I love baking.Especially around Christmas time. I love to put on Christmas carols and make as many cookies as possible. And this year, I plan on going all out!
But many in the dieting world would say 'Whoa! What are you thinking? Baking cookies is a bad idea! And you're supposed to be losing weight!'
For the record, baking cookies isn't bad. Eating them is bad! And the best part is, when I bake, I forget to eat.
Food never enters my mind while I make the dough, form the cookies and bake, bake, bake. In fact, I weighed myself this morning and I lost weight!
I'm now 310.5!
There's a whole lot more baking to do (for details, I'll be posting soon in my Footprints in the Mud blog), so for now, that will be my workout. I know it doesn't sound like one, but trust me, go look at the blog. I'll be making a post on Footprints soon after this one.
I'm not losing as fast as I would like, but I also haven't been walking as much because of the frigid weather. A mile walk for me (and a half mile for my daughter) in weather with a wind chill of zero isn't a good idea. That's why God let someone invent the car.
That treadmill is looking mighty promising now- I might even dust it off and give it a go after my baking marathon! An don't worry, most of the cookies are going to be gifts!
After the Christmas Baking Rush, I'm going to have some really strong arms! I can also feel it in my shoulders too. Feeling the burn is a good thing, as long as you don't wind up in traction- which is entirely possible if I didn't sit down once in a bit to fill cookie sheets!
The eating is going very well, and I'm back on track with eating only when hungry. I still need to drink more, and have to remind myself that the tap water is teeth-shattering cold this time of year, and I need to drink it at a more tepid temperature so I don't become the next Human Popsicle. I also need to eat more veggies, so I'm working on that too, trying to sneak more into the soups and stews. My son has veggiephobia, so this is one of the harder challenges I have to face.
Enjoy yourselves this Christmas season, and God Bless! I have to get back to making cookies!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
The 'Morning After' Thanksgiving Weekend!
Thanksgiving is a time of family, food, and a lot of tasting. It's a time to be thankful to God for providing, then stuffing your face, slowly spiraling down into a food stupor. At least until dessert- then let the food coma begin!
Unfortunately, I didn't hold back as much as I should have. I shouldn't have had two helpings of all that good stuff. I did well concerning dessert though! I had only a bite or two of chocolate pie. But alas, I must confess, the only reason I didn't eat an entire piece was I just didn't have any room left. I was not only uncomfortably full, I was bloated elephant full. I went to bed feeling I'd swallowed an entire watermelon. Whole.
The morning after was greeted with a belly that still hadn't digested most of the previous day's good eating. I had a very late breakfast (that was more like a light lunch), and though I wasn't truly hungry, my mouth was. And stupid me fed it. I would call this stage a second degree food coma with idiotic tendencies.
But I have some good news for you! We invented a new way to get rid of the leftovers without eating them all- Thanksgiving Friday is now Leftover Day!
Thanksgiving is for family, but Leftover Day is for friends! We invited several families over, and told them to bring their leftovers too, so we could all taste each others specialties. It was really fun, and we had a lot less food to stuff back into the fridge when the day was over. Despite my full belly, I had a really great time- and only had a little of everything. I was still too full, but not nearly as bad as yesterday.
For the rest of the weekend I tried to eat at least one meal, but I still felt full. My deep fear of not having enough nutrition verses the common sense of eating when you are truly hungry were at war with each other, and despite trying to compromise with small bites and a sip of water in between each nibble, I still went to bed feeling too stuffed and not liking myself too much. And here it is on Monday morning, and I still feel full. But my mouth still wants something.
I'm giving it water and telling it to shut up this time.
This particular part of the holiday is over. Christmas baking starts next week, and I'm looking forward to it, because whenever I bake I never eat. Weird, but true. I hope to make up for all that eating by not eating much next week.
I did one thing totally right this past week- I weighed myself before the big day! At that time I was 311.5, a half pound lighter than my last weigh-in. It isn't much, but it's better than gaining! And we all know I won't be weighing myself this week- that would just be torture. I will weigh in next week, after the first round of baking. I'll be baking next week and the week after, and I hope I digest all this stuff by then.
Because I still feel full.
So, I'll be taking this weekend as a lesson learned and see if I can come up with some strategies to avoid doing this again. You know as well as I do that the temptation to overeat rears it's ugly head at this time of year, so I have one more chance to beat it- or at least control myself so I don't waddle about the house like a penguin all week!
I'm going to go get a small glass of water, and start sewing and doing some housework. I might even put on the Christmas music to get me more in the mood for decorating! Believe me, it's best for my tummy to find ways to keep me out of the kitchen today!
Unfortunately, I didn't hold back as much as I should have. I shouldn't have had two helpings of all that good stuff. I did well concerning dessert though! I had only a bite or two of chocolate pie. But alas, I must confess, the only reason I didn't eat an entire piece was I just didn't have any room left. I was not only uncomfortably full, I was bloated elephant full. I went to bed feeling I'd swallowed an entire watermelon. Whole.
The morning after was greeted with a belly that still hadn't digested most of the previous day's good eating. I had a very late breakfast (that was more like a light lunch), and though I wasn't truly hungry, my mouth was. And stupid me fed it. I would call this stage a second degree food coma with idiotic tendencies.
But I have some good news for you! We invented a new way to get rid of the leftovers without eating them all- Thanksgiving Friday is now Leftover Day!
Thanksgiving is for family, but Leftover Day is for friends! We invited several families over, and told them to bring their leftovers too, so we could all taste each others specialties. It was really fun, and we had a lot less food to stuff back into the fridge when the day was over. Despite my full belly, I had a really great time- and only had a little of everything. I was still too full, but not nearly as bad as yesterday.
For the rest of the weekend I tried to eat at least one meal, but I still felt full. My deep fear of not having enough nutrition verses the common sense of eating when you are truly hungry were at war with each other, and despite trying to compromise with small bites and a sip of water in between each nibble, I still went to bed feeling too stuffed and not liking myself too much. And here it is on Monday morning, and I still feel full. But my mouth still wants something.
I'm giving it water and telling it to shut up this time.
This particular part of the holiday is over. Christmas baking starts next week, and I'm looking forward to it, because whenever I bake I never eat. Weird, but true. I hope to make up for all that eating by not eating much next week.
I did one thing totally right this past week- I weighed myself before the big day! At that time I was 311.5, a half pound lighter than my last weigh-in. It isn't much, but it's better than gaining! And we all know I won't be weighing myself this week- that would just be torture. I will weigh in next week, after the first round of baking. I'll be baking next week and the week after, and I hope I digest all this stuff by then.
Because I still feel full.
So, I'll be taking this weekend as a lesson learned and see if I can come up with some strategies to avoid doing this again. You know as well as I do that the temptation to overeat rears it's ugly head at this time of year, so I have one more chance to beat it- or at least control myself so I don't waddle about the house like a penguin all week!
I'm going to go get a small glass of water, and start sewing and doing some housework. I might even put on the Christmas music to get me more in the mood for decorating! Believe me, it's best for my tummy to find ways to keep me out of the kitchen today!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Way too Much Stuff!
Wow- has a week passed by already? Or was it two? Things have been happening so fast as of late I feel I've been running a marathon!
I went to the doc's office on the off day, so I have no weight to report as of yet. The controlled eating has been slipping due to distractions; one being a health issue I might be facing, and the other was that my husband got injured on the job because of faulty equipment. He now bears a major second degree burn on his shoulder and part of his arm and underarm which is now blistering for the second time and is very painful. So most of my energy and focus are on him at the moment.
I've been walking my daughter at least four our of five days a week now, and I'm not getting tired after I arrive back home. I don't have enough energy to clean the house top to bottom yet, but I hope that's coming soon, because we plan on entertaining a lot this Christmas season.
One thing I love about my eating plan is I can have anything I truly want- so this Thanksgiving will be filled with good food- and most of it will be healthy. In fact, I've concocted a really awesome chicken and stuffing bake that would actually work quite well stuffed into a turkey- minus the chicken, of course! It gets rid of all the excess bread I have in my freezer- like those mushed up hamburger buns and all the heels off the whole grain breads. Most of the bread I have is whole grain, and with a little spice, some chopped celery and onion, this year's turkey will be boasting a better tasting (and better for you) stuffing! Much better than buying all that white stuffing bread they sell around this time of year.
Besides, I ditched using any white bread in the house, except for kaiser and hoagie rolls, and the occasional hot dog and hamburger buns I buy only for summer cookouts. Any sandwiches are made with whole grain bread, or bread I baked myself. It's just better that way. Tastier too!
We go to Lancaster farms right before Turkey Day and get the freshest veggies we can find, and a ton of potatoes to last us the entire winter. Left in our cold porch, they really do last a long time when they're fresh off the farm- even this late in the season. The potatoes we get come out buttery smooth when mashed- and that's before I add any real butter into them! Never underestimate the power of the potato- it might be considered a starch, but it has a lot of vitamins- especially in the skins. We do our part in conservation by washing the spuds and peeling them, then saving the peelings later for deep frying in canola oil and adding a little seasoned salt. They make a great snack, and no waste!
Now I'm all hungry....
I don't eat like that every day, but when we do make something special, I refuse to deprive myself of it. I just won't have as much as I usually do, which is usually too much! I also plan on having a lot more veggies on the table this year. Most of the time it's starches like corn and potatoes, but this year I'd like to add baby carrots, green beans, and maybe some steamed broccoli or a salad. A mixed salad might be better- then I can add a lot more veggies to the mix, like green pepper, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Doesn't that sound good?
Now I'm really hungry!
I promise to keep you posted. This week was a total mess concerning staying on track, but I'm getting back on that horse! And the candy monster no longer has a hold on me, because over the weekend, all of us helped to finish off the last of the chocolate. Believe me, after this week, I really needed it!
I went to the doc's office on the off day, so I have no weight to report as of yet. The controlled eating has been slipping due to distractions; one being a health issue I might be facing, and the other was that my husband got injured on the job because of faulty equipment. He now bears a major second degree burn on his shoulder and part of his arm and underarm which is now blistering for the second time and is very painful. So most of my energy and focus are on him at the moment.
I've been walking my daughter at least four our of five days a week now, and I'm not getting tired after I arrive back home. I don't have enough energy to clean the house top to bottom yet, but I hope that's coming soon, because we plan on entertaining a lot this Christmas season.
One thing I love about my eating plan is I can have anything I truly want- so this Thanksgiving will be filled with good food- and most of it will be healthy. In fact, I've concocted a really awesome chicken and stuffing bake that would actually work quite well stuffed into a turkey- minus the chicken, of course! It gets rid of all the excess bread I have in my freezer- like those mushed up hamburger buns and all the heels off the whole grain breads. Most of the bread I have is whole grain, and with a little spice, some chopped celery and onion, this year's turkey will be boasting a better tasting (and better for you) stuffing! Much better than buying all that white stuffing bread they sell around this time of year.
Besides, I ditched using any white bread in the house, except for kaiser and hoagie rolls, and the occasional hot dog and hamburger buns I buy only for summer cookouts. Any sandwiches are made with whole grain bread, or bread I baked myself. It's just better that way. Tastier too!
We go to Lancaster farms right before Turkey Day and get the freshest veggies we can find, and a ton of potatoes to last us the entire winter. Left in our cold porch, they really do last a long time when they're fresh off the farm- even this late in the season. The potatoes we get come out buttery smooth when mashed- and that's before I add any real butter into them! Never underestimate the power of the potato- it might be considered a starch, but it has a lot of vitamins- especially in the skins. We do our part in conservation by washing the spuds and peeling them, then saving the peelings later for deep frying in canola oil and adding a little seasoned salt. They make a great snack, and no waste!
Now I'm all hungry....
I don't eat like that every day, but when we do make something special, I refuse to deprive myself of it. I just won't have as much as I usually do, which is usually too much! I also plan on having a lot more veggies on the table this year. Most of the time it's starches like corn and potatoes, but this year I'd like to add baby carrots, green beans, and maybe some steamed broccoli or a salad. A mixed salad might be better- then I can add a lot more veggies to the mix, like green pepper, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Doesn't that sound good?
Now I'm really hungry!
I promise to keep you posted. This week was a total mess concerning staying on track, but I'm getting back on that horse! And the candy monster no longer has a hold on me, because over the weekend, all of us helped to finish off the last of the chocolate. Believe me, after this week, I really needed it!
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Candy Monster Got Me!
It started out as a good week. I was eating until sated, didn't overindulge in anything (that was a 'Wow' in itself!), and the only 'bad' thing I didn't do was drink enough water. So I'm just a little bloaty feeling because of that- so you know getting on a scale is out of the question!
I had a friend fix last year's costume because the skirt was a little too big, and the top needed some work. The bodice of the costume was way too low, and now I feel safe in walking about without my boobs falling out. Cleaverage is one thing, flashing the neighborhood is quite another- and not something I would subject the world to.
I was the best dressed person in the schoolyard on Friday. I was the Queen of the Butterfly Fairies, and one of a small handful of parents that showed up in costume to pick up their kids. Much better than last year, when I was the only one dressed up! And with a little face paint, I looked awesome.
I also looked awesome when I took my kids out for Halloween. I got a lot of compliments (which I loved), and even a few snarky chuckles from some guys who had too much beer (which I ignored). It's when we got home that night that the Candy Monster got a hold of me.
My husband and I always separate the candy as we check it- one bowl for chocolate, the other for anything other than chocolate. Guess which bowl I'm drawn to?
My children will never see a mini Twix bar, because there were only two of them, which were promptly eaten. Milky ways were next, and I only had two of them before I pushed the bowl away. I snagged a bag of chips, ate them, then checked to see of there were any 100 grand bars, my personal favorite. To my surprise, there weren't any! So I sat back, licked the chocolate off my fingers, and pouted. I look forward to getting those little bars each year, and now I have to go out and buy my own to sate the Candy Monster, dagnabbit.
But the Candy Monster wasn't done yet...it whispered in my ear that the leftover candy might be on sale at the stores, and I can get a whole bag of 100 grand bars if I really wanted. At a discount. Like I really needed it.
Resistance is futile, it whispers, like the Borg looking to assimilate. (Yes, I'm a trekkie fan!)
Because of the candy Monster, I refuse to leave the house today. I will not give the Candy Monster anymore rope to hang me. And I am putting both bowls of candy away. Out of sight is out of mind (having a bad memory helps in some ways!), and though I won't deny a little indulgence once in a while, I also know myself well enough to not leave a bowl of candy within easy reach. Bad, bad, bad idea.
I have faltered, my friends, but I have not failed! We made a huge dinner the other night for a fellowship meeting, and we have a lot left over, so I don't have to cook. Really good stuff too, like homemade bread, veggie beef soup and chicken noodle- all good for you! It's always good to have chicken noodle around during the cold seasons, even if pasta isn't my best friend. I plan on eating more of the veggie soup anyway, since the kids love the chicken soup.
The kids are off tomorrow for Election Day, so I hope to get them out in the sunshine (once I check the forecast) and do a long walk in the park. At least I know there are no cacao trees in Pennsylvania to tempt me!
I'm getting back on track, and will weigh myself next week. It might be better for me to do this twice monthly anyway, so I'm not focused so much on the scale. I really don't care about the numbers as much as how I look- when I was in my early twenties, I was 170 lbs. (which some still consider overweight) and was a size ten! Now you know if I could be a size ten again, I wouldn't care what my weight was- as long as I fit into normal-sized clothing! Since that was my pre-kid weight, I would even be happy in a twelve- just so long as I felt good about myself when I looked into the mirror.
I'm actually pretty okay with myself now- I just don't like all that squishy stuff hanging about me. I'll lose until I'm just the right kind of squishy.
Just remember, a stumble isn't a fall- you don't have to go all the way back down the mountain before you can go up again- just start over from where you stumbled!
I had a friend fix last year's costume because the skirt was a little too big, and the top needed some work. The bodice of the costume was way too low, and now I feel safe in walking about without my boobs falling out. Cleaverage is one thing, flashing the neighborhood is quite another- and not something I would subject the world to.
I was the best dressed person in the schoolyard on Friday. I was the Queen of the Butterfly Fairies, and one of a small handful of parents that showed up in costume to pick up their kids. Much better than last year, when I was the only one dressed up! And with a little face paint, I looked awesome.
I also looked awesome when I took my kids out for Halloween. I got a lot of compliments (which I loved), and even a few snarky chuckles from some guys who had too much beer (which I ignored). It's when we got home that night that the Candy Monster got a hold of me.
My husband and I always separate the candy as we check it- one bowl for chocolate, the other for anything other than chocolate. Guess which bowl I'm drawn to?
My children will never see a mini Twix bar, because there were only two of them, which were promptly eaten. Milky ways were next, and I only had two of them before I pushed the bowl away. I snagged a bag of chips, ate them, then checked to see of there were any 100 grand bars, my personal favorite. To my surprise, there weren't any! So I sat back, licked the chocolate off my fingers, and pouted. I look forward to getting those little bars each year, and now I have to go out and buy my own to sate the Candy Monster, dagnabbit.
But the Candy Monster wasn't done yet...it whispered in my ear that the leftover candy might be on sale at the stores, and I can get a whole bag of 100 grand bars if I really wanted. At a discount. Like I really needed it.
Resistance is futile, it whispers, like the Borg looking to assimilate. (Yes, I'm a trekkie fan!)
Because of the candy Monster, I refuse to leave the house today. I will not give the Candy Monster anymore rope to hang me. And I am putting both bowls of candy away. Out of sight is out of mind (having a bad memory helps in some ways!), and though I won't deny a little indulgence once in a while, I also know myself well enough to not leave a bowl of candy within easy reach. Bad, bad, bad idea.
I have faltered, my friends, but I have not failed! We made a huge dinner the other night for a fellowship meeting, and we have a lot left over, so I don't have to cook. Really good stuff too, like homemade bread, veggie beef soup and chicken noodle- all good for you! It's always good to have chicken noodle around during the cold seasons, even if pasta isn't my best friend. I plan on eating more of the veggie soup anyway, since the kids love the chicken soup.
The kids are off tomorrow for Election Day, so I hope to get them out in the sunshine (once I check the forecast) and do a long walk in the park. At least I know there are no cacao trees in Pennsylvania to tempt me!
I'm getting back on track, and will weigh myself next week. It might be better for me to do this twice monthly anyway, so I'm not focused so much on the scale. I really don't care about the numbers as much as how I look- when I was in my early twenties, I was 170 lbs. (which some still consider overweight) and was a size ten! Now you know if I could be a size ten again, I wouldn't care what my weight was- as long as I fit into normal-sized clothing! Since that was my pre-kid weight, I would even be happy in a twelve- just so long as I felt good about myself when I looked into the mirror.
I'm actually pretty okay with myself now- I just don't like all that squishy stuff hanging about me. I'll lose until I'm just the right kind of squishy.
Just remember, a stumble isn't a fall- you don't have to go all the way back down the mountain before you can go up again- just start over from where you stumbled!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A Long Weight!
Good morning all!
I've lost more weight! I am now a slender 312- WOOHOO! Bikini, here we come!
Okay, not a bikini- I don't think I would consider wearing one of those things even if I was rail-thin! But my clothes are feeling a little more loose, and that means I am losing inches as well! Feels good to be me right now.
I'm finding out I'm not hungry for an official breakfast anymore. I'm up before the crack of dawn (at least in Autumn), and I now have brunch around 10:00. Sometimes I get hungry before that and have a piece of fruit before I walk to school with my daughter. It feels good not to be full when I walk- I feel skinnier!
I've been walking regularly with her this past week and I can still feel the burn in my calves, though it isn't as prominent as before. Today was rainy so I drove, but I'll be expending that walking energy into getting the house cleaned up a little.
I miss those walks when it rains- we get to spend time talking without her big brother interrupting every 3.2 seconds not that he's in middle school and takes a bus. We both enjoy our 'girl time' and do a little nature appreciation too.
Last night I made pan-fried lemon pepper talapia. Yum! This is the only fish the entire family likes, and they polished off every scrap. I was hoping for some leftovers for lunch..er..brunch, but I was very happy to see how much they enjoyed it. I like shrimp too, and I think I have some in the freezer. Shrimp salad is a personal favorite, but I hate cutting up nice big shrimp! It seems like I'm cheating myself- I could have gotten popcorn shrimp and done the same thing- so maybe I'll stir fry instead. I'll ask my belly what it wants later. :)
The hardest trial at the moment seems to be not eating when everyone else is having a snack. I wasn't hungry (we just had dinner an hour or so before), and yet there I was, grabbing a handful or two of snacky stuff I really didn't need- only because my husband was eating it. Bad habits die hard, and good habits are hard to get. Life if full of irony- isn't it?
Patience is hard too- it took me eons to gain all of this, and it seems to take forever to lose it. When I feel that way I have to remind myself that I'm actually losing it faster, though it might not seem that way at the time. If it took me twenty years to gain it (not including other dieting methods), and it takes me ten years to lose it, I'm still ahead. So what's two years? Ten times as fast to lose it than to gain it, that's what! I think I can handle that.
If you're following me to lose weight, all I have to say is Keep Going. Don't let get you down. Get right back on track and start over. You can do it!
I've lost more weight! I am now a slender 312- WOOHOO! Bikini, here we come!
Okay, not a bikini- I don't think I would consider wearing one of those things even if I was rail-thin! But my clothes are feeling a little more loose, and that means I am losing inches as well! Feels good to be me right now.
I'm finding out I'm not hungry for an official breakfast anymore. I'm up before the crack of dawn (at least in Autumn), and I now have brunch around 10:00. Sometimes I get hungry before that and have a piece of fruit before I walk to school with my daughter. It feels good not to be full when I walk- I feel skinnier!
I've been walking regularly with her this past week and I can still feel the burn in my calves, though it isn't as prominent as before. Today was rainy so I drove, but I'll be expending that walking energy into getting the house cleaned up a little.
I miss those walks when it rains- we get to spend time talking without her big brother interrupting every 3.2 seconds not that he's in middle school and takes a bus. We both enjoy our 'girl time' and do a little nature appreciation too.
Last night I made pan-fried lemon pepper talapia. Yum! This is the only fish the entire family likes, and they polished off every scrap. I was hoping for some leftovers for lunch..er..brunch, but I was very happy to see how much they enjoyed it. I like shrimp too, and I think I have some in the freezer. Shrimp salad is a personal favorite, but I hate cutting up nice big shrimp! It seems like I'm cheating myself- I could have gotten popcorn shrimp and done the same thing- so maybe I'll stir fry instead. I'll ask my belly what it wants later. :)
The hardest trial at the moment seems to be not eating when everyone else is having a snack. I wasn't hungry (we just had dinner an hour or so before), and yet there I was, grabbing a handful or two of snacky stuff I really didn't need- only because my husband was eating it. Bad habits die hard, and good habits are hard to get. Life if full of irony- isn't it?
Patience is hard too- it took me eons to gain all of this, and it seems to take forever to lose it. When I feel that way I have to remind myself that I'm actually losing it faster, though it might not seem that way at the time. If it took me twenty years to gain it (not including other dieting methods), and it takes me ten years to lose it, I'm still ahead. So what's two years? Ten times as fast to lose it than to gain it, that's what! I think I can handle that.
If you're following me to lose weight, all I have to say is Keep Going. Don't let get you down. Get right back on track and start over. You can do it!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Slow Progress is Still Progress!
The day dawns bright and crisp this Monday morning, and what better way to celebrate than by weighing myself! It was a rough week due to bloating and having a head cold (not something I recommend having at the same time). Toast and chicken noodle soup were all I wanted, and not something I should have in place of meat and veggies- but who wants to chew a lot when your head hurts?
So I fed the cold, and starved the fever- and I laid on the couch a lot. I was surprised to see I'd lost one pound when I got onto the scale! Oh sure, that's a mere half-pound for the past two weeks, but it's still a loss! Especially surprising since I'd hardly gotten any walking in this past week. I hate being sick!
I still have some minor congestion, but the walk this morning was nice! I was feeling the burn in my calves, but not nearly as bad as it was the first time out- so I have a little more stamina, which is a good thing. The crisp air also cleared my lungs out a little, and I feel much more human.
The housework has been piling up, so I'll be doing a few vacuum lunges as well as working on getting arm muscle by hand-washing the dishes. Maybe even do a little stretching beforehand and afterward to get the cricks out.
Unfortunately the gym is looking less likely until the New Year, due to financial constraints. I am looking into other exercises to do until then, just to build up a little more stamina and gain more tone. I bought a book based on The Biggest Loser's exercise regimen (for home use- very little equipment needed), so once I study the guide, I'll let you know what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.
In the meantime...I'm Hungry! I haven't eaten yet (was up at 5:30- it's now 10:00), and the pangs have finally come, so off to a wondrous protein-filled breakfast! God bless, and may you have a fantastic day!
So I fed the cold, and starved the fever- and I laid on the couch a lot. I was surprised to see I'd lost one pound when I got onto the scale! Oh sure, that's a mere half-pound for the past two weeks, but it's still a loss! Especially surprising since I'd hardly gotten any walking in this past week. I hate being sick!
I still have some minor congestion, but the walk this morning was nice! I was feeling the burn in my calves, but not nearly as bad as it was the first time out- so I have a little more stamina, which is a good thing. The crisp air also cleared my lungs out a little, and I feel much more human.
The housework has been piling up, so I'll be doing a few vacuum lunges as well as working on getting arm muscle by hand-washing the dishes. Maybe even do a little stretching beforehand and afterward to get the cricks out.
Unfortunately the gym is looking less likely until the New Year, due to financial constraints. I am looking into other exercises to do until then, just to build up a little more stamina and gain more tone. I bought a book based on The Biggest Loser's exercise regimen (for home use- very little equipment needed), so once I study the guide, I'll let you know what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.
In the meantime...I'm Hungry! I haven't eaten yet (was up at 5:30- it's now 10:00), and the pangs have finally come, so off to a wondrous protein-filled breakfast! God bless, and may you have a fantastic day!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I'm Fighting...Temptation!
This weekend was a hard one- we went to an event where there was a pie baking contest, and my husband had entered! People came in to have a sample plate of each pie. And you know I had to try some too- just too see if 'ours' was a winner!
Yes, I did take a plate that had a sample of each yummy entry, but I only had a bit or two of each! I tasted temptation, and was able to resist pigging down the entire plate. I let my kids share the rest.
My husband's pie won!
He won a gift basket filled with things for fall- a pumpkin scented candle, handmade soap in fall scents, and a jar recipe for what looks like a really neat soup. I was so proud of him! He has a gift with spices that I could never match- that pie was a new concoction! I just wish he would write the recipe down- something he hates doing!
I had behaved myself for the rest of the weekend, but the beginning of the week I got the hungries really bad. I found myself eating when I wasn't really hungry, and craving things like bread and ice cream. Not together, but one after the other. I am redoubling my efforts to eat only when hungry, and listen to my body instead of my mouth.
Personally, I believe the bread and sugar didn't help matters. I'm not a sugar fiend, but I really love bread and other floured items (like pie crust), so that might have had a part in my cravings. That's one thing I plan on monitoring as well.
As for the weigh in- every time I've gone to that doc's office it's been closed! I need to call them for office hours (I know some days the office is either closed or opens late) or find myself another doc within walking distance that doesn't mind me 'borrowing' their scale. As soon as I weigh myself, I will post the results.
Eventually I hope to have some pictures or video up for you to see what I really look like, and see the changes as I go. I'll keep you posted on that as well!
God Bless, and remember...when the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
Yes, I did take a plate that had a sample of each yummy entry, but I only had a bit or two of each! I tasted temptation, and was able to resist pigging down the entire plate. I let my kids share the rest.
My husband's pie won!
He won a gift basket filled with things for fall- a pumpkin scented candle, handmade soap in fall scents, and a jar recipe for what looks like a really neat soup. I was so proud of him! He has a gift with spices that I could never match- that pie was a new concoction! I just wish he would write the recipe down- something he hates doing!
I had behaved myself for the rest of the weekend, but the beginning of the week I got the hungries really bad. I found myself eating when I wasn't really hungry, and craving things like bread and ice cream. Not together, but one after the other. I am redoubling my efforts to eat only when hungry, and listen to my body instead of my mouth.
Personally, I believe the bread and sugar didn't help matters. I'm not a sugar fiend, but I really love bread and other floured items (like pie crust), so that might have had a part in my cravings. That's one thing I plan on monitoring as well.
As for the weigh in- every time I've gone to that doc's office it's been closed! I need to call them for office hours (I know some days the office is either closed or opens late) or find myself another doc within walking distance that doesn't mind me 'borrowing' their scale. As soon as I weigh myself, I will post the results.
Eventually I hope to have some pictures or video up for you to see what I really look like, and see the changes as I go. I'll keep you posted on that as well!
God Bless, and remember...when the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Good Week, but Needs to be Tweaked!
Good day, Readers! Things have been quite busy here and yet I've managed to stay on track- for the most part.
Due to lousy weather, I've driven my daughter to school more than not, so I didn't get my full 10 miles in. I could have walked on my treadmill though- so that's no excuse. I can't keep 'waiting to afford the gym' before I get my butt in gear! So that particular task needs some serious motivation tweaking!
Food-wise I did well! Breakfast usually consisted of scrambled eggs and ham or a broccoli salad. When you're a protein person, those are good things! I listened to my body much better than last week (I would say at least 80% of the time), and wound up eating at weird times! Got up at 5:30, and sometimes didn't eat until after 10:00 that morning. But I noticed something interesting- whenever I had the eggs and ham, I lasted a lot longer before wanting lunch!
One time I ate eggs and ham around 9:00, and didn't get an inkling of hunger until 2:30 that afternoon- I don't think I've ever gone that long without having something- unless I was sleeping!
And the best part is- I don't feel deprived. I'm not eating as much, not because I'm starving myself (because I'm not), but because I've been resisting temptations to eat when I'm bored. Let's just say I kept myself busy enough all week so I wasn't that bored! And everything I've eaten are foods that I like.
The hunger came back a bit faster when I had something that was mostly veggies, but once I had some lean protein, I was good to go until dinner.
Dinner is the one meal I can't really mess with concerning time, because I cook for my family. We like to eat together- it creates a bond, and I don't want that to stop. But I don't want to be tempted by sitting there while they eat either! So I devised a way to get around this little issue.
When I get hungry later in the afternoon, I have half of what I was planning to eat for lunch that day. So when dinner comes around, I truly am hungry, but not overly so that I'll overdo it. There is nothing worse than trying to be good and feeling so hungry you eat seconds- and start eating the leftovers before they go into the fridge!
And if it's really close (say, after 3:00), I'll have an apple or banana to tide me over until I have dinner on the table. But I only had to do that once.
Drinking water throughout the day helped too, and I'm also learning when I'm really thirsty too. All in all, this has been a very educational week!
I'll be weighing myself at the beginning of next week, so stay tuned!
Due to lousy weather, I've driven my daughter to school more than not, so I didn't get my full 10 miles in. I could have walked on my treadmill though- so that's no excuse. I can't keep 'waiting to afford the gym' before I get my butt in gear! So that particular task needs some serious motivation tweaking!
Food-wise I did well! Breakfast usually consisted of scrambled eggs and ham or a broccoli salad. When you're a protein person, those are good things! I listened to my body much better than last week (I would say at least 80% of the time), and wound up eating at weird times! Got up at 5:30, and sometimes didn't eat until after 10:00 that morning. But I noticed something interesting- whenever I had the eggs and ham, I lasted a lot longer before wanting lunch!
One time I ate eggs and ham around 9:00, and didn't get an inkling of hunger until 2:30 that afternoon- I don't think I've ever gone that long without having something- unless I was sleeping!
And the best part is- I don't feel deprived. I'm not eating as much, not because I'm starving myself (because I'm not), but because I've been resisting temptations to eat when I'm bored. Let's just say I kept myself busy enough all week so I wasn't that bored! And everything I've eaten are foods that I like.
The hunger came back a bit faster when I had something that was mostly veggies, but once I had some lean protein, I was good to go until dinner.
Dinner is the one meal I can't really mess with concerning time, because I cook for my family. We like to eat together- it creates a bond, and I don't want that to stop. But I don't want to be tempted by sitting there while they eat either! So I devised a way to get around this little issue.
When I get hungry later in the afternoon, I have half of what I was planning to eat for lunch that day. So when dinner comes around, I truly am hungry, but not overly so that I'll overdo it. There is nothing worse than trying to be good and feeling so hungry you eat seconds- and start eating the leftovers before they go into the fridge!
And if it's really close (say, after 3:00), I'll have an apple or banana to tide me over until I have dinner on the table. But I only had to do that once.
Drinking water throughout the day helped too, and I'm also learning when I'm really thirsty too. All in all, this has been a very educational week!
I'll be weighing myself at the beginning of next week, so stay tuned!
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Day of Reckoning
The day after Baking Day is always the hardest for me, for fresh baked goodies are a little too tempting.
I had a sample of each bread throughout the day, and noticed an immediate change in my energy level- in fact, I didn't have an energy level! I thought about what I had eaten that day and was surprised to find most of it was flour and sugar based (mostly flour)- the two things I should be having the least of! No wonder I had no energy!
I'd also grazed all day- you know, a little bit here, and a little bit there...not really having a sit down meal. Cows graze, and I was feeling like quite the bovine when I looked into the mirror- not something I wanted to think about! I hope to break this habit during my weight loss.
One thing I did do was grocery shopping, where I had listed fruit and veggies, and stuck to the list- though I admit, those potato chip bags were calling me! If I were a superhero, potato chips would be my Kryptonite- I love those things! But I resisted, managing to get out of the store with my determination in tact.
I highly suggest making a grocery list that includes veggies and fruit, and stick to it (list them by name if need be- many times I listed 'vegetables' only to rationalize potato chips as a veggie!) If you are inclined to wander off the list, pick things that are better for you or try something new- I never knew what a Jicama was, but I now use it in stir-fry- it has the taste and texture of water chestnuts!
So try something new. or something you haven't had in a while- as long as it's fresh. Me? I gave some of my goodies out to my kid's teachers, and my husband took some to work. The rest I'm putting out of eyesight so I'm not tempted!
I had a sample of each bread throughout the day, and noticed an immediate change in my energy level- in fact, I didn't have an energy level! I thought about what I had eaten that day and was surprised to find most of it was flour and sugar based (mostly flour)- the two things I should be having the least of! No wonder I had no energy!
I'd also grazed all day- you know, a little bit here, and a little bit there...not really having a sit down meal. Cows graze, and I was feeling like quite the bovine when I looked into the mirror- not something I wanted to think about! I hope to break this habit during my weight loss.
One thing I did do was grocery shopping, where I had listed fruit and veggies, and stuck to the list- though I admit, those potato chip bags were calling me! If I were a superhero, potato chips would be my Kryptonite- I love those things! But I resisted, managing to get out of the store with my determination in tact.
I highly suggest making a grocery list that includes veggies and fruit, and stick to it (list them by name if need be- many times I listed 'vegetables' only to rationalize potato chips as a veggie!) If you are inclined to wander off the list, pick things that are better for you or try something new- I never knew what a Jicama was, but I now use it in stir-fry- it has the taste and texture of water chestnuts!
So try something new. or something you haven't had in a while- as long as it's fresh. Me? I gave some of my goodies out to my kid's teachers, and my husband took some to work. The rest I'm putting out of eyesight so I'm not tempted!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Resisting Temptation!
Yesterday was a banner day for me! I baked for 4 straight hours, and didn't even have a inkling of wanting to eat any of the sweet stuff I baked!
I made three loaves each of raisin bread, banana bread, and peasant bread- the last being more like a rye, without that caraway flavor.
And I had two small slices of it with my soup at lunch!
It's funny how I can be baking all day, no matter what it is, and I usually don't even taste any of it. I guess it's a lot like working in a candy store- in the beginning you want to taste everything, but after a while, anything with sugar just doesn't interest you. Of course my family was thrilled, because now we have some sweets in the house!
I have been trying to reduce sugar consumption for the entire family. Yes, I know I baked some goodies, but I don't do that often and it's considered a treat. What I have stopped doing is buying goodies, and replacing it with fruit- much to the chagrin of my son, who's a sugar fiend.
The surprising thing is, when I did that, anything with sugar in it (including my own baked goods!) tasted way too sweet! I took a bite of the raisin bread this morning (it has a sugar drizzle on top) and found I liked the parts that weren't frosted.
I made a simple hamburger meal for dinner, and usually I have two burgers- but this time I was able to be satisfied with one. This was a lot harder to resist, because I love protein! So I got up from the table and found something else to do. I was in bed before I'd realized I wanted that second burger!
I didn't get my walking in due to hot weather and hot flashes. I hate humidity- it completely drains me! After all that baking I was tired, and when I'm near my energy limit, I start getting pains across my abdomen. I could have pushed myself, but I'd have been in a great deal of pain, and I didn't want to hurt myself.
When I get to that gym, the first thing I want to work on is getting my core stronger. That's what that pain across the belly means- I have a weakened core.
You'd think with all this belly fat that the opposite might be true, but noooooo, physics and I just don't get along.
I hope to get some video or pictures on the blog soon, so I can document my progress, and you can see me get thinner! I will keep you posted, because I have no clue how to do that- yet!
Please pray that I stay on track and not overeat, especially after a baking day. I do plan to attack that peasant bread (I love fresh bread with my soup!), but I don't want to eat half the loaf! I think I'll start chanting to myself....Smaller portions....better foods....You don't need that much....smaller portions...
C'mon everyone, start saying it with me!
I made three loaves each of raisin bread, banana bread, and peasant bread- the last being more like a rye, without that caraway flavor.
And I had two small slices of it with my soup at lunch!
It's funny how I can be baking all day, no matter what it is, and I usually don't even taste any of it. I guess it's a lot like working in a candy store- in the beginning you want to taste everything, but after a while, anything with sugar just doesn't interest you. Of course my family was thrilled, because now we have some sweets in the house!
I have been trying to reduce sugar consumption for the entire family. Yes, I know I baked some goodies, but I don't do that often and it's considered a treat. What I have stopped doing is buying goodies, and replacing it with fruit- much to the chagrin of my son, who's a sugar fiend.
The surprising thing is, when I did that, anything with sugar in it (including my own baked goods!) tasted way too sweet! I took a bite of the raisin bread this morning (it has a sugar drizzle on top) and found I liked the parts that weren't frosted.
I made a simple hamburger meal for dinner, and usually I have two burgers- but this time I was able to be satisfied with one. This was a lot harder to resist, because I love protein! So I got up from the table and found something else to do. I was in bed before I'd realized I wanted that second burger!
I didn't get my walking in due to hot weather and hot flashes. I hate humidity- it completely drains me! After all that baking I was tired, and when I'm near my energy limit, I start getting pains across my abdomen. I could have pushed myself, but I'd have been in a great deal of pain, and I didn't want to hurt myself.
When I get to that gym, the first thing I want to work on is getting my core stronger. That's what that pain across the belly means- I have a weakened core.
You'd think with all this belly fat that the opposite might be true, but noooooo, physics and I just don't get along.
I hope to get some video or pictures on the blog soon, so I can document my progress, and you can see me get thinner! I will keep you posted, because I have no clue how to do that- yet!
Please pray that I stay on track and not overeat, especially after a baking day. I do plan to attack that peasant bread (I love fresh bread with my soup!), but I don't want to eat half the loaf! I think I'll start chanting to myself....Smaller portions....better foods....You don't need that much....smaller portions...
C'mon everyone, start saying it with me!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
First official weigh-in
Being aware of just how much I'm eating and the walking has already improved my stamina! I went to the doctor's office this morning to weigh myself.
I am now 314 lbs.- an eight pound loss!
Over a two month period that's about a pound a week, so that's not bad- but it also means I need to step it up in the next few weeks. I've started walking my daughter to school (10 miles a week), and I will be adding a few more green veggies to our meals.
I'll post as often as I can, and keep you updated! And don't forget, you can also post comments, so don't be afraid to ask questions or leave a comment!
I am now 314 lbs.- an eight pound loss!
Over a two month period that's about a pound a week, so that's not bad- but it also means I need to step it up in the next few weeks. I've started walking my daughter to school (10 miles a week), and I will be adding a few more green veggies to our meals.
I'll post as often as I can, and keep you updated! And don't forget, you can also post comments, so don't be afraid to ask questions or leave a comment!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
So it Begins!
Welcome everyone! I'm so glad you've joined me on this blog! Whether you're just checking on my progress or joining me on my journey, I hope we both learn something along the way.
For the record, I was 322 two months ago, and no, I don't have a scale- there aren't many out there that go over 300, so I have to visit a local doctor's office who was nice enough to let me weigh myself.
The only health issues I have are that I'm hypothyroid (I'm on medication for it) and I'm slightly anemic. Just under normal anemia. So all I need is an iron tablet once in a bit, and I'm good to go. All the other stuff- blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol..all of that is right within the normal range. My heart rate is between 60-70, which I'm told is excellent- even for a thin person!
Biochemically, I'm healthy- I just need to convince the fat! So I can honestly state that though I am 'healthy', I am not 'fit'- and fit is what I need to be, before my health is effected.
Anything I try will be based on what I've learned about myself as a dieter. For instance, I'm a protein person, and do well eating a variety of lean meats, fish and fowl with a good helping of vegetables. Sugar is my enemy, as well as some flours (I seem to be more sensitive to wheat), but as I said before, I'm not going to cut out anything- if I crave something sweet, you bet I'm going to have some! But just enough to let the craving subside, not eat the entire thing- whatever it may be.
I never said it would be easy, since I also have a problem with portion control. I've watched many thin people eating, and found out something that completely surprised me- thin people (at least the ones I watched) not only eat small amounts (what they called a serving, I called a big snack), but when not on a schedule, they actually ate only when they were hungry.
It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But this week I paid some serious attention to what and how I was eating, and found myself eating when the clock said to- not when I was truly hungry! It's harder to do so when you have a family (like me) but not impossible. Some days I'm just too busy, so I throw something down my throat so I'm not starving by the time I'm done everything. At least now I'll be more aware of what I throw down my throat, or make sure I can take it with me to eat if I get hungry!
But when I do have time, I need to make the most of my meals, and I don't mean portions! Home cooking is also important, and most of the meals I have will be homemade. That way, I know what is in it, and how fresh everything is before I start.
As for exercise, the gym is being put off because of financial difficulty. I plan to join within the next month if possible, but in the meantime I will be doing about two miles of walking a day to gain a bit more stamina. Best to start slow and work my way up! I won't be strolling either- Walking my daughter to school will not only benefit both of us, but will allow me to power walk back home in the morning and back to the school in the afternoon. So half the trip is a warm up/cool down, and the other half is a workout!
This weekend My family and I went for a walk on a park trail. It's about a mile and a half round trip, and I went for both days. The first day was the worst- I had to sit down at least three times! The second day was much better though- I only sat down once, at the half way point. I didn't want to push things too far since I was walking my daughter this morning, but I know I better start pushing myself- and soon. Just working my way up to the gym, folks!
For the record, I was 322 two months ago, and no, I don't have a scale- there aren't many out there that go over 300, so I have to visit a local doctor's office who was nice enough to let me weigh myself.
The only health issues I have are that I'm hypothyroid (I'm on medication for it) and I'm slightly anemic. Just under normal anemia. So all I need is an iron tablet once in a bit, and I'm good to go. All the other stuff- blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol..all of that is right within the normal range. My heart rate is between 60-70, which I'm told is excellent- even for a thin person!
Biochemically, I'm healthy- I just need to convince the fat! So I can honestly state that though I am 'healthy', I am not 'fit'- and fit is what I need to be, before my health is effected.
Anything I try will be based on what I've learned about myself as a dieter. For instance, I'm a protein person, and do well eating a variety of lean meats, fish and fowl with a good helping of vegetables. Sugar is my enemy, as well as some flours (I seem to be more sensitive to wheat), but as I said before, I'm not going to cut out anything- if I crave something sweet, you bet I'm going to have some! But just enough to let the craving subside, not eat the entire thing- whatever it may be.
I never said it would be easy, since I also have a problem with portion control. I've watched many thin people eating, and found out something that completely surprised me- thin people (at least the ones I watched) not only eat small amounts (what they called a serving, I called a big snack), but when not on a schedule, they actually ate only when they were hungry.
It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But this week I paid some serious attention to what and how I was eating, and found myself eating when the clock said to- not when I was truly hungry! It's harder to do so when you have a family (like me) but not impossible. Some days I'm just too busy, so I throw something down my throat so I'm not starving by the time I'm done everything. At least now I'll be more aware of what I throw down my throat, or make sure I can take it with me to eat if I get hungry!
But when I do have time, I need to make the most of my meals, and I don't mean portions! Home cooking is also important, and most of the meals I have will be homemade. That way, I know what is in it, and how fresh everything is before I start.
As for exercise, the gym is being put off because of financial difficulty. I plan to join within the next month if possible, but in the meantime I will be doing about two miles of walking a day to gain a bit more stamina. Best to start slow and work my way up! I won't be strolling either- Walking my daughter to school will not only benefit both of us, but will allow me to power walk back home in the morning and back to the school in the afternoon. So half the trip is a warm up/cool down, and the other half is a workout!
This weekend My family and I went for a walk on a park trail. It's about a mile and a half round trip, and I went for both days. The first day was the worst- I had to sit down at least three times! The second day was much better though- I only sat down once, at the half way point. I didn't want to push things too far since I was walking my daughter this morning, but I know I better start pushing myself- and soon. Just working my way up to the gym, folks!
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