Baby Steps. I stepped on the scale yesterday and it registered the number I've been waiting for. I tried it 3 times and each time it came back the same. YES! Progress. However, since I weigh myself everyday, and weight just naturally fluctuates, I never accept the verdict until I see it 3 days in a row. Today it was a half pound up. I can live with that.
The reality is, that until the holiday season is past, my kids have come and gone, and I've resumed what could be considered a reasonable diet, exercise, and weight loss regime, I'm not pushing for progress.
For that reason, I won't be posting anything here for the next 2 weeks. I'm allowing myself time off. I'll still watch what I eat most days, and walk as much as the weather permits, but I'd rather enjoy my family than exercise. If I can hold steady for 2 weeks, I'll be happy. Soooo.....
See you in January!
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Running in Place
It's the holiday season. That's a fact I can't ignore. Tonight I'm going to my 3rd holiday party, and the scales haven't budged. Actually, they have. I bounce between 137 and 139. Mostly it sits at 138. It's been that way since early November. It's annoying. If I allowed myself to think about it I would be totally depressed!
When I was sharing my woes with a friend she said, "Losing weight during the holidays? Really? I think maintaining it is an accomplishment." I started thinking about that, and realized she is right. I really want to lose 5 more pounds before Christmas, but that's because my kids are coming. The truth is, they will be impressed with what I've already lost. If I can just get past New Years without regaining anything I will have conquered the holiday season.
New focus? Not really. Same plan, same hopes, but I will accept the reality. I will stick to the meals I've been eating during the day. I will continue to workout. I will walk even when it's cold and snowy...but probably not cold and windy. That wind really bites! I will go to parties and do my best to watch how much I eat and drink. I will try to pick only the diet friendly stuff.
But I will NOT drag myself down when I goof and over indulge. I will hug myself when I do well, and kick myself in the butt when I screw up. I will continue to weigh myself and measure myself. To do anything else would be to give up and that is the biggest NOT in my list. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MYSELF.
When I was sharing my woes with a friend she said, "Losing weight during the holidays? Really? I think maintaining it is an accomplishment." I started thinking about that, and realized she is right. I really want to lose 5 more pounds before Christmas, but that's because my kids are coming. The truth is, they will be impressed with what I've already lost. If I can just get past New Years without regaining anything I will have conquered the holiday season.
New focus? Not really. Same plan, same hopes, but I will accept the reality. I will stick to the meals I've been eating during the day. I will continue to workout. I will walk even when it's cold and snowy...but probably not cold and windy. That wind really bites! I will go to parties and do my best to watch how much I eat and drink. I will try to pick only the diet friendly stuff.
But I will NOT drag myself down when I goof and over indulge. I will hug myself when I do well, and kick myself in the butt when I screw up. I will continue to weigh myself and measure myself. To do anything else would be to give up and that is the biggest NOT in my list. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MYSELF.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Self Sabotage
I love the holidays. I love the decorating, the parties, the lights. But the holidays are time bombs lying in wait for the dieter. For the average person, parties are the pathway to adding a couple of extra pounds. If you aren't dieting, it may be no big deal. Put on 5 pounds in December. Cut back in January and take them off again.
But for someone trying to lose weight, it seems like a no-win situation. Who wants to eat celery sticks, when there is baklava on the buffet? I mean, when else are you going to eat baklava? It's not like you get it every day, so what's the big deal about eating one piece? The rationalization continues...it's better to eat just one piece when you are out than making a red velvet cake at home.
But even for the committed dieter it is so easy to lose focus. Last night I went out with friends to a local restaurant. It was our Bunco group's Christmas Party. I started out pretty well, I thought. I skipped the appetizer, and my entree was a chicken breast on a bed of spinach with a creamy garlic dressing. Since I'm on a low carb, high protein diet, I wasn't worried about the salt, fat, calories. When my meal came, there were 3 nice sized chicken breast filets. I ate one, and brought two home. So far so good. And then it happened. I sabotaged my own good efforts and I didn't even realize it until this morning!
I ordered a gin and tonic to start with. 1 drink wouldn't have hurt too much. I'm used to having one at home. Except I forgot, I always use diet tonic! The restaurant uses the real thing...sugar and all. We were having a lot of fun, the evening was going on, gifts were being opened....I ordered a second one. Never gave the diet a thought. But the worst offense came at the end of dinner. I had noticed the Tiramasu on the menu at the beginning of the evening. When it was time for dessert, I went right ahead and boldly ordered one. (I want to state here, the problem wasn't the alcohol. It was the party mood. We were all relaxed and having a really nice time. I stopped thinking about what my choices were doing to my intentions. I just relaxed and had fun.)
What really irritates me is that I never even THOUGHT about what I was doing until I got up this morning. I recounted what I ate and started to pat myself on the back for skipping the appetizer, and ordering a low-carb entree. Then I remembered the dessert. Was it worth it? Sure, it tasted great. And the drinks...I never remember the bartender uses regular tonic. I'm so used to thinking of it as my 'free drink' because I use diet tonic.
This was the week I wanted to lose 2 pounds. I was doing really well, but I blew it last night. I usually have a trick up my sleeve that helps me walk away from 'forbidden foods'. I remind myself that it isn't the last time I will ever have a chance to eat (strawberry shortcake, brownies, mashed potatoes....) I don't 'forbid' myself the food. I just put it off until a better time. It works well for me.
But parties are different. You relax, have fun. There is nothing intentional about it. The mood silently sabotages your intent. You go to a party with goals in mind, and then the time bomb goes off somewhere around that second lemon tart or brownie bite. You lose your focus. You chat with friends, laugh at a funny story and reach for another one.
I have a month to go and I want to be down 5 more pounds by Christmas. I hope by recognizing today, how parties can easily sabotage good intentions I will be better prepared for the next few weeks. I now realize dieting takes full time concentration. There are no down moments. I can laugh and have fun at the next party, but I can't lose my focus. I'm pleased with my progress, but I'm not there yet. I want to be proud of myself in 3 weeks, not looking back and second guessing all my missteps.
But for someone trying to lose weight, it seems like a no-win situation. Who wants to eat celery sticks, when there is baklava on the buffet? I mean, when else are you going to eat baklava? It's not like you get it every day, so what's the big deal about eating one piece? The rationalization continues...it's better to eat just one piece when you are out than making a red velvet cake at home.
But even for the committed dieter it is so easy to lose focus. Last night I went out with friends to a local restaurant. It was our Bunco group's Christmas Party. I started out pretty well, I thought. I skipped the appetizer, and my entree was a chicken breast on a bed of spinach with a creamy garlic dressing. Since I'm on a low carb, high protein diet, I wasn't worried about the salt, fat, calories. When my meal came, there were 3 nice sized chicken breast filets. I ate one, and brought two home. So far so good. And then it happened. I sabotaged my own good efforts and I didn't even realize it until this morning!
I ordered a gin and tonic to start with. 1 drink wouldn't have hurt too much. I'm used to having one at home. Except I forgot, I always use diet tonic! The restaurant uses the real thing...sugar and all. We were having a lot of fun, the evening was going on, gifts were being opened....I ordered a second one. Never gave the diet a thought. But the worst offense came at the end of dinner. I had noticed the Tiramasu on the menu at the beginning of the evening. When it was time for dessert, I went right ahead and boldly ordered one. (I want to state here, the problem wasn't the alcohol. It was the party mood. We were all relaxed and having a really nice time. I stopped thinking about what my choices were doing to my intentions. I just relaxed and had fun.)
What really irritates me is that I never even THOUGHT about what I was doing until I got up this morning. I recounted what I ate and started to pat myself on the back for skipping the appetizer, and ordering a low-carb entree. Then I remembered the dessert. Was it worth it? Sure, it tasted great. And the drinks...I never remember the bartender uses regular tonic. I'm so used to thinking of it as my 'free drink' because I use diet tonic.
This was the week I wanted to lose 2 pounds. I was doing really well, but I blew it last night. I usually have a trick up my sleeve that helps me walk away from 'forbidden foods'. I remind myself that it isn't the last time I will ever have a chance to eat (strawberry shortcake, brownies, mashed potatoes....) I don't 'forbid' myself the food. I just put it off until a better time. It works well for me.
But parties are different. You relax, have fun. There is nothing intentional about it. The mood silently sabotages your intent. You go to a party with goals in mind, and then the time bomb goes off somewhere around that second lemon tart or brownie bite. You lose your focus. You chat with friends, laugh at a funny story and reach for another one.
I have a month to go and I want to be down 5 more pounds by Christmas. I hope by recognizing today, how parties can easily sabotage good intentions I will be better prepared for the next few weeks. I now realize dieting takes full time concentration. There are no down moments. I can laugh and have fun at the next party, but I can't lose my focus. I'm pleased with my progress, but I'm not there yet. I want to be proud of myself in 3 weeks, not looking back and second guessing all my missteps.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Turkey Day Vs. The Diet
Farewell Turkey Day. My favorite gluttonous meal is over until next year. The Great Turkey was sacrificed so that I could pig out and indulge myself without guilt and I survived without putting on any weight. That is an accomplishment so I'll choose to see that as a positive thing. However, this last month has been a hard one. In the last month I have only lost 1 1/2 pounds. Most of my recent entries have illustrated the struggle. That's because I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I can make lots of excuses for this but it doesn't make me any happier.
I know workouts are important, and I always start out with good intentions. Unfortunately, anything will work as a detterent for me. I can start each day with a pre-planned schedule, but within half an hour of waking up in the morning I will re-prioritize the day, and somehow the workout gets pushed down the list. Today is a perfect example. It is the day I do Feederwatch. (On Feederwatch days, I stay close to the window and track the numbers and species of birds that flock to my feeder. I record the numbers and send it in to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.) My plan was to do my weights workout by the window so I could kill two birds with one stone. (OOPS. Poor analogy there. Sorry birds!) Instead after I got up, I did my weekly weight and inches stats update... and the results led me to blogging. One workout pushed down the list! So if I am looking at why the weight loss has slowed so much I would have to admit that workouts have been my biggest failure.
I was sick for a few weeks and that dictated what I did and what I ate. I can accept that. It is not in my control. However, I was only losing 1 pound a week before all of this. I am willing to accept slow weight loss as a good thing because it allows me to develop new eating habits that will hopefully become my new norm. But it has become way too slow! It's time to figure out what to change. Today, when I recorded my stats, I noticed an interesting trend, found a few positive points and set a new goal.
1) When I measure myself I record the bust, mid-torso, waist, belly, and butt. My mid-torso and belly are the two areas that bug me. They fluctuate every week. They are also the 2 areas that I don't like when I look at myself in clothes. While I was 'sick' with hyper acid reflux the bloating was uncomfortable and it was trackable as I recorded my inches gained or lost. The inches over all my body went up a total of 3 1/2 inches. Today they were all down. I know I've been feeling much better, and haven't noticed the symptoms I was experiencing, but I think this kind of proved it, too! (Good news.) In fact, my body lost a total of 4 1/4 inches overall this week!
2) I checked the stats for the past few months. When I look back over the weeks and months of this diet, my bust, waist, butt, leg, and arm have all recorded a steady, if slow, loss in inches. Because they don't change for weeks, I often don't see the difference, but when I look back over my record keeping, it is obvious. The change has been positive. Of course, the one place I have seen it is in my clothes. Tops and pants that were tight are now comfortable, and in some cases, loose. YEA!!!
3) My new goal is to lose 2 pounds this week. It will be hard. I have to work out to increase my metabolism. I've got to stick to my diet plan, but after seeing the inches drop down when I measured myself, I feel sure the scale is ready to help me out. I really want to lose another 5 pounds before Christmas and losing 2 pounds this week is the key to reaching that goal.
Time to get going. I will log off of this blog, pick up those weights and do that workout I planned t do first thing this morning. Wish me luck.
I know workouts are important, and I always start out with good intentions. Unfortunately, anything will work as a detterent for me. I can start each day with a pre-planned schedule, but within half an hour of waking up in the morning I will re-prioritize the day, and somehow the workout gets pushed down the list. Today is a perfect example. It is the day I do Feederwatch. (On Feederwatch days, I stay close to the window and track the numbers and species of birds that flock to my feeder. I record the numbers and send it in to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.) My plan was to do my weights workout by the window so I could kill two birds with one stone. (OOPS. Poor analogy there. Sorry birds!) Instead after I got up, I did my weekly weight and inches stats update... and the results led me to blogging. One workout pushed down the list! So if I am looking at why the weight loss has slowed so much I would have to admit that workouts have been my biggest failure.
I was sick for a few weeks and that dictated what I did and what I ate. I can accept that. It is not in my control. However, I was only losing 1 pound a week before all of this. I am willing to accept slow weight loss as a good thing because it allows me to develop new eating habits that will hopefully become my new norm. But it has become way too slow! It's time to figure out what to change. Today, when I recorded my stats, I noticed an interesting trend, found a few positive points and set a new goal.
1) When I measure myself I record the bust, mid-torso, waist, belly, and butt. My mid-torso and belly are the two areas that bug me. They fluctuate every week. They are also the 2 areas that I don't like when I look at myself in clothes. While I was 'sick' with hyper acid reflux the bloating was uncomfortable and it was trackable as I recorded my inches gained or lost. The inches over all my body went up a total of 3 1/2 inches. Today they were all down. I know I've been feeling much better, and haven't noticed the symptoms I was experiencing, but I think this kind of proved it, too! (Good news.) In fact, my body lost a total of 4 1/4 inches overall this week!
2) I checked the stats for the past few months. When I look back over the weeks and months of this diet, my bust, waist, butt, leg, and arm have all recorded a steady, if slow, loss in inches. Because they don't change for weeks, I often don't see the difference, but when I look back over my record keeping, it is obvious. The change has been positive. Of course, the one place I have seen it is in my clothes. Tops and pants that were tight are now comfortable, and in some cases, loose. YEA!!!
3) My new goal is to lose 2 pounds this week. It will be hard. I have to work out to increase my metabolism. I've got to stick to my diet plan, but after seeing the inches drop down when I measured myself, I feel sure the scale is ready to help me out. I really want to lose another 5 pounds before Christmas and losing 2 pounds this week is the key to reaching that goal.
Time to get going. I will log off of this blog, pick up those weights and do that workout I planned t do first thing this morning. Wish me luck.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Best Reward
One of the problems I have always had with sticking to a weight loss program is finding a reward that works. I guess I am too accustomed to the 'immediate gratification' syndrome of the day because if I want something I tend to get it.
For instance, I could say I would reward myself with a massage when I lost 5 pounds, but the truth is, if I really want a massage, I'll get one. If I want to go to a movie, I go. A really nice reward would be to treat myself to a nice dessert at a restaurant, but that really defeats the purpose doesn't it?
As a result, the reward part of dieting has never worked for me. Instead I had to find a way to simply motivate myself to keep at it. That was why I started this blog. Talking about my goals, my efforts, and my failures, as well as measuring those results turned out to be the best Diet Partner I could find. I have no idea why it works, but it does.
However, today I got the BEST reward. Last spring when my weight was obviously not coming down and my jeans were not expanding along with me, I gave in and bought a few new pairs. I came to realize the muffin top look spilling out over my waistband was not a flattering look, nor was it comfortable!
Today, I put on one of those jeans and I couldn't find my belt. It became quickly apparent I really needed the belt. They were falling off!!!!!!! They don't quite make it over my hips, but a few more pounds and they will.
Can you say HAPPY!!!!! The 'bad' news is that I'm not ready to buy new jeans yet. I need to lose another 5-10 pounds so that I can buy the size and fit I really want. I guess I'll have to scour my closet for a few pants to wear this winter until I'm ready to shop. It's been awhile since I've been this weight. I wonder what I'll find?
For instance, I could say I would reward myself with a massage when I lost 5 pounds, but the truth is, if I really want a massage, I'll get one. If I want to go to a movie, I go. A really nice reward would be to treat myself to a nice dessert at a restaurant, but that really defeats the purpose doesn't it?
As a result, the reward part of dieting has never worked for me. Instead I had to find a way to simply motivate myself to keep at it. That was why I started this blog. Talking about my goals, my efforts, and my failures, as well as measuring those results turned out to be the best Diet Partner I could find. I have no idea why it works, but it does.
However, today I got the BEST reward. Last spring when my weight was obviously not coming down and my jeans were not expanding along with me, I gave in and bought a few new pairs. I came to realize the muffin top look spilling out over my waistband was not a flattering look, nor was it comfortable!
Today, I put on one of those jeans and I couldn't find my belt. It became quickly apparent I really needed the belt. They were falling off!!!!!!! They don't quite make it over my hips, but a few more pounds and they will.
Can you say HAPPY!!!!! The 'bad' news is that I'm not ready to buy new jeans yet. I need to lose another 5-10 pounds so that I can buy the size and fit I really want. I guess I'll have to scour my closet for a few pants to wear this winter until I'm ready to shop. It's been awhile since I've been this weight. I wonder what I'll find?
Friday, November 19, 2010
2 weeks later...
I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I last posted here. What's been happening? Am I still on the diet? Am I losing weight? The basic answer is yes. The detailed answer is that last week I wasn't feeling well, and neither was my computer.
I started experiencing stomach problems on Oct. 23rd after my birthday dinner. It was a delicious dinner, but I felt so miserably full, and the feeling stayed for hours, until the food exited my stomach (in the wrong direction). Problems continued for a couple of weeks so I decided it was important to check it out. After seeing a doctor I am on the way to feeling better...but not there yet.
As a result, my exercise was limited and I haven't followed the same eating rules as before. When your stomach is easily upset, diet rules go out the window. The only thing that matters is what works. I ate foods that felt right, and I ate the amount that worked. Tracking carbs or calories was pointless, but my food diary included the amount I ate, what time, and how I felt afterwards. Since I couldn't eat a lot, I wasn't in danger of regaining weight. In fact my weight loss stayed about the same.
Exercise was a different matter. After one workout in which I did a different abs exercise my stomach hurt for a few days. It was hard to tell if my stomach pain was a result of my abs work or the stomach itself, so I stopped working out. And on some days I just didn't feel well enough to go for a long walk or attempt a good workout.
Things are looking up. A prescription for Prilosec has settled my stomach. So far, all tests have been negative. The hope is that the Prilosec will get my digestive process back on the right track. My current situation is that I feel fine as long as I eat small amounts, slowly. It is hoped that eventually I will be able to eat normally.
I really can't complain. Eating small amounts is the perfect prescription for weight loss. This experience confirms that it isn't What you eat, but how much that counts. It's true that I prefer the Atkins/low carbohydrate-high protein diet. It is easy for me to monitor my carb intake, and my body responds better to proteins than to carbs. I also find it hard to know what my calorie intake should be for good weight loss.
Now that I'm feeling better, I am back on track with my walking and my workouts, much to the happiness of my dog. I can get back to eating what I usually eat, just in small amounts. The downside is that I have gotten back to nibbling, which I was really trying to avoid. As for the weight? I am under 140 for the first time in years. I've bounced between 137 and 139 for two weeks now, but I haven't seen 140 in a while. That is the best news, to me!
And my computer? After we fixed the router it was happy once again. My computer is happiest when it can reach out and touch the world. Just like me.
I started experiencing stomach problems on Oct. 23rd after my birthday dinner. It was a delicious dinner, but I felt so miserably full, and the feeling stayed for hours, until the food exited my stomach (in the wrong direction). Problems continued for a couple of weeks so I decided it was important to check it out. After seeing a doctor I am on the way to feeling better...but not there yet.
As a result, my exercise was limited and I haven't followed the same eating rules as before. When your stomach is easily upset, diet rules go out the window. The only thing that matters is what works. I ate foods that felt right, and I ate the amount that worked. Tracking carbs or calories was pointless, but my food diary included the amount I ate, what time, and how I felt afterwards. Since I couldn't eat a lot, I wasn't in danger of regaining weight. In fact my weight loss stayed about the same.
Exercise was a different matter. After one workout in which I did a different abs exercise my stomach hurt for a few days. It was hard to tell if my stomach pain was a result of my abs work or the stomach itself, so I stopped working out. And on some days I just didn't feel well enough to go for a long walk or attempt a good workout.
Things are looking up. A prescription for Prilosec has settled my stomach. So far, all tests have been negative. The hope is that the Prilosec will get my digestive process back on the right track. My current situation is that I feel fine as long as I eat small amounts, slowly. It is hoped that eventually I will be able to eat normally.
I really can't complain. Eating small amounts is the perfect prescription for weight loss. This experience confirms that it isn't What you eat, but how much that counts. It's true that I prefer the Atkins/low carbohydrate-high protein diet. It is easy for me to monitor my carb intake, and my body responds better to proteins than to carbs. I also find it hard to know what my calorie intake should be for good weight loss.
Now that I'm feeling better, I am back on track with my walking and my workouts, much to the happiness of my dog. I can get back to eating what I usually eat, just in small amounts. The downside is that I have gotten back to nibbling, which I was really trying to avoid. As for the weight? I am under 140 for the first time in years. I've bounced between 137 and 139 for two weeks now, but I haven't seen 140 in a while. That is the best news, to me!
And my computer? After we fixed the router it was happy once again. My computer is happiest when it can reach out and touch the world. Just like me.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Inspiration--Christina's Story
The Racheal Ray Show is following the story of a teen girl who is trying to lose 70 pounds by prom night. She is very overweight, and ultimately needs to lose more than that, but I think her goal is realistic. It is also very hard.
Each Friday the show profiles how her week has gone. I've seen a few of those stories. I am inspired by her determination, but I feel for the battles she has to win to get there. Not everyone in her family is overweight, and she is clearly the heaviest of them all. The story this week really touched me. The family was preparing for her sister's birthday party. Pizza, chips, birthday cake, Italian meats and cheeses were everywhere. I didn't see one veggie platter or fruit tray. I really felt as if she was fighting this battle alone.
She did eat a piece of pizza and a piece of birthday cake and afterwards hated herself. That fed her low self-esteem so she skipped a couple of days at the gym. In the end she put back on 5 pounds of the 13 she had lost.
How would I ever lose a pound if my family only had high fat foods around? I am the captain of my own ship here! I am the grocery shopper and the cook. I am in total control of the food I consume, good or bad. I have no excuses. But I don't know if I could persevere the way Christina is if I were 17 years old. Having a good support system is so important! Christina continues to fight back, but I hope future updates show others rallying around her and providing her with the opportunities to make the right choices.
To put a brighter ending to this tale I can tell you that at the end of the week she had gotten back to the gym and was once again watching what she ate and lost 3 of those pounds. She has a long way to go, but she is inspiring to me. I wish I could be her phone and work out buddy and we could challenge each other. And I hope the next time they show her family, I see a veggie platter on the table somewhere!
Each Friday the show profiles how her week has gone. I've seen a few of those stories. I am inspired by her determination, but I feel for the battles she has to win to get there. Not everyone in her family is overweight, and she is clearly the heaviest of them all. The story this week really touched me. The family was preparing for her sister's birthday party. Pizza, chips, birthday cake, Italian meats and cheeses were everywhere. I didn't see one veggie platter or fruit tray. I really felt as if she was fighting this battle alone.
She did eat a piece of pizza and a piece of birthday cake and afterwards hated herself. That fed her low self-esteem so she skipped a couple of days at the gym. In the end she put back on 5 pounds of the 13 she had lost.
How would I ever lose a pound if my family only had high fat foods around? I am the captain of my own ship here! I am the grocery shopper and the cook. I am in total control of the food I consume, good or bad. I have no excuses. But I don't know if I could persevere the way Christina is if I were 17 years old. Having a good support system is so important! Christina continues to fight back, but I hope future updates show others rallying around her and providing her with the opportunities to make the right choices.
To put a brighter ending to this tale I can tell you that at the end of the week she had gotten back to the gym and was once again watching what she ate and lost 3 of those pounds. She has a long way to go, but she is inspiring to me. I wish I could be her phone and work out buddy and we could challenge each other. And I hope the next time they show her family, I see a veggie platter on the table somewhere!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Without Jillian? Why?
I am trying to lose 20 pounds. 30 by next summer. I would like to see it gone by Christmas and I am half way there. There is hope, but I am on this journey alone. I don't have a diet or a workout buddy. This blog seems to be my biggest source of accountability. Go figure! Why is this blog called "Losing it without Jillian"? 2 reasons, actually.
For one thing, I'm not on the Biggest Loser, so I don't have all of the resources that a person has when they devote 6 months of their life to losing 100 plus pounds. And I don't need to lose 100 plus pounds, so I don't need 'the ranch'!
But the biggest reason I am losing it without Jillian is because there is NO WAY I could subject myself to any of the stuff those contestants subject themselves to. In my book, they are heroes who saw themselves as zeroes and decided to do something about it. I admire each of those contestants so much. Going to the gym is hard enough even when you are just a little overweight. I can't fathom how they stick to it and persevere when every part of their body must be screaming. I think the trainers are really good. (I do worry about the producers, though. I personally think some of the challenges the contestants are put through are dangerous and I've come to believe the trainers don't have much, if any, input on them.) I like Jillian and Bob and think most of the time they do a great job, but I would crumble on that treadmill when Jillian challenged me to 30 more seconds, or whatever, when my lungs were dying. No thanks. I'll do it my way.
But what if I actually was 100 pounds overweight? Where would I find the courage, or motivation to make that change? My next post is going to share the story of one girl trying to do it alone.
For one thing, I'm not on the Biggest Loser, so I don't have all of the resources that a person has when they devote 6 months of their life to losing 100 plus pounds. And I don't need to lose 100 plus pounds, so I don't need 'the ranch'!
But the biggest reason I am losing it without Jillian is because there is NO WAY I could subject myself to any of the stuff those contestants subject themselves to. In my book, they are heroes who saw themselves as zeroes and decided to do something about it. I admire each of those contestants so much. Going to the gym is hard enough even when you are just a little overweight. I can't fathom how they stick to it and persevere when every part of their body must be screaming. I think the trainers are really good. (I do worry about the producers, though. I personally think some of the challenges the contestants are put through are dangerous and I've come to believe the trainers don't have much, if any, input on them.) I like Jillian and Bob and think most of the time they do a great job, but I would crumble on that treadmill when Jillian challenged me to 30 more seconds, or whatever, when my lungs were dying. No thanks. I'll do it my way.
But what if I actually was 100 pounds overweight? Where would I find the courage, or motivation to make that change? My next post is going to share the story of one girl trying to do it alone.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Catching Up
I am so behind on tracking my progress. It has been a busy two weeks. Our church had it's first Pumpkin Patch and I worked it most week days. Last Sunday was my birthday and I celebrated it by getting sick. (Not a good plan!) This week was spent working the Patch and trying to get my stomach back to normal.
When I think of the contestants on Biggest Loser I remember one who had to be taken to the hospital and was only allowed to walk when she returned to the ranch. She wasn't able to work out. So she walked. The alternative would have been to go home. She had to find the way to lose enough weight to stay. This week I maintained what activities I had to but walking wasn't one of them. It was so easy to rationalize not going out. My stomach was queasy. I'd 'better not push it today'. The big difference between Miggy and me was that she had only one thing to do and that was lose weight. She HAD to do it or she would go home. Once again, it is obvious that I am not a 'competitor'. I never have been. I'm just me. I can make excuses with the best of them. Jillian would walk out on my if she was my trainer!
The news wasn't all bad, though. I really had to watch what I ate. Indigestion set in if I ate 1) a lot, 2) anything rich (like toast with butter), 3) a lot... (oh yeah, I said that). I ate a lot of cereal, soup and Italian ice. Well, if my exercise level was low, so was my calorie intake!
I'm back to normal, and the pumpkins are gone so it's time to pay attention to what I'm putting in and how much I'm working out!
The good news?? I did manange to lose a pound. Next week's goal is 139!!!!! I can't wait until I reach it. It will be the first time I was under 140 since 2006 and then it was for about 2 weeks. The scales like to tease me. It shows me a number and then bounces up a pound for the next 2-3 days. It has hinted at 139 already, but I know it is just playing games with my mind. But by Friday, it should be there!!!
I can't wait! See you then.
When I think of the contestants on Biggest Loser I remember one who had to be taken to the hospital and was only allowed to walk when she returned to the ranch. She wasn't able to work out. So she walked. The alternative would have been to go home. She had to find the way to lose enough weight to stay. This week I maintained what activities I had to but walking wasn't one of them. It was so easy to rationalize not going out. My stomach was queasy. I'd 'better not push it today'. The big difference between Miggy and me was that she had only one thing to do and that was lose weight. She HAD to do it or she would go home. Once again, it is obvious that I am not a 'competitor'. I never have been. I'm just me. I can make excuses with the best of them. Jillian would walk out on my if she was my trainer!
The news wasn't all bad, though. I really had to watch what I ate. Indigestion set in if I ate 1) a lot, 2) anything rich (like toast with butter), 3) a lot... (oh yeah, I said that). I ate a lot of cereal, soup and Italian ice. Well, if my exercise level was low, so was my calorie intake!
I'm back to normal, and the pumpkins are gone so it's time to pay attention to what I'm putting in and how much I'm working out!
The good news?? I did manange to lose a pound. Next week's goal is 139!!!!! I can't wait until I reach it. It will be the first time I was under 140 since 2006 and then it was for about 2 weeks. The scales like to tease me. It shows me a number and then bounces up a pound for the next 2-3 days. It has hinted at 139 already, but I know it is just playing games with my mind. But by Friday, it should be there!!!
I can't wait! See you then.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Stalled
This week has not been a good one as far as my diet and exercise goals are concerned. I knew it would hit sooner or later, and it has. I seem to have a couple of main issues.
1) Summer is over, and the fall schedule has begun. I have less free time and more demands that interfere with walking or working out. This has always been an issue. In fact it is a reminder of what people who are seriously making changes in their lives while raising a family or holding a job go through all the time. It's tough keeping up with the schedule AND making sure that exercise has a priority. I haven't done well with that before. I will have to find a way this time.
2) With fall comes a number of challenges to the diet. Activities that serve snacks; cold temps making comfort food much more desirable and salads less desirable, holidays--my birthday, for starters.
3) I am easily discouraged from walking when the temps drop and the wind picks up, which really happened this week.
I did not gain anything this week, but neither did I lose. Worst of all, the inches around the middle, that
trouble spot on my body that I want to see improve the most, started creeping up again.
It's not going to get better until around May, so I'm really going to have to work at finding a solution. I have to find some way to push through each obstacle so that I can be an 'Overcomer'!
1) Summer is over, and the fall schedule has begun. I have less free time and more demands that interfere with walking or working out. This has always been an issue. In fact it is a reminder of what people who are seriously making changes in their lives while raising a family or holding a job go through all the time. It's tough keeping up with the schedule AND making sure that exercise has a priority. I haven't done well with that before. I will have to find a way this time.
2) With fall comes a number of challenges to the diet. Activities that serve snacks; cold temps making comfort food much more desirable and salads less desirable, holidays--my birthday, for starters.
3) I am easily discouraged from walking when the temps drop and the wind picks up, which really happened this week.
I did not gain anything this week, but neither did I lose. Worst of all, the inches around the middle, that
trouble spot on my body that I want to see improve the most, started creeping up again.
It's not going to get better until around May, so I'm really going to have to work at finding a solution. I have to find some way to push through each obstacle so that I can be an 'Overcomer'!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Resuming a Normal Lifestyle
I survived the 'party' last weekend, but not entirely unscathed. I hopped on the scales on Monday, and immediately hopped off again. Eww! I moved the scale around the floor, let it reset itself and clear its memory, and tried again...4 times. The scale was very consistent and very uncaring. I had popped up 2 pounds.
I relived the weekend, and thought about each treat I had allowed myself. It was no good. I just wasn't up to a guilt trip. I had such a good time and everything had tasted SOOO good! So I did an instant 'reset' on my status. Here were the facts.
I rewarded myself for losing 'almost' 10 pounds by enjoying friends, good food, and a fall festival. Why should I feel guilty? It was simply time to resume my normal lifestyle. Hmm, I liked looking at it that way; Resume my Normal Lifestyle. The weekend wasn't my normal lifestyle. It was just a weekend.
So I did resume my routine. I've walked, worked out, eaten reasonably, and enjoyed the occasional treat. At the end of this week I was 1/2 pound less than last week, which meant I had also re-lost the 2 pounds..
Of course, I probably would have fallen below the yellow line on Biggest Loser. And my team mates would have voted me off because of my cavalier attitude.... but that's why I'm 'Losing it Without Jillian".
I relived the weekend, and thought about each treat I had allowed myself. It was no good. I just wasn't up to a guilt trip. I had such a good time and everything had tasted SOOO good! So I did an instant 'reset' on my status. Here were the facts.
I rewarded myself for losing 'almost' 10 pounds by enjoying friends, good food, and a fall festival. Why should I feel guilty? It was simply time to resume my normal lifestyle. Hmm, I liked looking at it that way; Resume my Normal Lifestyle. The weekend wasn't my normal lifestyle. It was just a weekend.
So I did resume my routine. I've walked, worked out, eaten reasonably, and enjoyed the occasional treat. At the end of this week I was 1/2 pound less than last week, which meant I had also re-lost the 2 pounds..
Of course, I probably would have fallen below the yellow line on Biggest Loser. And my team mates would have voted me off because of my cavalier attitude.... but that's why I'm 'Losing it Without Jillian".
Monday, October 11, 2010
Weekend Off
If Jillian was here she'd say:
Pumpkin cake with Cream Cheese frosting???? REALLY?
If Jillian was with me this weekend she may have thrown herself on the waffle maker to save me.
Hee hee. Well, maybe she wouldn't have, but it would have been funnier than the stare she would have given me as I covered it in butter and maple syrup. You've seen that face on Biggest Loser. It's pretty humbling.
I have almost lost 10 pounds. 9.5 is pretty close! Even though I haven't quite made it I decided I was going to reward myself early. The corvette club I'm a member of had planned a trip to a local restaurant with the absolute BEST Breakast brunch anywhere. I could have done the brunch without the waffle or the pumpkin cake. They had so many scrumptious choices, from Eggs Benedict with turkey and no hollandaise, to shrimp, crabmeat salad, and fruit.
Another week I probably would have skipped the sweets. But I didn't. This day was about fun, friends, and (yummy) food so I treated myself.
I'm almost down 10 pounds!!!! Sorry Jillian. I know what I did, and I'm not sorry. Today I was a good girl. And I will be tomorrow. That's what rewards are for.
10 pounds!!! I can't wait until I hit the next 10! (Maybe by Christmas??)
Pumpkin cake with Cream Cheese frosting???? REALLY?
If Jillian was with me this weekend she may have thrown herself on the waffle maker to save me.
Hee hee. Well, maybe she wouldn't have, but it would have been funnier than the stare she would have given me as I covered it in butter and maple syrup. You've seen that face on Biggest Loser. It's pretty humbling.
I have almost lost 10 pounds. 9.5 is pretty close! Even though I haven't quite made it I decided I was going to reward myself early. The corvette club I'm a member of had planned a trip to a local restaurant with the absolute BEST Breakast brunch anywhere. I could have done the brunch without the waffle or the pumpkin cake. They had so many scrumptious choices, from Eggs Benedict with turkey and no hollandaise, to shrimp, crabmeat salad, and fruit.
Another week I probably would have skipped the sweets. But I didn't. This day was about fun, friends, and (yummy) food so I treated myself.
I'm almost down 10 pounds!!!! Sorry Jillian. I know what I did, and I'm not sorry. Today I was a good girl. And I will be tomorrow. That's what rewards are for.
10 pounds!!! I can't wait until I hit the next 10! (Maybe by Christmas??)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Re-learning Old Tricks
Before I went to Iowa, I was walking regularly. I had gotten to the point where after walking the 'easy mile' I didn't need to stretch. My legs and joints had become accustomed to it. The 'hard mile' with my two favorite hills, still tested me. But even those walks left me hot, sweaty, but not really tight. Stretching had become less important. I always stretched after a weights workout, or doing floor exercises.
Walking in Iowa was easy by comparison and I never bothered to walk afterwards.
Now I'm home and the shin splints have returned! I guess it's time to re-learn old tricks.
Walking in Iowa was easy by comparison and I never bothered to walk afterwards.
Now I'm home and the shin splints have returned! I guess it's time to re-learn old tricks.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I'm home!
Coming home and hitting the road has been harder than I thought. I was ready to get back into my routine but I ran into two obstacles. The first one was RAIN! 4 days of it! I know some people say they walk rain or shine, but I'm not that good. If the weather is bad, I'm probably not walking in it. I did get out one day for a short walk, but I couldn't talk myself into the longer, 2 mile one. I have managed to do a light workout one day and a good workout yesterday...complete with shin splints today. Forgot that all important 'End of Workout STRETCH"! Oops.
I also find that it takes me a few days to get back into my routine. Unpacking, sorting mail, cleaning up all seem to grab my attention. I wish I could say I'm like a rabid dog and work like crazy until the house is all ready, but that's not me either. Instead, I look at what needs to be done, work at it, and find lots of reasons to interrupt myself. I can be very ineffecient when I feel like it.
As a consequence it takes a few days before I can get up and say "FIRST, LET'S WALK!!!!" I hope maybe I can do that tomorrow.
The rain has stopped. My house is organized. The lawn is mowed. Nothing to stop me now. Tomorrow I hit the slopes...walking that is.
On a GREAT note, I checked the scales when I got home. I lost 1 1/2 pounds while I was gone!!!!!!
YIPPEE!!!!!!!! I do believe that is a first. On occasion I've maintained. Usually I gain. Never do I lose while away from home.
Till tomorrow....
I also find that it takes me a few days to get back into my routine. Unpacking, sorting mail, cleaning up all seem to grab my attention. I wish I could say I'm like a rabid dog and work like crazy until the house is all ready, but that's not me either. Instead, I look at what needs to be done, work at it, and find lots of reasons to interrupt myself. I can be very ineffecient when I feel like it.
As a consequence it takes a few days before I can get up and say "FIRST, LET'S WALK!!!!" I hope maybe I can do that tomorrow.
The rain has stopped. My house is organized. The lawn is mowed. Nothing to stop me now. Tomorrow I hit the slopes...walking that is.
On a GREAT note, I checked the scales when I got home. I lost 1 1/2 pounds while I was gone!!!!!!
YIPPEE!!!!!!!! I do believe that is a first. On occasion I've maintained. Usually I gain. Never do I lose while away from home.
Till tomorrow....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Better Week
In some ways this week has been a better week. I pulled out the weights on Monday and Thursday, while Warren was in pre-school. That 2 hour period is a good time to walk or workout. I did a full body workout and did 3 sets of 15 reps. Thursday, I was up to 200 crunches. I feel good about that.
I've walked some, but there have been gorgeous days in which I didn't want to push it. On 2 days the ladybugs were swarming and if they get in your shirt they pinch. Ladybugs live in the soybean fields and eat the bugs. When the soybeans are harvested they swarm.
After the rain last weekend, the mosquitoes were out as well. That was another thing that kept me from walking.
Thursday was a beautiful day, but after all the rain, the fields are finally dry enough for harvest to begin in earnest. The road has been busy. I've lost track of the combines, carts, pickups and trucks that have gone by. Even Warren couldn't get to sleep because he'd hear them coming and get up to look out his window. I figured if I ventured out, I'd be lost in a cloud of dust and decided it was safer to stay home.
So much for walking.
My visit is almost over. I will be leaving on Saturday. I've noticed I have a different outlook towards getting home. I am really looking forward to resuming my workouts, my walks, and my diet. I truly feel that it is a result of this blog. Normally, I would think when I get home I'll get into a better routine, but I wouldn't have any real plan on how I would do that. Now I do.
When I started this, I hoped it would be the motivator I needed and would help keep me focused. It has done exactly that. The fact that no one reads it but me is fine. Maybe I would push harder if I had 50 followers urging me on or sharing their woes, but I don't think so. It actually works better than a friend or family member. I guess it's just my weird way. Which is fine. As long as it works I'll keep it up.
About that picture in the last post. I had been feelings as if I had made great progress. Friends had noticed my efforts. The pounds were coming off. Surely I must look great! And then that picture pointed out--Not So Much!! I'm down to where I was a 18 months ago and I didn't like how I looked then!
That picture only said: Well done so far, but you've got a long way to go Baby. Don't get ahead of yourself and don't slow down now!!!!
That's it for today. When I get home I'll check the scales and get back into my old routine. I'm ready.
I've walked some, but there have been gorgeous days in which I didn't want to push it. On 2 days the ladybugs were swarming and if they get in your shirt they pinch. Ladybugs live in the soybean fields and eat the bugs. When the soybeans are harvested they swarm.
After the rain last weekend, the mosquitoes were out as well. That was another thing that kept me from walking.
Thursday was a beautiful day, but after all the rain, the fields are finally dry enough for harvest to begin in earnest. The road has been busy. I've lost track of the combines, carts, pickups and trucks that have gone by. Even Warren couldn't get to sleep because he'd hear them coming and get up to look out his window. I figured if I ventured out, I'd be lost in a cloud of dust and decided it was safer to stay home.
So much for walking.
My visit is almost over. I will be leaving on Saturday. I've noticed I have a different outlook towards getting home. I am really looking forward to resuming my workouts, my walks, and my diet. I truly feel that it is a result of this blog. Normally, I would think when I get home I'll get into a better routine, but I wouldn't have any real plan on how I would do that. Now I do.
When I started this, I hoped it would be the motivator I needed and would help keep me focused. It has done exactly that. The fact that no one reads it but me is fine. Maybe I would push harder if I had 50 followers urging me on or sharing their woes, but I don't think so. It actually works better than a friend or family member. I guess it's just my weird way. Which is fine. As long as it works I'll keep it up.
About that picture in the last post. I had been feelings as if I had made great progress. Friends had noticed my efforts. The pounds were coming off. Surely I must look great! And then that picture pointed out--Not So Much!! I'm down to where I was a 18 months ago and I didn't like how I looked then!
That picture only said: Well done so far, but you've got a long way to go Baby. Don't get ahead of yourself and don't slow down now!!!!
That's it for today. When I get home I'll check the scales and get back into my old routine. I'm ready.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Nasty Words!
I just saw a photo of me in my jeans (that still fit me well). HA! Maybe they fit me well, but I don't like how I look in them.
This is a good one for the refrigerator. Overall, it will make me smile because I will remember the fun my grandson and I had making muffins. But everytime I look at ME, I will be reminded I have a ways to go. I hate my gut. I know I'm not thinking of posture while I'm interacting with him. And that's fine. I shouldn't be. I should be thinking only of the moment. But the picture brings back the reality of what I want to accomplish.
I want to be that skinny girl I used to be. I will probably never be happy with losing the pounds. I want to get the figure back. I wonder if that is even possible at my age? Probably not. Which means, if nothing else, along with the diet, and exercise, we may have to add in Wardrobe Awareness!!!!!!
If I care how I look in pictures, I have to care how I look everyday.
Hmmm,
Did I just add another element? I'm not sure.
Once you start, it seems you get beyond just wanting to be fit. Eventually you want to look good. And at some point, even if you are 60, you want to look really good! Somehow that has to be balanced between looking really good at 25 and looking really good at 60. Where is the reality?
This is an ongoing work in progress. But for now... I'm NOT there yet. This picture has to be improved!
There is work to be done.
This is a good one for the refrigerator. Overall, it will make me smile because I will remember the fun my grandson and I had making muffins. But everytime I look at ME, I will be reminded I have a ways to go. I hate my gut. I know I'm not thinking of posture while I'm interacting with him. And that's fine. I shouldn't be. I should be thinking only of the moment. But the picture brings back the reality of what I want to accomplish.
I want to be that skinny girl I used to be. I will probably never be happy with losing the pounds. I want to get the figure back. I wonder if that is even possible at my age? Probably not. Which means, if nothing else, along with the diet, and exercise, we may have to add in Wardrobe Awareness!!!!!!
If I care how I look in pictures, I have to care how I look everyday.
Hmmm,
Did I just add another element? I'm not sure.
Once you start, it seems you get beyond just wanting to be fit. Eventually you want to look good. And at some point, even if you are 60, you want to look really good! Somehow that has to be balanced between looking really good at 25 and looking really good at 60. Where is the reality?
This is an ongoing work in progress. But for now... I'm NOT there yet. This picture has to be improved!
There is work to be done.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Results day in Iowa
10 days in Iowa now. Time to do a status update. I don't have my scales available but I brought my measurement tape. My jeans help keep me honest as well. After they were washed the fit was still good. I can't have put too much weight back on. This morning when I measured myself I did see a little change. My butt's the same, (YEA!) and the rest of me shows the normal weekly shifts. Hmmm
On the positive side, I have kept snacking to a minimum. I've stuck with my normal breakfast. Dinners have been very healthy, low-fat, and made with natural ingredients. Janice did a great job of pre-planning meals for us and they were in the freezer. All we had to do was pull them out and heat them up. They consist of fresh veggies from the summer, and low-fat meat. The portions are excellent, so I'm not guilty of overeating.
Exercise has been sporadic, but I've kept my pedometer on so I know what I've done. Actually, that just means I know what I haven't been doing! I've only achieved 10,000 steps one day since I've been here and that was the day I managed 2 walks! I've managed to walk 3 days and I've managed to do a weight's workout 3 days as well! Those are the pluses.
I'm ok with 'pluses'. Why look too deeply, you know? But then there's that truth factor.
So here are the negatives.
I've only used the weights 3 times. There is no excuse for that. On any given day I can find time for that part. I don't want to do it everyday, but I should have been able to do it every other day, or 3 times a week, at least. I have only myself to blame. My excuse is simple. I don't like to do it in front of other people. I get self-conscious. So if no one is here, I do it. Otherwise, I should just go off to my room and get it done, but I don't.
Dinners always have carbs, either as a side dish or as part of the main dish. The garlic mashed smelled awfully yummy, so I had a scoop. Sometimes a double scoop. So much for willpower! This is the problem of eating out. I can control what I fix, but it is hard to ignore what is offered to me.
I have reverted to bad habits and caved in when someone offered me sweets. Last night it was 2 large, fresh chocolate chip cookies totalling 44 carbs. (I mean, who would have said no. Certainly not me! FRESH and WARM!) Today it was 2 hotdogs when 1 would have been enough.
I will be here at least 1 week more. I will try to get my weights workout where it should be.
I can say I have met expectations. I knew I would exercise less, and I did. I knew I would eat more carbs, and I did. And if there is one thing I am REALLY good at it is losing all sense of willpower around sweets.
If there was one thing I would like to change about me, it would be my sweet tooth.
If there is one thing I don't do actively enough it is to visualize positive results. I can avoid making pancakes, but if someone is serving them I can't seem to walk away. So I am.....
Still working at it!
On the positive side, I have kept snacking to a minimum. I've stuck with my normal breakfast. Dinners have been very healthy, low-fat, and made with natural ingredients. Janice did a great job of pre-planning meals for us and they were in the freezer. All we had to do was pull them out and heat them up. They consist of fresh veggies from the summer, and low-fat meat. The portions are excellent, so I'm not guilty of overeating.
Exercise has been sporadic, but I've kept my pedometer on so I know what I've done. Actually, that just means I know what I haven't been doing! I've only achieved 10,000 steps one day since I've been here and that was the day I managed 2 walks! I've managed to walk 3 days and I've managed to do a weight's workout 3 days as well! Those are the pluses.
I'm ok with 'pluses'. Why look too deeply, you know? But then there's that truth factor.
So here are the negatives.
I've only used the weights 3 times. There is no excuse for that. On any given day I can find time for that part. I don't want to do it everyday, but I should have been able to do it every other day, or 3 times a week, at least. I have only myself to blame. My excuse is simple. I don't like to do it in front of other people. I get self-conscious. So if no one is here, I do it. Otherwise, I should just go off to my room and get it done, but I don't.
Dinners always have carbs, either as a side dish or as part of the main dish. The garlic mashed smelled awfully yummy, so I had a scoop. Sometimes a double scoop. So much for willpower! This is the problem of eating out. I can control what I fix, but it is hard to ignore what is offered to me.
I have reverted to bad habits and caved in when someone offered me sweets. Last night it was 2 large, fresh chocolate chip cookies totalling 44 carbs. (I mean, who would have said no. Certainly not me! FRESH and WARM!) Today it was 2 hotdogs when 1 would have been enough.
I will be here at least 1 week more. I will try to get my weights workout where it should be.
I can say I have met expectations. I knew I would exercise less, and I did. I knew I would eat more carbs, and I did. And if there is one thing I am REALLY good at it is losing all sense of willpower around sweets.
If there was one thing I would like to change about me, it would be my sweet tooth.
If there is one thing I don't do actively enough it is to visualize positive results. I can avoid making pancakes, but if someone is serving them I can't seem to walk away. So I am.....
Still working at it!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Success and Failure
Today is definitely going to be an OFF day. It started when my husband walked in with chocolate donuts. But while I may have gotten away without trying one, it was all over when Mike offered to do his Sunday Morning Special....pancakes. Add to the fact that the weather is cold, wet, and windy and there is a houseful of people, it was pretty easy to see that there would be no workout, no walk, and plenty of carbs.
In the beginning of this blog I promised to record the failures as much as the successes, but you've probably noticed that I avoid talking about failures. It isn't intentional, but it is indicative of how I face things.
Diets and weight-loss programs are inherently full of pitfalls. In our everyday life it is difficult to change every bad fault we've had and replace them only with good choices. We will have good days and we will have bad days. That is a truth I recognize and embrace.
I am a 'rosy-world' person. I tend to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, even if it is half-full of hot air. While nothing is all good, neither is anything all bad. The trick is to keep your eye on the thing that keeps you focused. People work better when they identify where they made their mistakes and then strive to avoid them. I recognize that truth. But beyond that, I don't work well if I focus on the goofs, the blunders, the mistakes. Instead of helping me re-focus my efforts, it tends to give me the excuse to quit, at least temporarily. My attitude becomes "Oh well, it's over now". Kind of like today. Just look at how I started this post. By the end of the paragraph I had convinced myself there was no use fighting it. I'd lost the battle.
Well I've lost the battle for today, but tomorrow the weather promises to be good and I have a couple of hours where I will be able to get out for a walk. So the war will continue. I will re-group and set reachable goals. I will continue to look at what worked. My posts will be mostly positive.
But today, I surrender.
In the beginning of this blog I promised to record the failures as much as the successes, but you've probably noticed that I avoid talking about failures. It isn't intentional, but it is indicative of how I face things.
Diets and weight-loss programs are inherently full of pitfalls. In our everyday life it is difficult to change every bad fault we've had and replace them only with good choices. We will have good days and we will have bad days. That is a truth I recognize and embrace.
I am a 'rosy-world' person. I tend to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, even if it is half-full of hot air. While nothing is all good, neither is anything all bad. The trick is to keep your eye on the thing that keeps you focused. People work better when they identify where they made their mistakes and then strive to avoid them. I recognize that truth. But beyond that, I don't work well if I focus on the goofs, the blunders, the mistakes. Instead of helping me re-focus my efforts, it tends to give me the excuse to quit, at least temporarily. My attitude becomes "Oh well, it's over now". Kind of like today. Just look at how I started this post. By the end of the paragraph I had convinced myself there was no use fighting it. I'd lost the battle.
Well I've lost the battle for today, but tomorrow the weather promises to be good and I have a couple of hours where I will be able to get out for a walk. So the war will continue. I will re-group and set reachable goals. I will continue to look at what worked. My posts will be mostly positive.
But today, I surrender.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The next Challenge
The next month is going to present quite a challenge. As of now, I am in Iowa for the birth of my 3rd grandchild. This is a very exciting time and yet, for a person on a quest it presents 3 big challenges to deal with.
Challenge 1: The drive
When I visit my kids I take the dog and I drive--900 miles! For those who know me that means 'munchy time'. Whenever I drive, I nibble. Finding suitable foods to nibble on are difficult. I like finger foods. My normal fall-backs are gummy worms, raisinets, french fries, you get the idea. Anything but healthy. When I started making these long distance trips to see my kids I drank McDonald's ice tea constantly while I snacked. By the time I arrived you could have lit up a Christmas Tree with the 'energy', if that's what you could call it. I was wired. I was buzzed. Of course, that kind of energy is really 'faux energy'--a trendy term, but rather appropriate. Nobody can harness it. It just sends you flying in all directions. Ask any 5 year old who has had a soda, some cookies, and a piece of cake. Since then I have learned how to temper the caffeine. I still guzzle TEA until early afternoon, but then I settle down. I drink more water and have only 2 sugar and caffeine free sodas total for the whole trip.
Now with another goal in mind--losing the inches--I was able to make some healthy changes to my constant munching. I added carrot and celery sticks, cherries, grapes and watermelon chunks since I was cleaning out the refrigerator. I did succomb to fries mid-afternoon, but I never touched the chips or raisinets. Chocolate covered raisins are particularly evil for me because of the sugar in the chocolate and the raisins.
All in all, I did better yesterday than I expected, but my carb, fat, calorie intake (whatever you would have been concerned with) was still over the top.
Challenge 2--The daily walk
Now that I am here I won't be able to keep up my 2 mile power walks as much. For one thing the road is flat. No hills!! Yea!! part of me says, but the motivated part knows I need those hills to keep my metabolism going. But the bigger problem may be the road itself. It is gravel, sometimes kind of soft, so I'm not sure how I'll do developing a fast gait. Another aspect of the road is the weather and the time of year. It may be gravel, but it is a main road, traveled by cars and trucks daily, all going about 40 miles an hour. 18 wheel semis barrel past on their way to the grain elevators. If the wind is up I actually don't hear them coming until they are almost upon me. I have to constantly look ahead and behind me to be sure I know when something is coming. When a combine is coming, I head for the weeds by the side of the road to make sure I don't get scooped into the chute and have my wheat separated from my chaff. I have plenty of chaff, but I'll hold onto it and lose it my own way, thanks!
Challenge 3--Routine
The third challenge is developing a routine that makes sure I work out each day. I'm here to help my daughter with the new baby, watch my 3 year old grandson, and do what's needed. My routine is second to hers. Getting out to walk each day may be difficult.
Challenge 4--I know I said there were 3, but I can tell this one will be a big a problem as walking.--The Diet.
Her meals are different from mine and will proably add a lot of carbs back in. When a new baby is in the house, ease is the new priority. Casseroles that can be put together when we have time and heated when we're ready to eat, and the baby is too, will be on the menu. They will be healthy and low-fat, but carbs are not my best friend. However, this time is too special to dwell on some things. I'm already in trouble. There were two pans on the counter when I arrived. I have avoided the Red Velvet cake with the cream cheese frosting, but the frosted brownies were to die for!!
So we'll see how it goes. We all know we can't grow without challenge. I only hope I 'grow' in the way I want to, not the way I have been.
Challenge 1: The drive
When I visit my kids I take the dog and I drive--900 miles! For those who know me that means 'munchy time'. Whenever I drive, I nibble. Finding suitable foods to nibble on are difficult. I like finger foods. My normal fall-backs are gummy worms, raisinets, french fries, you get the idea. Anything but healthy. When I started making these long distance trips to see my kids I drank McDonald's ice tea constantly while I snacked. By the time I arrived you could have lit up a Christmas Tree with the 'energy', if that's what you could call it. I was wired. I was buzzed. Of course, that kind of energy is really 'faux energy'--a trendy term, but rather appropriate. Nobody can harness it. It just sends you flying in all directions. Ask any 5 year old who has had a soda, some cookies, and a piece of cake. Since then I have learned how to temper the caffeine. I still guzzle TEA until early afternoon, but then I settle down. I drink more water and have only 2 sugar and caffeine free sodas total for the whole trip.
Now with another goal in mind--losing the inches--I was able to make some healthy changes to my constant munching. I added carrot and celery sticks, cherries, grapes and watermelon chunks since I was cleaning out the refrigerator. I did succomb to fries mid-afternoon, but I never touched the chips or raisinets. Chocolate covered raisins are particularly evil for me because of the sugar in the chocolate and the raisins.
All in all, I did better yesterday than I expected, but my carb, fat, calorie intake (whatever you would have been concerned with) was still over the top.
Challenge 2--The daily walk
Now that I am here I won't be able to keep up my 2 mile power walks as much. For one thing the road is flat. No hills!! Yea!! part of me says, but the motivated part knows I need those hills to keep my metabolism going. But the bigger problem may be the road itself. It is gravel, sometimes kind of soft, so I'm not sure how I'll do developing a fast gait. Another aspect of the road is the weather and the time of year. It may be gravel, but it is a main road, traveled by cars and trucks daily, all going about 40 miles an hour. 18 wheel semis barrel past on their way to the grain elevators. If the wind is up I actually don't hear them coming until they are almost upon me. I have to constantly look ahead and behind me to be sure I know when something is coming. When a combine is coming, I head for the weeds by the side of the road to make sure I don't get scooped into the chute and have my wheat separated from my chaff. I have plenty of chaff, but I'll hold onto it and lose it my own way, thanks!
Challenge 3--Routine
The third challenge is developing a routine that makes sure I work out each day. I'm here to help my daughter with the new baby, watch my 3 year old grandson, and do what's needed. My routine is second to hers. Getting out to walk each day may be difficult.
Challenge 4--I know I said there were 3, but I can tell this one will be a big a problem as walking.--The Diet.
Her meals are different from mine and will proably add a lot of carbs back in. When a new baby is in the house, ease is the new priority. Casseroles that can be put together when we have time and heated when we're ready to eat, and the baby is too, will be on the menu. They will be healthy and low-fat, but carbs are not my best friend. However, this time is too special to dwell on some things. I'm already in trouble. There were two pans on the counter when I arrived. I have avoided the Red Velvet cake with the cream cheese frosting, but the frosted brownies were to die for!!
So we'll see how it goes. We all know we can't grow without challenge. I only hope I 'grow' in the way I want to, not the way I have been.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Another week, Another Pound
Weigh in Day was last Saturday, and I kept to my 1 pound a week average. I'm always glad to see the next lower number, even if I wish I saw it a little faster. When I measured myself that morning, I was also rewarded by noticing a 1 1/2" loss overall. This week my butt has earned my gratitude. It is only down an inch and a half over the whole 8 weeks, but it has shown the most steady decline. I've noticed in the past, when people notice I've lost weight it is the butt area that they comment on.
While the butt sticks to the plan, other areas are up one week and down another. I've wondered about the shift in other areas, especially the midriff and belly sections, and I think perhaps it is a fluctuation in bloating, water or air, that causes the shift more than anything. One thing that has always bugged me is that I can look almost svelte (for a chunky person) first thing in the morning, but when I'm ready to go out at night my middle has ballooned out again.
Oh well, if I can't have everything, I'll have to learn to appreciate what I've got. For now... it's that I've lost 8 pounds and almost 12 inches. The' middle' will come....I hope.
While the butt sticks to the plan, other areas are up one week and down another. I've wondered about the shift in other areas, especially the midriff and belly sections, and I think perhaps it is a fluctuation in bloating, water or air, that causes the shift more than anything. One thing that has always bugged me is that I can look almost svelte (for a chunky person) first thing in the morning, but when I'm ready to go out at night my middle has ballooned out again.
Oh well, if I can't have everything, I'll have to learn to appreciate what I've got. For now... it's that I've lost 8 pounds and almost 12 inches. The' middle' will come....I hope.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Conquering Killer Hill
I am a little stunned. I am really getting stronger. I didn't want to walk this morning, but I knew I had to. Yesterday I barely made 3,000 steps between a doctor's appointment that took hours and errands I needed to do. Today I had to pick up the pace again.
I left the house and started out, but as I walked I realized it was the perfect time to take the dog. The air was still relatively cool and by afternoon it would be back in the 80's. I went ahead and walked the half-mile loop and picked up the dog on my way past the house.
Maggie was just what I needed. She started out almost at a trot. I had to hurry to keep up with her. My route today was the mile and half route that involves the steep hills. I've come to recognize them as Killer Hill and Canyon Hill. I should add here, that I was a Floridian for almost 30 years. FLAT terrain is what I consider normal. So while the local residents may see these hills as just hills, to me, they are really big. The road I was on ends in a turnaround at the top of Canyon Hill. Killer Hill is fine starting out. The first time I encounter it I am going down. I like down! Down is fun. Down isn't stressful. And I have a fantastic view of the hills in the distance.
But once I get down, I have a short level area before the hill begins to climb up to the turnaround. It is the only way out of the canyon, thus the name. Once I'm at the top of Canyon Hill the process reverses itself...down Canyon Hill and up Killer Hill, named because, by now, I'm dead!
I don't understand how it happened, but today I ran! Maggie and I started down Killer Hill at a fast walk. About half way down I started to jog. Maggie trotted. I looked ahead to the level area and where the road begins a gradual incline. (This is like a foothill to Canyon Hill.) There was a bull dozer about half way up the incline. "Maybe I can make it to the bulldozer... don't even think it... you know how you are on running. You'll get to the bottom and quit... just run till you stop". This is how I encourage (?) myself. I continued to jog. Head down, seeing only my feet, pant, pant.... huff, huff, one foot in front of the other... pant, pant, ...."wait... Did I just pass 2 pickups? There weren't any pickups near the bull dozer.... where is the bull dozer?"
I glanced up and saw the trucks. I looked around. The bull dozer was 30 feet behind me! Holy COW!!!! How did that happen?
At the top of the foot hill, I stopped and let the dog off the leash. We were past the construction and it was open road from here. Maggie loped off and I kept walking. Head down...seeing only my feet... climbing Canyon Hill. My mind kept thinking about stuff as my feet kept moving, one step in front of the other. When I looked up again, I was at the top of Canyon Hill. I am always excited when I make it up without stopping. My heart was pounding, water was running off my face, but I was still moving.
After doing a few laps around the turnaround to catch my breath, I started back down. Once again, I started to jog and kept jogging after I reached the bottom. Maggie caught up with me and I put her leash back on as we began Killer Hill. We weren't moving very fast by now, but we were moving and we never stopped. The last stretch up to our house is the perfect cool down. Neither of us are moving very fast. In fact, I'm always walking ahead of the dog on the last part, but we keep going.
I looked at the clock when I walked in. 50 minutes, 2 miles, 5,000 steps, and I had run much more than I've ever done before.
Could I ever get like the Biggest Loser contestants? Imagine me, a runner. It's still a pipe dream, but for the first time I see a little light at the end of that pipe.
I left the house and started out, but as I walked I realized it was the perfect time to take the dog. The air was still relatively cool and by afternoon it would be back in the 80's. I went ahead and walked the half-mile loop and picked up the dog on my way past the house.
Maggie was just what I needed. She started out almost at a trot. I had to hurry to keep up with her. My route today was the mile and half route that involves the steep hills. I've come to recognize them as Killer Hill and Canyon Hill. I should add here, that I was a Floridian for almost 30 years. FLAT terrain is what I consider normal. So while the local residents may see these hills as just hills, to me, they are really big. The road I was on ends in a turnaround at the top of Canyon Hill. Killer Hill is fine starting out. The first time I encounter it I am going down. I like down! Down is fun. Down isn't stressful. And I have a fantastic view of the hills in the distance.
But once I get down, I have a short level area before the hill begins to climb up to the turnaround. It is the only way out of the canyon, thus the name. Once I'm at the top of Canyon Hill the process reverses itself...down Canyon Hill and up Killer Hill, named because, by now, I'm dead!
I don't understand how it happened, but today I ran! Maggie and I started down Killer Hill at a fast walk. About half way down I started to jog. Maggie trotted. I looked ahead to the level area and where the road begins a gradual incline. (This is like a foothill to Canyon Hill.) There was a bull dozer about half way up the incline. "Maybe I can make it to the bulldozer... don't even think it... you know how you are on running. You'll get to the bottom and quit... just run till you stop". This is how I encourage (?) myself. I continued to jog. Head down, seeing only my feet, pant, pant.... huff, huff, one foot in front of the other... pant, pant, ...."wait... Did I just pass 2 pickups? There weren't any pickups near the bull dozer.... where is the bull dozer?"
I glanced up and saw the trucks. I looked around. The bull dozer was 30 feet behind me! Holy COW!!!! How did that happen?
At the top of the foot hill, I stopped and let the dog off the leash. We were past the construction and it was open road from here. Maggie loped off and I kept walking. Head down...seeing only my feet... climbing Canyon Hill. My mind kept thinking about stuff as my feet kept moving, one step in front of the other. When I looked up again, I was at the top of Canyon Hill. I am always excited when I make it up without stopping. My heart was pounding, water was running off my face, but I was still moving.
After doing a few laps around the turnaround to catch my breath, I started back down. Once again, I started to jog and kept jogging after I reached the bottom. Maggie caught up with me and I put her leash back on as we began Killer Hill. We weren't moving very fast by now, but we were moving and we never stopped. The last stretch up to our house is the perfect cool down. Neither of us are moving very fast. In fact, I'm always walking ahead of the dog on the last part, but we keep going.
I looked at the clock when I walked in. 50 minutes, 2 miles, 5,000 steps, and I had run much more than I've ever done before.
Could I ever get like the Biggest Loser contestants? Imagine me, a runner. It's still a pipe dream, but for the first time I see a little light at the end of that pipe.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Ouch
I hate my middle. This is the body image area that I long to correct the most. My mother and I share that feeling. She didn't like her middle either. The battle of the Bulge for us was between the "under bust" to the waistline. (I'm currently not nuts about the waist and hip area either, but that area actually is easier for me to control.)
So I did it! I dragged out my weights, checked my exercise cards, put on the music and gave myself a good old fashioned workout like my favorite Florida trainer used to do!
Actually, it was about half as long and half as fast as my favorite Florida trainer used to do.
Doesn't matter. It hurts. All over. It especially hurts to cough.
Darned abs.
So I did it! I dragged out my weights, checked my exercise cards, put on the music and gave myself a good old fashioned workout like my favorite Florida trainer used to do!
Actually, it was about half as long and half as fast as my favorite Florida trainer used to do.
Doesn't matter. It hurts. All over. It especially hurts to cough.
Darned abs.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Exercise? Puh-leze!
I'm starting to get nudges. Nudges from my conscience, nudges from Dr. Oz, nudges from my doctor. Go away. Leave me alone. I'm walking already, what more do you want?
Dr. Oz says muscle mass burns more calories. My conscience reminds me of trainers from my past...muscle burns more calories than fat...muscle pounds are good pounds, fat pounds are bad pounds, muscle improves your BMI...yadda, yadda, yadda.
My doctor says weight bearing exercises will build stronger bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Shhhh, no one wants to hear they are a candidate for osteoporosis. Can't I just swallow a calcium pill and eat more yogurt? "My gym closed," I tell her. I liked it. It was a small gym, just for women. I don't like those big gyms with 100 machines and kids in their 20's bopping around on them. "Maybe you can try Curves," she suggests.
Nudges.
The truth is there are plenty of opportunities around here, but the gym I really liked closed. I thought I could exercise on my own, but it is really hard motivating myself. I find I balk at the time constraints. If I walk and then exercise and then shower, the morning is gone. (So what's so important about the afternoon," my conscience asks? "You're retired.")
Nudges.
7 pounds in 7 weeks? If you want that to change, you have to exercise.
Hmmm, somehow I have to motivate myself into this. The truth is, after all the outside sources nag at me, my doctor is right. Osteoporosis runs in my family. I need to add exercise to this program.
Really? Puh-leze! (Oh okay... quit nudging me!)
Dr. Oz says muscle mass burns more calories. My conscience reminds me of trainers from my past...muscle burns more calories than fat...muscle pounds are good pounds, fat pounds are bad pounds, muscle improves your BMI...yadda, yadda, yadda.
My doctor says weight bearing exercises will build stronger bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Shhhh, no one wants to hear they are a candidate for osteoporosis. Can't I just swallow a calcium pill and eat more yogurt? "My gym closed," I tell her. I liked it. It was a small gym, just for women. I don't like those big gyms with 100 machines and kids in their 20's bopping around on them. "Maybe you can try Curves," she suggests.
Nudges.
The truth is there are plenty of opportunities around here, but the gym I really liked closed. I thought I could exercise on my own, but it is really hard motivating myself. I find I balk at the time constraints. If I walk and then exercise and then shower, the morning is gone. (So what's so important about the afternoon," my conscience asks? "You're retired.")
Nudges.
7 pounds in 7 weeks? If you want that to change, you have to exercise.
Hmmm, somehow I have to motivate myself into this. The truth is, after all the outside sources nag at me, my doctor is right. Osteoporosis runs in my family. I need to add exercise to this program.
Really? Puh-leze! (Oh okay... quit nudging me!)
Life as a Tortoise
In the beginning of all this I said the main goal was to pick up the pace and become a healthier me and I wanted to lose 20-30 pounds. The goal is still the same. Nothing has changed. In another post, I think I acknowledged that I don't lose weight fast on Atkins but I do lose it steadily. I don't yo-yo like some people. This is good. Losing it steadily gives me time to develop the habits that I need to incorporate if I want to make permanent changes.
Its great being mindful and intellectual and spiritual but sometimes it seems like watching sap drop from a tree in February. Hooow sloooooooowwww caaannn youuuuuuu gooooooo? (that's go, not goo)When I finally weighed myself a few days ago after last week's debacle, the news was ok. No loss, but no gain. Good news!
Well, today was weigh in and measurement day. I do this once a week (with the exception of last week which was a lost week). I track it on a little yellow pad. I note the pounds and see if it has gone up or down, and then I measure each little area and write in the good or bad news. At the end I write down the change in pounds from the previous week, a number preceded by a (-) is much nicer than a number preceded by a (+). Then I compare all the measurements and total them up. If my butt went from a 38 to a 37.5 that means I'm down a half inch and I'm happy. If my waist went from a 32 to a 33.25 that means I'm up 1 and a quarter inches and you can probably figure my thoughts about that. I total all the pluses and minuses and write the total for the week. THEN... I add up the totals since I started the whole process.
Well, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. I was actually surprised to see I was down a pound. I felt like I had been looking at the same numbers every day. I was happy but not real excited. But then I did my totals since I started 7 weeks ago and I realized I am down 7 pounds, and 10.5 inches! That feels better.
If slow and steady wins the race, then I guess I am a winner. I seem to be right on track.
But geez, it sure is slow!
Its great being mindful and intellectual and spiritual but sometimes it seems like watching sap drop from a tree in February. Hooow sloooooooowwww caaannn youuuuuuu gooooooo? (that's go, not goo)When I finally weighed myself a few days ago after last week's debacle, the news was ok. No loss, but no gain. Good news!
Well, today was weigh in and measurement day. I do this once a week (with the exception of last week which was a lost week). I track it on a little yellow pad. I note the pounds and see if it has gone up or down, and then I measure each little area and write in the good or bad news. At the end I write down the change in pounds from the previous week, a number preceded by a (-) is much nicer than a number preceded by a (+). Then I compare all the measurements and total them up. If my butt went from a 38 to a 37.5 that means I'm down a half inch and I'm happy. If my waist went from a 32 to a 33.25 that means I'm up 1 and a quarter inches and you can probably figure my thoughts about that. I total all the pluses and minuses and write the total for the week. THEN... I add up the totals since I started the whole process.
Well, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. I was actually surprised to see I was down a pound. I felt like I had been looking at the same numbers every day. I was happy but not real excited. But then I did my totals since I started 7 weeks ago and I realized I am down 7 pounds, and 10.5 inches! That feels better.
If slow and steady wins the race, then I guess I am a winner. I seem to be right on track.
But geez, it sure is slow!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I Hate to Run!
I hate to run! I hate to run! I hate to run!
Ok, I've said it. I've tried to do it, but it is not for me. In Florida, where the road ahead is flat, I would try to jog as I walked around the block. I would jog past 3 houses and then walk. After a while I'd try it again. This time, I'd get past 2 houses before stopping. That was it. I could walk 3 miles, but I couldn't run past 5 houses.
Why do I care? I don't know. Running would boost my metabolism, I think. They run on Biggest Loser all the time. Most of them barely make it down to my current weight after they've completed a very successful weight loss program, but they can run. Why can't I? Why do I care? Maybe it's just pride or envy. All I know is I hate to run. I've tried it on my walks and I'll do an easy down hill jog, but that's it.
I could never make it on the Biggest Loser. I'd be the biggest whiner on the treadmill, and Jillian would make my life miserable.
Of course, that's why I am 'Losing it WITHOUT Jillian'. She scares me. And I hate to run.
Ok, I've said it. I've tried to do it, but it is not for me. In Florida, where the road ahead is flat, I would try to jog as I walked around the block. I would jog past 3 houses and then walk. After a while I'd try it again. This time, I'd get past 2 houses before stopping. That was it. I could walk 3 miles, but I couldn't run past 5 houses.
Why do I care? I don't know. Running would boost my metabolism, I think. They run on Biggest Loser all the time. Most of them barely make it down to my current weight after they've completed a very successful weight loss program, but they can run. Why can't I? Why do I care? Maybe it's just pride or envy. All I know is I hate to run. I've tried it on my walks and I'll do an easy down hill jog, but that's it.
I could never make it on the Biggest Loser. I'd be the biggest whiner on the treadmill, and Jillian would make my life miserable.
Of course, that's why I am 'Losing it WITHOUT Jillian'. She scares me. And I hate to run.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Hangin' In There
Last week was a trip through the danger zone. It wasn't easy. I managed to keep some semblance of control, sort of. The week was fun, but it included dinners out, a couple of trips (long hours in the car, no exercise), and ample opportunities for alcohol. Hmmm, what do you tell yourself when all around you are downing all the things you aren't supposed to?
I'll tell you what I tell myself. "I'm not getting on the scale tomorrow!" Look, if I had will-power in the first place I wouldn't be doing this blog would I? If I had will-power I would be eating salads every day, enjoying one glass of wine, sipping it slowly through the meal, and would casually wave away the desserts, appetizers and other gremlins staring out at me from the table. Well, let me put you at ease. I don't have will power! So here is basically how the last week went.
Bad news first... spinach-artichoke dip with crisp and delicate chips when I had lunch with Kim... French fries, and ice cream on the trip home from Kim's. It's a 4 hour drive and when I drive I nibble...wings and beer with my hubby on one of the few nights out we've had...I like beer, but my hips love beer. :( ....trip to my mother-in-law's house, and a 2 day car show which included dinner at a friends...I lost track of the little chocolate bite sized candies that M-I-L keeps in a bowl by the chair I sit in. I think she refills it every time I leave the room... and of course she had to have a new box of chocolate covered donuts.... they stared at me first thing in the morning.... those little 'o' faces followed me all around the kitchen until I had to snatch a couple.... wine at the friends, 2 ears of corn YUMMM! My Favorite summer food and my BIGGEST diet no-no... beer at the car show--only one day though! I stuck with water the next day:)... Golden Corral for dinner... HELLO! I am trying to lose weight here? And I get to go to an All You Can Eat Place????
OK, it wasn't all bad.
The Good News... I had a salad for lunch with Kim... Wings are actually on my diet, which is one reason I like Atkins :)... I walked a mile to 1 1/2 miles on 2 of the 3 days we were at my mother-in-law's. I avoided all the "fair" foods at the car show... and the upside to Golden Corral is that I ate all the meat I wanted, and skipped the starches. I had some fruit and salad and when it was time for dessert Larry came back with a piece of chocolate cake and 2 cookies. We shared the cake which was great. I would have loved a whole piece for myself, but just a few bites satisfied me so I didn't eat a lot of dessert!
At any rate, it was a tough week so, for now, I'm skipping the scales. Who needs to be hit on the head when they've already been kicked in the butt?
I'll tell you what I tell myself. "I'm not getting on the scale tomorrow!" Look, if I had will-power in the first place I wouldn't be doing this blog would I? If I had will-power I would be eating salads every day, enjoying one glass of wine, sipping it slowly through the meal, and would casually wave away the desserts, appetizers and other gremlins staring out at me from the table. Well, let me put you at ease. I don't have will power! So here is basically how the last week went.
Bad news first... spinach-artichoke dip with crisp and delicate chips when I had lunch with Kim... French fries, and ice cream on the trip home from Kim's. It's a 4 hour drive and when I drive I nibble...wings and beer with my hubby on one of the few nights out we've had...I like beer, but my hips love beer. :( ....trip to my mother-in-law's house, and a 2 day car show which included dinner at a friends...I lost track of the little chocolate bite sized candies that M-I-L keeps in a bowl by the chair I sit in. I think she refills it every time I leave the room... and of course she had to have a new box of chocolate covered donuts.... they stared at me first thing in the morning.... those little 'o' faces followed me all around the kitchen until I had to snatch a couple.... wine at the friends, 2 ears of corn YUMMM! My Favorite summer food and my BIGGEST diet no-no... beer at the car show--only one day though! I stuck with water the next day:)... Golden Corral for dinner... HELLO! I am trying to lose weight here? And I get to go to an All You Can Eat Place????
OK, it wasn't all bad.
The Good News... I had a salad for lunch with Kim... Wings are actually on my diet, which is one reason I like Atkins :)... I walked a mile to 1 1/2 miles on 2 of the 3 days we were at my mother-in-law's. I avoided all the "fair" foods at the car show... and the upside to Golden Corral is that I ate all the meat I wanted, and skipped the starches. I had some fruit and salad and when it was time for dessert Larry came back with a piece of chocolate cake and 2 cookies. We shared the cake which was great. I would have loved a whole piece for myself, but just a few bites satisfied me so I didn't eat a lot of dessert!
At any rate, it was a tough week so, for now, I'm skipping the scales. Who needs to be hit on the head when they've already been kicked in the butt?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
From Oops to Wow!
Losing weight is a funny thing. One day something smacks you on the head to bring you down, and the next day, out of the blue, something happens that says "You Go, Girl!" My last post I was feeling chastised because I saw the scale move slightly the wrong way after rewarding myself for recent successes. But after this weekend, I am Stoked!
When we lived in Florida, I took riding lessons. I had conquered my fear of heights on a horse, but I never felt I had achieved control of the horse. One problem I had when riding was that my knees would really ache after an hour, and when I dismounted it took me a few moments before I got the kinks out. I never got very good, but I loved it just the same.
Last Sunday I went horseback riding for the first time in 4 years. I was really looking forward to it and hoped that I would be up to it. Of course, I knew come Monday morning I was going to have a very sore butt at the very least. There were 20 of us riding that day, and it took awhile to get everyone saddled up and on the right horse for them. I was given Gabriel. (That would be the "angel, Gabriel, right?" I asked!) While we waited I had a few minutes to walk around the arena and see how the horse responded.
The ride turned out to be a whole lot more strenuous than any ride I had in Florida. It started out on a rough dirt road, but that was fine. Then we started across and down a grassy hill to the gate where we made a hairpin turn into the woods and some deep grass. That was as easy as it got. After climbing another hill we turned and entered the woods and started going down a very steep hill. The path made by the horses on previous treks was literally about 12 inches wide.
I mentioned before that I had conquered my fear of heights on top of the horse, but this was seriously going to challenge it. I leaned back in the saddle (the proper way to go down a hill) and let the horse have his lead.
Over the next 2 hours we went up hills, down hills, through deep mud, through sand, rock...you get the picture! So why am I stoked?
Because when it was over, I won! I never lost my nerve. I was relaxed on Gabriel. He listened to my commands...that's a first! I was tired and glad when we got back, BUT!.... and this is a big But!...
My knees didn't hurt! When I got off the horse, I felt tired but fine. And yesterday, I wasn't stiff at all! My seat was a little tender, but not what I would have expected. What does all this mean? Forget the scales for now. I am in much better physical shape than I was a month ago. I read yesterday that speed walking increases circulation to all parts of the body which helps in multiple ways as well as improving my stamina. I also truly feel my diet has once again proven it is the right one for me. Remember when I listed 'less aches' on my success list? The diet is the biggest difference between other riding experiences and this one.
They say the biggest motivation to stay on a diet is seeing success. They are right! I may only be down a few pounds, but it's coming. All signs point forward. I'm sticking to my plan.
Oh, by the way, my total step count on Sunday was 16,000. I have to give 8,000 of those steps to Gabriel. My pedometer faithfully clicked away each step he made.
When we lived in Florida, I took riding lessons. I had conquered my fear of heights on a horse, but I never felt I had achieved control of the horse. One problem I had when riding was that my knees would really ache after an hour, and when I dismounted it took me a few moments before I got the kinks out. I never got very good, but I loved it just the same.
Last Sunday I went horseback riding for the first time in 4 years. I was really looking forward to it and hoped that I would be up to it. Of course, I knew come Monday morning I was going to have a very sore butt at the very least. There were 20 of us riding that day, and it took awhile to get everyone saddled up and on the right horse for them. I was given Gabriel. (That would be the "angel, Gabriel, right?" I asked!) While we waited I had a few minutes to walk around the arena and see how the horse responded.
The ride turned out to be a whole lot more strenuous than any ride I had in Florida. It started out on a rough dirt road, but that was fine. Then we started across and down a grassy hill to the gate where we made a hairpin turn into the woods and some deep grass. That was as easy as it got. After climbing another hill we turned and entered the woods and started going down a very steep hill. The path made by the horses on previous treks was literally about 12 inches wide.
I mentioned before that I had conquered my fear of heights on top of the horse, but this was seriously going to challenge it. I leaned back in the saddle (the proper way to go down a hill) and let the horse have his lead.
Over the next 2 hours we went up hills, down hills, through deep mud, through sand, rock...you get the picture! So why am I stoked?
Because when it was over, I won! I never lost my nerve. I was relaxed on Gabriel. He listened to my commands...that's a first! I was tired and glad when we got back, BUT!.... and this is a big But!...
My knees didn't hurt! When I got off the horse, I felt tired but fine. And yesterday, I wasn't stiff at all! My seat was a little tender, but not what I would have expected. What does all this mean? Forget the scales for now. I am in much better physical shape than I was a month ago. I read yesterday that speed walking increases circulation to all parts of the body which helps in multiple ways as well as improving my stamina. I also truly feel my diet has once again proven it is the right one for me. Remember when I listed 'less aches' on my success list? The diet is the biggest difference between other riding experiences and this one.
They say the biggest motivation to stay on a diet is seeing success. They are right! I may only be down a few pounds, but it's coming. All signs point forward. I'm sticking to my plan.
Oh, by the way, my total step count on Sunday was 16,000. I have to give 8,000 of those steps to Gabriel. My pedometer faithfully clicked away each step he made.
Friday, August 20, 2010
OOPS!
I may have celebrated too soon. Although I was right to claim my 5 pound weight loss, I may have chosen the wrong reward for me! I haven't really identified how I want to reward myself, but I think that a small reward for every 5 pounds lost is fair. Wednesday night we went to the corvette club meeting and I had my usual strawberry and grilled chicken salad. It is delicious, and pretty low fat. I usually eat it with just a drizzle of the dressing, but I think I had more than usual and I'm sure it is pretty high in sugar. But that wasn't my mistake.
After the meeting, I really wanted something else. Larry usually stops at Dairy Queen on the way home and I've been very good about not getting anything. But not this week. Hmm, it really seemed like a small hot fudge sundae was due. I decided that was going to be my reward.
I'm still not sure it was the wrong thing, but the timing probably could have been better.
For one thing, if I'm going to treat myself to a high sugar treat, it needs to be early in the day so I have time to burn it off, instead of right before I go to bed. Secondly, I am embarking on a week where I will have multiple opportunities to eat out. It is always hard to manage my meals when other people are preparing them.
The last part of my problem was that I opted for a weights workout, rather than an aerobic walk yesterday. Not a bad thing, but it probably didn't help burn as many calories. Perhaps if I was working at a gym, it would have. Even though I tried to push myself, I know I never come close to working as hard as a trainer would make me work.
Bottom line...I'm up a pound today. It's not terrible, but after 10 days of being down, I was not happy to see that other number on the scale. Especially since I have to navigate vendor food at a car cruise tonight, a picnic tomorrow and Sunday. And next weekend I have 3 nights where we will eat at friends or at a restaurant. I will be happy if I MAINTAIN my weight through all that, let alone lose any.
It is times like these that dieters have to push through. Now is the time to persevere! Anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement out there? I'm listening!
After the meeting, I really wanted something else. Larry usually stops at Dairy Queen on the way home and I've been very good about not getting anything. But not this week. Hmm, it really seemed like a small hot fudge sundae was due. I decided that was going to be my reward.
I'm still not sure it was the wrong thing, but the timing probably could have been better.
For one thing, if I'm going to treat myself to a high sugar treat, it needs to be early in the day so I have time to burn it off, instead of right before I go to bed. Secondly, I am embarking on a week where I will have multiple opportunities to eat out. It is always hard to manage my meals when other people are preparing them.
The last part of my problem was that I opted for a weights workout, rather than an aerobic walk yesterday. Not a bad thing, but it probably didn't help burn as many calories. Perhaps if I was working at a gym, it would have. Even though I tried to push myself, I know I never come close to working as hard as a trainer would make me work.
Bottom line...I'm up a pound today. It's not terrible, but after 10 days of being down, I was not happy to see that other number on the scale. Especially since I have to navigate vendor food at a car cruise tonight, a picnic tomorrow and Sunday. And next weekend I have 3 nights where we will eat at friends or at a restaurant. I will be happy if I MAINTAIN my weight through all that, let alone lose any.
It is times like these that dieters have to push through. Now is the time to persevere! Anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement out there? I'm listening!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Results Show
I am feeling really good today. It's been a month since I started this and I can see so many positive results. First of all, I can say I am down 5 pounds! That's great for me. It has been many months since I could lose 5 pounds and stay there. I've been down 5 for a week now. I am one of those people who weigh themselves every day. It is the first thing I do when I get up in the morning and I go for every advantage; no shoes, no pjs. Just me.
Now, even though I weigh myself every day, I don't pay too much attention to the scale. I use it as a guide. My scale is getting old and some days it just weighs 'light'. When my weight is down I take it with a grain of salt. I don't accept the good news until it stays down. The other guide I use is measurement. I measure myself in multiple places once a week. It took a while but those results are in too and I've lost 5 inches overall, mostly in my lower body! YEA!!!
However, I have noticed many other things that tell me this exercise and diet program is really the right one for me.
1) The first thing I noticed was big. Aches and Pains. LESS OF THEM! A week into the diet the stairs became much easier to climb. A month in and the aches in my knees and thighs are gone. Is it because of the extra exercise? Maybe. But considering the quick improvement, I have to think it has more to do with the fact I cut out grains and sugar. I think the lower gluten levels are probably the biggest reason. Yes, this diet is one that agrees with me.
2) Energy and focus--My energy level is up. Each morning as I start the day, I know the walk comes right after breakfast. This has been a real jumpstart to my day. As a result, I've found my focus is also improved. I know what I'm going to do each day and I get to it. I feel like a different person. I'm enjoying the new 'me'. I'm also really excited that my motivation seems to be holding. I may have a weak day here or there, but I don't allow it to last more than a day or two.
3) Agility--When I tried to get up off the floor I would grab hold of something to balance and make it easier. Now I can stand up from a crouched position. I haven't done that in a while!
4) Speed--In the very beginning of this quest, I stated I needed to pick up the pace. Well, I have! A one mile walk was taking 25 minutes, but now I do it in 20 minutes and the huffing and puffing are gone. Now I'm working on the mile and a half route which includes 2 very steep hills. That's a work in progress, but some days I can make it up those hills without stopping. My goal is to do get to the same place I am on the mile route...no huffing and puffing!
5) This last result is really cool. My husband knows he needs to lose weight, but he can't find the mindset he needs to make the changes he needs. However, he has lost 5 pounds and I've seem him purposefully make good choices. The best was the night he agreed to walk with me. I know he's going on the road again soon and it won't last, but I'll enjoy it while I can. Someday, he may just find the power to stick to it, from watching me!
Now, that's a real reward!
Now, even though I weigh myself every day, I don't pay too much attention to the scale. I use it as a guide. My scale is getting old and some days it just weighs 'light'. When my weight is down I take it with a grain of salt. I don't accept the good news until it stays down. The other guide I use is measurement. I measure myself in multiple places once a week. It took a while but those results are in too and I've lost 5 inches overall, mostly in my lower body! YEA!!!
However, I have noticed many other things that tell me this exercise and diet program is really the right one for me.
1) The first thing I noticed was big. Aches and Pains. LESS OF THEM! A week into the diet the stairs became much easier to climb. A month in and the aches in my knees and thighs are gone. Is it because of the extra exercise? Maybe. But considering the quick improvement, I have to think it has more to do with the fact I cut out grains and sugar. I think the lower gluten levels are probably the biggest reason. Yes, this diet is one that agrees with me.
2) Energy and focus--My energy level is up. Each morning as I start the day, I know the walk comes right after breakfast. This has been a real jumpstart to my day. As a result, I've found my focus is also improved. I know what I'm going to do each day and I get to it. I feel like a different person. I'm enjoying the new 'me'. I'm also really excited that my motivation seems to be holding. I may have a weak day here or there, but I don't allow it to last more than a day or two.
3) Agility--When I tried to get up off the floor I would grab hold of something to balance and make it easier. Now I can stand up from a crouched position. I haven't done that in a while!
4) Speed--In the very beginning of this quest, I stated I needed to pick up the pace. Well, I have! A one mile walk was taking 25 minutes, but now I do it in 20 minutes and the huffing and puffing are gone. Now I'm working on the mile and a half route which includes 2 very steep hills. That's a work in progress, but some days I can make it up those hills without stopping. My goal is to do get to the same place I am on the mile route...no huffing and puffing!
5) This last result is really cool. My husband knows he needs to lose weight, but he can't find the mindset he needs to make the changes he needs. However, he has lost 5 pounds and I've seem him purposefully make good choices. The best was the night he agreed to walk with me. I know he's going on the road again soon and it won't last, but I'll enjoy it while I can. Someday, he may just find the power to stick to it, from watching me!
Now, that's a real reward!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Nike was right.
Yesterday, I was in a lazy mood. Actually, I'll give myself a break here and just say I didn't mind doing stuff. I just didn't want to do it outdoors. I vacuumed the family room and cleaned the kitchen floor. I gotta say, right here, that cleaning the kitchen floor is probably my least favorite house cleaning chore of all. We have a yellow lab who is really well behaved. We can send her outside and she stays in the yard without us telling her to. However, there is a trick to this. She knows as soon as she comes back in the house she gets a 'cookie'. The treat jar stays on the counter and as soon as she does her thing outside, she comes in and stands by the jar. If I'm slow getting to her she drools. In fact, when she walks through the door she's salivating. When I look at the kitchen floor in the right light I can see all the spots around where she's been standing. I hate cleaning that floor! I spray it and let the cleaner soak in, I mop it and then I go over the remaining spots by hand. Yesterday, was the day to 'git her done'.
Normally, I would have walked first thing in the morning, but it had rained hard the night before and the sky was still heavy. It did not look inviting. So I decided to start with housework, and when I was finished I rewarded myself by finishing a book I was reading.
Of course, hanging around the kitchen gave me easy access to the pantry where the bag of trail mix kept calling me. The almonds and peanuts were great and right on my diet plan, but I don't think I was supposed to keep picking out the raisins and m&m's. The fruit was looking pretty good too, which for most diets would have been fine. 1 cup of grapes is ok, but the whole bunch was probably a bit much. Oh well, the way I see it is that now that they are gone they are much less of a tempation!
As you know from my post yesterday, all this may have been good for the house, and nice for the soul, but my step count sucked and I was in no mood to boost it. So I came to the blog and vented. Guess what? It worked!
Just talking about it made me feel a little guilty. And as I thought about it I realized I was wimping out on a measly 20 minute walk. I didn't have to do the mile and a half up the really steep hill. I could do the easier mile and still boost my count. What was my problem? The little me on my shoulder went on to aggravate me by pointing out that after my walk I would still have time to shower before I needed to start dinner. SO GET GOING, my mini-me conscience said.
And I did. Once I laced on my shoes, and headed out the door, I was ready. Heidi's comment yesterday was right. It's harder putting on the work out clothes, than doing the workout.
Cleaning my kitchen floor was no different from walking. Nike was right. JUST DO IT!!!!!
Total step count yesterday--9643!
Normally, I would have walked first thing in the morning, but it had rained hard the night before and the sky was still heavy. It did not look inviting. So I decided to start with housework, and when I was finished I rewarded myself by finishing a book I was reading.
Of course, hanging around the kitchen gave me easy access to the pantry where the bag of trail mix kept calling me. The almonds and peanuts were great and right on my diet plan, but I don't think I was supposed to keep picking out the raisins and m&m's. The fruit was looking pretty good too, which for most diets would have been fine. 1 cup of grapes is ok, but the whole bunch was probably a bit much. Oh well, the way I see it is that now that they are gone they are much less of a tempation!
As you know from my post yesterday, all this may have been good for the house, and nice for the soul, but my step count sucked and I was in no mood to boost it. So I came to the blog and vented. Guess what? It worked!
Just talking about it made me feel a little guilty. And as I thought about it I realized I was wimping out on a measly 20 minute walk. I didn't have to do the mile and a half up the really steep hill. I could do the easier mile and still boost my count. What was my problem? The little me on my shoulder went on to aggravate me by pointing out that after my walk I would still have time to shower before I needed to start dinner. SO GET GOING, my mini-me conscience said.
And I did. Once I laced on my shoes, and headed out the door, I was ready. Heidi's comment yesterday was right. It's harder putting on the work out clothes, than doing the workout.
Cleaning my kitchen floor was no different from walking. Nike was right. JUST DO IT!!!!!
Total step count yesterday--9643!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I Think I Need A Boost
I think I need a boost. A boost of energy, a boost of motivation, a kick in the butt.... something. I have worked really hard out in the yard the last couple of weeks. I have exercised every day. I usually take a day off from walking on the weekend, but get back to it on Monday.
Yesterday I was stiff and a little sore. I had a lot of work to do and I gave myself permission to take a day off and catch up on other things. At the end of the day I had still managed around 9600 steps so that wasn't too bad.
This morning it was cloudy and wet from the rain last night. I knew even if I went out to walk I would be soaking wet when I got back either from rain or humidity. I wasn't in the mood. And I had that book to finish...
So it's 4:00 and I've walked a total of 3900 steps. The sun is out but it is really hot. I know if I just go out and walk 1 mile I can be done in about 20 minutes. Now I just have to talk myself into my shoes and out the door.
Tomorrow I hope I can start out early the way I like to. That seems to get my day going in the right direction.
Today's total--so far--3934 steps.
Yesterday I was stiff and a little sore. I had a lot of work to do and I gave myself permission to take a day off and catch up on other things. At the end of the day I had still managed around 9600 steps so that wasn't too bad.
This morning it was cloudy and wet from the rain last night. I knew even if I went out to walk I would be soaking wet when I got back either from rain or humidity. I wasn't in the mood. And I had that book to finish...
So it's 4:00 and I've walked a total of 3900 steps. The sun is out but it is really hot. I know if I just go out and walk 1 mile I can be done in about 20 minutes. Now I just have to talk myself into my shoes and out the door.
Tomorrow I hope I can start out early the way I like to. That seems to get my day going in the right direction.
Today's total--so far--3934 steps.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Weekends are tough!
I've really been doing pretty well on my plan. Through the week I've kept up an active exercise program, and I've watched what I eat. But the last 2 weekends have been difficult. Last weekend was the Corvette Club picnic with lots of good food, beer and wine. For the most part I managed to snack conservatively. The main appetizers were cheese and crackers which fit my plan, although I had to be careful about how many crackers I took. I avoided all the chips!! Yea! (I LOVE chips...all kinds).
The meal was ok too. I took small helpings, avoided the pasta salad, had some of the fresh fruit salad and generally behaved myself.... right up to the desserts. I mean, really, it isn't fair. I'm trying my best. I'm following all the rules and then the dessert table is loaded with lots of yummy treats. I tried to be 'better than usuual' which only means I didn't try everything I wanted to, but I should have been better than I was.
This weekend we went to a Re-committment Ceremony and outdoor barbecue held by 2 corvette club members. In this area there is a tradition of homemade cookies at weddings and we have some fantastic cookie bakers in our corvette club. Several of us brought appetizers and I took a fruit tray. At the barbecue I was pretty good and took small portions, no seconds, but the appetizer tent before the ceremony was a land mind that really tripped me up.
So here is the problem! I have to learn how to talk myself past the goodies. The last time I was on the Atkins diet my mindset was clearer. I remember seeing a big cake and having none. For me that was a HUGE accomplishment. At the end of the year parties and picnics I was strong. I need that strength back. The weekend parties are over for awhile, but I need to get my mindset in line before the next land mine attacks!
Today's total--9,049 step
The meal was ok too. I took small helpings, avoided the pasta salad, had some of the fresh fruit salad and generally behaved myself.... right up to the desserts. I mean, really, it isn't fair. I'm trying my best. I'm following all the rules and then the dessert table is loaded with lots of yummy treats. I tried to be 'better than usuual' which only means I didn't try everything I wanted to, but I should have been better than I was.
This weekend we went to a Re-committment Ceremony and outdoor barbecue held by 2 corvette club members. In this area there is a tradition of homemade cookies at weddings and we have some fantastic cookie bakers in our corvette club. Several of us brought appetizers and I took a fruit tray. At the barbecue I was pretty good and took small portions, no seconds, but the appetizer tent before the ceremony was a land mind that really tripped me up.
So here is the problem! I have to learn how to talk myself past the goodies. The last time I was on the Atkins diet my mindset was clearer. I remember seeing a big cake and having none. For me that was a HUGE accomplishment. At the end of the year parties and picnics I was strong. I need that strength back. The weekend parties are over for awhile, but I need to get my mindset in line before the next land mine attacks!
Today's total--9,049 step
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Stretching is not just for the gym
I am a slow learner. Every time I've worked out at a gym or taken a class, the instructor always has us stretch at the beginning to warm up, and at the end in the cool down. I've heard workout gurus on TV say "Always stretch before you work out and after". Me? Not so much. I take off on my daily walk, down the hill to the entrance to the neighborhood (1/2 mile) turn around and come back up. At home, I'm usually ready to just grab a towel to dry off and then collapse. I think those 3 days of pain finally woke me up. I've learned to stretch.
I'm not fond of walking up and down hills. I kind of liked walking in Florida where it was flat. I didn't hurt as much! Well, hills are what I've got so I guess it's time to learn to manage them.
The downhill part is fine! I've often grumbled that it's not fair that the only way to my house at the end of my walk is uphill, when I'm already tired. But the other day I realized how lucky I actually am.
So far I've managed to walk right after breakfast, because it is cooler then. I don't do much in the way of warm-ups, but the first half mile is all downhill, so that has become my warm-up. The other day as I was walking I felt like I was getting shin-splints. At the bottom of the hill I took a few moments to stretch out my legs and calves before I began the walk back up. On the way up I realized that the reason I don't get shin splints often when I walk is because that uphill climb has the same stretching effect. The front of my legs get the break, while the calves do the work.
And at home, I no longer collapse, but take several minutes to stretch my legs, back, arms and neck. You know what? I haven't had a sore day since! Who'd have guessed!
Today's total--12,600 steps
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Ouch
I found a book in the library that seemed to be written for me. It is called the Wildwater Walking Club by Claire Cook. In a nutshell, a young(er than I am) woman found herself at a crossroads in her life where she seems to be spinning in the wind, no direction in mind. She has just left her job and on the same day her boyfriend leaves her. What does she do? What most of us would do. She holes up in her house with her cookies and icecream until the time for licking her wounds has passed. Then she straps on her walking shoes and her pedometer and gets ready to move on.
I too, have experienced a big change in my life. Right after my youngest daughter got married, we moved to Pittsburgh and I retired. I wasn't as shell shocked as the girl in the book, but it was a big adjustment. However the real commonality between the main character and myself was the Gung-Ho Attitude.
In the book, each chapter starts with the number of steps she has walked that day. While holed up in the house it was something like 32 steps, 111 steps, 51 steps. You get the idea. Nothing!
Then when she decides to move on she laces up her athletic shoes and hits the road. At the end of the day she has walked 11,232 steps! And the next day her diary reads... OUCH!
In our neighborhood, 'flat' is a term that does not exist. The roads go up and down, and around, but there is no flat. On the day that I decided to pick up my pace I set out. I have walked these roads for 3 years now, so I did the whole 2 1/2 mile route. I rarely paused. I walked at a good strong pace. I huffed up those hills and pounded down. When I got home, I congratulated myself and collapsed on the couch while Rachel Ray prepared a delicious pasta meal. By mid afternoon my muscles were tightening. By the next morning I could barely move. It was 3 days before I was back to normal.
Ordinarily, that would have stopped me, but not this time. I will stay the course. The question is, what have I learned?
The answer---Baby Steps. My new plan is to do one mile at a pace I can manage. Each day I time myself. What used to take 25 minutes I am now doing in 20 minutes, but this has taken a couple of weeks. I used to stop on the way up the hill, but I've learned where the burn point is and I am powering (it is a slow power, ha ha) through it. When I'm comfortable I will raise the bar to 1 1/2 miles. So far I feel good! This is working.
Today's total--11,500 steps.
I too, have experienced a big change in my life. Right after my youngest daughter got married, we moved to Pittsburgh and I retired. I wasn't as shell shocked as the girl in the book, but it was a big adjustment. However the real commonality between the main character and myself was the Gung-Ho Attitude.
In the book, each chapter starts with the number of steps she has walked that day. While holed up in the house it was something like 32 steps, 111 steps, 51 steps. You get the idea. Nothing!
Then when she decides to move on she laces up her athletic shoes and hits the road. At the end of the day she has walked 11,232 steps! And the next day her diary reads... OUCH!
In our neighborhood, 'flat' is a term that does not exist. The roads go up and down, and around, but there is no flat. On the day that I decided to pick up my pace I set out. I have walked these roads for 3 years now, so I did the whole 2 1/2 mile route. I rarely paused. I walked at a good strong pace. I huffed up those hills and pounded down. When I got home, I congratulated myself and collapsed on the couch while Rachel Ray prepared a delicious pasta meal. By mid afternoon my muscles were tightening. By the next morning I could barely move. It was 3 days before I was back to normal.
Ordinarily, that would have stopped me, but not this time. I will stay the course. The question is, what have I learned?
The answer---Baby Steps. My new plan is to do one mile at a pace I can manage. Each day I time myself. What used to take 25 minutes I am now doing in 20 minutes, but this has taken a couple of weeks. I used to stop on the way up the hill, but I've learned where the burn point is and I am powering (it is a slow power, ha ha) through it. When I'm comfortable I will raise the bar to 1 1/2 miles. So far I feel good! This is working.
Today's total--11,500 steps.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Plan Part 2--The Diet
I know I can't lose weight on exercise alone, but finding the right dieting program has been difficult. For the last 2 years I have tried a food diary, portion control, counting calories and preparing low fat meals. While all that has helped slow weight gain, it has made little difference beyond losing 3-4 pounds, which inevitably reappeared after a party or a fun weekend. Instead, over the last 4 years it has gone up an average of 10 pounds a year.
The only weight loss program that ever really worked for me was the Atkins diet. Pittsburgh is full of great Italian restaurants and ethnic foods. It is not an easy place to go low carb! However, when all else fails, go with what works. The last time I tried this I was 15 years younger. I lost 25 pounds, felt better than I had in years, and was able to keep the weight off for several years. My downfall was the year the 'cake cook' came to our school. She made the best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting I'd ever had and she always saved me a big piece. It was a stressful year in several ways and the pounds starting creeping back on.
I have found the power to try it again. Since I have done it before and know what works, I will modify it to fit me. I will include dairy for calcium, and fruit on a limited basis. Mostly what will be cut out is the sugar, but complex carbs will be allowed in small portions.
I don't believe in one weight loss program for all. My sister tried Atkins and as soon as she added in one carb she would add pounds. Another friend who ate a lot of fruit felt very sluggish and got headaches when she tried Atkins. Curiously, I was just the opposite. I had more energy and my mid-morning headache went away. So it's what works for YOU, right??
Because I believe diets are very individual, I will not spend much time on this blog sharing my food issues. But temptations are a different matter! When I start to complain too much feel free to ask me if I'd like a glass of 'whine' with that. I'm sure it will be deserved.
Today's total---13,000 steps!!!
The only weight loss program that ever really worked for me was the Atkins diet. Pittsburgh is full of great Italian restaurants and ethnic foods. It is not an easy place to go low carb! However, when all else fails, go with what works. The last time I tried this I was 15 years younger. I lost 25 pounds, felt better than I had in years, and was able to keep the weight off for several years. My downfall was the year the 'cake cook' came to our school. She made the best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting I'd ever had and she always saved me a big piece. It was a stressful year in several ways and the pounds starting creeping back on.
I have found the power to try it again. Since I have done it before and know what works, I will modify it to fit me. I will include dairy for calcium, and fruit on a limited basis. Mostly what will be cut out is the sugar, but complex carbs will be allowed in small portions.
I don't believe in one weight loss program for all. My sister tried Atkins and as soon as she added in one carb she would add pounds. Another friend who ate a lot of fruit felt very sluggish and got headaches when she tried Atkins. Curiously, I was just the opposite. I had more energy and my mid-morning headache went away. So it's what works for YOU, right??
Because I believe diets are very individual, I will not spend much time on this blog sharing my food issues. But temptations are a different matter! When I start to complain too much feel free to ask me if I'd like a glass of 'whine' with that. I'm sure it will be deserved.
Today's total---13,000 steps!!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Plan Part 1--Exercise? UGH
Recently my daughter and I went to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Isle's of Adventure. We knew it would be crowded. We got there early and wanted to get to that part of the park as quickly as possible. She had mapped out the route we would take. As soon as we got our tickets we were off. Correction...She was off. I was huffing and puffing behind her trying to keep up. As I looked at her I realized she really wasn't walking all that fast. I was just walking very slowly.
My first step to a healthier life is to pick up the pace. That's bad news for Maggie. When I walk her, I've been letting her pick the pace. We stop and sniff at trees, poles, and visit with neighbors. I've seen our walks more as entertainment for her, than exercise for either of us. In the heat of the summer I am also hesitant to push her on long walks. All of this has helped me lose whatever pace I once had.
Now first thing after Larry leaves for work in the morning I head out on a fast walk. Maggie gets the slower walk in the evening. That's a win-win for me. 2 walks in one day. Yea! Unfortunately, I've tried this before, but something always comes up to interfere and break up the routine. My challenge will be to keep this up when fall hits and I have places to be in the morning, or in the winter when it is cold and snowy.
Keep with me. Help keep me honest and active!
Today's total--14, 152 steps!!!!!!
My first step to a healthier life is to pick up the pace. That's bad news for Maggie. When I walk her, I've been letting her pick the pace. We stop and sniff at trees, poles, and visit with neighbors. I've seen our walks more as entertainment for her, than exercise for either of us. In the heat of the summer I am also hesitant to push her on long walks. All of this has helped me lose whatever pace I once had.
Now first thing after Larry leaves for work in the morning I head out on a fast walk. Maggie gets the slower walk in the evening. That's a win-win for me. 2 walks in one day. Yea! Unfortunately, I've tried this before, but something always comes up to interfere and break up the routine. My challenge will be to keep this up when fall hits and I have places to be in the morning, or in the winter when it is cold and snowy.
Keep with me. Help keep me honest and active!
Today's total--14, 152 steps!!!!!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Desperate to Lose!
I have had it! I am desperate to lose .... 30 pounds. 30 pounds you say with incredulity??? You are blogging over 30 pounds? Puhleeze!!!!
Yes, I am desperate. I need to lose 30, but for now I'll settle for 20. At least that will be a positive step in the right direction. I am actually 50 pounds heavier than when I got married. Over the last 3 years I have tried to lose weight, only to see it creep up instead of down. I have counted calories and kept a food diary. I have tried to walk. For awhile I was working out. But I lacked consistency in all of these endeavors. 3 pounds down, 4 pounds down, but then it would pop back up again. Last summer I was visiting my daughter and decided when I got home I was going to give 110% and get to the small private gym I had joined. Going through the mail, once I was home, I discovered a letter from my gym saying they were closing at the end of the month. Talk about a downer!
I decided I could go it alone. I had some workout equipment. I renewed my subscription to SELF Magazine because they had new workout cards every month so I figured I could change my workout up. As usual I failed. I couldn't stay consistent. During the cold winter months I found every excuse in the book. I put on 5 more pounds.
So here is my new tactic. It's time to enlist a new support group. YOU! I have a plan, but I need to stick to it. To hold myself accountable, I will post several times a week and let you know how I am doing. I am wearing a pedometer daily and have stuck to the plan for almost 2 weeks now. But this only means that soon something will come up to derail me. Maybe if I have to confess my soul online, I'll be motivated to keep going. It really is 'baby steps', isn't it?
Tomorrow I will share my plan and give you an update on how well I've managed. I'll be honest and tell you about the bad days and the failed temptations. I need your encouragement, your ideas, and yes.... you are welcome to knock me on the side of the head when I need it. It's not fun being tired, and sluggish, and chunky. I want to fit in my clothes again. I am lookimg for some teammates and some cheerleaders! I hope you'll be one of them.
See you tomorrow. Same Blog, New Baby Step.
Yes, I am desperate. I need to lose 30, but for now I'll settle for 20. At least that will be a positive step in the right direction. I am actually 50 pounds heavier than when I got married. Over the last 3 years I have tried to lose weight, only to see it creep up instead of down. I have counted calories and kept a food diary. I have tried to walk. For awhile I was working out. But I lacked consistency in all of these endeavors. 3 pounds down, 4 pounds down, but then it would pop back up again. Last summer I was visiting my daughter and decided when I got home I was going to give 110% and get to the small private gym I had joined. Going through the mail, once I was home, I discovered a letter from my gym saying they were closing at the end of the month. Talk about a downer!
I decided I could go it alone. I had some workout equipment. I renewed my subscription to SELF Magazine because they had new workout cards every month so I figured I could change my workout up. As usual I failed. I couldn't stay consistent. During the cold winter months I found every excuse in the book. I put on 5 more pounds.
So here is my new tactic. It's time to enlist a new support group. YOU! I have a plan, but I need to stick to it. To hold myself accountable, I will post several times a week and let you know how I am doing. I am wearing a pedometer daily and have stuck to the plan for almost 2 weeks now. But this only means that soon something will come up to derail me. Maybe if I have to confess my soul online, I'll be motivated to keep going. It really is 'baby steps', isn't it?
Tomorrow I will share my plan and give you an update on how well I've managed. I'll be honest and tell you about the bad days and the failed temptations. I need your encouragement, your ideas, and yes.... you are welcome to knock me on the side of the head when I need it. It's not fun being tired, and sluggish, and chunky. I want to fit in my clothes again. I am lookimg for some teammates and some cheerleaders! I hope you'll be one of them.
See you tomorrow. Same Blog, New Baby Step.
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