1 pound per week.  


I WILL FINISH at least 10 weeks.  I may even give it a bit longer because I do feel better, have more energy, and am not hungry all the time.  Unfortunately, this plan is one of those where I really have to pay attention to how different foods make me feel and how they affect me.  I have always been VERY out of tune with that.  I'm hungry most of the time, and that's it.  I don't know that caffeine does this to me, or that sugar does that to me, or that carbs make me gain weight, or whatever.  I just know that FOOD makes me gain weight...and not much food at that!  


They really want me to focus on how I feel - hunger, energy, and cravings.  This is SO HARD for me!!!  I don't have time to do much of anything "fun" or pay attention to me.  My days are whirlwinds of activity and always feeling "behind" on just about everything.  I go to bed each night feeling guilty about what I forgot to do or didn't get to today.  I don't watch TV at all...I don't have a hobby...  I'm not used to paying attention to such seemingly minor details like "how so-and-so" food makes me hungry or gives/takes energy.  Who knows???  I don't.  I'm trying, but this is just very difficult. 


I don't see what other choice I have.  I am NOT going back to counting calories, fat grams, or points.  NOT EVER.  I am NOT going to weigh 192 again either.  NOT EVER.  


I really have to learn to focus on my own body's reactions to various things and buckle down on all aspects of this fat loss approach to life.  I am doing much of what they advise and sticking to the food and exercise plan.  The problem is in managing the emotional part of the formula, which the creators of the plan say is of utmost importance.  Sleep, stress management, scheduling of meals/workouts/walks/downtime, etc. are a critical part of this plan, but I have been neglecting it.   


Typing estimates at midnight (and blogs at 12:30am) is not good.  But, it is normal life for me.  Joe comes home from the gym at 9pm...then it's showers, nighttime rituals, needy kids, and THEN work.   It has to be done or we don't get work.  So...I will have to re-think this, but not sure what my options are.  


I am going to try harder.  Have upped the ME Spark Workouts to 3X/week from 2X/week and have really moved up in weights.  Deadlifting 50 pounds, squatting and curling 40 pounds, etc.  They insist that HEAVY WEIGHTS = SMALLER ME.   We shall see....