My First Bag of Rice (Results After Week 4)

By the end of week 4, I stepped on the weighing scale and... I had lost a total of 9.6kg.

I was really hoping to lose my first 10kg by the end of the first month but it didn't happen. Was I disappointed? Not really. I had Liz's voice in my head who told me that sometimes it's not about the numbers, it's more about how you feel inside. And she's actually quite right. I feel really good about having lost weight in general that it doesn't matter how much! All this time the scale had been going up, so it's really nice for a change that the scale is actually going in the opposite direction!

Just today, which is 4 weeks plus 2 days, I stepped on the weighing scale and I jumped up and down for joy! I've hit the 10kg mark! Woo hoo! 

I had been saying that if I lose my first 10kg, I will buy a bag of rice to commemorate or to remind me that is how much I have lost. At least there is a physical reminder for me not to slip into bad or old habits or to give in to temptation.

Rozi goes a step further telling me that I ought to carry this bag of rice with me up and down the stairs. She says that it's good exercise for the arms. For me, it's a reminder that's how it felt like going up and down the stairs with 10kg extra on me.

My friends are so supportive! Shawn has sponsored my first bag of rice and dropped it off this evening after I had sent him and some other close friends a text message of my achievement. Thank you Shawn!

Shane says I ought to commemorate this achievement by buying something to remind me of the hard work I've put in. What can I treat myself to? After much deliberation, I had announced to her and the girls that I would get a pair of new shoes. Hunting for the right pair of shoes will be fun considering I've been wearing flats all this time, a nice pair of heels will be great!

But there's something else I would like and that is a laptop bag for my laptop(s). I was recommended to buy a Crumpler bag but I can't decide which. I was advised to bring my laptop to the shop to actually test which bag would be best.

Choices... choices... whatever it is, it feels so liberating knowing that right now, ANYTHING seems possible!

The Hari Raya Challenge

                  The goodies at our house

Phewh! It was actually really tough for me during the first 2 weeks of Hari Raya. It again brings to my awareness how a lot of our customs, celebrations and traditions involve so much food! 

I can't believe how this time, I had to say "NO" to beef rendang, ayam masak merah, the ketupat, the satay, the cheese, the brownies (which I made!), the tapak kuda, the kek lapis, the popiah udang... and the list goes on and on! I was really good the first day of Hari Raya. It was easier to manage because I was at my house and I could control what goes in my mouth. I had a tuna salad for lunch and unfortunately my dinner was very late because there were lots of guests whom I happily entertained.

And then the second day of Hari Raya that was when trouble started. Normally we go visiting to my Aunt's house, my cousins' houses and several other houses all having their respective open houses. And already at the my Aunt's house I suffered! She normally cooks really good food and I couldn't have any of it! Then at my cousin's house, they had this FAT curry puff which looked so good to eat! But later I found out that it was not as nice. So it goes to show, never judge a book by it's cover - does not apply to human beings and books only! As the day progressed... I actually broke down! Meaning to say, I gave in!

Wina tempting me...

 

But the biggest realization out of this whole experience was not to beat myself up because I had waivered for that day, and for some parts of the week and for some parts of the Hari Raya month. I could have easily just "let it all go" but I didn't. Instead, I knew what I should have not done and from there just move on. By the time the whole long weekend was over, I was back on my diet and felt good about the whole process.

Shane's Trip to Food Paradise

I received a text message from Shane today. She went on a business trip to Hong Kong. I've been to Hong Kong before and the halal food I've tasted there is so yummy! I especially love the funky desserts they have! And Hong Kong is known to be "Food Paradise" that even the Asian Food Channel or was it Travel and Living has a competition about winning a trip for food and wine in Hong Kong! So imagine what it would be like when you can eat anything and everything!

Here's what she said,

"Hi girl! How u doing? I survived a trip to food paradise, so proud of myself not giving in to temptation!! Lost 5.2kg so far! yay!!!"

Congratulations Shane!  I am so proud of you!

*Pat on back for you and a BIG HUG to go with it!*

Results After Weeks 2 & 3

It's been awhile since I last updated this. So many adventures going on!

Let me update you on my results thus far...

As at 21 September 2009 : 112.2kg

Total Weight Loss Since Start Date : 6.9kg

As at 28 September 2009 : 110.9kg

Total Weight Loss Since Start Date : 8.2kg

Total Measurements Lost Since Start : 18.6cm

Day by day, step by step... I'm making progress and others around me can see the changes!

*Pat on back* 

Muffin Tops

We do strange things in the office. Each day I would share my weight loss milestones with my colleagues and one day, Caryn introduced me to muffin tops! I was like eh? Muffin tops? At first I thought it was the muffin that's in the picture below. See the muffin top? It's so yummy looking!

Photo Insert from Readers Digest Australia

But then she explained it was not. It's the part where you squeeze your tummy with your hands and you get a tubular look to your tummy that can hang over the top of your trousers. In case you don't understand which part I'm referring to, just look at the picture below. That's a human muffin top!

Photo Insert: Rozana Being VERY Brave

Consider this a "before" photo and the "after" photo will follow suit after a few more weeks!

We started comparing muffin tops then. Very cute Caryn! I like muffin tops better than being called the Michelin Man! But at the end of the day, this will be our motto....

Photo Insert from Nataliedee

A Hungry Man is an Angry Man

I went to the Brunei Speakers' Club today and I was called upon to do an impromptu speech. This week the Table Topics Master had decided that his theme was "Proverbs" and he chose some which were popular and some which were not that familiar to me. He asked us to deliver a speech and after our 2 minutes, he will give the definition to see how close we were to the actual meaning of the proverb.

It was amusing that I got this proverb "A hungry man is an angry man." It was weird, I didn't know what it meant because all I could do was take it literally! How I interpreted it was that not being able to eat the foods that your body was once used to, you will start to feel withdrawal symptoms just like when you choose to quit smoking, and then these withdrawal symptoms can cause you to become emotional. Now day 9 into this programme, I do feel the level of irritation and frustration and I am seriously doing my best not to let it out on anyone. Maybe I should go punch the punching bag in the gym or something or scream into my pillow!

I found out later though that the proverb presented to me actually means "A person who does not get what he wants or needs is a frustrated person and will be easily provoked to rage." Maybe I can still relate this to food. The fact I am not able to eat what I want to eat makes me frustrated and I feel some level of anger within me. Not being able to eat what I feel like eating, on the outset, I don't think people are able to tell because it seems I'm handling this quite well. I don't really talk about it so much. I don't complain so much. But it's reflected in my feelings and as the famous line goes "And this too shall pass..."

At the same time this is all about focus. What am I focusing my energy on? And that I am reminded to be grateful of all the gifts from God. I really like this saying, "Happiness is not when you get what you want but happiness is when you want what you have." I have it all. 

The human mind is so complex, I really know this situation is temporary. Just hang in there!

Results After Week 1

I stepped on the weighing scale this morning and held my breath like as if that was going to make me any lighter! After the scale finished beeping, I looked down and I thought, wow! This thing really works! I mean throughout the whole week I've been weighing myself when I know I shouldn't but I couldn't help myself. I bet those who designed the programme knew people like me are going to keep on peeking at the weighing scale daily just to make sure it works. 

I think that is me operating from skepticism and worry. What conflict! 

My weight as at 7 September: 119.1kg

My weight as at 14 September: 114.3kg 

Total Loss: 4.8kg

Total Measurements Loss (over strategic body parts): 11.6cm

I've lost the most around my hips and waist which I think my dance instructors were commenting on when I had my dance lesson with them. I also lost around my chest area which is noticeable to me since my shirts don't feel that tight across there. And I don't think I will miss "them" either!

The part where I've "gained" is my arm. I am not sure if I am measuring it in the same place. Either that or I'm bulking up? Yeah right! I haven't been to the gym to lift any weights since 2 weeks ago and if I remember correctly girls don't bulk up as fast as guys. But I feel like my arms are smaller because it's not as tight in some of my clothes either. 

I'll just wait and see eventually when all my clothes start hanging off me.

This should keep me motivated to keep on going through my second week! But the human mind is so complex... today we had a family feast to break fast together and the food looked SO GOOD! I was asking myself why was I doing this again? Luckily my family were there to remind me. I suddenly miss eating sushi! I guess the alternative will have to be sashimi. Shall I bring my weighing scale to the restaurant?