Now that Carnival has come and gone I have been avoiding a visit to the scale for fear of what numbers would total the fact that I have been putting all sorts of sinfully delicious high calorie foods into my mouth since Ash Wednesday. After a strict diet and exercise regimen, which kicked into gear when the New Year rolled around, I confess that I have slacked off big time!!! It was with much trepidation that I eventually decided to buy that token and own up to my gluttony by weighing myself at the very modern body mass and height machine at Hi Lo super market which measures your exact weight and height and gives you your body mass index. I have been using that machine since I started my weight loss program and would be so excited to weigh myself to see the numbers dropping, but over the weekend it was another feeling that gripped me as I stood still and let the machine do it’s “calculations”.
When it was all over and I got my little slip of paper clearly showing I had gained three pounds it was a mixture of relief and disappointment. On one had I was happy I had not put on more weight but on the other I was quite disappointed that after all that hard work I just “gave up”. In total I lost 9 pounds from January 1st and when I last weighed myself on Carnival Saturday. It was a major accomplishment to me in such a limited time frame, one which came with doing the Atkins diet hard core and working out nearly every day at the gym; trust me coming down to the last weeks before Carnival I lost every bit of energy from Atkins and could not make it to the gym! The result was a much flatter stomach, smaller arms and legs; I was quite pleased!
Now this weight gain was not unexpected, after Carnival it was as if some other force took possession of my body and I was gorging on carbohydrate laden pasta, pizza, bread and cookies not to mention all the chocolate I could get my hands. The only “food” I have yet to eat is the requisite “chicken and chips”; KFC and Royal Castle is just disgusting to me now, though I have been enjoying Burger King without the fries and coke! I have been very, very bad since Carnival…. I think *icahwait summed it up perfectly on her blog when she mentioned having a “slobfest” after Carnival.
So I have avowed (after eating four of my mom’s homemade meat pies and two slices of chocolate Christening cake yesterday) that I am going to try my best not to gain back the remaining 6 pounds that I lost. It would be SO nice to have a costume photo stuck on the refrigerator to remind me of what I will be wearing for two days. But the motivation really has to come from within I guess. Though it may seem like Carnival 2008 is so far away, it would be much easier to gain one pound a month over the next 10 months than to loose! I have always wanted to start my Carnival exercise plan very early so I will be starting back the gym, going for my walks and trying my best to use the opportunity of having all this time before Carnival to get the body ready for TRIBE’s promised super sexy costumes for 2008!!
Next time I do a weigh in it should be with less fear as this last one was a wake up call of sorts. To all those who have fallen off the weight loss wagon, take some comfort in knowing you are not alone. To those who have started their fitness plan (you know who you are) kudos to you for taking that bold step in doing what is needed, and for those few who don’t even have to worry about these matters as you are blessed with either youth or super slim genes consider yourself lucky! Here is hoping that we all can pull it together, put down the slice of tiramisu and get dedicated to bringing sexy back for 2008! I have taken the first step in owning up to my transgressions now the second step is to do something about it; may I have the strength to avoid the foods I know I should not be eating and get my butt off this computer chair, into some tights and do some laps around a Savannah somewhere! Wish me luck folks; it’s a long (and tempting) road ahead to a super sexy frontline H.O. for 2008!
When it was all over and I got my little slip of paper clearly showing I had gained three pounds it was a mixture of relief and disappointment. On one had I was happy I had not put on more weight but on the other I was quite disappointed that after all that hard work I just “gave up”. In total I lost 9 pounds from January 1st and when I last weighed myself on Carnival Saturday. It was a major accomplishment to me in such a limited time frame, one which came with doing the Atkins diet hard core and working out nearly every day at the gym; trust me coming down to the last weeks before Carnival I lost every bit of energy from Atkins and could not make it to the gym! The result was a much flatter stomach, smaller arms and legs; I was quite pleased!
Now this weight gain was not unexpected, after Carnival it was as if some other force took possession of my body and I was gorging on carbohydrate laden pasta, pizza, bread and cookies not to mention all the chocolate I could get my hands. The only “food” I have yet to eat is the requisite “chicken and chips”; KFC and Royal Castle is just disgusting to me now, though I have been enjoying Burger King without the fries and coke! I have been very, very bad since Carnival…. I think *icahwait summed it up perfectly on her blog when she mentioned having a “slobfest” after Carnival.
So I have avowed (after eating four of my mom’s homemade meat pies and two slices of chocolate Christening cake yesterday) that I am going to try my best not to gain back the remaining 6 pounds that I lost. It would be SO nice to have a costume photo stuck on the refrigerator to remind me of what I will be wearing for two days. But the motivation really has to come from within I guess. Though it may seem like Carnival 2008 is so far away, it would be much easier to gain one pound a month over the next 10 months than to loose! I have always wanted to start my Carnival exercise plan very early so I will be starting back the gym, going for my walks and trying my best to use the opportunity of having all this time before Carnival to get the body ready for TRIBE’s promised super sexy costumes for 2008!!
Next time I do a weigh in it should be with less fear as this last one was a wake up call of sorts. To all those who have fallen off the weight loss wagon, take some comfort in knowing you are not alone. To those who have started their fitness plan (you know who you are) kudos to you for taking that bold step in doing what is needed, and for those few who don’t even have to worry about these matters as you are blessed with either youth or super slim genes consider yourself lucky! Here is hoping that we all can pull it together, put down the slice of tiramisu and get dedicated to bringing sexy back for 2008! I have taken the first step in owning up to my transgressions now the second step is to do something about it; may I have the strength to avoid the foods I know I should not be eating and get my butt off this computer chair, into some tights and do some laps around a Savannah somewhere! Wish me luck folks; it’s a long (and tempting) road ahead to a super sexy frontline H.O. for 2008!
33 comments:
I totally agree, before heading to Trinidad from Brooklyn, New York I was on a strict diet. Before the plane in can land in New York,I had cake in my mouth!! Just yesterday I caught myself eating Pizza but a few months ago that would have been a no. no.! because I was lookin good for carnival Monday and Tuesday. So hopefully I can back to my carnival size or even smaller by the time Brooklyn Carnival rolls around in September. P.S. I love this blog it keeps me updated on info in Trinidad!
I agree with you Saucy. My sisters and quite a few friends looked at me like I was some sort of alien when i told them that I was gonna resume my workout, so that I won't have to be in the pre-Carnival crunch time.
I don't have much weight to lose, but maintaining muscle-definition is awfully hard for me...so that's what i'll be doing. and working on cardiovascular endurance as well.
Good Luck...and just remember to eat properly amidst all the working out.
p/s:- which HILO has that scale, cause i need to get that done.
Shelly the Hi Lo in St.Agustine has the BMI scale. Not too sure if any other locations offer it.
Carnival was a wake up call for me. I have gained a significant amount of weight over the last few years, but looking at my pics after carnival really hit it home that it was totally out of hand. Since Carniva1 2K7 I have vowed not to return to C2K8 in the same condition. I have been eating right and exercising and have lost about 14 pounds so far since I begain in the beginning of March and am determined to reach my goal in a healthy and practical way so as to keep it off permanently. All in all I have about 50 more pounds to go, which is a lot, but totally doable because I am not depriving or starving myself to do it.
I just figured out why I couldn't post... :(
Oh where! Oh Where! should I begin with this comment.
I too am fighting the "slobfest". I actually lost 5lbs. while I was in TNT (happens every year). I have since gained back 3lbs., however I am still under weigh by 2lbs. I say all this to say that somehow because I lost a few pounds and carnival is not 3 months away I feel that I can eat like a pig. I am going to regret this action if I keep it up (I do it every year).
I am still in the gym but not on a consistent basis. I find all kinds of excuses to avoid the gym none of which are really valid.
I have never been on a diet however I need to plan a better menu. I would love to be more toned for 2K8.
By the way Saucy, I know that the stage wouldn’t be ready for 2K8 but what is going on with the construction of the new stage?
That is awesome was a c2k7v! I need some of your motivation.
I keeping up the work out the best I can but I tore a muscle in my leg boxing a week and a half ago and was unable to walk for 3 days!! I am now moving about but in pain with limited mobility - I hate when things drop on the floor - I can't bend down lol
I am trying not to let this bring me back, I have still being going to the gyn to train but sans the cardio which is buggin me since the morning I hurt myself waas the first day I started joggin for the seasson :( And let me tell ou the pain to jump up Saturday night but that another thing lol
Like gtwarrior I lost weight in TnT - during that month I lost 14lbs - another reasson why I love TnT, happens every time :)
So good luck to all, I will be hitting the gym tonight and hopefully will be able to jog and skip by next week again :)
Saucy you are aware that you have been not eatting properly and see your lack of exercise and the fact that you recgonize this will help you alot. Some people just don't care so you go girl!!! But you know you look great anyway!!!
I am really terrified to gain back my pre-carnival weight. I lost quite a bit of weight for carnival this year. So far so good on maintenance, although I am not a scale person, so I can't vouch for my precise weight (I just keep going until my clothes don't fit..LOL). Doing the regional carnivals really keeps me going, playing mas is the ultimate diet inspiration! LOL
tnx Saucy.
The Hilo in Chaguanas, defintely does NOT have that scale.
Saucy I can definitely relate to what your saying. I lost 20lbs for carnival. I couldn't wait to come home and show off how good I looked. I made sure to pack every short skirt of short pants I could find. But as soon as Ash Wednesday came I was eating Richards Bake & Shark and KFC became my best friend my last two days in T&T. Not to mention Kiss Cake….Yes!!! I pigged out...but I have vowed to not gain back all that weight. So I started back my diet last week and intend to keep it up until Carnival. Because I intend to bring sexy back for 2K8.
So, it seams the saucy blog them for C2K8 is 'sexy back'! lol
C2k7v,
Can you bottle your motivation and sell it? I need some of that right about now!!
Saucy, since you are so good at organizing, I think you should make a bloggers weightloss challenge club on yahoo groups or some other public place. Call it Carnival's Biggest Losers. We can share tips and motivate one another, have weight in or measuring goal days. Share recipes, exercise tips, etc. So we can all move toards a sexier, healthier, and more fit carnival for 2k8.
(Ah real bold eh? How I trying to give Saucy more work like she dh have enuff work in doing this blog)
Hey Sauce,
Totally feeling this post. The day after Carnival, I don't know how I was down about 2 pounds over the days before Carnival, but I was sick, so that could be it.
I'm still working out just a before, but my eating habits are slipping (my Aunt went and brought me a big box of ferrero rocher chocolates......oh the sin!!) and I've gained about a pound and a half over Carnival. I get on the scale every morning and I'm holding at the same weight for about 2 weeks now....AMEN! I plan to step up the workout because i'm getting used to it, I can feel it. So I'm going to add an extra workout on some days and start back running.
2007 I did ok, but 2008, I plan to take no prisoners!
By the way, the Pharmacy downstairs in Westmall and the SuperPharm in Glencoe have the BMI scale. So i'm assuming all SuperPharms will have them.
Well I have motivation to keep my weight off...I'll be modeling costumes for one of the DC Carnival band launches in 3 weeks. Alas I too had pigged out and put back on 5 lbs so now I need to lose it before the modeling begins. To boot they put me to model next to two skinny skinny chicks!..I go gym regularly..I try for everyday..45 min elliptical, 30mins joggin, and sometimes 45 mins Spin class..and then the weights. Eating properly is my challenge..I'm a vegetarian so i tend to make up for that with pasta and bread...but i've succesfully cut out bread significantly and juices (too much sugar..goes straight to your stomach fat)...I think i'm gonna start a weight loss blog complete with pics until Carnival 08 :D So i can chart my progress and feel motivated..
-brownin
Great post Saucy, it seems that we all went a little nuts after carnival.
I lost 25lbs from Sept to Feb (when I landed). Unfortunately despite my best efforts I gained a couple in the week I was home b/f carnival and actually had to go on a mini crash diet the Saturday and Sunday.
Needless to say in the past 2 mos I have gained a little over 5lbs. I exercise everyday but I can't stop eating the junk (cake, ice cream, chocolate etc). The food is definitely my downfall.
I'm trying to get back on track before Summer, b'c as you said it makes no sense to work so hard to just let it all go to waste.
For C2K8 I don't want to be starting from scratch.
Well - I have not had the courage to get back on the scale yet!! I have put on a bit of weight (I feel it in the fit of my clothes) but I dare not go near the scale, since then I will HAVE to do something about it. Always after Carnival I stop exercising and eating right - I don't know why, but I tell myself "ah tekin a little break" until Easter. Well Easter is here and tonight is the 'bongo night' for me - I am weighing myself and I'm back to the gym tomorrow. Caribana is now only 4 months away and dem costumes are as skimpy as T'dad's. So I wish everyone on this blog, luck with their diets and workouts and hopefully we'll all be where we want to be - size wise long before December 07. (hahahahahahahahahahahah) ROFL!!!!
trini orisha girl that is an excellent idea...why don't you start it eh ? LOL. It would be nice to get other bloggers involved so I will wait to see someone take your idea and run with it :D
I think you want to give me EXTRA work keeping up TWO blogs ;)
I so agree with not pigging out to the point of starting from scratch :S
Thing is it was so much denial for Carnival that after Carnival I kept "rewarding" myself with food.. I would tell myself, you did good have that tiramisu from Jardin hehe.
Seriously I giving myself a BIG push to start doing something, for all those who are still working out at the gym I admire allyuh too bad!!
And c2k virgin, HQ and Natasha C GOOD JOB!!
I am totally feeling Trini Orisha Gyal's idea Saucy! Please do it.
My situation is exactly the same as most of you described. I was soooo disciplined from Oct all the way to Mon & Tues. My big fear has been that because i came down to Trini so early (Feb 7th), I wouldnt be able to resist all the good food and would put it all back on before carnival week but I was disciplined even down there. From Ash Wen on tho, it was ON, roti, doubles, fri chicken, pizza, bake, dumplin, sweets, everything I had been depriving myself of. Somehow though I managed to continue losing weight for the 2 two weeks I was there after carnival -guess its the trini sun and the fact that I was still active. Since I've been back been to the gym a few times but neither gym nor diet is structured and I haven't been able to get it completely back on track *SIGH
I haven't been careful w my diet since landing in T'dad, I happily ate all those high carb foods with pleasure. Since I've been back, (the good is) I'm eating whole wheat bread & whole wheat pasta, (it's been yrs. since I bought pasta!) & the usual salad a day or my best friend, brocoli, but then (the bad is) ice cream & chocolate & chips. And y'know what, I DON'T CARE!!!!!! I'm so SICK of always being in a state of weight watching, it's so unfair. But, *sigh*, speaking of weight gain, I did just go check, I weighed myself, gained just 5 lbs. (lost 8 for Carni), probably bc I've been running & skipping @3x a week.
PS: Saucyd, so you did Atkins, eh? It really works, huh? takes weight off fast.
PS2: I had tiramusu on Good Fri. & LOVED IT!!
;-)
what a great post, saucy.
for me pre carnival especially after January 1 was
monthly hydro-colontherapy sessions...two personal trainers (i break the bank with that one)...running short distance track...boxing...long distance treadmill runs...30 day detox program including a 5day liquid fast...weight training and I switched up my vegetarian diet to VEGAN (no dairy and no meat at all)
craziness, but i had the rest of my post baby fat to lose and then some.
post carnival has been Oreos, Doritos, Cake (oh well for Vegan diet), Cookies etc.
Somehow, I am managing to look thinner these days than during carnival. I know this cause my clothes fit looser as I'm not a lover of "da scale". I wonder if the detox did something to rev up my metabolism, but I've eased the exercise up tremendously.
Now, I take African dance class on Sundays, Ballet on Tuesdays and Fridays and Hip Hop dance on Wednesday. When I can I try to do a pilates video or hit our basement treadmill or go to the gym for a quick run.
I'm all for a Carnival loss program. I'd volunteer to host, but I'm already running two blogs so I want to pass, but I will DEFINITELY support whomever does the honors.
It doesn't sound as if any of you have as much to loose as me, that is my motivation. 50 pounds is a lot! I honestly did not see myself as I looked in those C2k7 pics, lol. I've always been thick, but geesh. So anyway, I am getting rid of the Lane Bryants and all the plus sized stores and all that nonsense - they are not in line with my true style anyway. I stay motivated by getting on the scale way more than I should, so as to remind myself why I am doing this, lol. I don't deprive myself, I like cake and cookies way too much, but that is why I am here to this point now! Weight Watchers makes good low calorie deserts and it's all about portion control. I haven't had juice or soda in a month, just water and crystal light and I try not to eat after 8 PM. Also the elliptical and sauna are good friends of mine, lol. I just put on the Soca cd I made and after a few good jump up songs my workout is over.
Kara I did the Atkins and it worked; the only caveat is that it draiiiinnnnnnsssss all your energy! But that induction stage (the hardest part) was something else! I was so happy with loosing the weight I did not want to eat any carbs even though I needed it for energy on Carnival Monday and Tuesday!
I think it also helped that I was working out before Atkins and I started my "healthy" eating habits since last year. So I guess it was a combo of the excercise and the last ditch Atkins effort that resulted in tat 9lb weight loss in less than 2 months.
JJ the fact that you are keeping active contributes to staying trim and slim I am sure. The most activity I get these days is walking up the steps in work :S
This is so funny. I was just going through this same ordeal. I was a nice, svelte 124lbs. right around carnival time. Now, I am having difficulty fitting in clothes that usually fit me perfectly. To my surprise, and utter disgust, the scale now reads 129 lbs.!!! When did this happen!!!! So now, I have to motivate myself to stick to a Cropover countdown diet and exercise routine!!!
If someone did start a blog for our carnival weight loss goals it would be great!!! I don't eat badly and i go to the gym but the pounds don't shed.
I tried weight watchers but they don't have points for our type of caribbean food and i got fed up looking things up.
I would love to get suggestions (recipies and meal plans) that are still in keeping with our caribbean meals but will allow me to lose wgt.
Someone please take the challenge!
It looks like among us, C2k7v and I are the only ones with significant weight to lose. I don't mean to trivialize anyone's experiences, but it makes me chuckle when I hear people stressing over having to lose 5 lbs. I could lose that in a week!! Trouble is, I can gain it back in half that time.
As far as effectiveness goes, I can vouch for the Atkins diet. A couple of years ago, I lost 17 lbs (in the 4 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, no less) doing the low-carb thing. But I was EXHAUSTED the whole time, and I just couldn't function and keep up with my hectic life. When I went back to regular 'healthy' eating I put back on every single pound of that weight in less than a month, even though I never binged or ate any junk food.
I think I need to focus more on excercise, and finding time to get to the gym or the track. But I made myself a promise that Carnival 2008 will find me looking (and feeling) fabulous!
after seeing pictures of myself for carnival 2k7 i realized that i have to be in the gym 24/7. So since i've been back to nyc, i decided to hit the gym. my diet is out of the window, but i try to go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. when it gets closer to carnival i'll start my 'strict' diet.
saucy!
larry birkhead the photographer is anna nicole's baby daddy! dna proof!
I have tried South Beach and Atkins and it made me so irregular. Right now I am doing the counting calories thing, consuming less than 1200 per day eating 'good' foods within that 1200. I also do about 20 minutes on the elliptical about 3 to 4 times a week and have 'jump up' sessions at home where I put on some music, Soca for now, and just party and dance all by me lonesome. That seems to be working for now, as I have lost 16 pounds within the psdt month, but now that I am in the mold of things, I am increasing the workout and adding weights to my routine. Also, I try to go out and party and I love to dance. Partying and dancing for a few hours when out burns quite a few calories!
Saucy you know I too can relate. Lost about 7lbs from Jan 1 through Carnival by doing Pilates & being very strict with my diet. I even managed to stay on my diet while in TNT during carnival. But come Ash Wed I no longer gave a damn, since then I have been eating whatever the hell I want. And I know I gained alittle back as I feel it in my clothes & hubby noticed it LOL. I don't care because I deprived myself for so long, but I lose weight very rapidly when I try. I will probably start to watch what I'm eating again just now for summer. The challenge for me is working out as I DESPISE the gym!
What to say that hasn't already been said. I've put on a few 5/6 lbs and I keep eating in the whole "I'll be exercising soon" which I am, but I need to cut down some more. I don't like being on strict diets because life gets in the way. I just want to be moderate and exercise as I should do normally. Procrastination is a bitch and I wish that I could practice what I preach a bit better. But I have already increased my exercise and prefer to go that route until it gets cold again.
P.s I never reached whatever goal I hoped to accomplish by carnival but I was cool.
Everybody I wish US all the best.
p.s Saucy what happened to the notion on playing with Harts you mentioned right after this carnival gone?
girl I was saying Harts if TRIBE prices way too expensive....but that Notion went out the door when I decided I want to play frontline ..hehe.
You can't stop the carnival. I live in Canada and dream of going to an exotic Carnival in Rio one day. The winters here are very long and cold and I usually gain 20 lbs every season. anyway, i like your site, see you later.
I did get a bit tired doing Induction bc it's detoxing you of all that sugar, but after those 2 weeks & onto the other stages, all was fine. I think doing it for the 1st time right B4 Carnival would be exhausting. It's an understatement to say you need lots of NRG for Carnival. Now whenever I do Atkins, the reaction is never as severe as the 1st time I did it 4 yrs. ago, mind you, it's a modified version. ;-)
JJ, that's some serious regime, much respect 2 you esp if it worked wonderfully.
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