What?????

After a lamentable couple of weeks, I am back on track with a vengeance!

I was shocked at today's weigh-in after losing only .4 lbs. two weeks ago and gaining .4 last week. I was hoping I would at least lose one pound and two would be fantastic.

I was able to start working out again this past week after hurting my neck and it felt good. I went hard on the cardio, doing 45 minutes on average and I upped my weights. There is a difference of opinion on how to work out when trying to lose weight. Some say don't use weights because you'll gain muscle mass which weighs more than fat. Others say if you increase your lean muscle mass, it will up your metabolism. I'm a believer in the latter. I'm also going crunch-crazy these days in an effort to diminish the several inches I'm able to pinch around my midsection.

I ate well this past week including a night out Friday at the Food & Wine fest where I drank wine and ate some good food without guilt.

The result - I lost 5 lbs. this week. Yes, 5 lbs. I'm starting to think there really is no rhyme nor reason to all of this - but I am thrilled. I broke that 150 barrier which is a great mental boost.

I have already surpassed my initial goal of dropping 15 pounds during the duration of this contest. (I've lost 17.8 now).

My ultimate goal - to reach 140 lbs., now seems attainable.

Thanks to all of you who have offered words of encouragement and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Call it a draw.

I cannot say I'm surprised. I'm not even terribly disappointed. After losing only .4 lbs last week, I gained .4 lbs this week. So, I figure it's a draw or a plateau over the past two weeks.

I had a weekend that was not conducive to weight loss. Oh, I suppose I could have said no to the potatoes. I could have had water instead of wine. But am I supposed to deprive myself and live what I consider to be abnormally, simply because I'm in a Biggest Loser contest? I think not.

It started Friday when we had a wonderful event to attend for cardiac wellness. The meal was terrific. Chicken, veggies, salad and wine. Saturday was Valentine's Day. We hadn't planned to go out, but we did and we had pizza and wine. Mind you, the pizza was whole wheat, thin crust. Sunday, we had a birthday party for a 3 year old. Needless to say, the food was geared toward the younger crowd. Cheesy potatoes. Hamburgers, hot dogs. Cake and ice cream. I ate veggies, salad and a hamburger patty - no bun. I did not have cake. Later on that night we went out for dinner yet again and I had a chicken dish with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, but I only ate half and saved the other half for lunch on Monday.

Now, here's my big finale. I slept funny on Friday and haven't been able to work out for several days because my neck won't allow me to turn my head to the right.

9 more weeks. I am down 12.8 lbs. I am OK!!

Arrrrrgggghhhhhh!!

I want to lose a lot of weight every week...why is this not happening?!

I worked out a lot last week. I ate right last week. I lost half a pound last week.

To quote my ever-supportive husband - "it's a marathon, not a sprint". OK, but it's not fair! I eat great. Well, except for Saturday night at the hockey game when I had a big pretzel, popcorn and 4 bites of pizza. But should one little night of fun lead to such a small weight loss? I worked out extra hard on the weekend so I could indulge a little. Okay, so I also had a couple of glasses of wine and maybe a martini, but come on!

Let me check....okay, my rant is over. I am intelligent enough to realize I am doing well. I have lost 13.2 lbs. in 5 weeks which is fantastic. There are ten weeks left in this competition and I'm in it for the long haul.

I want very badly, however, to get under 150 lbs. I am currently at 151.6. I know it's a psychological thing, but I won't be truly satisfied with my effort until I reach that goal.

Why does trying to lose weight drive so many of us mad?

Week 4 nets the worst score!

Okay, okay, so it's not that bad. I'm starting to think I'm lying to myself. All last week I said "if I just lose one pound next week I'll be happy". Well, I lost 1.8 lbs. and I'm a tad disappointed.

Intellectually, I know I'm being ridiculous. I have lost 12.8 lbs. in 4 weeks which is fantastic. However, I wanted to have another huge loss this week after being last week's champion.

My hubby pointed out to me that I got through Superbowl Sunday and still lost weight. My friend and co-worker S.C. pointed out that I've been working out every day and that means I'm building muscle which weighs more than fat. I can see the difference in my body with my own two eyes, yet still, disappointed.

I know it's not the winning thing because I am thrilled for my friend D.M. who dropped 3.6 lbs. this week. I had honest, encouraging words for T.D. who gained a little bit because she was off on a tropical adventure last week. Am I too hard on myself? Do I set unrealistic goals? Not sure. But if I don't lose two pounds next week.......there's going to be hell to pay! ; )

Til next time.