Setbacks happen everyday, but when they come in the form of weight gain, it seems to sting a little more. That’s what I experienced anyway in this month’s weigh-in.
If you’re new here, I started using a personal trainer, Kim, three months ago and shared my month one results here and my month two results here.
I didn’t want to weigh in yesterday. I knew the results wouldn’t be good. Regardless, I knew it had to be done. The results were pretty much what I expected. I gained pounds and broke even in my inches lost.
What if setbacks became opportunities?
Before I went to the gym to get my results, I opened up my Jesus Calling devotional to these words: “When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost.” God knew I needed those words of grace.
I walked into the gym with defeat on my face and walked out the same, but Kim gently reminded me to let go of the past and only focus on that day. Oh ya? Isn’t that what I teach about – the #nextrightstep? Sometimes it’s hard to live in your own advice.
[Tweet “When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost.”]
I don’t have any changes to report for October. I didn’t implement anything new, but kept the following:
- Went from 1600 calories/day to 2,000 calories per day
- 2,000 calories/day
- 102g fat/day
- 143g carbs/day
- 150g protein/day
Here’s the vulnerable truth about last month:
I didn’t eat well. I allowed myself too much freedom and it spiraled out of control. The last week’s been ridiculous, and the weekend prior to weigh in I think I tried to sabotage the weigh-in, knowing I’d already done poorly.
I hate admitting that, but it’s true. I take responsibility for it and I’m trying to just focus on one day at a time.
The second week in October my sciatic nerve went psychotic. I could barely sit for a week. The pain was so uncomfortable I didn’t get out of bed for two days. It set me back a bit physically. I think at this point something in me gave up because I felt defeated. I hate setbacks.
In the last week I’ve found myself craving sugar more than I have in a long time. Like a physical craving. I knew at that point things went too far and it was time to take it down a notch. I’m trying to avoid sweets for most of November, not including Thanksgiving. I think it will be good for me.
Let’s get to the results.
Starting Weigh-In and Measurements (August)
Weight: 223.6
Body Fat: 41.9
Neck : 15
Shoulder: 49.5
Chest: 44.5
Upper Arm: 16
Waist: 41
Hip: 52.5
Thigh: 32
Calf: 19.25
September Weigh-In and Measurements (One Month)
Total Pounds Gained = 1
Total Body Fat Gained = 1.4%
Total Inches Lost = 12.75 inches
October Weigh-In and Measurements (Two Months)
Total Pounds Lost = 1
Total Body Fat Lost = 4%
Total Inches Lost = 10 inches
November Weigh-In and Measurements (Three Months)
Weight: 226.8 (+3.0)
Body Fat: 38.4% (+.01)
Neck: 13.5 (No Change)
Shoulder: 47.0 (-0.5)
Chest: 42 (+0.5)
Upper Arm: 13.5 (-0.5)
Waist: 38 (No Change)
Hip: 50.5 (No Change)
Thigh 25 (+1.0)
Calf 17 (-0.5)
Total Pounds Gained = 3
Total Body Fat Gained = .01%
Total Inches Lost = 1.5 inches
Total Inches Gained = 1.5 inches
I can choose to remain in my feelings of defeat, or I can choose to lift my head and move forward. I’m really, really trying to live out the second option. It’s certainly not the results I wanted. I’m not a big fan of setbacks!
[Tweet “I can choose to remain in my feelings of defeat, or I can choose to lift my head and move forward.”]
Other Highlights of the Month
I had an amazing accomplishment called the “Trapped Deadlift.” It was awesome! As you can see in the picture, I climbed inside this box and lifted the dumbbell. The first round I did 5. The second round I did 6. The third round was 10! Did I mention it was 135 lbs???
Again, I was stretched beyond what I knew capable and it was amazing. Can’t wait to try it again.
So I shared some hard truth. Something I would prefer to keep to myself, but I promised I would share results with you and I’m a gal of my word. As God reminded me, I can use these setbacks as opportunities to recognize things I still need to work on, such as not using food to cope with emotions.
Here’s to next month’s opportunities!
[reminder]What opportunity are you currently learning from?[/reminder]
It is hard to share the set-back, you willingness and ability to do so is truly amazing! And if it was easy…everyone would be fit and super healthy…but that isn’t true either. God’s grace is an amazing thing, if we can only remember to apply to ourselves from time to time! Thanks for being strong enough to share!
Thank you for the encouragement, Gwen.
You are doing what you need to do and reminding all of us that set backs can become opportunities. Thanks for your transparency. We have all fallen short of our goal.
One of my favorite quotes of all times comes from Theodore Roosevelt’s Speech called the Man in the Arena…
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong
man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face
is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs,
who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without
error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself
in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high
achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while
daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and
timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Blessings on you. You are awesome.
Thanks for the encouragement, Philip
Love, love, love your honesty! Just stay with it. Endurance and consistence will change lives!!
Thanks, friend.
I allowed myself too much freedom when I was on vacation this summer and it took far too long to get back into control. I’m getting there, but too much looseness with my eating and exercise habits is dangerous. I am continually thankful and encouraged by your vulnerability here!
Thank you for the encouragement, Vicky. You’re awesome!