LA VALLEUR COMMUNICATES: Musings By Barbara La Valleur — Giving Thanks

Today I’m giving thanks. I reached a major milestone this week and am celebrating losing more than 50 pounds.

My two older sisters, June, Sharon and me (from left). Together, we've lost more than 200 pounds this year. This photo was taken on the 20th anniversary of buying our grandparents' farm in rural Minnesota. In the background, is a photo of our larger selves taken four years previously. — My two older sisters, June, Sharon and me (from left). Together, we’ve lost more than 200 pounds this year. This photo was taken on the 20th anniversary of buying our grandparents’ farm in rural Minnesota. In the background, is a photo of our larger selves taken four years previously.

My Metabolic Balance journey began Jan. 2 of this year. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve come to appreciate my resolve, determination, stick-to-it-ness. Being intentional helps. A great friend once told me, “You’re the most intentional person I know.”

I’ve found that setting goals and writing them down is a motivator. Here are some of the goals that I made at the beginning of my journey this past January and that I have met over the past 11 months:

Be pain free of shooting arthritis in finger joints — 01.11 (Thanks to using turmeric.)
Cancel large sizes clothes catalogs — 01.16.
Be able to see more of my body parts — 01.17.
People start noticing my weight loss — 01.17.
Experience clothes not fitting because they’re too large — 01.18.
Tighten bra a notch — 01.25.
Move belt buckle in a notch — 01.25.
Get rid of size 3 clothes — 01.30.
Get out of shower without stomach or bum touching the door — 02.09.
Move bra hooks to tightest hook — 02.17.
Lose first 20 pounds — 02.22.
Walk/cycle/exercise without pain — 02.22.
Have wedding and engagement rings fit comfortably — 03.07.
Learn healthy eating habits — 03.28.
Lose 30 pounds — 04.18.
Give away size 2 clothes — 05.15.

There is no doubt that learning about nutrition and what foods work for and against me is an ongoing process.

Here, I'm pictured with my favorite Star Tribune photographer, Brian Peterson, at an event last week. He's enjoying a beer; you can just about see the top of my water bottle. — Here, I’m pictured with my favorite Star Tribune photographer, Brian Peterson, at an event last week. He’s enjoying a beer; you can just about see the top of my water bottle.

Interestingly, I no longer think of myself as fat. After the 50.5-pound weight loss recorded Monday — and yes, I track those one-half-pound marks! — I looked up my Body Mass Index number to see if I am still in the obese category. I used the following link: http://www.smartbmicalculator.com

I was pleased to read the following:

“This SBMI chart shows your BMI value and its age-dependent significance for the health.

Your BMI is calculated as 30.8

Health aspects

Your weight is at a marginally elevated level; in our view, it should still be fine for your health. Contrary to the WHO classification of “obese,” we hold the statement that you are only “overweight.”

Your Smart Body Mass Index

This assessment is based on the newly developed Smart Body Mass Index). Its ideal range is between 30/70 and 39/70. Your SBMI is 41/70 or “41 points out of 70.”

So I’ve managed to reach the “overweight” category and left “obese” behind. I’m committed to never entering THAT one again.

Every little bit helps when you have a goal as large as mine of loosing 88 pounds in your 70s!

In the coming months, I look forward to shedding that “overweight” category when I reach my goal.

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome to lose this much weight was my own choice to do it and stick to it.

Stay tuned and Happy Thanksgiving.

Results: Reached 50 pounds weight loss; my nutrition coach was particularly pleased about my waist measurement which is down 7.5 inches.

Tips: On Thanksgiving, stuff your turkey, not yourself.