July 18, 2012, Wednesday: 185.5 Pounds
Net: -2.5 Pounds
Daily Calorie Total: 1890

I’m very bummed to be up half a pound today, despite rigorously adhering to my diet and exercise program. I even weighed my self twice more on my scale? (Good thing as when I first stepped on it, I think it was sitting funky on the floor and it registered 186!) Then I weighed myself on my husband’s scale. I was that disappointed.

I then got out my tape measure and measured my waist. Standing straight, with my abdominal muscles contracted, I got 34.5”. I was really careful not to pull the tape too tight, so it was snug, but didn’t actually cut in anywhere. So, at least my waist is 1/2” thinner, even if the scale is mocking me. I’m happy to be below the 35” mark, as that’s supposed to be significant for health risks. I’ll be happier still when I’m down to below 32.5”, as that’s the maximum I should be for my height before I’m considered in an obese high risk group for a lot of diseases. Of course, maybe that measurement is supposed to be taken when your stomach muscles are totally relaxed?

I should take my bust, hip, thigh, and upper arm measurements, too. If I see loss there, maybe it will get me through other times when I’m losing fat, but not weight. Fortunately, Mr. Harmless told me yesterday that I looked slimmer. It’s not a huge difference, but I’m beginning to notice it in the mirror, too. Maybe it’s psychological as I’m devoting so much attention to losing weight right now? I might take some before pictures for my own benefit.

I certainly feel happier with myself for meeting my daily goals. I feel stronger, too. During my lesson yesterday, I sat the trot on my big moving 16.3 hand Hanoverian mare like it was nothing. Not a perfectly correct sitting trot, my torso and legs were swinging a bit too much back and forth according to my instructor, but I felt pretty secure and comfortable.

The posting exercises the clinician gave me seem to be working as my posting trot position is much improved. I can now look in the dressage mirror as I ride by and not cringe. I’m looking forward to getting an even quieter post as I get stronger still. Those exercises do make my thighs sore, but it’s worth it!