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The Injustice of Losing Weight

by Erika Torres
20 comments

This a monthly series on my desire to get back to my pre-wedding weight. You can read Part I here.

This is my first check-in after my claim that I would lose the twenty—yes, TWENTY—pounds I gained since getting married (okay it was actually 18 pounds, but 20 is such a nice round number).

What have I accomplished?

Most mornings, I wake up between 5 and 5:30 a.m. to hit the gym since I have to be at work by 7:30. I go to spin class at least twice, if not three, times a week. I run three miles at least twice a week. I pack my lunch. I count calories and write it all down in a red notebook. I measure my food with a measuring cup—a half cup is really NOT that much food. I take whey protein before and after my workouts. I don’t drink juice or soda  (okay I had ONE Dr. Pepper this month!).

And how much weight did I lose?

Five pounds. Five measly pounds. And the first three occurred the first week, when I had already written this post.

BUT WAIT. How much weight did Eric lose?

Seven pounds. Seven freakin’ pounds! And how many times did he go to the gym this month?

TWICE. One, two. That’s it.

SO how did he lose 7 pounds? He got the flu.

Are you freakin kidding me? I go hungry most days and I barely lose 2 pounds in three weeks, and he gets the flu and sheds a freakin’ Olsen twin off his butt.

This is injustice, people. INJUSTICE.

I went shopping about two weeks ago.

 

At first glance, it’s like “Oh, I hide my fat really well. It doesn’t look like I’ve gained 20 pounds at all…”

And then…BAM!

Where did that pooch come from??

Next thing you know, US Weekly will be calling me asking me when the baby is due.

Where did I go wrong? Honestly, I ate out about once a week. But for the most part, I was counting around 1400 calories a day. Perhaps all those splurge meals are killing any progress I make. And I guess those girl scout cookies on Sunday didn’t help much at all…

But do you know how hard it is to eat healthy all the time? Sometimes I just want PIZZA. And a cupcake. And REAL butter. And when I have a good day—I have a GOOD day. But when I have a bad day…it’s a BAD day… sad face. Most week days are pretty good…weekends I’m just trying my hardest not to gain any weight.

Still, five pounds is pretty good. It’s definitely not the 10 I wanted to lose, but I guess 10 pounds in 4 weeks is not realistic—even though all those Google ads tell me it is! Losing weight is a marathon…not a sprint.

If there’s anything I learned though, is I never want to gain this much weight again. It’s so much easier to maintain your weight than to try and lose it. Ugh.

So my goal for February is to lose another 5 pounds—but I’m going to shoot for 7.

How are your own resolutions going? Anybody else trying to lose weight?


20 comments

Tabitha February 24, 2011 - 10:18 am

It is SUPER unfair how much more easily guys seem to lose weight than girls. But try to focus on your own progress and affirm that you’re doing GREAT! And if (okay, if you’re like me, WHEN) you fall off the wagon? Don’t let that be an excuse to give up all together. Just get back on and start working at it again. You got this. 😛

As for me, I’ve been going up and down between 150-156 for the past eight weeks or so. It’s pretty frustrating, but my 10K training has been going super well, so I’m trying to congratulate myself on getting in better physical shape even if the pounds aren’t always reflecting it. I can run FIVE MILES! That’s pretty ridiculous.

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LatteLove February 11, 2011 - 10:29 am

I can’t believe I’m just finding this blog–so much great stuff that’s really relevant for me right now–budgeting and weight loss 🙂

Where do you guys live in SoCal? (Just curious because we live here too and I know how crazy housing expenses can be.) We’re also on a tight budget, but have a great housing situation because of some really generous people at our church who rent a little house to us really affordably.

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City Girl February 3, 2011 - 8:54 pm

It *is* an injustice that guys can lose weight so easily! I also feel that way when I reminisce about my days in college. I could skip dinner and lose three pounds anytime I wanted. Btw, I think you look great in the photo! xoxo

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Eric February 3, 2011 - 5:20 pm

and… you’re sucking it in!

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Jackie February 3, 2011 - 8:29 am

You are obviously a determined person, so I’m sure you can do anything you put your mind to! I packed on the lbs right after the wedding too – all the eating out and less exercise. After we got our dog last year though, I have done much better at not flucuating so much. At 6:15am, I really don’t have a choice about going for a long walk in the park with him! Are you the dog walker or your husband?

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Sarah @ Long Legs Healthy Life February 2, 2011 - 10:18 am

Congrats on your weight loss! 5lbs in one month is great success! I feel you on the injustice between men and women losing weight. My hubby has lost 50 lbs since our wedding (3 years ago!) by doing absolutely nothing. I have been trying to lose 30, and have only lost 10, and I’ve been eating so much less and working our 3-4 times a week. It’s just not fair!

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Courtney February 2, 2011 - 9:14 am

Have you tried strength training? I haven’t been doing cardio at all since the beginning of the year–only weights and I’ve lost 5 pounds already and a ton of inches. It’s worked for me so far. Good luck!

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Erin B. Inspired February 2, 2011 - 6:37 am

I don’t go to the gym. Actually, I don’t exercise period. BAM! I said it. Well, we know why I’m not losing any weight.

But no seriously, I don’t exercise I just try to eat better. I know that sounds really dumb and I think about how much of a hard body I’d be if I went to the gym occasionally (and maybe I’ll start) but I really just try to make better decisions.

Now, let’s talk about J, who is male and hypoglycemic – aka his body burns sugar like you would not believe so he drinks soda ALL freakin’ day. He’s definitely gained weight since we’ve been dating, but he’s still cut and by no means chubby. He even skips PT at work most days. Granted, he’s probably not the healthiest since he eats garbage all the time but still.

I WANT TO EAT GARBAGE ALL THE TIME AND STILL BE CUT. So unfair. I hate men.

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megan February 1, 2011 - 4:49 pm

check out the book, the g.i. diet. it’s amazing! no starving and it’s just doing subtle things like substituting regular white bread or pasta for the whole wheat version and cutting out excess sugar. By far the easiest way I have ever lost weight…dropped 25 pounds in about 3 months and I didn’t even exercise. Hope this helps!

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Akirah February 1, 2011 - 3:29 pm

Congrats on the loss! I’m trying to lose weight too…I’d like to lose 15 more, but I’d be happy with ten. I’ve already lost about ten.

I’m on Weight Watchers. I’m entering my third week, so I can’t say too, too much yet. People swear by it, so I’m hoping to be one them soon. I’m doing everything online, which is convenient. I’m able to keep track of my points on my phone, which I appreciate. I guess I’ll let you know how it goes in three months!

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Bronwen February 1, 2011 - 3:09 pm

5 lbs in a month is awesome! I’m on Weight Watchers, and I lost 6 in January. Remember – the slower you lose it, the easier it is to keep off!

Men just lose way faster. Don’t let it get you down! You’re doing great 🙂

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Thisbrokenhearthashope February 1, 2011 - 2:46 pm

You’re hot stuff, girl! I think you look great. I know you can lose the remaining 15 lbs! Look how you kicked your finances’ butt! Good luck!

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Ariella (@LIBudgetBride) February 1, 2011 - 2:12 pm

Amen, sister. Every time my fiance says something like, “I already feel some more room in my pants” I want to kick him in the face. Granted I have not been working out or counting calories nearly as much as you have, but I still feel like my effort warrants something. I got on the scale today and lost 2lbs since last week. I guess that’s something to be proud of.

That being said, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re totally right that losing weight is a marathon. If it was that easy then we’d all be sticks. It sounds like you are doing so, so well and I really admire your dedication. There is absolutely no friggen way I could get up at 5 to go to the gym. I think you should be proud of yourself and definitely cut yourself some slack. You are definitely on the right track : )

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Mrs. Ruby February 1, 2011 - 9:58 am

Girl, do NOT be so hard on yourself. Unfortunately the un-fun part of losing weight takes TIME! And honestly, I always gain a few lbs. before I begin to lose. Give it a few more weeks and your muscles will be making the fat run away. Promise! Keep up the hard work.
(And P.S. I think you look AMAZING…no lie!)

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Sarah Soon-To-Be February 1, 2011 - 9:28 am

Have you had measurements taken? With all the spinning & running I’m sure you’ve been burning some serious fat but gaining muscle. My bff has been doing bootcamp and really cleaned up her eating – after 2 weeks she’s only lost 3.8 lbs but has lost 10.75 inches! (2.5″ from her stomach alone)

I think more Veggie Grill will help jump start the weight loss, btw. 🙂

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Teacher Girl February 1, 2011 - 9:21 am

Definitely still trying to loose the 15 pounds I’ve gained and you are absolutely right, losing it is WAAAYYY harder than gaining it. Hang in there. You are making progress and the good news is that the longer you take to loose the weight (ie, doing it the right way) the more likely you are to keep it off. Good luck!

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prettylittlereckless February 1, 2011 - 8:42 am

Kudos to you for all that working out! I’m just getting started (again) on losing weight. I’m recording everything over on my health blog:

highheelsandfitness.wordpress.com

You look great though!

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Jolene February 1, 2011 - 8:05 am

Hey, congrats on the weight loss!! That’s awesome, though I know what you mean, men lose weight so much faster! And I gotta say, you look awesome, you really do. I envy your height too! 20 lbs on me would look way way way worse!! BY FAR! I have been using Muscle Milk lately, it’s super tasty, a chocolate protein powder (lactose free, for me, which is good!) and doesn’t taste chalky. Comes in light so it’s not as caloric either. Give it a whirl! Maybe we can run together sometime when I am out there, after work or something?! Would be fun 🙂

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Melissa February 1, 2011 - 8:00 am

Congrats on your 5lb loss – a loss is a loss! Keep up the good work 🙂 It takes a great deal of discipline to watch what you eat and make conscious meal choices – you’re an inspiration

Boys drive me nuts that they can lose weight like that! Since moving to a new state to be w/my bf 1.5 years ago, I’ve put on 35 pounds. I don’t even know how it happened. Clothes kept getting smaller and smaller, and the new clothes sizes kept going higher and higher. AND I didn’t start running until I moved here, which is even more interesting that I’ve put on so much wait. What a mystery…

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Jessica February 1, 2011 - 6:55 am

Ok, this has made me realize I need to get my butt (and gut) in gear! I made a resolution to work out 3 times a week….. and haven’t done anything!!! I’m so bad. I feel the same injustice though, I eat really good during the week, veggies, oatmeal, fruit, soup… and the Mr. eats bagels, bread, cookies… and loses 5 lbs after just one basketball game workout! Argh…. 🙁

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