Hi, everyone.

Sorry I haven't been around much. I'm really trying to blog more consistently but that doesn't always happen.

WW is still going well. I really like the meetings, even though they're virtual. I feel so uplifted by them and the people in them. 

Today I took my friend Cecilia out for lunch to celebrate her birthday. We went to Blaze Pizza, because they make those cute little mini-pizzas, and I ate one (half at the restaurant, half later) and it was all delicious, but my stomach is unbelievably upset now. Also, the super-rich greasiness of it led me to binge on mandarin oranges later, which is the weirdest thing possible. I mean, I guess six or eight little cups of those things is not a binge per se, but it was more than I wanted to eat, and I haven't felt out of control around food in a long time. I think, the next time I go back, I will be getting a salad. I feel miserable physically and I also feel a bit sad because I know today I made a choice that doesn't support my goals. Still, Cecilia was happy, and I'm glad she's my friend, and I was glad to celebrate her. 

I'm proud of my progress overall, though, and I feel like I will make up for this in the next few days. It's just a blip. And it's something I've learned about myself: maybe say no to pizza next time. And for now, I'm practicing not beating myself up or becoming morose over something like this. And drinking lots and lots of water. 

Until next time,

Simone 

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Sunday, 23 March 2025
(The Third Sunday in Lent)
Location: Ohio (home)
Reading: Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton 
Weight: 300.2 lbs. (136 kg) 

 Hi, everyone!

Feast of St. Patrick fit check

There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about. 

In the last few days, I've pivoted from intermittent fasting to Weight Watchers (WW) as my primary means of weight loss. I made this decision a while back and started the transition on Friday of last week. 

I came to this decision for a number of reasons, but the main one was that, while I felt good doing IF, it's not a sustainable long-term solution. Five or ten years from now, I do not still want to be bound by that way of eating. To use the super cliche dichotomy everyone's heard, a diet and a lifestyle change are not the same thing. I feel that, at least for me, IF was more of a diet, while WW is more of a lifestyle-- one that is designed to adjust with you as you lose weight and even once you're in maintenance. 

I did really well on IF-- I lost about seventy pounds on it, felt really good, had some big wins, and it was a really great tool for that part of my journey. It served me well, but now it's time for the next stage of the journey. 

So far, I really like it. Tracking is much easier and less taxing in my executive function than I would have guessed. It almost feels like a game. I also really enjoy the meetings. Even though I live in the Valley of the Shadow of Meth without a car, and don't have access to much of anything in person, I've gone to a few of the virtual meetings, and I really enjoyed them. The coaches are nice, everyone seems supportive and helpful, and you learn good tips. 

Anyway, I don't want to make more out of this than it is-- just a pivot from one tool to another. I just wanted to let you all know. 

Today was a good day! Plenty of energy, higher-than-usual well-being, no more shark week, and I even decided to walk home from school! As much as I needed the break this past week, I was excited to be back on campus and see people. 

Still very convinced that beans on toast is the most elite breakfast. Change my mind. 

Until next time,

Simone

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Monday, 17 March 2025
(Monday in the Second Week of Lent)
Location: Ohio (home)
Reading: The Girl from the Grand Hotel by Camille Aubray 
Weight: 306.9 lbs. (139.2 kg) 

 Hi, everyone!

I've had another really good day today-- I even cooked! I mean, I kind of made it up as I went along, but still, I cooked! 

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Sunday, 16 March 2025
(The Second Sunday in Lent)
Location: Ohio (home)
Reading: The Girl from the Grand Hotel by Camille Aubray 
Weight: 308.0 lbs. (139.7 kg) 🦈