It has been too long since I posted. This is a great outlet, so I need to take advantage of it. Sometimes we let life get in the way of everything, especially doing things for ourselves. We are worthy; we deserve to be healthy. I also struggled with some dietary changes that were a major problem for me. I hadn't been writing, watching my diet, or working out. That was not good and I knew better. At the end of last year, I knew that I had to make a change and not let life get in the way again, so I started my journey again. I've lost almost ten pounds since the re-start. Here's the plan:
I am using My Fitness Pal extensively. It is the best way for me to record my intake and exercise. This is a must for weight loss. If you remain in denial about what you're putting in your body, you won't be successful. My Fitness Pal syncs across my devices, so no matter what I use to journal, it's all there. Also, make your journal visible to your friends. That is one more step in the accountability ladder.
My Fitness Pal also provides that community support. Support is also an important tool in successful weight loss and one of the reasons the Weight Watchers program is so successful. I tried to recruit some of my friends and family, but they weren't ready to commit to it. The wonderful thing about MFP is there is always someone else who needs support, encouragement, accountability. I was fortunate enough to already have several committed friends on the site and I have recently found more. Members post on the forums when they are looking for new weight loss buddies and it's simple to contact them.
I also have a Fitbit. I needed some way to really track how many calories I burn during workouts and this little gadget does the trick. It also monitors my sleep and records how many times I'm "awake". I knew that I moved around, coughed and sputtered without fully waking up and this tells me how much. The Fitbit also keeps track of my steps and stairs and the activities that I normally don't count, i.e., housework, gardening, etc. It syncs with My Fitness Pal and adds activity calories to my available total for the day.
I found an inexpensive gym and joined. I had cancelled my previous gym membership and this one had a great deal and similar amenities. Plus there are Zumba classes every day! I mix classes with my at-home workouts. I have to have a little Jillian or Jeanette in my life too! Also, there is an app Nike Training Club, that has free workouts. I print the gym schedule and post it on my desk along with a personal workout schedule. There it is staring me in the face all day!
There it is in black and white. The plan to once again take charge of my health. As usual, I'm promising myself that I'll keep working. After all, I'm worth it.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Flowers
My dad always made sure that we always had our flowers. You see, back in the day, the flowers had a special significance.
My mother and I always wore a corsage to church on Mother's Day and daddy wore a boutonnière. Roses were nice, but carnations were a lot more practical. The flowers were color coded:
Red corsage if the recepients mother is alive.
White corsage if the recepients mother is deceased.
Yellow corsage if the recepient has a deceased child.
Mother's Day was always special to my mom. Her mother passed away when she was only six years old. I just can't imagine the grief of a six-year old child who has lost her mother. Six is just the age where a child would begin to understand death. She had two older sisters who did their best. Even as an adult, if she was sick or dreaming, she would call their names.
Then, their family received a blessing. My grandfather married a woman who had no children of her own. This woman married a man with four children who were still young. (The youngest was an infant when their mother died, and went to live with relatives. That is another amazing Mother's Day story!) Grandmomma Lou, as I called her, treated these children as if they were her own, and to my mother she was her "momma". As Grandmomma Lou's health failed to the point where my aunt could no longer manage her at home, she was placed in a skilled nursing facility near our home. My mother went to the nursing home every day. Yes, every day. My mother had to make sure that this remarkable woman knew that she was loved and appreciated.
My dad always made sure my mother had both a red flower and a white flower or a peppermint carnation with both the red and white colors. After Grandmomma Lou passed away, she had two white flowers. Every year, I remember this story. My single yellow rose pales in comparison.
My mother and I always wore a corsage to church on Mother's Day and daddy wore a boutonnière. Roses were nice, but carnations were a lot more practical. The flowers were color coded:
Red corsage if the recepients mother is alive.
White corsage if the recepients mother is deceased.
Yellow corsage if the recepient has a deceased child.
Mother's Day was always special to my mom. Her mother passed away when she was only six years old. I just can't imagine the grief of a six-year old child who has lost her mother. Six is just the age where a child would begin to understand death. She had two older sisters who did their best. Even as an adult, if she was sick or dreaming, she would call their names.
Then, their family received a blessing. My grandfather married a woman who had no children of her own. This woman married a man with four children who were still young. (The youngest was an infant when their mother died, and went to live with relatives. That is another amazing Mother's Day story!) Grandmomma Lou, as I called her, treated these children as if they were her own, and to my mother she was her "momma". As Grandmomma Lou's health failed to the point where my aunt could no longer manage her at home, she was placed in a skilled nursing facility near our home. My mother went to the nursing home every day. Yes, every day. My mother had to make sure that this remarkable woman knew that she was loved and appreciated.
My dad always made sure my mother had both a red flower and a white flower or a peppermint carnation with both the red and white colors. After Grandmomma Lou passed away, she had two white flowers. Every year, I remember this story. My single yellow rose pales in comparison.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Happy New Year!
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..........
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..........
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!!!!!!!!!
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