Yes, it is a Happy New Year. We are alive and kicking and some of us are fat and happy; or maybe not so happy about the weight, but happy about being alive. I am trying to get back on track following the holidays. By all of the chatter on Twitter and Facebook, a lot of others are having the same idea. I have my goals for the year, some of them diet and exercise and some of them for other aspects of my life. No, they are NOT resolutions. I know that I won't immediately achieve them, but I am making a conscious effort to continue to work on them all year in an effort to achieve my goals by the end of the year. So often, we make the huge resolutions or unattainable goals and then become frustrated and give up when we can't achieve the goal or fail early in the journey. We have to realize that we didn't gain the weight (or whatever the problem is) overnight and we sure won't solve the problem overnight. It just doesn't work that way.
Now that that's off my chest, here are some of the things that I am doing to get back on track.
1. Reconnect with The Sisterhood . I love this website and their community page aka The Hood. They have great challenges and everyone supports each other. We get together and chat, workout, discuss all of our diet and exercise issue and victories. And, it's FREE!
2. Spend more time on Jillian Michaels.com . After all, I am paying for my membership. I am working on my daily exercise plan, but I do need to ramp it up. I don't eat all of the recipes that she suggests, but I use her plan as a base. It's another good site. Recently, there was another special offer for the site, but I'm not sure if it's still in effect. Also her podcasts are FREE99! Just search for them in iTunes.
3. Keep using My Fitness Pal . This is a great tool to track your diet/calories, and exercise. You can also connect with your friends that are using the site. Talk about accountability. There is a little statement that pops up if you haven't logged in for several days and they can also view your diet and exercise dairy. There is also a place to blog and a forum section. I have my account set to post on Twitter and FB when I complete a day and whether I was below my daily calories. They also have apps for iPhone and Android. There is no excuse for not keeping track.
4. Go back to Zumba. When I moved, I moved closer to a different gym (same company, different location). Between the move and my sporadic back pain, I haven't been doing one of my favorite activities. Zumba is a blast. Check out your gym schedule or one of the games for a fun workout. That brings me to one more.
5. Get back in the gym. I don't like doing weight training at the gym. The gym regulars are just too intimidating, but the classes are what I really enjoy. I need to try some different classes, so that's on my agenda. Also, I need to get back in the habit of going to the gym at lunch to get in a little extra cardio. That means I MUST KEEP MY BAG READY. When you're running out of the house in the morning, is no time to try to put your clothes and shoes in the gym bag.
6. Plan my meals. If you want to fail in the eating healthy department, fail to plan your meals. There is nothing worse than being hungry and just grabbing a bite somewhere or foraging in a poorly stocked pantry or fridge. You must plan your meals and shop. Figure out what you will eat for the week and stock your house. If you have a trigger food, DO NOT BUY IT! I love Popchips. They are "not bad", but I eat a whole bag every time I buy them. NO! NO! NO!
I think I'm done. Besides, one of my new challenges is based on the Brett Blumenthal book 52 Small Changes to a Happier, Healthier You The first week is water and I need a break now..........
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Terror of Halloween
I had intended to post before now, but I've done everything but that. I've been journaling my food and trying to squeeze in my exercise and get in bed a little earlier. Some days are more successful than others, but that's life.
Last week was a challenge. Halloween was full of sweet treats. By the end of the evening, I only had ten pieces of candy that had not been given out to the little gremlins. Even though most of my candy was chocolate, I did NOT eat any! The remnants were consumed by my little neighborhood girls when they came to visit my dog the next day. (Yes, my dog gets visitors; but that's another post.)
The bigger challenge was the potluck at the office. I had a plan. I took my own breakfast and snacks and I would eat the meat, fruit and veggies from the potluck. The dish that I prepared was a low fat pumpkin bread recipe from Skinnytaste.
Things went well until the slow-cookers arrived bringing meatballs and little smokies to simmer all day, filling the office with the aroma of sweet, yummy barbecue sauce. Can you tell that I was just about to lose my mind? I had a healthy snack, but I was drooling like a dog waiting for a treat. I even put my goal weight on a sticky note. It is still on my monitor. Finally, I gave in and made a plate with a few meatballs and some fruit. I knew that I had to run an errand at lunch and I had wisely packed my gym bag; so off to the gym I went.
I made a list of the things at the potluck. More than willpower enabled me to navigate this:
Meat and cheese tray
2 creamy dips
BBQ meatballs
Lil smokies
Chips,Chips, Chips (So many chips that there is still an unopened bag)
Cookies--those soft iced ones.......
Fudge (There are still a few pieces lurking around)
Cupcakes
My pumpkin bread
Fruit tray with some dip in the middle
Veggie tray with of course, ranch in the middle
Can you imagine?
Even with all of this, I'm down nine pounds. Yippee!!!
Last week was a challenge. Halloween was full of sweet treats. By the end of the evening, I only had ten pieces of candy that had not been given out to the little gremlins. Even though most of my candy was chocolate, I did NOT eat any! The remnants were consumed by my little neighborhood girls when they came to visit my dog the next day. (Yes, my dog gets visitors; but that's another post.)
The bigger challenge was the potluck at the office. I had a plan. I took my own breakfast and snacks and I would eat the meat, fruit and veggies from the potluck. The dish that I prepared was a low fat pumpkin bread recipe from Skinnytaste.
Things went well until the slow-cookers arrived bringing meatballs and little smokies to simmer all day, filling the office with the aroma of sweet, yummy barbecue sauce. Can you tell that I was just about to lose my mind? I had a healthy snack, but I was drooling like a dog waiting for a treat. I even put my goal weight on a sticky note. It is still on my monitor. Finally, I gave in and made a plate with a few meatballs and some fruit. I knew that I had to run an errand at lunch and I had wisely packed my gym bag; so off to the gym I went.
I made a list of the things at the potluck. More than willpower enabled me to navigate this:
Meat and cheese tray
2 creamy dips
BBQ meatballs
Lil smokies
Chips,Chips, Chips (So many chips that there is still an unopened bag)
Cookies--those soft iced ones.......
Fudge (There are still a few pieces lurking around)
Cupcakes
My pumpkin bread
Fruit tray with some dip in the middle
Veggie tray with of course, ranch in the middle
Can you imagine?
Even with all of this, I'm down nine pounds. Yippee!!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
My Fight Against the Michelin Man
The Michelin man look is not a good look on me. I know it's all about what's inside, but the outside is adversely affecting the inside. I saw a great deal for Jillian Michaels' online program. My husband saw the same deal several weeks later and mentioned it to me. Of course, my link had expired, but he found his link and it worked. So now I've signed up for Jillian Michaels' website for SIX MONTHS!!! Since I've been neglecting my blog, I have decided to blog about my experience, lessons, etc.
I have been listening to Jillian's podcasts on iTunes. If you haven't listened to one, you're missing out. She and Janice have a blast and with her expertise and that of here guests, one can definitely learn a lot. You also get to see more than one side of her--some of her callers can definitely attest to that.
I also have Mastering Your Metabolism so I know her angle. Eat whole organic foods.( No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No pesticides, No genetically modified anything, Avoid processed food whenever possible) If it doesn't have a momma or grow out of the ground, DON'T EAT IT!! That sounds great, but it is easier said than done. We eat so much junk that we crave it. That combined with the emotional factor that a lot of us have and our sedentary lifestyles is a recipe for disaster.
Most of the problems that I have experienced since I started the program are self-made:
I haven't religiously kept track of my calories in and calories out. In a past life, I was religious about that, but I am struggling to get back in the habit. The website has an online journal, but the database on myfitnesspal.com is larger. If I will just do this, I can use myfitnesspal.com for my food and exercise journal. It's available on PC or smartphone.
I have made some poor food choices since I started. Let's talk about fried catfish. You know I'm a Southern girl and that is a major weakness for me. Next was pizza even though I did manage to limit it to two small pieces with fruit and later popcorn. Finally a trip to In-N-Out. Animal Protein style (lettuce instead of bread with grilled onions) I forgot and got the sauce instead of mustard, but only a couple of my husband's fries and NO SHAKE!! The days that I did well, I planned my meals and made sure there were healthy choices in my fridge and pantry.
I am fighting the expense vs organic issue. I know very well what I should buy, but I am also about the deals and using my coupons. Let's face it, it is more expensive to eat healthy--what a shame. I know I will make it work. I'm too stubborn and cheap to not get a deal, so here's the plan. Check all of the circulars, websites for coupons, deals, sales, freebies. Make sure an item really has to be organic. Foods that will be peeled don't have to be organic. I shop at Sprouts frequently and they have the best sales on produce, frozen organic foods, dairy, and meat. I'll use the money saved from other deals to fund the healthy stuff.
I stay up too late. I know about hormones and sleep, and getting hungry because I'm up too late. I have always been a night owl. I worked second shift forever, but I have to get my rest. No amount of nagging will change my internal clock. Some days I won't make it to bed when I should, but if I make that effort, I will eventually get there earlier.
My fitness level is not what it used to be. I have really lost ground in this area. Even before I started gaining weight, I was struggling. At that time it was heat and asthma. Now it's conditioning and the added pounds. If anyone knows how to get past the pain when you're overweight and trying to exercise, please let me know. I have been going to they gym, but between my knees, and back, I've been relegated to the bike with an occasional session on the elliptical. I am trying to do the workouts on my program and I have to remember that I won't be able to do the full number of sets, but eventually I will. Back in the day, I could easily do 30 Day Shred, but now that's just not possible. If I keep working, I'll be back there.
Now for the good news. I have lost five pounds in the last couple of weeks. I know that's not monumental, but it's a start and a little much needed momentum. Until next time.....
I have been listening to Jillian's podcasts on iTunes. If you haven't listened to one, you're missing out. She and Janice have a blast and with her expertise and that of here guests, one can definitely learn a lot. You also get to see more than one side of her--some of her callers can definitely attest to that.
I also have Mastering Your Metabolism so I know her angle. Eat whole organic foods.( No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No pesticides, No genetically modified anything, Avoid processed food whenever possible) If it doesn't have a momma or grow out of the ground, DON'T EAT IT!! That sounds great, but it is easier said than done. We eat so much junk that we crave it. That combined with the emotional factor that a lot of us have and our sedentary lifestyles is a recipe for disaster.
Most of the problems that I have experienced since I started the program are self-made:
I haven't religiously kept track of my calories in and calories out. In a past life, I was religious about that, but I am struggling to get back in the habit. The website has an online journal, but the database on myfitnesspal.com is larger. If I will just do this, I can use myfitnesspal.com for my food and exercise journal. It's available on PC or smartphone.
I have made some poor food choices since I started. Let's talk about fried catfish. You know I'm a Southern girl and that is a major weakness for me. Next was pizza even though I did manage to limit it to two small pieces with fruit and later popcorn. Finally a trip to In-N-Out. Animal Protein style (lettuce instead of bread with grilled onions) I forgot and got the sauce instead of mustard, but only a couple of my husband's fries and NO SHAKE!! The days that I did well, I planned my meals and made sure there were healthy choices in my fridge and pantry.
I am fighting the expense vs organic issue. I know very well what I should buy, but I am also about the deals and using my coupons. Let's face it, it is more expensive to eat healthy--what a shame. I know I will make it work. I'm too stubborn and cheap to not get a deal, so here's the plan. Check all of the circulars, websites for coupons, deals, sales, freebies. Make sure an item really has to be organic. Foods that will be peeled don't have to be organic. I shop at Sprouts frequently and they have the best sales on produce, frozen organic foods, dairy, and meat. I'll use the money saved from other deals to fund the healthy stuff.
I stay up too late. I know about hormones and sleep, and getting hungry because I'm up too late. I have always been a night owl. I worked second shift forever, but I have to get my rest. No amount of nagging will change my internal clock. Some days I won't make it to bed when I should, but if I make that effort, I will eventually get there earlier.
My fitness level is not what it used to be. I have really lost ground in this area. Even before I started gaining weight, I was struggling. At that time it was heat and asthma. Now it's conditioning and the added pounds. If anyone knows how to get past the pain when you're overweight and trying to exercise, please let me know. I have been going to they gym, but between my knees, and back, I've been relegated to the bike with an occasional session on the elliptical. I am trying to do the workouts on my program and I have to remember that I won't be able to do the full number of sets, but eventually I will. Back in the day, I could easily do 30 Day Shred, but now that's just not possible. If I keep working, I'll be back there.
Now for the good news. I have lost five pounds in the last couple of weeks. I know that's not monumental, but it's a start and a little much needed momentum. Until next time.....
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Heart Walk
I have several posts coming up, but this one is overdue.
One of the main reasons that I keep fighting the health and fitness battle is because I have a family history of stroke and hypertension. This makes my participation in the American Heart Association Heart Walk personal. It's not only about the patients that I have encountered over the years, it's about my health, and the health of my family and my extended family.
I received an email today that gave examples of what your contribution means...
The Denton Heart Walk is Saturday, October 15. If you would like to contribute, please click here It will take you to my donation page.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
One of the main reasons that I keep fighting the health and fitness battle is because I have a family history of stroke and hypertension. This makes my participation in the American Heart Association Heart Walk personal. It's not only about the patients that I have encountered over the years, it's about my health, and the health of my family and my extended family.
I received an email today that gave examples of what your contribution means...
Did you know…1 in 3 Americans suffer from heart and blood vessel diseases – our nation’s leading cause of death?
What the donations mean…
- For a $25 contribution to the American Heart Association, you can teach up to 50 people how to assess their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and provide the steps for them to identify and reduce their risk.
- A $50 donation can provide an early career scientist with the opportunity to participate with peers in the latest cardiovascular and stroke research through a one year professional membership with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
- For only $100, you can equip one hospital or health department with American Stroke Association resources to educate patients, the public, and health professionals on stroke prevention and life after a stroke – the #3 cause of death and leading cause of disability.
The Denton Heart Walk is Saturday, October 15. If you would like to contribute, please click here It will take you to my donation page.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Oh My Aching Back
I am so frustrated with my attempts to workout. Last week I only squeezed in one day, so this week was going to be better. Well, "what happened was" I jumped in with both feet Monday. I went to the gym even though the rest of my crew couldn't make it. I did 32 minutes on the bike and 100 crunches. Tuesday, I didn't make it. Wednesday, my back did not like the fact that I worked out Monday after slacking off for a week. Now, several Aleve and several rounds of ice and heat later (and Biofreeze), I'll probably be out tomorrow also. I didn't even get to do Zumba this week before my old body wore out on me. I'll never get the belly off with this back pain, but the back pain won't get better with the belly weight. Good grief!
There were some good things that happened. I did avoid the birthday cake this week. I substituted low-fat cinnamon graham crackers. I am trying to cut the sugar as much as possible, so the graham crackers are better than regular cookies or cake. Sunday, we fired up the grill and I scored "moneymaker" deals on salad, so it made dinners a "no-brainer". (I won't talk about Saturday's anniversary lunch at Abuelos.)
I also definitely know that things are so much easier to deal with when I've had my quiet time aka prayer and meditation. Things just don't bug me quite as much. I'm also leaning on the serenity prayer. I am a control freak and I have got to learn to let go of the stuff that I really have no control over and fix the things that I do have control over. This will also be a baby steps process, but I'll eventually make it.
Oh yeah, I finally took down that Easter wallpaper. Now if I can figure out how to move my header so that the logo from the freebie wallpaper doesn't cover it up....
There were some good things that happened. I did avoid the birthday cake this week. I substituted low-fat cinnamon graham crackers. I am trying to cut the sugar as much as possible, so the graham crackers are better than regular cookies or cake. Sunday, we fired up the grill and I scored "moneymaker" deals on salad, so it made dinners a "no-brainer". (I won't talk about Saturday's anniversary lunch at Abuelos.)
I also definitely know that things are so much easier to deal with when I've had my quiet time aka prayer and meditation. Things just don't bug me quite as much. I'm also leaning on the serenity prayer. I am a control freak and I have got to learn to let go of the stuff that I really have no control over and fix the things that I do have control over. This will also be a baby steps process, but I'll eventually make it.
Oh yeah, I finally took down that Easter wallpaper. Now if I can figure out how to move my header so that the logo from the freebie wallpaper doesn't cover it up....
Monday, August 15, 2011
I'm Baaack!
I've been gone too long. I've let everything get in the way of my health. I kept saying that I would get back on track, but it didn't happen. Now the move has been completed for a couple of months; so it's time to get the routine back. I don't think I ever recovered from working a second job. I just never managed to get my mojo back. One thing after another happened and I am more overweight and less fit than I was six months ago and definitely a year ago.
I have been going to the gym at lunch with my co-workers, but I have not been making it to my classes or walking a trail. I've moved away from my favorite trail, so I need to check out the ones closer to my home, but with the 100+ degree temperatures, that really has not been an option. Last week I went to Zumba at the gym that is closer to home and work. I made it through the entire class. I felt so out of shape that I really wondered if I would last. I do a lot better in a class that doing weights or cardio using the machines. I did try a spin bike, but I've gone back to the regular exercise bike. It easier on my rear, I feel that I need to increase my endurance before I tackle a spin class.
No matter how much I exercise, my main problem is and has always been THE FOOD. It just doesn't work if you eat your workout. In other words, I can't burn what I eat. There are too many calories. I've been trying an online journal, but once I get home, it's done. I know I'm a food addict. All of the signs are there. The more stress I feel, the more I eat. It's just insane. I found some Overeaters Anonymous podcasts and I could really relate. I've known for a while that alone I really am not in control. I am also understanding why some people attain lifetime in Weight Watchers, but keep that yo-yo cycle and keep returning. Everytime I return I hear those same stories from people who didn't quite make it to lifetime or are lifetime members and have re-gained most or all of their weight. We are doing the best that we can, but we are trying to control something that we have cannot control. I'm not ready for the OA meetings yet, but I know I'll have to do it. If you like the show Intervention, stay tuned....
I have been going to the gym at lunch with my co-workers, but I have not been making it to my classes or walking a trail. I've moved away from my favorite trail, so I need to check out the ones closer to my home, but with the 100+ degree temperatures, that really has not been an option. Last week I went to Zumba at the gym that is closer to home and work. I made it through the entire class. I felt so out of shape that I really wondered if I would last. I do a lot better in a class that doing weights or cardio using the machines. I did try a spin bike, but I've gone back to the regular exercise bike. It easier on my rear, I feel that I need to increase my endurance before I tackle a spin class.
No matter how much I exercise, my main problem is and has always been THE FOOD. It just doesn't work if you eat your workout. In other words, I can't burn what I eat. There are too many calories. I've been trying an online journal, but once I get home, it's done. I know I'm a food addict. All of the signs are there. The more stress I feel, the more I eat. It's just insane. I found some Overeaters Anonymous podcasts and I could really relate. I've known for a while that alone I really am not in control. I am also understanding why some people attain lifetime in Weight Watchers, but keep that yo-yo cycle and keep returning. Everytime I return I hear those same stories from people who didn't quite make it to lifetime or are lifetime members and have re-gained most or all of their weight. We are doing the best that we can, but we are trying to control something that we have cannot control. I'm not ready for the OA meetings yet, but I know I'll have to do it. If you like the show Intervention, stay tuned....
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My Own Episode of Hoarders
I'm taking a break. I'm blogging instead of finding something else to eat. We're moving and I'm trying to pack. Tonight my insanity stems from my hoarding and procrastination. Actually, this time it was my mother's hoarding. I simply continued the tradition.
My parents were forced to move when my mother could no longer care for my dad. If your parents are aging and you think that you have a plan, or you choose to stick your head in the sand, you'd better pull your head out with both hands. (I could teach a class on that.) My parents knew that at some point they would need to move out of the house where they had lived for over 50 years. My mother was the most able-bodied of the two and they were supposedly going through and purging things in preparation for an eventual move. I do realize that she had her hands full taking care of my father, but I also realize that this was something that she did not want to face.
When the move occurred, I was shocked at the amount of "stuff" that they had kept throughout the years. They collected antiques and vintage items. Furniture, pottery, glassware--you name it. Some trinkets were purchased and some were gifts or family mementos. There were old receipts, even for a appliances purchased many years before my birth. At one point, my mother's cabinets were so full of stuff that the mounting began to fail and the cabinets had to be emptied and reinforced. I did not realize that she filled them up again. Most of those things were moved to my house. We managed to incorporate some items into our home decor, but some things still remained boxed up We tried to start the process, but either Mother's sleep disorder would kick in or we would spend too much time reading every piece of paper, looking at every picture, reminiscing too much, and laughing too hard.
Fast forward to the present. My dad passed away in 2005 and my mother passed away in 2008. Guess which only child has been too overwhelmed to deal with it all? Guess who left her mother's room mostly as it was when she had to go to a nursing home at least a year before her death? Guess who has also inherited the hoarding gene?
This weekend, I realized that we never opened my dad's briefcase after we moved him to the nursing home. It was just as he had left it the last time he went to church with it. A Bible, pens, and sermons were still neatly in place. There was even a card that he had received from one of the families of one of his churches. Last night I finally went through the chest of drawers and discarded old unusable stuff and organized probably 20 handkerchiefs. I even found gloves that I could have loaned to Queen Elizabeth for the Royal Wedding. Tonight it was a box of papers--sermons, class notes, and cute inspirational sayings, poems, whatever. Being a hoarder myself, I am actually struggling. Even though I know that most of this stuff I will never need, I feel guilty every time I toss a piece of paper in the trash pile. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are boxes of cookbooks and recipes. Handwritten recipes, recipes torn our of magazines and/or newspapers. There are probably thousands of pieces of paper. Here's one more guess who. Guess who now does the same thing?????
I have come to realize that I won't be able to go through every single thing before we move. (I need Peter Walsh or Hoarders, but I don't live in California, and I can't wait.) I will go through at least one box/bin every day. I am trying my best to not move some of this stuff' again. I also must start Fly Lady again. That will keep me organized and keep this hoarding under control. Wish me luck!
My parents were forced to move when my mother could no longer care for my dad. If your parents are aging and you think that you have a plan, or you choose to stick your head in the sand, you'd better pull your head out with both hands. (I could teach a class on that.) My parents knew that at some point they would need to move out of the house where they had lived for over 50 years. My mother was the most able-bodied of the two and they were supposedly going through and purging things in preparation for an eventual move. I do realize that she had her hands full taking care of my father, but I also realize that this was something that she did not want to face.
When the move occurred, I was shocked at the amount of "stuff" that they had kept throughout the years. They collected antiques and vintage items. Furniture, pottery, glassware--you name it. Some trinkets were purchased and some were gifts or family mementos. There were old receipts, even for a appliances purchased many years before my birth. At one point, my mother's cabinets were so full of stuff that the mounting began to fail and the cabinets had to be emptied and reinforced. I did not realize that she filled them up again. Most of those things were moved to my house. We managed to incorporate some items into our home decor, but some things still remained boxed up We tried to start the process, but either Mother's sleep disorder would kick in or we would spend too much time reading every piece of paper, looking at every picture, reminiscing too much, and laughing too hard.
Fast forward to the present. My dad passed away in 2005 and my mother passed away in 2008. Guess which only child has been too overwhelmed to deal with it all? Guess who left her mother's room mostly as it was when she had to go to a nursing home at least a year before her death? Guess who has also inherited the hoarding gene?
This weekend, I realized that we never opened my dad's briefcase after we moved him to the nursing home. It was just as he had left it the last time he went to church with it. A Bible, pens, and sermons were still neatly in place. There was even a card that he had received from one of the families of one of his churches. Last night I finally went through the chest of drawers and discarded old unusable stuff and organized probably 20 handkerchiefs. I even found gloves that I could have loaned to Queen Elizabeth for the Royal Wedding. Tonight it was a box of papers--sermons, class notes, and cute inspirational sayings, poems, whatever. Being a hoarder myself, I am actually struggling. Even though I know that most of this stuff I will never need, I feel guilty every time I toss a piece of paper in the trash pile. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are boxes of cookbooks and recipes. Handwritten recipes, recipes torn our of magazines and/or newspapers. There are probably thousands of pieces of paper. Here's one more guess who. Guess who now does the same thing?????
I have come to realize that I won't be able to go through every single thing before we move. (I need Peter Walsh or Hoarders, but I don't live in California, and I can't wait.) I will go through at least one box/bin every day. I am trying my best to not move some of this stuff' again. I also must start Fly Lady again. That will keep me organized and keep this hoarding under control. Wish me luck!
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| The card |
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| Windsor, Canada from the 1960's |
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