oh, McFatty Monday. Let’s recap, shall we?
On January 4, 2010, I begin a journey known as McFatty Monday where I vowed to shed weight. I did it publicly, inviting y’all along for the ride, & you were amazing in your support. I lost 35 lbs within 5 months thanks to Nutrisystem. Unfortunately, that period of my life was also a very dark time & I ended up on medication called Risperdal. This drug gave me my life back, but per it’s usual side-effects, I added 15 lbs to my frame in no time.
How did this happen? Risperdal is known to increase blood sugar levels, which means the pancreas is all “INSULIN PARTY!” which tells the metabolism to chill out & start storing fat because there’s enough sugar to fuel the body.
I didn’t do myself any favors – I have to be honest & tell you that as the scale kept climbing despite all of my attempts to reign it in, I pretty much gave up. I stopped ordering salads & ordered the soup in a freakin’ bread bowl instead. I ate a McRib. I made stuffed mushrooms for Thanksgiving & very much enjoyed them. Obviously, I haven’t added all the weight back, but I’m heavier than I would like, my jeans are snug & my second chin is slowly creeping it’s way back into pictures.
p.s. Nate just asked, “What are you writing about?” I said, “Being fat.” He snorted.
When I weaned off Risperdal in October, the weight gain immediately ceased. I stayed steady for about 2 months after ending the Risperdal, but then I gained the standard 5 lbs of holiday weight thanks to parties & goodies from the neighbors & just overall excitement. You should be able to do the math about where I am weight-wise, but I’ll make it simple & tell you that on any given day, I range from 209-214 (you know how that is). A lot of folks may ask why I didn’t hop right back on the weight-loss wagon once I weaned, but I was simply exhausted of “working on” myself. I was tired of therapy. Tired of weight loss. Tired of always trying to “fix” something about myself. I just wanted to be happy & whole & exist without thinking that there was something wrong with me. It was a fantastic figurative weight off my shoulders.
Except that didn’t solve the problem of the literal weight on my hips.
I have to admit that I have really struggled about where to take McFatty Monday. I love the accountability. I love the community. I love having something that says, “PUT DOWN THE FREAKIN’ DONUT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GET ON THE SCALE MONDAY MORNING.” It’s a motivator. But what I really struggled with the past few weeks is KNOWING that I need to lose weight & not knowing how to approach it without it feeling like a burden. I talked to a few folks via email & read over my McFatty Monday posts from last year. & they got me all fired up to lose weight again – that joy of success was simply seeping from the posts & I yearn to have it again. ESPECIALLY because I’m in a place now where I can really enjoy it & embrace it.
& I’m in a good mental & emotional place where I can look at the donut & think, “Okay, why do I want to eat this?”
So let’s take that lead, shall we? I know you’d love for me to spill all the nitty-gritty details of how I’ll drop each pound, but for right now, I think I won’t focus on that so much as we get going. I’m going to focus on being healthy. Picking a grilled chicken breast when I eat out, rather than a hamburger with a fried egg on top (oh yes, that actually exists & it is delicious). I’ve always found the photos to be encouraging, so obviously, those are back. I’m going to start focusing on what makes me overweight now that I don’t have any medications effing around with my metabolism & blood sugar. & yes, C25K. I think it’s time that I actually sign up for a race. EEEEEEK.
I’ve also made it easier for y’all to link up & I would LOVE for anyone to join in – are you trying to lose weight? Do you have tips? A good recipe? Add a link 
Let’s get this party re-started.
p.s. I totally pounded 60 oz of water today, which is up like…200% from normal. I think. My math sucks. as does my water intake.
p.p.s. y’all. I have my high school reunion in like, 10 months & you know I can’t have two chins & two foot-wide hips for that.
more p.s. this is my new McFatty outfit, compliments of Jockey. it has POCKETS, y’all. I’m in love. you can find them here & here.
Just wanted to say goodluck! I took a “break” from mcfatty the past few months, too… and have been toying with the idea of what to do to lose the last 12 pounds of my original goal. I’m glad you’re back… maybe it will be that little last bit of encouragement I need to figure out how to get to my goal.
In any case, your outfit is super cute… and I really think you look good, BA. really. So any healthy things you insert into your life can only improve what is already good, right?
happy monday. here’s to a healthy week!
Just wanted to drop in and say hi and wish you lots of luck! I also wanted to say that you really do look great. My weight is in the same general range as yours, and you look WAY better than I do!! I had my second boy 3 months ago, and the baby weight is proving to be much harder to drop this go around. Yipee. Anyway, looking forward to hearing all about your successes.
crap. as i read this, i’m eating a poptart.
that’s probably a sign i need to join in.
First of all, you look great! Secondly, good luck on your continued weight loss. I really hope you find something that works for you without feeling like too much of a chore.
I just wanted to say you look totally cute. But good luck!
You somehow always have a way of taking the jumbled mess of words in my head and writing exactly how I feel. I lost 22 lbs from September to December with Weight Watchers. That was not baby weight, that was antidepressant and mood stabilizer weight. But you know what? Once christmas came I took a break, like you said a break from working on myself, nitpicking myself. Like you I am ready to start again. Here we go!
P.S. You look awesome, btw!
Yay, so great to feel motivated. Good luck! You already look awesome, too!
So, I am in the process of “training” to do a 5K. For time – not a “fun run” (which I can’t even believe those two words can exist in a title). I’m a bit ahead of the C25K program but I downloaded the app for my phone anyhow and once I can run outside (aka use a GPS) I’ll probably use it somewhat. You were the inspiration for me trying it, BTW, in case you were needing a pat on the back today.
Weight loss is tricky. On one hand, you want the weight to be gone, like, yesterday but on the other hand you know it didn’t happen overnight and it won’t go away without some (OK, a lot of) work. But it’s really not that hard. Calories in need to be less than calories out (unless there’s something effing with your metabolism). But I hate counting calories (at least I think I would. I’ve never done it) so just focus on portions and exercise. Try not to be completely type A and it might be easier. Or not. I guess you know what works for you but that’s what works for me. I’ve done the weight loss thing 5 times (once after college, four times after babies – so don’t think I’m gaining for no reason) and that’s just my (unprofessional) opinion.
And make sure you reward yourself. That is a GREAT motivator! (I’m getting new running shoes! WOOHOO!)
Thank goodness McFatty Monday is back. I’ve been on a crazy up/down swing since before Christmas and I could really use some accountability to get the last 15-20 pounds off.
Bless you for kicking my butt this morning and helping me make the tough choice – no more chai lattes….no more chai lattes…
I did my own McFatty Monday last spring/summer. Then I went back to work. Oh, and my work just happens to manufacture breads, pastries, cookies, etc. What a great place to work when you want to lose weight, right?! NO!
Anyway, just wanted to wish you luck! We’re going on vacation this summer and I am determined not to be THAT girl on the beach that is wearing capris and a t-shirt b/c I don’t want to blind the rest of the people on the beach with my pasty ass.
Good luck! I think it’s great that you took a break. It’s not good to be constantly doing something to better yourself.
Ohmyfreakingah. I totally feel you on the “I just want a break from working on myself” thing. I am actually going to my very first Weight Watchers meeting today. Eeek!! I feel like a giant-ass dork but its time to do something and I know the accountability of weighing in every week will help me. So McF Monday is back, and its perfect timing for me!! I’m SO joining in. And to top it off, I’m going to post pictures too. I figure publicly humiliating myself is the easiest way to get me motivated
Loves!
I took a picture every week of my pregnancy and just took a look back at them over the weekend…your addition of a picture this year made me think that perhaps that would be a good plan for my journey to weight-loss in 2011 as I try to shed the baby weight that won’t go away (mostly because my hormones, still being all over the place, deceive me into eating entire packages of Oreos because obviously that would be better than staring at a wall and crying
Here’s to better health in 2011 =)
I’m in a similar boat…except I’ve been struggling to get back to my healthy groove for about 9 months. I love the idea of starting McFatty Mondays up again. I’ve been trying to make changes on my own, but at least for me, I think changes are much more likely to happen and stick if I have accountability and community centered around health. I (very) recently started logging my intake at My Fitness Pal. I kept trying different “plans,” then wanting something off the plan. Now, even though I am trying to keep my sugar intake low, I can just track what I eat and see whether I’m within my calorie limits.
I’m looking forward to reading about your progress.
And by the way? You are gorgeous at any size. I hope you know that.
I can totally relate. I am still carrying around 15 pounds of baby weight. The baby is almost 2. And actually, I lost the weight after he was born, but put it back on after weaning him.
As I type this, my oldest son, who is 3 1/2, just said something about my “fat belly”. Nice.
I don’t stick to diets, so I have just been trying to eat healthier, eat less and drink lots and LOTS of water
Oh girl, I am in the same spot…except I never lost the weight. Haha! You can do it! I’m excited to read about it again.
Unfortunately it appears as though my daughter has been roped into the body image battle too. I am so, so frustrated.
http://www.ajdplusthree.com/2011/01/different-kind-of-mcfatty-monday.html
It’s good to have you back!
I’m sorry did you say something? I couldn’t read past McRib. Good luck! (I don’t want to say I’m right there with you, but I am. Oh the pressure!)
I started WW for the 19th time 2 weeks ago. I think the new plan is much easier to follow. We’ll see. I started at 215, blech, but I’m already down to 209. My little guy turns one this week. I’m older and want to have another child, but I won’t even think about it until I’m at a healthy weight so that’s my motivation! I also have a reunion in October, my 20th : – / Good luck, girl!
I so just posted about this yesterday … my remotivation to lose the poundage. I started at 204 and I’m at a whopping … 202. I’ve lost TWO POUNDS since the end of November. How awesome is that? NOT. I’m right there with ya, sister. We can do this.
See, this is why it’s so great to be a blogger. You can go back over the last year and look at the progress you made. It made you feel good and motivated you again!
Blogging is worth it despite all its little imperfections
Girl, you still look adorable. A-freakin-dorable!
I’m so glad it’s back! Is there a way to link the code for your linkup? Does that make sense? I need to edit today’s post because YAY YAY YAY! You’re back!
I’m working on that!
I just bought a gently used jogging stroller off of Craigslist yesterday! And I also added the c25k on my iPod….I start today!!
I’m right around the same height and frame as you are Blair.
I just blogged about something similar on Friday…I’ve SO struggled with losing weight postpartum, even though I’m a 30 Day Shred graduate and on Week 5 of the Couch to 5k (Day 2 today, baby!).
Recently, I’ve vowed to step off the scale for awhile and to track my measurements instead, and that’s been really helpful to me in terms of looking at running as a way to be healthy instead of necessarily losing weight.
Good luck!
Please always stand next to the tiny door for these. It cracks me up AND makes you look tall and slender. Also you’re supah hot, with or without pockets.
isn’t the tiny door the best evah?
& the funny part is that is where our storage is, so we’re on our hands & knees wrangling Christmas decorations through it. oy.
i have to say, you look fab–how wonderful to be at a starting point for weight loss where, no matter what, you’re already lookin’ good. i’m amazed and impressed at your honesty, and i’m excited to be following along & getting some inspiration for my own lose-some-ass-pounds journey.
You look great! Really, you do. I am starting my get healthy journey with a treadmill, more water, less snacks and less junk food. That’s about it. In May I am doing a 5 day hiking trip of about 13 miles a day in Spain so that is my motivator for now : ) That and to fit into my pants better.
On a side note, I always cringe when my dear friends pull me aside and say they HAVE to lose x number of pounds this year to put them back to their college weight. It’s always unrealistic and a set up for failure. I think the “get healthy” and make some different choices approach is much better and more realistic.
You TOTALLY need to sign up for a race. And I suggest doing the Rock ‘n Roll Half Mary with me in Savannah. It’s not until November so that gives us LOTS of time. But before then… a 5K. Then a 10K. AND THEN A HALF MARY BECAUSE WE ARE THE AWESOME.
Shit, BA, you weigh the same as me — so why the heck am I all flabby and roll-y and triple-chinned and you’re all over there looking good and solid and I’d have never guessed you weigh the same as me?! Methinks I’m getting the bad part of this deal!!
And when I say you weigh the same as me, I was referencing my body BEFORE I had Baby#2 12 days ago. Ugh. I’m not even gonna go there!!
ugh. i soooo needed this momentum. you even inspired me to change the topic of today’s post on my blog so that i can join in
here’s to hoping i change more than just my blog’s topic on mondays
Perfect timing! Just recommited myself to sparkpeople, logged in my breakfast, then your post popped up! You look really great, nice and healthy (the super cute clothes don’t hurt either!). I’m in like Flynn. Let’s do this!
Ok…first of all, you look great already!
Second…what’s the C25k thing?
Third…I posted last week about starting to live a healthier lifestyle, so I think I’ll start updating on Mondays too…I love the community support. It really helps with the motivation.
Fourth…I’m with you on the water thing…oh and my math. I suck a both.
This post made me laugh and cry. I got serious this past weekend and decided enough effing around- it’s time to get back in shape. I had my second baby about 6 months ago and unlike with the first baby the weight isn’t falling off. I’ve got 30 lbs to lose and it will be great to take our journeys together. Good luck to you!
good luck and welcome back! I know you’ll do it and I know you’ll find something that is a life choice, not a diet that will suit you!
I’m as always, a work in progress. I dont’ think you’ll ever catch my ass doing the c25k though. I just can’t bring myself to run, it’s like eating liver or venison. Not gonna happen.
I think you look great in the picture!
I think it is really hard to stay accountable. Luckily I love my Turbo Jam DVD and 30 Day Shred. I can’t wait until the sun stays up longer so I can get that jogging stroller back on the road.
I drink my Shakeology every morning and just try to make healthier choices through the day. I don’t want to say diet because I always fail. Email me if anyone wants any info. Lnadams@hotmail.com
I have done weight watchers in the past but I got tiredof having to count everything. I did lose though.
I seriously need to join in on this everything you wrote I feel the same way and it’s amazing to say you don’t “look” like you weigh that much. then again neither do I but we “do” and it’s time to do something about it. I think I might just link up next week (need to get my crap in order)
I’m 30 and have had 3 babies and my body ain’t what it used to be lol. The spread. The hips. The apron… *sigh*. ANYHOW, now that I’ve finished having babies (Yes, you can take that as written in STONE thank you), I’m reclaiming my body. I’ve done it before. I’ve done shakes, low carb, weight watchers. The thing that is working for me this time, and is *gasp*, relatively simple and lifelong, is having a calorie cap of 1400calories and walking for 40mins every day. I started at 189 pounds (tho I know I was 191 before I dedicated) and I’m down to 159 now. Thing I’m loving is not having to drink some shake, or eat a gross meal. I have an app on my iPhone that takes the guesswork out, I enter my food, it spits out the calories and tracks it (wow, what an eye opener). I realised I could enjoy my favourite foods easily!! Until now I kinda half heartedly would eat ‘healthy’ wondering why I wasn’t losing. Anyhow, something to think about – and goodluck to you! I put up a link to my chilli garlic shrimp pita pocket pizzas! That’s the type of food I can eat and I am loving it!
Good luck! I know exactly what you mean about knowing you need to lose the weight but just not being in the place where you want to do anything about it because it is such a burden! I lost 15 lbs between Thanksgiving and Christmas with Medi-Fast but then gave in to the Christmas goodies. Today I started back with it and am SO glad you had this McFatty post because I totally feel it! <3
Welcome back on the wagon! I will be a dirty lurker until I birth this little lady who is currently expanding the width of my already too large thighs!
Good luck girl! We are all behind you!
And I just wanted to let you know that you look great!
You look so pretty in your picture! You seem more toned than before, you look pretty slim to me! (But then, I’m 6 months pregnant so my perception may be off…)
Ok Blair, here’s the deal. I would love this comment to be all encouraging and such. But honestly, all I can think about it the hamburger with fried egg. Maybe it’s the pregnancy talking, but I really want to say, “Screw the grilled chicken, eat the hamburger with egg!”
PS-I promise not to comment on any McFatty posts until my child is here and my goal to lose the baby weight once again resurfaces.
Ok so heres the real deal. You only gained five pounds during the holidays?! Where I gained from 10-15 in just December. What the frickity frack.
And at the risk of being trolled to death by little ankle biters….I am goin to take your lead from the fall and in the spring attempt to start the C25k. Which sound be quite interesting since there’s really little I hate morethan running. And unless I am being chased I see no point in it. But I cannot subject myself to anymore Jillian videos, and really don’t have any way with our schedule to take classes (although kickboxing does a body good).
But I may quit. Let’s be honest. I really want these 15 pounds off my April though.
Also? The little door makes you look like the queen of umpa loompa land. (she’s probably amazon woman tall right)
I’m on the train with you and I think I should also start up a McFatty Monday because I would like the sense of community and the discipline. I have always battled my weight, and it seems like now a light finally went on that this will be a forever change, i will always have to think about if I TRULY want that donut and the 2 pounds to my ass it will add, although god damn I love donuts….its a lifestyle change. And Im telling you NOTHING taste better than skinny
And Blair for the record, we carry weight the same way and nobody would evr guess u weigh as much as u do and I think thats why i have always just dealt with it bc even at my size…i still feel alright.
But this summer I wanna be in a bathing suit, without a cover up!! AND LESS JIGGLE!!!
hey! i stumbled upon your blog from a friend of mine. i am on a weightloss journey as well. but i just though i would share the info the this fabulous shake that i really do love its called shakeology.
http://www.myshakeology.com/brookie611 check it out!
also- i am a coach from beachbody and they have ridiculous home workout programs such as p90x, insanity, turbo jam, turbo fire, etc etc. you should check that out as well!
goo dluck! its a daily struggle for me!
Okay….you are killing me with these Jockey posts! I tried the Luxe undies and I am inlove. Now I see these work out clothes and they are so cute! I.MUST.HAVE.THEM!
Thanks a bunch!
Doesn’t a new workout outfit make all the difference?
You look fab! I’m also trying to get back on the wagon. :s I found something that’s enormously helpful – http://www.e-mealz.com. It sounds like you’re a better cook than I am – I really struggle, but this organizes it for me and makes it super simple. We spend about $70/week on food. I think that’s pretty good, no?
ANYWAY, I chose the low-carb option for two – I think you can do weight watchers points as well. The new menu + the shopping list appear every Weds. And, then, I do something all for me – I order my groceries online and have them delivered for $10. The best $10 I spend all week. But, shhh! don’t tell my husband – he would not approve.
Hope this helps! And good luck! I’m also where you are, but my challenge is that I have to lose weight before I can think about think about becoming preggers – and boy, do I have baby fever!
You look fabulous. It is great to know you are back, you inspired me to start in January of last year, and now I am back again trying to get the weight off in january 2011. I have about 70 lbs I want to lose, but would be happy with 25 for now….My doctor told me if I wanted to have a baby, I need to lose weight. That is something that is hard to hear becuase while I am a big girl, I’m not THAT big, and I am athletic and enjoy working out 5 times a week….I recently started the C 2 5K…..I am so NOT a runner…..but, it feels great when I am doing it and when I am done….I can’t do this on my own, I am just not self-motivated when it comes to losing the weight. I love reading your blog and getting inspired. Now, if I can just put you in my head everytime I want a piece of chocolate or something sweet…I think I will be able to do it. I am not sure if I will ever get down to my goal weight, but I do know that I want to start a family…and that is a good MOTIVATOR… Thanks for being an inspiration and for making me laugh every time I read your blog
Ok…I like these goals. I like to read what works for you…since I am a stumbling beginner (who shouldn’t take her ambien before commenting because this is happening in slo-mo over here…sheesh).
anyhoodlslaps…you can do this. i shall join you in the pinky swear to do it.
and now i must put my drugged ass to bed.
You look fantastic — workin’ those tight workout pants…I would NOT, COULD NOT even fathom those right now.
I like your approach – focus on the healthy and it being a lifestyle change. Sometimes, its about changing habit rather than tracking every darn point or calorie…..for me, it’s stopping that night time eating – like as I type to you here at 10pm, I want to raid the fridge and munch on anything (even leftovers in tin foil would do!!!!)…….if I can just change that habit, I’ll save so many calories and reap the benefits there rather than worrying so much about my lunch or dinner.
Lots of luck.
)
Love the new outfit! I’m 99% sure I’m signing up for the Race for the Cure in June. I’m not sure I’ll be a runner by then & the number of people is always crazy, but I’m going to try my best. Let me know if you wanna do it!
Good job on the water I intake! It’s one of my ny’s resolutions. And have I had to drink today? About a half gallon of sweet tea and coffee. Both of which are water based
I am a huge fan of weight watchers and doing it now. i want to lose about 20-25 lbs. I was down to 10 lbs of my pre-baby weight, stopped nursing, increased my eating and wa-la! 15 pounds came back to me. So now I have to work my arse (literally) off. Good luck to ya! Losing weight sucks but it feels sooooo good when you start feeling better about yourself.
Personally, I think you look great!! Im right there with you though, so go us!!
It’s always good to be realistic and don’t think of all of this as a “diet” or “weight loss” and when you spent SO much time working on YOU and couldn’t enjoy every minute of your family and life it was obvious that you’d want to take the focus off of weight loss for a while and savor the happy moments.
At least you know this time that you don’t have deep lows and medication to thank and blame for weight loss and gain, this time, it’ll be real weight loss, real results, and life changes (GOOD life changes!).
I’m hoping that every week I can time my weekly pregnancy updates to this because my biggest focus during this pregnancy (WAY different from my last) is nutrition and health. Last time I spent the whole 9 months with the “eating for two” mentality, and this time I’m more focused on “what nutrients does this baby need” and “NO WAY am I getting back up to 215 this time”.
Good luck! I’m excited for McFatty Monday again!
Just wanted to tell you that you look flat out adorable!
Proud of you! It’s no easy feat trying to lose weight, much less doing it publicly. Also: you look awesome.
Losing weight and keeping is off is well, HARD. I’ve been on a journey these last several months myself and thanks to low-carb and running I’m doing pretty well. But it’s still a struggle some days and sometimes I wish I could just eat and do (or NOT do!) whatever I want! HA!
I wish you good luck in getting started again and try to focus more on just being healthy and feeling good rather than the scale (but you probably already know that…)
P.S. Looking forward to hopefully meeting you at Blissdom next week!
I am SO with you. I lost about 12 pounds last year and then gained about…um…14 back? Ick.
I set some goals for myself for the year, all of which are interrelated to a larger goal of putting my life in order and gaining control. It’s a combination of financial stability, healthy eating, and just generally being more conscious of how we live our lives. I’m 3 weeks into Weight Watchers and love the new plan. I lost 4.5 pounds in the first 2 weeks, and have, um…tons left to lose. But it’s slow and steady, and this time I am finding that eating well and putting myself and my goals first feels damn good.
Anyhow, welcome back McFatty Monday (although if that picture is accurate, you look DAMN good!). I’ll be joining you.
Here’s a post about my goals, made before 2011 started.
http://theazkahles.blogspot.com/2010/12/january-1-looms.html
You look awesome. I do not know how tall you are but I wish I looked as good as you at that weight. Anyway I’m joining in and think my link will add (I hope).
http://legallyinsanemommy.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/mcfatty-monday-on-wednesday/
Good for you! I think you are beautiful. Something I read about running long distances that changed my outlook entirely: If you are in any pain, or you cannot carry on a conversation while you are running, then you are going TOO FAST. Slow down and let your body do it’s work. It’s not about how fast you go, it’s about how far! Best wishes!
I just have to tell you that I stumbled onto your blog via a friend (Ashley from Mrs. E and the Future MD), and I already am hooked to your blog! I’ll definitely be following you from now on – especially on this weight loss journey (McFatty Monday – love it!). I, too, have started struggling with weight since I hit 20 and take comfort in knowing that there ARE people out there that have the same challenges!
slightly off topic…. but i needed to say it. 209-214 lbs and all, you look really great!!!
i gained 4lbs recently when i went to belgium – chocolate? fries? bread? the 4lbs + the 20 i already needed to lose…. urgh!!
anyway, love the idea of gettin’ this party started.