(REPOST FROM AUG. 17, 2011) Mind or Food?

Happy Monday!  So I found this old post from exactly 4 years ago when I partnered with Jenny Craig for a 6 week program.  Reading my thoughts during this time was very interesting and I figured I would share them again because I think many of you can relate AND because I thought it would be a way for you to see how far I've changed mentally as it relates to my struggle with weight.  I italicized one section in particular for you that stood out the most for me.  I hope this motivates you to keep going and to even document your journey (even if its just for yourself.)

 

 

 

Hi all! I recently started the Jenny Craig weight loss program through a Blogher program that I signed up for.  I started on Sunday to be exact.  Let me start this post by giving you a information about myself

 

 

(my breakfast the other morning)

On Saturday when I went to the center to get started, I weighed in at 278lbs (GASP)

I’m 5’5 and 278lbs… That would put me in the obese category, right? Right.

(in Lane Bryant trying on a size 20 dress)

Now, let me say, I’ve never been thin.  In high school I was around 165 and 170, which was perfect for me.  By the time I was 21, I was around 200lbs.   After giving birth to my first son, I weighed in at 225, but I lost those 25lbs plus 2lbs so I was 198.

(on the way to my prom wearing a size large dress from the junior department)

Moving on to present day, I have 3 children a husband, a house, and a life that I’m trying to get back in order.  My first day on the program (Sunday) proved to be a challenge.  I’ve always known that I was an emotional eater.  But Sunday showed me that it’s worse than I thought.  Every time I am frustrated, overwhelmed, upset, irritated, rushed, sad, depressed, even happy, I want to put something in my mouth (ughhh, I hope that didn’t come across nasty!).  Here’s the thing, I AM NOT HUNGRY when I want to eat the food.  What does that mean???

 

***I’m realizing that in order to get a handle on my weight, I need to first get a handle on my life.  It’s not the food for me.  I don’t eat chocolate, I don’t drink alcohol (minus the three drinks I had during blogfest, YUM!), I don’t like pastries or sweets for that matter.  I’m not gonna sit here and say that I eat the healthiest foods out there, but I don’t eat the unhealthiest food either.  Even my portions aren’t large.  On the two trips I took to NYC, I realized that I ate better and not as much.  I didn’t feel the need to snack on anything.  Why is that?  Was it because I actually had time for me?  Was it because I had a few restful nights sleep?  Was it because I had more adult conversation?  Was it because I felt more like my old self?  Or maybe it was because I was constantly on the go.  I’m thinking all of those played a factor in why I didn’t over indulge myself when it came to eating. What I’m trying to do is figure out how to make myself feel and eat like that here at home.  Maybe my life is not balanced? Do I need a schedule perhaps? hmmm…

It’s now Wednesday and I must say that I have come to terms with the food I’m eating for the program.***

 

(Dinner last night)

 

  The food itself isn't bad (I was worried about that!).  It’s hard not tasting the food that I prepare for my family, but I don’t. 

 

 

 

I’m only doing this program for about 6 weeks.  I do hope to lose some weight, but not much. I am happy that I realized how bad my emotional eating is.  Hopefully by the time these few weeks are up, I’ll have more control of that.

How many of you ever struggled with weight? How are you dealing with it?  What have you learned about yourself when it comes to why your eating habits are what they are?

 

Plans for the week, weigh in, and a winner!

Last week was pretty good to me.  Not only did I post here like I wanted to, but I also got a lot of work done around my house and in my shop.   As far as getting back on track weight wise, I kinda fell short in a few areas.  I consumed far too many cashews and pecans.  I realized that I just can't control myself with them in my sight! They truly are my weakness.  On top of that, I had Zaxby's and some wings from Publix which threw me off course a bit.  But, for the most part, I did pretty well and I plan to add workouts to my schedule this week starting with a trip to the mountain tomorrow!

 

I weighed in this morning and figured I would share that with you.  172 on the dot! I'm shooting for 165 by Sept. 7th.  I definitely think I can get there without starving myself:-)

 

 

After Sept. 7th, I'm quitting this "weight loss journey" of mine.  That will be 2 years since I decided to focus on my health and one year of maintaining my weight.  I would like to think that by now, I have it under control and honestly, I feel like this is starting to stress me out! Don't get me wrong, living a healthy life is definitely part of my day to day at this point, but I will no longer make my weight the center of attention. 

 

Coming up on the blog this week, I came across an old post  of mine that was an interesting read so I'm going to share that tomorrow.  I'm also transitioning my wardrobe into fall so I have an outfit post scheduled to give you an idea of what my fall style will consist of, I'm making my office work double duty by transforming it into my closet and office so I'll share more about that, and lastly, and what I'm most excited about is that I have teamed up with another "clean foodie" that will share different recipes here for you guys every week on Fridays!

 

Now, lets get to the winner of the leopard pillow cover:

 

Taraneika Bogan !!

 

Please email me at lakeitha_duncan@yahoo.com with your home address where the cover can be shipped!

 

Happy Sunday!

 

GIVING UP THE MASTER BEDROOM FOR THE KIDS

Lately I've been tossing around the idea of converting our master bedroom into a room for my three boys.

 

Don't you all gasp at once!  The master bedroom is the largest of the 3 bedrooms in our home and since my boys now share one room, I was thinking this just seemed like the right thing to do.  They will have not only more bedroom space, but more bathroom space as well since they'll inherit that, too:(

 

If you've been following me for a while over here, you may remember when my oldest had his own room.  That didn't last long because he could never stay out of his brothers room.  Now, of course he wants his own space again, but it's too late because it's now my office!

 

 

The other two always shared a room.  Here is a picture of their old room design.  Pardon the poor image quality as I could not locate the original picture that was used in the newspaper.

 

The only concern I have about my husband and I switching rooms is the space at the foot of the bed between the bed and wall.  What would we do as far having enough space for a dresser?  If you notice below, it doesn't appear to have much space left. 

 

For now, this is all just a thought.  A really highly likely thought.  I think decorating a smaller bedroom for me and my husband would be a walk in the park!  What are your thoughts?  What should I think about before making the switch?

 

Lakeitha

 

White jeans into fall

In the south, white jeans and shoes are to be put away come the day after Labor Day.  To me, that is the craziest thing ever! And why is that the "rule" anyway?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

If you're like me, and love to push against what "they say do",  the easiest way to transition white jeans into the cooler months is to pair them with warmer tones.  Here, I'm wearing leopard pumps (sold out), a nude bag, and a bronzy (skin tone) tank.  And lastly, finishing your outfit with a denim or even leather jacket is always a good thing! Add in a little Wrist Soiree bling and you're all set.   Stay tuned for a few more looks featuring white jeans:)

 

images by the fabulous Kaye McCoy

 

Happy Wednesday, Ladies!

 

leopard pillow cover giveaway

Remember when I shared a glimpse of my inspiration for my bedroom? If not, go here to read more about it.  I purchased a set of leopard pillows from Kassapanola and fell completely in love!

 

 

 

 

 I knew they were the perfect addition to the space, though the size was too small for what I had in mind.  Because of that, I ordered a second larger pair and this time, oh this time they were PERFECT! Agnes is such an awesome person to work with.  She has even allowed me to send her fabric to sew pillow covers to use in my family room.  I'll share more about the family room later:)

 

 

 

After sharing a picture of the pillows on instagram, I reached out to Agnes and she agreed to host a giveaway for one of you lucky ladies the chance to own your own pillow cover!

 

 

 

 

Are you ready to enter the giveaway?  Here are the rules:

Comment below letting me know what other pillow cover from Kassapanola's site you are in love with, subscribe to her newsletter to receive discounts on future purchases, and follow Kassapanola on instagram! 

 

**Giveaway is open for residents of the US and Canada**

 

Good luck, ladies! I'll announce the winner on Friday!

monday motivation: be fearless

Happy Monday to you!  The other night on Periscope (which is a free app that allows you to watch and interact with me LIVE that you can download to your smartphone!), I shared a little bit about how a was going to give up on my business, but after working on the lookbook for Wrist Soiree, I was reminded on how much it actually means to me!  I also mentioned being one that drops the ball sometimes in my personal life and how that's ok. 

 

 

Today is my first day back to being a consistent blogger.  I say that because I post on here every now and then without any rhythm.  I was hesitant about it because I figured it would just be another thing for me to add to my plate, but then I realized that it's also another thing that I miss doing.  This was how I shared my thoughts, my home, my life! And although instagram is good, it's nothing like a full blog post to really express yourself. 

As women, we tend to be afraid to step out and do things that benefit us because we feel like its not fair to those around us.  Here's the thing ladies, when we make ourselves better, we make those around us better! On top of that, removing the fear  as we journey towards our goals, we free ourselves from people around that mean us no good.  Whenever we go boldly in the direction of  our goals and dreams, people become either excited for us, or uncomfortable with us.  So that "thing" you've always wanted to do, you should really start doing it!  Go after it, fearlessly. 

 

 

Stay inspired,

Lakeitha

COMFORTABLE OR UNBALANCED

By now, you all know my weight loss story. Started out 280lbs, decided to take charge of my life and health, set a goal, achieved set goal in a year, helping others do the same.

 

Lately, I haven't been feeling like I did before when it comes to knocking out my next goal. What is that next goal? I want to be a size 8. I think my problem with reaching that goal comes from my original goal of being a size 12. I'm a size 12 now. Depending on the brand, I'm a size 10. When I was a size 24, I couldn't walk in any store and find what I wanted. Now, oh honey, the possibilities are endless! Because of that, I feel as if I've gotten a little too comfortable where I am. Then I hear from people all of the time telling me not to lose any more weight. "You've come so far. Don't over do it", they say. Believe it or not, I start to ask myself if they're right and if I'm greedy for wanting more! On top of that, I feel tired. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. Drained! And I'm starting to wonder if it's because I'm pouring so much of myself into this part of my life and not feeding the other parts that make me me. This is going on year 2 for me since I first started my journey and I have been totally dedicated to it nonstop. Aside from working out the way I did in the beginning, I still live and breathe my health (in terms of staying on track) and I think that is what's leaving me stuck.

(Image by Kaye McCoy)

 

I was discussing this with my husband last night and he said he thinks it's because the kids are home for summer and that its throwing me off schedule. He also mentioned me comparing myself to others a lot lately. He's right about that. I do compare myself to others, but not in a "they're better than me" type of way, but more of a "if I had kept going doing that" kind of way:-)

 

Anyway, I'm just curious as to if any of you have experienced being comfortable in your journey or feeling unbalanced after you've dedicated so much of yourself to one thing. Would love your feedback!

Stay inspired,

Lakeitha