Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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.

22 comments:

  1. You look fantastic! I have been on the same life-changing road for the last four years and can relate to what a challenge it can be. I have lost the slowest 37 pounds ever but they are gone and seem to want to stay gone. Congrats on your success even with a knee injury! What a challenge!

    I love the sheer blouse! Great fit and beautiful print on the fabric!

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  2. Every destination is arrived at one step at a time. Your plan sounds very sensible, and I wish you success to reach your goal and to stay there. You're looking wonderful, and the top looks gorgeous.

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  3. You GO girl! Looking good, but more important, it sounds like you're FEELING good! It seems that quite a few sewing bloggers are taking a healthier approach to exercise and diet lately (and blogging about it), so you have a lot of support!

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  4. Your new top is darling. And you look great! I love your approach, and you are inspiring to those of us who need to make some changes (raising my hand). :)

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  5. Congratulations for sticking to it despite the obstacles! You do look great and sounds like you feel great too. I have been fairly faithful on the exercise front this past year. Now I need to step it up on the food front.

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  6. Your New Look and your New Look top looks fabulous. I love that blouse with the maxi skirt. Great job on all your hard work and determination, I am here in the Midwest cheering "Hip Hip Hooray!" Oh and by the way, you find the best fabric at your Joann's

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  7. And you do look fabulous Lynne!

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  8. Looking good inside and out. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm working up the resolve to whittle away the same 20 lbs that come and go. I'm encouraged to make a go of it. Thanks again. And I love your top.

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  9. thank you! for the reminder that little steps do add up. I've recently drug myself back to WW. I've also injured my leg and trying to figure out what the next steps are.

    you look amazing and I love that top. Congrats on a new look! g

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  10. What an inspiring post. I too am a twice lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I have the same trouble as you. Just battling to lose a few extra kilo's at the moment that have snuck their way back on over the winter. I love the colours in your fabric and it looks great with your maxi skirt. Keep up the great work.

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  11. Your top is absolutely beautiful, in fabric and style. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story of the weight-loss journey. My story is similar, lifetime WW since 1982, but still weight going back on. I have also lost this year, 13kg over about 12 months, very slow. What has made the difference? health reasons mostly, and maybe the same thing for you too. I really mean it when I say Well Done You!!

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  12. Applause, applause.....can you hear me clapping??! You look fabulous (nice top, BTW!).
    I think many of us in our "middle age" can identify with your story, so thanks for sharing it! I just wish I liked to exercise as much as I like to knit and sew....LOL!

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  13. You look beautiful! This top is just lovely. I always love looking at your projects, and your sunny countenance is a blessing. I've hit, and past the 50 mark a few years now, and definitely have had to make some lifestyle adjustments, too. Just the same!! I finally realized I was eating whatever-whenever, like I'm still 21 and can do that! LOL! Thanks for this post, an encouragement to me to keep at it. (I need to get back to the gym, again.) I enjoy your blog! Blessings blessings!

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  14. That's a pretty top, and I like the styling shot! You're looking good!

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  15. clap clap clap...I wish you could see my smile as I applaud your success! Stay with it, and remember to keep posting your efforts and results as I benefit too! Love the flirty little blouse :-)

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  16. YOu look so great!!! I am so proud of you. weight struggles are so tough. IM 2 months without a soda, but I have to give up more of the junk I eat to make a difference!

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  17. So glad to hear that your knee has healed up so beautifully! And I'm glad to hear you're feeling so well and achieving a nice balance with your exercise plan. You're so wise to set realistic goals-- I struggle with that ("I'm going to run every single morning before work!") and then getting discouraged when I can't stick to my crazy plans.

    I love this top! It's such a pretty print, and the colors are particularly lovely on you!

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  18. You look stunning! The colors are beautiful on you. Congratulations on all of your hard work

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  19. 50 Looks good on you! I'm fretting 60.

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  20. You look fabulous!!! I have long been dealing with the daily battle of the intense desire to lose the 20 I've managed to gain in the last 10 years yet, doing next to ZERO about it or, like you, setting myself up for imminent failure! Thank you for being an inspiration. I can see the happiness shining brightly thru you!!

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  21. Looking good Lynne! Keep it up.

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