And The Research Shows...

I'm feeling pretty vocal today. Today's topic is all about research because I heard two interesting stories, and in ways, they seem to almost contradict each other.

You can't eat a high-fat diet because that the hormone cholecystokinin doesn't work probably, therefore your body keeps feeling hungry. You can read the story here.

On the other hand, research has shown that those who drink diet drinks are more likely to gain weight because it isn't filling.

But then there's that research that shows if you don't wash off the pesticides that may still be on your fruits and vegetables before eating them, that can lead to a variety of different health outcomes. AND, let's not even talk about how bad those natural sugars and carbohydrates are in fruit! ::in case you can't see me, I'm rolling my eyes::

So I've come to this conclusion: You are never going to do absolutely everything that you should be doing based on research. Research can contradict itself. Not to mention how the news reports this research! You only get half the facts and it is not always interpreted correctly.

The best bet: Eat anything in moderation.

Losing Inches But Not Weight

I have not updated this blog in a long time, so I figured it was about time to. As in the title of this post - I have lost inches but not weight; I have actually gained a little bit of weight. I'm not freaking out just yet because I do think it may be muscle since I am still losing inches. The first two major changes I have noticed has been my legs and my bust (truly weirded out on that one). I still feel great, I still work out quite a bit, and my best friend and I are trying to do a canoeing trip this week which I hope we can still do (I've been having car problems...).

So here's the scoop. Since June 12, 2005, I have lost 2 inches around the waist, 2.5 inches around the hips, 7.25 inches around the thigh (left), 3.75 inches around my upper bust, 2 inches around my lower bust, 1.5 inches around my arm (left), and 0.5 inches around my neck. I also think my feet have shrunk width wise.

This week was the first week my parents got to see the *newer* me. My mom's ecstatic and has told *everyone*, but she doesn't seem to understand the concept that *this* is *NOT* a diet. AND, everyone wants to know *how much* I've lost. Does it truly matter? I'm happier, more confident, but more importantly, love going out and being more physically active.

Bad Week

This week was just a horrible week for me. My body completely crashed this week; I was lucky to be able to go on our walks at work...and the gym...well that hasn't happened yet this week. I feel like crap, and I did not eat all the right foods. Actually, I think part of my body crash was because I could not keep up with my calorie needs. I was burning too much too quickly.

I know the true saying goes: One step forward, two steps back. Well, this week I'm developing the mentality, one step back, two steps forward. I'm not going to lie, I am slightly bummed because I doubt I'll make the weight that I want to before I go home in the next couple of weeks (if I do, then I am definitely losing too much too quickly).

Now I know. I need to stay away from pizza and ice cream at all costs.