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Wouldn’t it be nice if I could make that my title each week? 🙂 How fast I’d get skinny. I know 6 pounds a week isn’t even close to being a realistic expectation. If I were to lose 6 pounds each week of this 12 week Get Healthy & Fit Series, I will have lost 72 pounds. Yeah…I’m thinking that it will slow down…..probably way, way down. So, before you begin lecturing me on how it’s not a good idea to lose weight quickly because it won’t stay off, etc., etc…..let me tell you my story.
Last week, I began this weight loss journey. I was scared! I was going to have to give up my best friend. Dr. Pepper. I told myself, that I would do Weight Watchers and then maybe I could still have my soda. Day 1 arrived and I decided to go cold turkey. No more Dr. Pepper. Oh, how my head ached! I was irritable and tired, too. Day 2…..not much better. Still that headache. Day 3, the fog began to clear and it got easier! By the end of the week, I find myself annoyed at that drink they call Dr. Pepper. No wonder I have this much extra weight on my body! I have not had one sip of soda this whole week and that is the main thing that I did for my “diet” last week. I did not eat the perfect diet. I still went out to eat a couple of times, had a couple of cookies, a few M&M’s, etc., but I wasn’t worried about it because I knew that my focus for the week was soda and I stuck to it! I also want to pursue this goal, by being able to indulge a little without feeling guilty. Just because I ate at Sonic once because we were on the road, doesn’t mean that my whole diet is a train wreck! I’m hoping to make these changes for the long haul, in order to maintain a much lower weight!
I don’t really see any results yet…..but…it’s only 6 pounds. It’s a great way to compare, just the same!
6 Benefits I Noticed From Being Off of Soda
- When I’m not drinking sugary drinks 1-3 times a day, I actually want water! Each time my head really started to hurt, I’d drink water and it would help to eliminate the headache temporarily. Day 1, I was waterlogged!
- When I’m not drinking Dr. Pepper, I don’t crave nearly as much food throughout the day.
- I’m not as hungry either.
- I wake up a LOT easier in the mornings. Even when I go to bed at 2:00 a.m.
- My brain fog is lifting. No, not the one from the lack of caffeine. I have been feeling down and somewhat miserable for a while now, and suddenly, I’m feeling optimistic again. I had no idea the soda was pulling my attitude down so much.
- Now, that my brain isn’t being controlled by an addiction, I can more easily make better food choices. I was offered a soda by one of my children tonight and it sounded like the most absurd thing someone could ask me. I was also offered an Oatmeal Cream Pie. Um…no thanks. Why would I want to wreak havoc on what I’ve accomplished so far?
My Week 1 Successes & Challenges
Successes:
I lost 6 pounds! (Didn’t measure yet….gotta do that!)
I gave up soda.
I ate a lot more fruits and vegetables than normal, including salads every day.
I had a couple of green smoothies
I bought ice cream for my children and did not have any. I didn’t even feel sorry for myself!
Challenges:
I had a hard time finding the time to exercise. This will need to be more of a priority. I only exercised 3x and only once did my T-tapp DVD. The other times, I walked and went bike riding up and down the driveway with the kids (which they loved!).
Breakfast. I found that I was really craving cereal. I usually had either a smoothie or a piece of fruit but I occasionally had toast or crackers with it because I was so hungry!
My husband took me out for Mexican food and I overate. I had let myself get too hungry, as it was a late lunch. I made up for it by not eating supper and only having fruit, but I am disappointed in my lack of self control there.
How I Plan To Improve Next Week
- Measure myself. I had planned to, but didn’t get it done yet.
- More T-tapp DVD days
- More Green Smoothies
- More Exercise in general
- No overeating
What about you? How did you do?
Don’t forget to go and see my friends who are participating in this Get Healthy & Fit 12 week series. I’m so lucky to have them all on this journey with me!
Kerry says
Woo hoo! Way to go!! (Popped over from Adventurez in Child Rearing. 🙂
Sidetracked Sarah says
Thank you Kerry! 🙂 Glad you stopped in!
whimsyrighthere says
Your teeth (and your children's teeth) will thank you down the road for not washing them in the acid in the soda. That was so hard for me to quit, but now it has been several years and my kids all know that soda is a once in a very great while treat. The stuff is acid, but we don't think about it that way.
Gloria
Sidetracked Sarah says
That's very true Gloria. I will keep trying to think of it that way!
kelli- AdventurezInChildRearing says
so proud of you! I'm so afraid to give up my diet coke (coke zero) but I know I must!
laura says
Way to go, Sarah! My husband and I went low carb a couple of months ago. I have lost 30 lbs. so far and he has lost 50! (Pff, men! Haha!) The first week was sooo hard! But we got thru it together! BTW, a little tip for the caffeine/sugar headaches, eat dill pickles. The vinegar in them relieves the pain for a bit. I consumed an entire jar in a day and half! LOL But it really helped me get thru those first few days! Good luck! 🙂
Sidetracked Sarah says
Oh wow Laura! I'm so happy to hear how much you've lost so far. And yeah……my husband stays thin for the most part, but when he does need to lose anything, it's gone in about a month. I try not to be too envious! That metabolism really works well for them, compared to us!
Gena says
So exciting, Sarah! So proud of you!
Do the T-Tapp. It's hard but so good for you. (I'm talking to myself here, too! ). I'm starting a 6-week fitness challenge at my blog on October 1 and hope I'll lose 6 pounds the first week, too!
–Gena at ichoosejoy.org
Sidetracked Sarah says
oh I know. It's just so easy to push off to the end of the day and then skip. I'm continuing to work towards it for sure! I wish the best to you in your upcoming series! I hope you lose quickly as well.
Jennifer says
I had to give up soda for my kidney health {I had suffered from a lot of kidney stones}, so when I find myself craving some carbonation, I go get some sparkling water from the store. There are some that are flavored with fruit juice rather than HFCS and they taste great!
Fabulous job Sarah!!! You are inspiring 🙂
Sidetracked Sarah says
Great idea Jennifer. Thanks for sharing! I had thought about getting seltzer water and juice and mixing it, but good to know that they sell it already mixed if I need something bad enough!
Sidetracked Sarah says
Yes, It's not just the caffeine for me, either. It's the carbonation and the high fructose corn syrup that I'm addicted to as well . I crave the taste of a carbonated drink! I'm convinced that I lose weight so much better when it's out of my system…..and hopefully I can continue it until I reach my goal. I'm glad I have inspired you a bit. Come back and share your results with me…I'd love to hear them!
Suzann says
So, I'm on day 6 with no soda pop. No fountain Coke or Dr. Pepper in a can. I've been drinking ice tea (decaf – much less sugar) and I've had a few cups of coffee since the cold set in. I've lost 2 pounds. I find that less than encouraging because I know my weight fluctuates that much anyway, so I can't tell if I've really lost anything. I don't feel any better, but I don't feel any worse. I'm not craving it. It sounds good and all, but it's not an irresistible craving. Here's hoping next week has better, more reliable I should say, results.
Sidetracked Sarah says
Hmmm, well hopefully next week will do better for you! I still crave it occasionally….but it's way easier than it used to be!
Jeri Lynn says
Wow Sarah! You are doing great! I just love all the benefits you are seeing from letting go of the soda. Just amazing 🙂
Suzann says
Congratulations, Sarah! I too love Dr. Pepper or fountain Cokes. I am trying to talk myself into giving them up. For me it's not about the caffeine. Most people think I'm crazy, but truly caffeine doesn't really affect me very much. It's the sugar. I'm sure of that. But you've inspired me! Baby weight from number 6 just won't go away, and I've long suspected it's the soda pop! Hmmm….
Laurie says
Go, Sarah!!!
Giving up soda is a hard one…kind of like my giving up sweet tea. I find that it just doesn't taste good to me any more.
You are doing great!
HeatherDB says
Way to go Sarah! I have been struggling a lot with my weight loss – I did awesome two years ago and lost 40. Then I started a new med and I'm trying to blame the 20 pound gain on it – but really.. I know what it was… CARBS and all that other fun food. Thank you for your inspiration and I'm starting over today too. No more diet pepsi for me! Let's see how I do. Keep up the great work and may God bless you!
Sidetracked Sarah says
We can do this Heather! I know how it is. I lose and gain the same weight a lot, too. I don't think I've ever lost 40 pounds total though. Keep me posted on your progress!
hsmominmo says
WaHoo! How exciting for you! You are off to a great start. I’m trying to get back into my t-tapping routine as well, thank you for the encouragement. Keep up the good work!
Sidetracked Sarah says
Thanks Linda! It can be hard to find the time to T-tapp, that's for sure! I just have to make myself do it.
Courtney says
awesome job girl!!! I gave up caffeine in January, but still have a smidge from time to time. Keep up the good work!
Sidetracked Sarah says
That's great Courtney! I have such a long ways to go…..but am glad that I have the motivation this time. That's always my biggest obstacle in weight loss!
Brenda G says
Congratulations Sarah!! A great week!
Six pounds is a great number for a first week, and not out of the ordinary for a Week One.
I'm hoping back "on the wagon" this week. Before I had my kids, I ost 75 pounds in 10 months on Weight Watchers. People actually told me that i was SKINNY! (And I wasn't even in my weight range for WW standards yet!) The plan truly works, if you work the plan. I've heard so many people say that WW doesn't work. I'm living proof that it does… now, to get back on that wagon! Onward and upward (or downward, as the scale may be)!! Keep up the good work and the motiation for others!!
Sidetracked Sarah says
I know it does work very well for many people. I really like how it encourages you to drink your water and eat as many fruits and vegetables as you want. That is definitely a key for me! . I may go to it if I need some extra motivation, but for now I'm going to try saving my money. 😉 We shall see what the coming weeks brings me.
quickeasycheaphealth says
That's awesome! You go, girl!