calories Confessions Dinner Eating out fitness food Food update Friends Happy Hour limiting calories Losing weight Michael Portland Portland Restaurants Relationships Restaurants Review Socializing weight loss wine winter blues

A Healthy Balance and Some Confessions

A Healthy Balance and Some Confessions

Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

Related Posts

20 Comments

  1. Eleah

    I am guilty of this as well. I laugh (to myself) everytime somebody says, “It’s the weekend!” or, “2 more days until Friday!” Internally I am mumbling something along the lines of, “No “weekend” when you’re studying for the MCAT and taking classes..”Even last night, as I got off the bus, the bus driver said, “Now I want you to do something for me. SMILE! It’s almost Friday.” I smiled to make him happy but it wasn’t genuine.

    My MCAT book even says, “If you aren’t studying to the point where you’re exhausted from studying, you’re not doing enough. This is not the time in your life to slack off or relax…” Refreshing, text, thank you!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I am so glad you could relate! And compared to you, my stress and chores is nothing! It sounds like you are working really hard and while it will pay off in the end, I’m sure it’s exhausting right now. That quote from your MCAT book is both ridiculous, hilarious and exhausting.

  2. Roz@weightingfor50

    I wish I could send a big hug down to Portland Lisa!!! I can so relate. My husband isn’t working right now, and I feel a bit trapped too. HOWEVER, I know it’ll all work out for us all!!! Things happen for a reason, and we have no idea what is around the corner. In the meantime, keep having fun, we’ll do the same up here. Have a great Thursday.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thanks Roz! I try to remind myself that there is a reason for everything. And while Michael being unemployed really sucks, and really throws a wrench in our plans and lifestyle, it’s kind of been a good thing. He’s been working diligently on the house remodeling projects that have taken a back seat for years because we were too busy. Our kitchen is close to being done, which is awesome!

  3. Lori

    Well, isn’t life really all about trying to find balance? Nobody is balanced all the time and the pendulum can swing far and wide in any area of our lives. Sometimes you just have to write out the goals of what needs to get done and what you want to get done and put it together like a puzzle.

    My email is always open if you need it!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Yes! Life is definitely about finding balance and I’m just sucking at that lately. I’m trying to be better about it. I like your idea of writing out goals. It’s been awhile since I’ve done that.

      Thanks for the positive vibes and the email chat offer. πŸ™‚

  4. Jess

    Right, if I was in Portland (or, ya know, the USA) I would take you out for a wine and a hug!

    BUT I am going to say this: You are smart, and you KNOW not to weigh yourself unless it is first thing in the morning. I weighed myself during the day once, and I was up 4 pounds! Not going to do that again, because I was back to my normal weight in the morning. Our bodies fluctuate!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thanks Jess! I’m always up for a girl’s night out and wine. πŸ˜€

      Yes, I know not to weigh myself. It was stupid. Masochistic? Glutton for punishment? I knew I shouldn’t weigh myself, but did it anyway.

  5. Christa

    I only weigh first thing in the morning because I’m pretty sure it’s the only way to compare apples to apples. If I got on the scale dressed, during the day, I’d expect to see +5 at least!

    And has anyone taken you to task yet for calling Walking Dead a “comic”? I’m pretty sure you have to call it a “graphic novel” or the nerds will kill you. ;-D

    1. Christa

      Oh, and I do live in Portland–gonna have to check out the Red Star!

      1. Lisa Eirene

        Hey! Fellow Portlander! I love hearing from my local readers. Let me know what you think of Red Star if you try it.I’d like to go back and try their entrees. They looked good.

    2. Lisa Eirene

      GASP!!!!! I am so sorry nerds. Ahem, Graphic Novel. πŸ™‚ I still want to read it.

      I agree with you. And after a lot of trial and error, I discovered the “perfect” time to weigh in so that it was consistent. It was exactly 7 days after my period ended, first thing in the morning before food, undressed. That has been the most accurate number.

  6. Carbzilla

    I love you because you always strive for better. πŸ™‚

    Though I’m not a religious person, there were times during my unemployment when I just “gave it over.” There were even times when I prayed. I do believe that things happen for a reason and that we only have control over so much. As a total control freak, that’s hard for me to accept but then the world showed me that I really had no choice. It was very humbling.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      If I didn’t strive for better, I’d still be that old Me and we never would have met. πŸ™‚

      I am a control freak too, at least about myself, so giving things “up” for a higher power is difficult. I’m not religious but I do follow a path and I’ve gotten away from it. I need to figure out how to accept what things are is what they are and that I can’t try to fix everything. And how to live in the moment.

  7. Diane, fit to the finish

    Hugs to you Lisa. I too have gone through periods of time in my life where I just felt unsettled and like things were missing. You are smart to think about it while at the same time paying attention to your health. That 2 lb. weight gain? You know, just like I do, that a small gain like that is likely just a normal fluctuation.

    Take care of yourself my friend.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thanks, Diane. I’m sure it is a natural fluctuation. But of course my mind is playing tricks on me.

      I have a mini vacation coming up soon and I think that will reset my “funk.”

  8. Dr. J

    I’ve found that when I start tipping, I usually go a little farther than I would like before I notice and make a correction. I guess that’s just the way we are πŸ™‚

    You are doing the right thing with tracking your calories while being on that med.

    I’ve had that scale shock too πŸ™‚

    You will be fine!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thanks, Dr. J! This time I did recognize that I was “tipping” too far one way before I got deep into the funk. I’m righting the ship now, slowly but surely. Tracking calories is helping, but of course that doesn’t silence the little voice in my head that says “I know I just ate a satisfying dinner, but I really want to KEEP EATING EVERYTHING!”

  9. Jill

    I relate to this post Lisa. First- hug! I am sorry you are in this “place”. For me I have called it a “rut”. This past year I have been in a rut. If not for our move to England- then I would be on the same page with you. I have been very stagnant and not making progress in any areas of my life. Just floating along- not good, not bad. I wish I knew what would push you out of your rut. I really feel for you and wish I had the answer. Oh- about those 2 pounds??? I don’t see them! You look amazing in that photo- I would kill for your tummy area!!!!!!!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thank you, Jill! I appreciate your positive comments. πŸ™‚ Yes, this winter has been a “rut” for me. Sometimes it’s hard to dig ourselves out of that rut. I’m going on a mini vacation this weekend that has boosted my mood tremendously and I think better weather coming will help. I think your move to England is going to be a good thing for you. It may be rocky at first, but it will definitely get you out of the “Floating” and “rut”!

Leave a Reply