Brown Dress Plan: Week 4 and Getting Kicked off the Wagon

Brown Dress Plan: Week 4 and Getting Kicked off the Wagon

April 16th, 2009 @ 12:38 pm by Mrs. Joey

Week 4 of the Brown Dress Plan didn’t go as I had hoped. I did manage to get in about an hour of lifting and abs, and almost 3 hours of vigorous walking, but the spin classes did not happen. I’d like to say I was lazy and enjoyed some other activities in place of working out, but that would be a lie. I didn’t fall off the wagon; I got kicked off… hard. What kicked me? This:

headaches

image

Ah, sinus headaches! I love spring and the sun, but I could do without the sinus headaches. I never had them until about 2 years ago. Now when I get them, I really get them. My eyeballs feel like they are going to throb right out of their sockets, my head feels like it’s being hit by a hammer, and the bridge of my nose feels like a full-grown elephant is standing on it. Sometimes my teeth hurt! They are the worst. I got sinus headaches 4 days last week. Week 5 isn’t looking so hot either, since I spent all of Monday night in bed with another one.

I know I didn’t do everything I wanted to do last week (fitness or otherwise) but I’m not too worried about getting back on the horse. I definitely think it helps that this is a lifestyle change, as opposed to me trying to lose weight by a certain date. I think there’s less pressure when you miss a week. And since I’m going to continue with the plan forever (I hope), I know there will always be a week here and there where work or health gets in the way. I think the key is motivation.

I’m definitely seeing some changes in my body. I’ve lost weight around my ribs (below my bra). My calves are a little slimmer, and I put on a pair of jeans over the weekend that I haven’t worn in 2 years! They were very snug, but they were on me.

I also read this morning that weight loss can lower the prevalence of headaches. In addition to sinus headaches, I get some wicked migraines. There’s sweating, head pounding, and a few visits to the toilet bowl (sorry, TMI). While I do still get the occasional migraine, I have noticed I don’t get them as often. I’ll ’woot! woot!’ to that.

In addition to looking thinner, what kinds of benefits have you seen and/or felt when you changed your diet or started working out more?

Brown Dress Plan
Brown Dress Plan: Week 1
Brown Dress Plan: Weeks 2 & 3

Tags: diet, fitness |

| Share this post: Brown Dress Plan: Week 4 and Getting Kicked off the Wagon

Latest Gallery Pics

Grandma's Rosary Wrapped Around My Bouquet

13 Responses to “Brown Dress Plan: Week 4 and Getting Kicked off the Wagon”

Member

cfitz621 (message) 153 posts, Blushing bee

I hear you on the sinus headaches! I never used to get them and then BAM!

I don’t know if you use one already, but look into a Neti Pot. I just discovered this last year and it turned my usual week long suffering into 3 days. It’s wonderful.

Not gonna lie, it’s sorta gross, but worth it.

4/16/09 @ 12:42 pm (reply)

Hostess

LatteLove (message) 4,120 posts, Honey bee

i hear you on the sinus thing….

good luck with sticking to your goals!

4/16/09 @ 12:48 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Duckling (message) 1,349 posts, Bumble bee

I usually notice more energy. Sorry to hear about your headaches, Mr. D gets those. My allergies just go crazy and I sneeze constantly.

4/16/09 @ 12:55 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Kitten (message) 705 posts, Busy bee

I get more energy too, especially if I work out in the morning. I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well! You have four more months, plenty of time to get back on the wagon!

4/16/09 @ 1:00 pm (reply)

Member

spraguebride (message) 352 posts, Helper bee

Do you have alergies? I am in Seattle and my FI and many of my freinds all feel VERY sick right now with headaches and sore throats because of all the pollen. Hang in there!

4/16/09 @ 1:03 pm (reply)

Member

RinaRoo (message) 45 posts, Newbee

I have ALWAYS had sinus headaches. I have a few suggestions - Allergy meds = best friends. When the allergy season get bad, I take Allegra in the morning and singulaire before bed (no, I’m not an addict, I just have very bad seasonal allergies). If you still get sinus headaches, try using hot compresses on your sinuses. I’m not 100% sure why but it clears the passageways and reduces the pressure. But really, I feel for ya!

4/16/09 @ 1:05 pm (reply)

Member

West Coast Bride (message) 672 posts, Busy bee

I had my second dress fitting yesterday, and I can tell that my working out has paid off in confidence. I feel great about myself, and I felt like a million bucks in my dress. I have been fit for some time, but I started upping the intensity and frequency a few months ago. Don’t feel bad about off weeks–I’ve had a couple too, and as long as you get right back on, there’s really no harm done physically.

4/16/09 @ 1:37 pm (reply)

Member

mary-alice-me (message) 1,870 posts, Buzzing bee

Ugh on the sinus headaches. I feel for you, liking something but not what accompanies it! I always feel best when I’m healthy, working out and eating right. I hate that yucky feeling after eating junk food. Best for me is that I sleep better when I’m on track with exercising and eating right. That’s a super bonus!

4/16/09 @ 1:57 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Beagle (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

I sleep better and have more energy. And I also tend to eat healthier too. Hope you feel better soon!

4/16/09 @ 3:46 pm (reply)

10.

Member

MaPo (message) 312 posts, Helper bee

Oh I am so glad the Neti Pot was suggested! I second that motion! I have terrible sinuses and the headaches so very painful!! The Neti Pot saves me when it’s really bad! I even get super dark circles under my eyes-the doc said they call it allergic “shiners” since it looks like a bruise like being socked in the eye. I am so sorry to hear you have to deal with this too!!

As for fitness benefits, I have to say I agree with the energy and better sleep responses. I also tend to feel more motivated to get things done! Laundry, errands, etc.

4/16/09 @ 7:48 pm (reply)

11.

Bee

miss mouse (message) 3,354 posts, Sugar bee

Working out is such a mood booster for me. I feel great after a really hard session of cardio, but I especially feel the stress melt away after doing an hour of Pilates or yoga.

4/16/09 @ 11:23 pm (reply)

12.

Guest

Jillian

I’m sure someone has mentioned this to you already but just in case they haven’t you should check out http://www.healthy-bride.com. We workout at the Olympic Sculpture park. Its really fun and motivating to be working out with other brides! Just thought you might enjoy it!

4/17/09 @ 2:19 am (reply)

13.

Hostess

MightySapphire (message) 2,608 posts, Sugar bee

How about finding my size at a regular department store?? Woot woot! I asked the saleslady for a 12. (I used to be a 14). She rolled her eyes and brought a bunch of 10s…which were still too big! Holy cow I’m a size 8!!! I don’t remember the last time I was a size 8…high school?? I’m so loving the weight loss now…must keep going! And The Biggest Loser is totally my inspiration. Go Tara!!

4/23/09 @ 10:50 pm (reply)