What a difference a week makes. It’s hard to believe just seven days ago I had all but written off any further weight loss this year and downshifted into maintenance. Stuck at the 206.5 point for what feels like weeks, and faced with the looming, food-encrusted holidays, I figured the best I could hope for was to not gain.
In short, if I could step on the scale Monday, January 5, 2009 and still be 206.5, that would be: a) incredible; b) unheard of; and c) a definite first. So imagine my surprise when I hit a new low of 205 on Thursday:
Then imagine my surprise at what followed: a three pound gain in as many days. That is so not the plan. I was positively giddy on Thursday. I thought to myself, “You know, this might not be that bad.” When it went up the next day, I wasn’t too alarmed, since that’s normal after hitting a new low. But three pounds in three days? If I keep this up, I’ll be 265 on the fifth of January. Shoot. I’ll need a fifth of something to help me deal with this kind of crisis. Maybe I can lobby Congress for some sort of bail-out package.
So what caused this dramatic up-tick? Was I abducted by aliens and my body replaced with a slightly larger and hungrier replica? Is this the result of experiment by an evil scientist? Did Dr. Phil do this? While a conspiracy theory would certainly lay the blame anywhere but on me, that wouldn’t be fair. Take a look at the week’s caloric picture and you’ll see.
I think I’m on to something. I mean, something like this could rock the weight loss world! I’ve apparently single-handedly discovered that if you eat too much, you gain weight. And—brace for it—if you eat less, you lose! Does anyone have Oprah’s phone number? I’ve gotta let the world know about this.
| Day 105 | |
| Starting Weight | 224.0 |
| Current Weight | 208.0 |
| Change from Last Week | +1.0 |
| Lost So Far | 16.0 |
| Pounds To Go | 9.0 |
Oh well. Although I did go up three pounds in three days, it’s not the first time I’ve done that and certainly won’t be the last. Overall, I am up just one pound for the week. And while it is the wrong direction, I’ve definitely been through worse than this. Tomorrow’s another day and now it’s time to just get back on the wagon. (And hope against hope it’s not a wagon fulla pancakes.)
on November 10, 2008 at 5:30 am
Oh…I hate when the number on the scale goes up in a short time like that! Maybe some of it is water weight! I can’t believe that you could actually gain 3 pounds in a short time like that. Whatever the reason, I know it will be fine and you will continue in the right direction.
on November 10, 2008 at 8:06 am
I’ve been trying to figure this out for years! Thanks to you and your chart, I think I finally understand. Thanks, Charlie!
on November 10, 2008 at 8:45 am
Ya better break out the Honeycrisp. Apples, not cereal. 🙂
on November 10, 2008 at 10:03 am
I use a free website “Sparkpeople” to track my intake. On this website you can have a free personal page. If I click on one more page of someone on maintenance who weights 110 lbs. soaking wet and who writes “Today, I ate only 3000 calories because I didn’t do cardio,” I will most like put my foot through their picture.
So Charlie, why is it that once you reach your goal weight you’ll probably be able to eat 3000 calories and won’t gain an ounce yet now it means 3 lbs. in 3 days? Explain THAT to me and I’ll be a happy camper.
on November 10, 2008 at 11:08 am
OMG! You need to write a diet book. You’ll make kazillions!
on November 10, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hang in there Charlie! I agree, it could be water weight?
I remember one time I came to your house for the weekend and all I did was drink water, glass after glass. That Monday was my weigh in at work, and I lost 6 pounds that weekend! I went from 143 to 137 all because of water weight!
I wish I was 143 now 😀
on November 10, 2008 at 2:10 pm
YIKES i have to weigh tonight.. oh well..if its up it will go down.. and if its down it will keep going down…
on November 10, 2008 at 9:08 pm
your writing style is hilarious! I’m flattered that you commented on my blog. love your oatmeal post.
on November 10, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Hey there!
Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. 🙂 And no, I haven’t tried the Turkish Delight yet- I am a bit worried I will be disappointed! I mean, come on, the ingredients are the following: Sugar, Hazelnut, corn starch, and concentrated lemon.
Are you joking me?
Anyways, just wanted to say I love your blog. You have such a great writing style. Very captivating.
on November 11, 2008 at 5:12 am
I hate when the numbers are not on my side. Sorry to hear they did not like you either. 🙁
on November 11, 2008 at 11:29 am
You are too funny! Hang in there.
I think it is the scale. Always blaim the scale.
By the way, highly recommend a good bourbon for that fifth during times of crisis. 🙂
on November 11, 2008 at 11:29 am
or if I could spell “blame” 🙁
on November 11, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I love your writing – it’s so funny. But, yes, I hate it when the scale goes up almost overnight like that. But it sounds like you’ve discovered the secret!
on November 12, 2008 at 8:37 am
it’ll all even out. No worries. Hang in there!
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
on November 12, 2008 at 11:02 am
I’m thinking a diet book, a show, guest appearances on Oprah, etc. 🙂
thanks for sharing that!