New Look 6025...a transitional top while I reach my New Look

In January, I had the good fortune to become a part of a fitness program through my insurance company. It was just the opportunity I was looking for...working with a personal trainer, and learning (re-learning) ways to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I was motivated, ready to work and determined to be smart about my approach to fitness this time. More on that in a minute.

I've spent my life up and down the same twenty or more pounds. I feel great when I'm at a reasonable weight. I never know how to keep that great feeling. I've done it all...a three time lifetime member of Weight Watchers, and everything else under the sun.

Kwik Sew 0137 Ellie Mae Design....a round and chubby work in progress!

I was starting to feel defeated, thinking that turning 50 meant that my metabolism would forever be a roadblock to a healthy lifestyle. Turns out, my metabolism had nothing to do with me living a healthier lifestyle. Me sitting on the sofa, me eating whatever I wanted to eat whenever I wanted to eat it and me not exercising? That was my roadblock. It was ME. I was in my own way. And in January, I weighed more than I have in many, many years and I felt lousy, and I didn't like it.

Two weeks in to my training program, I injured my knee. For two months, I continued to go to that fitness program. For two months, I was limited in what I could do, but determined not to give up. I was given the use of a recumbent elliptical and a recumbent bike. While everyone else from my class was laughing it up while doing Zumba or group boot camp, I was on the recumbent elliptical. I went to the gym two other days a week, and while I couldn't do high impact, I could lift weights. And gently peddle that dang bike. Then my knee really gave up. The pain was pretty intense for a few days.

I had surgery within two weeks of diagnosis. And I could have very easily felt defeated again, but I went to therapy, followed directions, and slowly and wisely started to strengthen my legs and knee. Even though I was very limited physically,  I did what I was told to do and my pt showed me ways that I could really get a good workout without having to run, jog or walk hard. And I was told my recovery was in the top five of over 300 knee surgeries they had re-habbed. Because I refused to give up.

I think the key this time around was being smart about setting goals. Far too many times, I've been gung ho with diet and exercise only to realize I set myself up for failure with unrealistic expectations to maintain a certain (too low) calorie count or too extreme workout schedule. It's easy to give up when you can't keep up.

So, I figured I could reasonably make time for three workouts a week. And I could substitute the things I love to eat with better for me food that I love to eat. Not having a cheeseburger and fries twice a week, but maybe once every two weeks. Dessert on weekends instead of twice a day! I've discovered that grain products really give me a hard time, so I've tried to be wise in eliminating them. Not completely, but very limited amounts.

I haven't been perfect at this and I don't expect to be. But I do feel my body changing, becoming stronger and feeling better physically and emotionally. No more acid reflux. No more heartburn. I stop and think. It's a slow and realistic approach. I don't weigh myself every day. Since January, even with a knee injury and eight weeks of PT, I've managed to loose almost 15 pounds! I have five more pounds to loose. And who knows if down the road,  I will be in this very same position that I've been in countless times before? I'm hoping not, but I also know myself and what a struggle it can be.

So, this New Look pattern has satisfied my sewing itch while I transition to my New Look. I cut view A, without the elastic casing at the waist. I shortened the sleeves, too. This top is made from a poly semi-sheer fabric from Joann's. It works for now. 

My body is changing  and I'm doing more altering of my clothes than sewing new things! For the first time in a looooonnnnngggg time, I've cut a smaller size!

I guess I tell this story to remind myself and to encourage others too, that even when you think you can't possibly do enough to overcome your weight struggle, you can do a little...a little at a time. And pretty soon, it becomes easier, and you realise that you can make a commitment to change one thing.