Sometimes you learn things fast, and sometimes you need to be hit with a brick before you understand a concept. I knew I wasn't supposed to be eating breads and pasta, but I kept eating it, just not as often, and taking smaller portions. The idea was, 'A little bit won't be so bad.'
Hah!
That's when it hit me- I was eating some kind of wheat flour product at least three times a week- small amounts, but I was eating it. And it showed on the scale. I gained a bit, I lost a bit, but I was basically maintaining. Not bad, but not good either.
So I decided to try another experiment.
Last week I didn't do any walking (the weather was miserable and I had the car), but I did do my workouts. My diet consisted mostly of clear broth soups and stews, and meals that were mainly meats and vegetables that had no flour as a side or in the gravy. The soups contained rice, the stews contained potatoes, so the results of this wouldn't be skewed by the fact I didn't have any grains or starches. I did this all week, refraining from any flour consumption.
The result? I lost three pounds! I am now down to 294!
So, I can say I won't eat flour all I want, but the fact is, I was eating it- sometimes without realizing I was doing so, or thinking a 'little bit' won't hurt me- but when I began to think about wheat flour as a poison to my body instead of just a hindrance to weight loss, everything snapped into place.
Absolutely NO wheat or rye flour. None. Nada. Zilch.
I bought other flours that don't have gluten (graham seems to work well for things that don't need to rise, like pie crusts), and I'll experiment with them in the upcoming weeks. Hopefully I can find something bread-like so I don't crave the gluten breads.
Thanksgiving is coming, the holiday where bread runs rampant over the feasting table. That is going to be a real challenge for me! But I'll keep my chins up and put out some more veggies like broccoli and baby carrots to stem the bread tide.
I'll keep you posted on how I do!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Struggling but Succeeding!
The past few months haven't been easy, and I still have a long road ahead of me. But I am learning a LOT about myself, and have found that I've been maintaining because I haven't been stepping up the exercise and stepping down the menu portions.
I've started walking to the gym more often, and most times I can get an additional 4-6 miles in a week when I do. I've been working longer at the gym machines, doing slower reps instead of increasing the amount. I haven't been adding any weight either, because I wrenched my rotator cuff and am waiting for it to heal up a bit more. I'm trying not to sit at home as much either, but hen you're a writer, it's pretty much part of the job!
As for the menu, I've found that soup is a good way to get filled up without overdoing it- as long as it's a clear broth. It doesn't do much good when the broth is creamy (which happens to be my specialty), so I'll be perusing the cookbooks and spice cabinet looking for more clear-broth recipes. I want to make sure I have a daily supply of soup, and one pot goes a long way.
Veggies are also becoming a bigger part of the meals, and are great to hide in casseroles so my son will eat them. Good for me too, because I can hide a lot of veggies in a casserole! Luckily for me I don't mind eating leftover for lunch, so a huge pot of soup and salad each day is going to be slotted in during the week.
Oh, and did I mention I'm back down to 297? I think that's a three pound lost from my last post! Either way, I'm under 300, and that's where I want to be. Now all I have to do is get closer to 275, and I'm golden!
Please keep those chins up- if something isn't working, keep trying to change it up or cut it down- something will work eventually! Just remember it took me years to put all of this on, and it'll take years to get it off- but it won't be as many years to lose as it was to gain, and the same goes for you too!
God Bless!
I've started walking to the gym more often, and most times I can get an additional 4-6 miles in a week when I do. I've been working longer at the gym machines, doing slower reps instead of increasing the amount. I haven't been adding any weight either, because I wrenched my rotator cuff and am waiting for it to heal up a bit more. I'm trying not to sit at home as much either, but hen you're a writer, it's pretty much part of the job!
As for the menu, I've found that soup is a good way to get filled up without overdoing it- as long as it's a clear broth. It doesn't do much good when the broth is creamy (which happens to be my specialty), so I'll be perusing the cookbooks and spice cabinet looking for more clear-broth recipes. I want to make sure I have a daily supply of soup, and one pot goes a long way.
Veggies are also becoming a bigger part of the meals, and are great to hide in casseroles so my son will eat them. Good for me too, because I can hide a lot of veggies in a casserole! Luckily for me I don't mind eating leftover for lunch, so a huge pot of soup and salad each day is going to be slotted in during the week.
Oh, and did I mention I'm back down to 297? I think that's a three pound lost from my last post! Either way, I'm under 300, and that's where I want to be. Now all I have to do is get closer to 275, and I'm golden!
Please keep those chins up- if something isn't working, keep trying to change it up or cut it down- something will work eventually! Just remember it took me years to put all of this on, and it'll take years to get it off- but it won't be as many years to lose as it was to gain, and the same goes for you too!
God Bless!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
PMS Hits The Fan(ny)
I don't know what hit me first- the bloating, the cravings, or my body going into hibernation. But all of them happened this past two weeks, right when I had chocolate in the house.
All I have to say is this; I didn't just trip on my way to the finish line, I stopped at the Brubaker House of Chocolate and had a feast. And I paid for it in pounds.
Yes, pounds. Plural. As in four of them. Now I'm back to being almost 300 again. Ugh.
Not only did I get the Sweet and Salties, I also had the can't-have-just-one-serving cravings. The dieting persons double-whammy. Dinnertime has become especially trying, because I'm tired from the sugar rush, and I'm grumpy and sore from the PMS, so it's hard to resist having 'just one more bite/serving/plateful'.
It's back to basics for me!
I asked my husband to alert me when dinnertime nibbling, having extra servings and snacking. I'm also going to prep all my veggies, so when I do get the munchies, I have something to grab. I need to get more variety when I buy fruit, because snacking on bananas is not a good idea for me all the time! Shopping day is tomorrow, and I have a list- and I'll use it too!
Today is gym day, and I'm still hurting from walking four miles on Monday and two miles on Tuesday. If I go (and I really should) it would be another four mile day because my husband has the car this week. I hope I'll make it! But I'm not willing to put myself in traction for a week either, so I'll have to see how things go when I take my daughter to school this morning.
All in all, things are not so bad that I feel helpless to fix them, so I'm keeping my chins up for this next week! I'll keep you posted!
All I have to say is this; I didn't just trip on my way to the finish line, I stopped at the Brubaker House of Chocolate and had a feast. And I paid for it in pounds.
Yes, pounds. Plural. As in four of them. Now I'm back to being almost 300 again. Ugh.
Not only did I get the Sweet and Salties, I also had the can't-have-just-one-serving cravings. The dieting persons double-whammy. Dinnertime has become especially trying, because I'm tired from the sugar rush, and I'm grumpy and sore from the PMS, so it's hard to resist having 'just one more bite/serving/plateful'.
It's back to basics for me!
I asked my husband to alert me when dinnertime nibbling, having extra servings and snacking. I'm also going to prep all my veggies, so when I do get the munchies, I have something to grab. I need to get more variety when I buy fruit, because snacking on bananas is not a good idea for me all the time! Shopping day is tomorrow, and I have a list- and I'll use it too!
Today is gym day, and I'm still hurting from walking four miles on Monday and two miles on Tuesday. If I go (and I really should) it would be another four mile day because my husband has the car this week. I hope I'll make it! But I'm not willing to put myself in traction for a week either, so I'll have to see how things go when I take my daughter to school this morning.
All in all, things are not so bad that I feel helpless to fix them, so I'm keeping my chins up for this next week! I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
My Plateaus Are Killing Me!
I'm losing weight, but it's a real battle because my body is fighting me all the way.
You see, I've been over 300 pounds for so long, my body has decided that this should be my ideal weight. me and my body need to have a serious chat.
As of today I'm still maintaining my 295.5 pounds, and am further modifying my diet and exercise to compensate for what I like to call Constant Rebellion Against Petiteness, or C.R.A.P. for short. I've been putting up with C.R.A.P. for years, and my body is still full of it. It's time to knuckle down and get rid of this C.R.A.P. and lose some weight, despite my body's protests.
Step one is to walk more. I walked to the gym today, despite feeling tired, despite the rain, and though I might not be able to move by the end of the day, I'm still walking my daughter to school and back. I'll log in a grand total of four miles just for today, and if I survive, I'll do it Friday too.
These big walking days are the days I'll do some back stretches by decluttering the house while sitting- it's amazing just how much paper we toss in a week! Sewing is also a good sit-down activity, so I'll be doing that when my legs get too tired. I won't be sitting the entire time (though right now it's pretty tempting!)- that would defeat the entire purpose of moving more- so dishes and other stand-up chores are also going to be done.
I am going to sleep so well tonight!
As for the menu, I have yet to make one up, so most dinners have been homemade, but tossed together with green vegetables being left out most of the time. This is also something I really need to focus on that's really hard, because I have to find the time to make a menu! I'm still tweaking breakfast and lunch, and so far, so good- I haven't lost, but I haven't gained either. My weight is about the only thing in my life that's consistent at this point!
I'm going to fight the fight, right the wrongs, and get myself thinner! 275, here I come!
You see, I've been over 300 pounds for so long, my body has decided that this should be my ideal weight. me and my body need to have a serious chat.
As of today I'm still maintaining my 295.5 pounds, and am further modifying my diet and exercise to compensate for what I like to call Constant Rebellion Against Petiteness, or C.R.A.P. for short. I've been putting up with C.R.A.P. for years, and my body is still full of it. It's time to knuckle down and get rid of this C.R.A.P. and lose some weight, despite my body's protests.
Step one is to walk more. I walked to the gym today, despite feeling tired, despite the rain, and though I might not be able to move by the end of the day, I'm still walking my daughter to school and back. I'll log in a grand total of four miles just for today, and if I survive, I'll do it Friday too.
These big walking days are the days I'll do some back stretches by decluttering the house while sitting- it's amazing just how much paper we toss in a week! Sewing is also a good sit-down activity, so I'll be doing that when my legs get too tired. I won't be sitting the entire time (though right now it's pretty tempting!)- that would defeat the entire purpose of moving more- so dishes and other stand-up chores are also going to be done.
I am going to sleep so well tonight!
As for the menu, I have yet to make one up, so most dinners have been homemade, but tossed together with green vegetables being left out most of the time. This is also something I really need to focus on that's really hard, because I have to find the time to make a menu! I'm still tweaking breakfast and lunch, and so far, so good- I haven't lost, but I haven't gained either. My weight is about the only thing in my life that's consistent at this point!
I'm going to fight the fight, right the wrongs, and get myself thinner! 275, here I come!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Switching Things Up!
Getting used to a new schedule is hard sometimes. I haven't worked out all the bugs yet, but I am working them out, which is all that matters! As long as I make some progress, that is!
So far, so good! I've lost another pound, so I'm down to 295.5! I might have to buy some new clothes, because what I have is getting baggy- can you believe it?
One of the things i switched up diet-wise is trying to just eat fruit for breakfast every other morning. Not trying to starve myself, but I wanted to see if my energy levels would change vs, eggs and bacon or cheese. What I found was interesting.
In the beginning, I do actually have more energy- but after about two hours I start to get hungry, and most times it's inconvenient to eat (I'm usually out somewhere or involved in a project), and then I wind up overeating when lunchtime comes. If I have the eggs and meat/cheese, the energy comes slower, but it lasts longer. I'm going to see if there's a happy medium in this somewhere- maybe if I make myself a carry-along protein snack- like cheese or maybe some homemade chicken bites- so when I poop out I can get a bit of a boost without getting too hungry. I'll let you know!
I now walk ten miles a week minimum, just taking my daughter to school, but I have not been to the gym as much as I wanted to, due to a car that needs fixing. Yes, I can walk to the gym (or bike), but the guy usually wants me to bring it in on my gym day (Wednesday) really early- the same time I'm usually at the gym. Then I walk home from there (1.5 miles), so I get cardio, but no weight training. Hopefully today will be the end of the car issues, and I can get back on schedule.
Ironically, I have a lot of decluttering and housework to do, so I might be doing a workout anyway! Good old housework- it never ends. Ever.
Remember to keep those chins up, try new things when you feel your routine is getting stale, and expand your tastebuds and try new foods too! Just make sure they come out of the fresh food section, and not the frozen food aisle! :) God Bless!
So far, so good! I've lost another pound, so I'm down to 295.5! I might have to buy some new clothes, because what I have is getting baggy- can you believe it?
One of the things i switched up diet-wise is trying to just eat fruit for breakfast every other morning. Not trying to starve myself, but I wanted to see if my energy levels would change vs, eggs and bacon or cheese. What I found was interesting.
In the beginning, I do actually have more energy- but after about two hours I start to get hungry, and most times it's inconvenient to eat (I'm usually out somewhere or involved in a project), and then I wind up overeating when lunchtime comes. If I have the eggs and meat/cheese, the energy comes slower, but it lasts longer. I'm going to see if there's a happy medium in this somewhere- maybe if I make myself a carry-along protein snack- like cheese or maybe some homemade chicken bites- so when I poop out I can get a bit of a boost without getting too hungry. I'll let you know!
I now walk ten miles a week minimum, just taking my daughter to school, but I have not been to the gym as much as I wanted to, due to a car that needs fixing. Yes, I can walk to the gym (or bike), but the guy usually wants me to bring it in on my gym day (Wednesday) really early- the same time I'm usually at the gym. Then I walk home from there (1.5 miles), so I get cardio, but no weight training. Hopefully today will be the end of the car issues, and I can get back on schedule.
Ironically, I have a lot of decluttering and housework to do, so I might be doing a workout anyway! Good old housework- it never ends. Ever.
Remember to keep those chins up, try new things when you feel your routine is getting stale, and expand your tastebuds and try new foods too! Just make sure they come out of the fresh food section, and not the frozen food aisle! :) God Bless!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Fighting Fat During Chaos!
It's been busy!
Not only did the kids start school, but I had to step up my progress because my weight has been been stagnating. Thankfully, the kids school schedules are also part of my workout!
I've been walking my daughter to school, and a round trip is one mile. From the house to the gym is a two mile round trip, but after trying to walk to school, to the gym, back home, and then go to and back from school was just too much. I'd burnt myself out last week, and couldn't even function comfortably by Friday morning, so I took that day off.
But was I idle? Oh no! I learned from my mistakes and this week was a good one- and busy! Not only did I get my ten miles of walking in just going to school and back, I also had a few events to make food and drink for, so I was cleaning, cooking, and decluttering as well! I also got about three months of food shopping done- and let me tell you that hauling canned goods from the the store to the car and then into the house is quite a workout! By this time the energy waned, and I didn't get to put them away over the weekend.
Why, do you ask? Because we were running all over the place the entire weekend! Saturday we did a cleanup at our church, and that was almost four hours of weed-pulling, sweeping, street cleaning and planting flowers for the 'grand opening' on Sunday. Then I had to go home and finish prepping the food and drink, and afterward we all collapsed on the couch for a well-deserved rest.
Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. But there was food and drink to deliver, more cleaning and setting up to do at the church, and I also attended a shower, bringing along more food and drink. Though Sunday was a lot more social than Saturday, I was ready to sleep like a brick last night! In fact, I slept so well I had trouble getting up this morning!
Guess what I discovered? No. More. Pain. That's right! No aches, no pains, nothing hurt like it normally would have had I done half the work I did this weekend. And I can't tell you how fantastic that feels! I took my bike with me this morning as I walked my daughter to school, then rode to the gym, worked out, rode home (that's 2.5 miles biking, .5 miles walking), then did dishes, put away the groceries (finally!), and even re-potted a large plant!
Then I decided it was time to sit down and blog you!
As for the scale, there's good and bad news. I stayed the same, 296.5. Good that I didn't gain (although I might have gained some muscle), but bad that I didn't lose. We'll blame the little bit of goodies I ate during both events. I told you I won't deny myself, but I assure you, I didn't overdo it.
The plan for this week? No baked goodies, and lots more biking! Keep those chins up, and God Bless!
Not only did the kids start school, but I had to step up my progress because my weight has been been stagnating. Thankfully, the kids school schedules are also part of my workout!
I've been walking my daughter to school, and a round trip is one mile. From the house to the gym is a two mile round trip, but after trying to walk to school, to the gym, back home, and then go to and back from school was just too much. I'd burnt myself out last week, and couldn't even function comfortably by Friday morning, so I took that day off.
But was I idle? Oh no! I learned from my mistakes and this week was a good one- and busy! Not only did I get my ten miles of walking in just going to school and back, I also had a few events to make food and drink for, so I was cleaning, cooking, and decluttering as well! I also got about three months of food shopping done- and let me tell you that hauling canned goods from the the store to the car and then into the house is quite a workout! By this time the energy waned, and I didn't get to put them away over the weekend.
Why, do you ask? Because we were running all over the place the entire weekend! Saturday we did a cleanup at our church, and that was almost four hours of weed-pulling, sweeping, street cleaning and planting flowers for the 'grand opening' on Sunday. Then I had to go home and finish prepping the food and drink, and afterward we all collapsed on the couch for a well-deserved rest.
Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. But there was food and drink to deliver, more cleaning and setting up to do at the church, and I also attended a shower, bringing along more food and drink. Though Sunday was a lot more social than Saturday, I was ready to sleep like a brick last night! In fact, I slept so well I had trouble getting up this morning!
Guess what I discovered? No. More. Pain. That's right! No aches, no pains, nothing hurt like it normally would have had I done half the work I did this weekend. And I can't tell you how fantastic that feels! I took my bike with me this morning as I walked my daughter to school, then rode to the gym, worked out, rode home (that's 2.5 miles biking, .5 miles walking), then did dishes, put away the groceries (finally!), and even re-potted a large plant!
Then I decided it was time to sit down and blog you!
As for the scale, there's good and bad news. I stayed the same, 296.5. Good that I didn't gain (although I might have gained some muscle), but bad that I didn't lose. We'll blame the little bit of goodies I ate during both events. I told you I won't deny myself, but I assure you, I didn't overdo it.
The plan for this week? No baked goodies, and lots more biking! Keep those chins up, and God Bless!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Stepping Up The Cardio!
All summer I've been working slowly but surely on extending my walking distances, knowing that the school year would yield a lot of sneaker treading. I wasn't wrong!
This past holiday weekend was spent doing a lot of walking- we went to Washington DC and walked from 6th street all the way to the Lincoln memorial, spending time in two museums on the way. I believe it was a grand total of six miles for me, and more for the rest of the family- because they went to go get the car after I sat down near good ol' Linc and said I wasn't moving another step.
The fact is it was closer to a couldn't walk more than a wouldn't walk. Good thing for me a brought a book and got through several chapters before the car (and more than a few taxis) pulled up.
And a lot of people in DC were giving me the stink-eye. Why? Because most of the population was thinner than me. In fact, I saw only a handful of people who were remotely close to my size, and everyone near me was walking, biking, or jogging. Not at all where I live, which is the cheesesteak capitol of the world! Their disdain was pretty easy to ignore however, with all the stuff to look at in the museums.
Yesterday was the start of school, and I got my two mile walk to and from school in (drop-off and pick-up), and did a lot around the house, so I wasn't Jabba the Hutt just sitting at the computer desk. I even had the energy to have dinner made on time, which was a small miracle in itself! I went to bed exhausted, but pretty happy with myself.
This morning was a challenge, because the weather was the same as yesterday; a drenching rain that lasted forever. Even ducks were getting tired of all the wet! But we trudged on, me and my daughter, and I got her to school. Then began the trek to the gym, a mile and a half away from the school. My legs began to hate me.
But I made it, got my upper body workout done (no leg stuff today), and I walked a mile back home. I get to do another mile round trip when I get my daughter, so that will be a grand total of four miles of walking in one day!
And yet I still found the energy to step on the scale, daring it to tell me if it was doing any good. The weights on the scale began to tip in the wrong direction at first, but then....
...then it said I lost two pounds! I am now 296.5!
My legs might hate me, but I am feeling good enough to dance right now! It seems everything I've done so far is working, and as long as I step it up when I plateau, this could indeed become a life-long habit- which is exactly when I want!
God bless, and keep those chins up! I know I am!
This past holiday weekend was spent doing a lot of walking- we went to Washington DC and walked from 6th street all the way to the Lincoln memorial, spending time in two museums on the way. I believe it was a grand total of six miles for me, and more for the rest of the family- because they went to go get the car after I sat down near good ol' Linc and said I wasn't moving another step.
The fact is it was closer to a couldn't walk more than a wouldn't walk. Good thing for me a brought a book and got through several chapters before the car (and more than a few taxis) pulled up.
And a lot of people in DC were giving me the stink-eye. Why? Because most of the population was thinner than me. In fact, I saw only a handful of people who were remotely close to my size, and everyone near me was walking, biking, or jogging. Not at all where I live, which is the cheesesteak capitol of the world! Their disdain was pretty easy to ignore however, with all the stuff to look at in the museums.
Yesterday was the start of school, and I got my two mile walk to and from school in (drop-off and pick-up), and did a lot around the house, so I wasn't Jabba the Hutt just sitting at the computer desk. I even had the energy to have dinner made on time, which was a small miracle in itself! I went to bed exhausted, but pretty happy with myself.
This morning was a challenge, because the weather was the same as yesterday; a drenching rain that lasted forever. Even ducks were getting tired of all the wet! But we trudged on, me and my daughter, and I got her to school. Then began the trek to the gym, a mile and a half away from the school. My legs began to hate me.
But I made it, got my upper body workout done (no leg stuff today), and I walked a mile back home. I get to do another mile round trip when I get my daughter, so that will be a grand total of four miles of walking in one day!
And yet I still found the energy to step on the scale, daring it to tell me if it was doing any good. The weights on the scale began to tip in the wrong direction at first, but then....
...then it said I lost two pounds! I am now 296.5!
My legs might hate me, but I am feeling good enough to dance right now! It seems everything I've done so far is working, and as long as I step it up when I plateau, this could indeed become a life-long habit- which is exactly when I want!
God bless, and keep those chins up! I know I am!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Viva La Difference!
I didn't think a 21.5 pound loss would make that much of a difference, but I just took a look at my very first gym picture, and compared it to my 'Now' picture. Wow!
Before
After!
Isn't that COOL??
Whenever I get discouraged, I'll be sure to check back here to take a gander at my progress- and this is only a twenty pound loss! Imagine what I'll look like when I get down by fifty? Or one hundred? Or even one hundred fifty?
I'm getting my picture taken every month, so I at the end I can compare my progress from beginning to end. It'll probably take me three years, but that's only five seconds of video!
I am definitely keeping my chins up now! How about you?
Before
After!
Isn't that COOL??
Whenever I get discouraged, I'll be sure to check back here to take a gander at my progress- and this is only a twenty pound loss! Imagine what I'll look like when I get down by fifty? Or one hundred? Or even one hundred fifty?
I'm getting my picture taken every month, so I at the end I can compare my progress from beginning to end. It'll probably take me three years, but that's only five seconds of video!
I am definitely keeping my chins up now! How about you?
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Number One Rule
I learned a lesson last week- never, ever run out of fresh veggies!
I did, and it cost me! I now weigh an even 300. That's only a one and a half pound gain, but still, I was under 300 before last week!
What did I eat? Well, I ran out of veggies, so I had to fill in with pasta and a little bread. Okay so i didn't have to, but I did. I had to for my family, but not for me- I could have had something else, but I was too tired to cook something different. So I ate and now I'm paying the price.
But not this week! :)
I bought another container of fresh baby spinach, a bad of romaine lettuce, and I plan on eating a lot of greens this week int he form of wraps and salads. Yes, wraps are bread, but they don't make me tired, so I'll allow them in small doses. I made a nice pot of soup over the weekend, so soup and a salad sounds good for lunch. Dinner will probably be a chicken Cobb salad. YUM!
I walked to the gym today, and found out it was about a mile- two miles round trip! And a workout on top of it? I'm definitely going to lose something this week!
In the meantime, I'm keeping my chins up and possibly consider getting rid of all pastas in my house (probably be cooking them for my family- I never toss out food if I can help it!). I have a pasta maker, and am looking into rice flour or a gluten-free 'flour' to use as a substitute. Flavored pastas sound good too- provided I can invent one that won't make me tired!
God Bless, and keep it positive!
I did, and it cost me! I now weigh an even 300. That's only a one and a half pound gain, but still, I was under 300 before last week!
What did I eat? Well, I ran out of veggies, so I had to fill in with pasta and a little bread. Okay so i didn't have to, but I did. I had to for my family, but not for me- I could have had something else, but I was too tired to cook something different. So I ate and now I'm paying the price.
But not this week! :)
I bought another container of fresh baby spinach, a bad of romaine lettuce, and I plan on eating a lot of greens this week int he form of wraps and salads. Yes, wraps are bread, but they don't make me tired, so I'll allow them in small doses. I made a nice pot of soup over the weekend, so soup and a salad sounds good for lunch. Dinner will probably be a chicken Cobb salad. YUM!
I walked to the gym today, and found out it was about a mile- two miles round trip! And a workout on top of it? I'm definitely going to lose something this week!
In the meantime, I'm keeping my chins up and possibly consider getting rid of all pastas in my house (probably be cooking them for my family- I never toss out food if I can help it!). I have a pasta maker, and am looking into rice flour or a gluten-free 'flour' to use as a substitute. Flavored pastas sound good too- provided I can invent one that won't make me tired!
God Bless, and keep it positive!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Surprise, Surprise!
It was something like a miracle...it was a shock; an enigma not to be believed- but it did happen. And I have witnesses to prove it.
I stepped on the scale with trepidation, the sins of the past week permeating my mind like a red hat tossed in with the white laundry; but what I was expecting didn't happen, in fact, I could hardly believe what that little counter-balance was telling me.
The soft clunk sound as the counterweight said that I needed to move the larger counter-weight down to the next level. And then shift the smaller weight down another notch.
Yes folks, it's true! The scale revealed my new weight- and it was no longer in the three-hundreds! I am now a slender two-ninety-nine!
That is a total loss of twenty-one pounds- YAY!
And I think I worked off another pound just jumping up and down in celebration after I got off the scale! This is the first time in over seven years that I have been under three hundred pounds. Call Guinness! (the world record people, not the beer people, please!)
First goal reached. Next goal: 275 lbs.!
I took the kids to the pool the other day. We walked a mile to the pool, and I spent three hours turning into a pink raisin (and eventually a red one), doing laps and playing with the kids. I slept really well that night and had some lovely muscle aches in the morning, so I know I worked out- even without the gym!
I'm also having more greens at mealtime, to make up for all that pasta last week. Not that we can really 'make-up' for our past discrepancies,but you get the idea. I just wanted to get back on track. We had a lovely chicken Cobb salad! Here's the recipe:
Beth Brubaker's Chicken Cobb Salad
Two chicken breasts, fat trimmed
Montreal chicken seasoning (I used GrillMates from Sam's Club)
Olive oil
1/3 cup Real bacon bits or 6 slices of bacon, crumbled
1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 boiled eggs, diced (use and egg slicer and after first cut, turn 1/4 turn and cut again- instantly diced!) It's best to boil eggs the day before and chill before dicing.
Four handfuls romaine lettuce
Four handfuls fresh spinach
1/4 cup Italian dressing
Large bowl with lid to toss salad
Season chicken breasts and set aside. Cook bacon and set aside (if needed). In a medium skillet, add about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and set onto medium high heat. When hot add chicken breasts, and if possible cover with a large pot lid that covers the pan (this helps it cook a little faster and keeps it juicy). Do not press chicken! After five minutes, turn chicken over and cover for another five minutes.
While chicken is cooking, dice and crumble bacon and eggs into a small bowl. Set aside and shred cheese, if needed. When chicken is done (test with a fork in the thickest part of the breast- any serious resistance or pink juices means it's not done yet- juices should be clear), let cool for about ten minutes in pan juices.
Add lettuce and spinach into a large bowl, then add cheese, bacon and egg. Slice chicken breasts across the grain as thin as possible (not chunks), and add to the large bowl. Add Italian dressing to the mix and cover the bowl tightly, shaking vigorously to coat and blend. Open bowl and serve immediately.
This should serve four large salads, or six smaller ones.
This must be made fresh! Leftovers or making the day before will make the greens wilt and lose their crunchiness and the cheese will lose firmness and turn gooey!
I'm going to have this for lunch today as well- it's SO good! I hope you'll try it and let me know what you think.
I'm keeping my chins up for a thinner future! I hope this post has inspired you. God Bless, and have a great day!
I stepped on the scale with trepidation, the sins of the past week permeating my mind like a red hat tossed in with the white laundry; but what I was expecting didn't happen, in fact, I could hardly believe what that little counter-balance was telling me.
The soft clunk sound as the counterweight said that I needed to move the larger counter-weight down to the next level. And then shift the smaller weight down another notch.
Yes folks, it's true! The scale revealed my new weight- and it was no longer in the three-hundreds! I am now a slender two-ninety-nine!
That is a total loss of twenty-one pounds- YAY!
And I think I worked off another pound just jumping up and down in celebration after I got off the scale! This is the first time in over seven years that I have been under three hundred pounds. Call Guinness! (the world record people, not the beer people, please!)
First goal reached. Next goal: 275 lbs.!
I took the kids to the pool the other day. We walked a mile to the pool, and I spent three hours turning into a pink raisin (and eventually a red one), doing laps and playing with the kids. I slept really well that night and had some lovely muscle aches in the morning, so I know I worked out- even without the gym!
I'm also having more greens at mealtime, to make up for all that pasta last week. Not that we can really 'make-up' for our past discrepancies,but you get the idea. I just wanted to get back on track. We had a lovely chicken Cobb salad! Here's the recipe:
Beth Brubaker's Chicken Cobb Salad
Two chicken breasts, fat trimmed
Montreal chicken seasoning (I used GrillMates from Sam's Club)
Olive oil
1/3 cup Real bacon bits or 6 slices of bacon, crumbled
1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 boiled eggs, diced (use and egg slicer and after first cut, turn 1/4 turn and cut again- instantly diced!) It's best to boil eggs the day before and chill before dicing.
Four handfuls romaine lettuce
Four handfuls fresh spinach
1/4 cup Italian dressing
Large bowl with lid to toss salad
Season chicken breasts and set aside. Cook bacon and set aside (if needed). In a medium skillet, add about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and set onto medium high heat. When hot add chicken breasts, and if possible cover with a large pot lid that covers the pan (this helps it cook a little faster and keeps it juicy). Do not press chicken! After five minutes, turn chicken over and cover for another five minutes.
While chicken is cooking, dice and crumble bacon and eggs into a small bowl. Set aside and shred cheese, if needed. When chicken is done (test with a fork in the thickest part of the breast- any serious resistance or pink juices means it's not done yet- juices should be clear), let cool for about ten minutes in pan juices.
Add lettuce and spinach into a large bowl, then add cheese, bacon and egg. Slice chicken breasts across the grain as thin as possible (not chunks), and add to the large bowl. Add Italian dressing to the mix and cover the bowl tightly, shaking vigorously to coat and blend. Open bowl and serve immediately.
This should serve four large salads, or six smaller ones.
This must be made fresh! Leftovers or making the day before will make the greens wilt and lose their crunchiness and the cheese will lose firmness and turn gooey!
I'm going to have this for lunch today as well- it's SO good! I hope you'll try it and let me know what you think.
I'm keeping my chins up for a thinner future! I hope this post has inspired you. God Bless, and have a great day!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Scale Melted
I don't know where you live, but here it's been a heat index of over 100 degrees- in some cases 115! So I wound up not going to the gym Friday OR Monday. Humidity that would shame an ogre's armpit is not something I want to ride my bike in!
If I had a scale, it probably would have been a puddle of plastic and springs, but since I go to the gym to get weighed...and I didn't go back yet...well, let's just say I might be thinner. I have no idea.
This was a tough week, because I had to make quick meals and stretch them out, so there was a lot of pasta being used. And if I didn't have at least a little of it, I would have had to eat the table. So I went for the lesser of two evils. Besides, I don't like the feeling of wood splinters getting stuck in my teeth!
I didn't have a lot mind you, but I can definitely feel a difference after a few days of eating it. I hope I lost, but I won't know until I bike my hind-end over to the gym tomorrow. The weather report says little humidity, so I might just survive the heat better.
As for me and mine, I plan on taking them to the pool to get a little exercise. It's a mile-long hike to get there, and we'll spend about three hours turning into pink raisins. Then we'll either walk home or get a ride, if my husband is home from work by then. Either way, the kids and I will sleep much sounder tonight!
I'll keep you posted as soon as I weigh myself. And tonight's dinner will consist of rice instead of pasta!
If I had a scale, it probably would have been a puddle of plastic and springs, but since I go to the gym to get weighed...and I didn't go back yet...well, let's just say I might be thinner. I have no idea.
This was a tough week, because I had to make quick meals and stretch them out, so there was a lot of pasta being used. And if I didn't have at least a little of it, I would have had to eat the table. So I went for the lesser of two evils. Besides, I don't like the feeling of wood splinters getting stuck in my teeth!
I didn't have a lot mind you, but I can definitely feel a difference after a few days of eating it. I hope I lost, but I won't know until I bike my hind-end over to the gym tomorrow. The weather report says little humidity, so I might just survive the heat better.
As for me and mine, I plan on taking them to the pool to get a little exercise. It's a mile-long hike to get there, and we'll spend about three hours turning into pink raisins. Then we'll either walk home or get a ride, if my husband is home from work by then. Either way, the kids and I will sleep much sounder tonight!
I'll keep you posted as soon as I weigh myself. And tonight's dinner will consist of rice instead of pasta!
Monday, July 18, 2011
One Step Back, Two Forward!
The title is a twist to the old saying; The original is just too negative for my taste!
This week we had to test recipes for funnel cake to sell at our yard sale, and of course, I had to test it as well- it was a moral imperative. Okay, maybe not-so-moral, but you get the idea. That and the super-special thing that happens to all females of the species once in a while that makes up blow up like a whoopee cushion showed on the scale this week.
But only a little. I gained a pound.
In perspective, a pound isn't really a lot for me- most times I gain at least five during the monthly event, not to mention the recent consumption of a lot of freshly made funnel cake. With powdered sugar sprinkled liberally on top. But that pound is still sitting there, waiting for me to do something about it.
So I did.
I went to the gym today for my regular workout, and found out as I was working on one of the machines I use to tighten belly muscles (aka 'abs', which are more like 'flabs' at the moment), that I was doing the exercise completely wrong. The instructor showed me how to do it right, and wow, what a difference! Now I hurt in a whole new way I never knew I could!
But it's a good hurt, if you get my drift. Muscles that ache a little are growing- it's when they begin to really hurt that you have a problem! One step back, two steps forward! I'm not giving up, and neither should any of you who are trying to lose weight too.
There will always be some ups among the downs, but if you're consistently going down and have very few ups, you're doing well. Especially when you stop eating funnel cake. No one is perfect, and neither will your journey down Weight Loss Way be either. In fact, I think those little plateaus make me more determined to get past them!
God bless! Don't forget to lick that powdered sugar off your fingers and go, go, go!!
This week we had to test recipes for funnel cake to sell at our yard sale, and of course, I had to test it as well- it was a moral imperative. Okay, maybe not-so-moral, but you get the idea. That and the super-special thing that happens to all females of the species once in a while that makes up blow up like a whoopee cushion showed on the scale this week.
But only a little. I gained a pound.
In perspective, a pound isn't really a lot for me- most times I gain at least five during the monthly event, not to mention the recent consumption of a lot of freshly made funnel cake. With powdered sugar sprinkled liberally on top. But that pound is still sitting there, waiting for me to do something about it.
So I did.
I went to the gym today for my regular workout, and found out as I was working on one of the machines I use to tighten belly muscles (aka 'abs', which are more like 'flabs' at the moment), that I was doing the exercise completely wrong. The instructor showed me how to do it right, and wow, what a difference! Now I hurt in a whole new way I never knew I could!
But it's a good hurt, if you get my drift. Muscles that ache a little are growing- it's when they begin to really hurt that you have a problem! One step back, two steps forward! I'm not giving up, and neither should any of you who are trying to lose weight too.
There will always be some ups among the downs, but if you're consistently going down and have very few ups, you're doing well. Especially when you stop eating funnel cake. No one is perfect, and neither will your journey down Weight Loss Way be either. In fact, I think those little plateaus make me more determined to get past them!
God bless! Don't forget to lick that powdered sugar off your fingers and go, go, go!!
Monday, July 11, 2011
When to Say No
Sometimes there are tough decisions to make. Not going to the gym today was one of them. Why?
Because I needed to ride my bike to get there, and there's a 100 degree heat index outside. Hot, humid, and sticky- I'd have to ride through all the lovely stuff to get to the gym. Personally, when the radio stations are telling you to stay inside, it's generally a good idea to do so. Especially when I'm humidity intolerant. I melt when it's humid!
So today I'm staying home, but keeping busy!
I weighed myself on Friday, and was down another pound! Now I'm 304- just four pounds away from my first target goal- WOOHOO!
I want to keep it that way, so I'll be back at the gym mid-week. I'm not going to make staying home a habit, but I'm not going to risk killing myself via heat stroke either. You have to know when to say no.
God bless!
Because I needed to ride my bike to get there, and there's a 100 degree heat index outside. Hot, humid, and sticky- I'd have to ride through all the lovely stuff to get to the gym. Personally, when the radio stations are telling you to stay inside, it's generally a good idea to do so. Especially when I'm humidity intolerant. I melt when it's humid!
So today I'm staying home, but keeping busy!
I weighed myself on Friday, and was down another pound! Now I'm 304- just four pounds away from my first target goal- WOOHOO!
I want to keep it that way, so I'll be back at the gym mid-week. I'm not going to make staying home a habit, but I'm not going to risk killing myself via heat stroke either. You have to know when to say no.
God bless!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
On the Downhill Run
No, I haven't been running (it's too dangerous for me and the passers by to be doing that yet), but I have been going downhill- in weight, that is!
I stepped on the scale and it told me I am 305- that's a pound and a half down, folks!
This week I spent some grocery money on greens. Nice, dark greens like spinach and romaine lettuce, as well as mixed greens. Good stuff, if a little bitter at times. I have to find out which particular green is responsible for that. Bleah.
Lunches consisted of turkey salad on greens, and we did wraps twice this week stuffed with it too. Did you know you can feed a family of four with a single chicken breast? We are usually big eaters here (especially my 13 year old son, who is now taller than me), but I've never thought we'd be satisfied with a quarter breast each. We might have wraps more often! It certainly stretched the meat a lot more- And I had enough chicken leftover for another meal because I'd made two breasts!
But that's really the point, isn't it? To eat when satisfied, not when the plate is empty. My daughter didn't even finish hers, and I didn't make her either. 'Finish your food' was a mantra many moms chanted when we were kids, and our plates were always filled near adult-size portions. I try not to do that with my kids, and she hardly ever finishes off her plate. My son, however, can finish it off, have seconds, and then eat the plate, and part of the table if I let him! I'm learning that I need to feed him more for his survival, but two helpings is his limit. He's got a lot of muscle and very little fat, so I know he's burning it off, just like his dad. Darn it all....they have metabolisms like rabbits on sugar!
Part of me is glad that the freezer died. I've learned to cook with less, to stretch out the meals, and that salad/greens with a meal will fill you up. My son is still a veggieholic, but he's the only one. the rest of us like seeing salad and veggies on our plates, and I intend to keep it that way!
Vegetables stretch just as much as starchy stuff- it just costs a bit more. But the trade is totally worth it! I've cut down on potatoes and rice (just a little) and have also realized that I need to cut down on sugar as well. Not cut out, not switch to artificial sweeteners (have you seen the chemicals in those? Most are other forms of sugar!), but just have less. The real thing is always better than the processed stuff!
I'm also doing more cardio. I went to the pool with the kids last week, and it was awesome! I had a great workout (especially when my son was trying to catch me), and I took walks in the park with my family during the week. Not only was this great for me, but we had time away from our hectic world for a while. This is the stuff our kids will remember us by, not me letting them play the computer!
I will keep you posted of my progress- I hope to be closer to 300 by next week!
God bless, and I hope to hear of your successes as well!
I stepped on the scale and it told me I am 305- that's a pound and a half down, folks!
This week I spent some grocery money on greens. Nice, dark greens like spinach and romaine lettuce, as well as mixed greens. Good stuff, if a little bitter at times. I have to find out which particular green is responsible for that. Bleah.
Lunches consisted of turkey salad on greens, and we did wraps twice this week stuffed with it too. Did you know you can feed a family of four with a single chicken breast? We are usually big eaters here (especially my 13 year old son, who is now taller than me), but I've never thought we'd be satisfied with a quarter breast each. We might have wraps more often! It certainly stretched the meat a lot more- And I had enough chicken leftover for another meal because I'd made two breasts!
But that's really the point, isn't it? To eat when satisfied, not when the plate is empty. My daughter didn't even finish hers, and I didn't make her either. 'Finish your food' was a mantra many moms chanted when we were kids, and our plates were always filled near adult-size portions. I try not to do that with my kids, and she hardly ever finishes off her plate. My son, however, can finish it off, have seconds, and then eat the plate, and part of the table if I let him! I'm learning that I need to feed him more for his survival, but two helpings is his limit. He's got a lot of muscle and very little fat, so I know he's burning it off, just like his dad. Darn it all....they have metabolisms like rabbits on sugar!
Part of me is glad that the freezer died. I've learned to cook with less, to stretch out the meals, and that salad/greens with a meal will fill you up. My son is still a veggieholic, but he's the only one. the rest of us like seeing salad and veggies on our plates, and I intend to keep it that way!
Vegetables stretch just as much as starchy stuff- it just costs a bit more. But the trade is totally worth it! I've cut down on potatoes and rice (just a little) and have also realized that I need to cut down on sugar as well. Not cut out, not switch to artificial sweeteners (have you seen the chemicals in those? Most are other forms of sugar!), but just have less. The real thing is always better than the processed stuff!
I'm also doing more cardio. I went to the pool with the kids last week, and it was awesome! I had a great workout (especially when my son was trying to catch me), and I took walks in the park with my family during the week. Not only was this great for me, but we had time away from our hectic world for a while. This is the stuff our kids will remember us by, not me letting them play the computer!
I will keep you posted of my progress- I hope to be closer to 300 by next week!
God bless, and I hope to hear of your successes as well!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Maintaining!
I just checked the scale and I've maintained my 306.5! YAY!
Why the Yay? Because I overdid it a little this weekend! Not to mention Friday was the first day EVER that I didn't make it to the gym! I had really good reasons too- but I can't post them here. ;)
The important thing is I'm back on track! Still looking at my fist for portion size when I eat so I don't overindulge, and seeking out foods free of flour- if possible. Sometimes you just gotta eat what's there or nothing at all- and nothing is never good!
The reason I didn't have much of a choice this week is because someone (I won't mention names but their initials are K-I-D-S) left the upright freezer door open the entire weekend and we lost all the food stores- most of it being meat. So when I have a choice between leftover mac and meatballs or nothing, guess what I'm going to have?
Better to eat than to starve, I say- starving messes up your metabolism!
The next hurdle is walking and doing those DVD's when I'm not at the gym during my 'off' days- I just can't seem to get motivated when I'm at home!
But I promise, I'll be working on that this week! God Bless!
Why the Yay? Because I overdid it a little this weekend! Not to mention Friday was the first day EVER that I didn't make it to the gym! I had really good reasons too- but I can't post them here. ;)
The important thing is I'm back on track! Still looking at my fist for portion size when I eat so I don't overindulge, and seeking out foods free of flour- if possible. Sometimes you just gotta eat what's there or nothing at all- and nothing is never good!
The reason I didn't have much of a choice this week is because someone (I won't mention names but their initials are K-I-D-S) left the upright freezer door open the entire weekend and we lost all the food stores- most of it being meat. So when I have a choice between leftover mac and meatballs or nothing, guess what I'm going to have?
Better to eat than to starve, I say- starving messes up your metabolism!
The next hurdle is walking and doing those DVD's when I'm not at the gym during my 'off' days- I just can't seem to get motivated when I'm at home!
But I promise, I'll be working on that this week! God Bless!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Going Down?
Yes, I am!
I weighed myself this morning and am now 306.5! That is 13.5 pounds LOST! WOOHOO!
So let's see the differences since the beginning:
I no longer have back pain due to standing too long- unless I really overdo it.
My clothing is getting loose- not only from the weight lost but also because of toning!
I'm much more toned. I can actually see my body shaping up, and I can now find 'skinny spots' all over me!
I have a lot more endurance. In fact for the first time, I actually rode my bike all the way home from the gym today!
I am not afraid to sweat. I used to be- I hate sweating! Not only because of the wetness, but because I don't like the idea that people think I smell. I don't smell! I'm amazed at how many thin people say fat people smell bad. I take showers just like they do- I just need more soap! ;)
I'm more aware of what I eat. Four and now sugar are on the list of 'avoid as much as possible', because I've done a lot of experimentation with my meals. Potatoes don't affect me, and rice does a little- but not nearly as bad as bread or pasta. When I avoid flour I feel much better and have a lot more energy. Same goes for the sugar- I won't use substitutes, but I also won't be eating it a lot either. It sucks out energy like a vacuum!
Fruits and veggies rule! I've found that if I just have lean meats and veggies (non-starchy ones) and have fruit on a regular basis, I feel much more energetic and yes, happier. And it tastes awesome too- no additives!
Sometimes you need to push yourself and/or step-up the program. I admit it- I'm lazy when it comes to many things. Exercise is one of them. Once I get into a comfortable routine, I hate messing with it! But when you're doing 30 reps like they're nothing, you need to do more reps or add weights- or both. I found that once a month is good time to do some upgrading- that way you're not straining your muscles by going too fast, but you're not getting bored either. Once your body is comfortable, add weights, more reps or add a new regime entirely.
I'm adding walking to my routine on my off days.
I can't get to the gym each day yet (at least on my bike), so I'll start using my laundry rack...er- I mean treadmill to start walking more. It has a varied routine already programmed into it, but I might just do some regular walking first to warm up first. I also have some DVDs called Walking off the Pounds, and I'll use those as well, just to shake things up a bit since I'll no longer be walking my daughter to school during the summer months!
The weight is coming off slower than expected, but that's okay- I would rather it came off slow and stayed off, than to lose it fast and have it back within a year!
As Aesop once said about the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race. Even if that race takes me two or three years!
I weighed myself this morning and am now 306.5! That is 13.5 pounds LOST! WOOHOO!
So let's see the differences since the beginning:
I no longer have back pain due to standing too long- unless I really overdo it.
My clothing is getting loose- not only from the weight lost but also because of toning!
I'm much more toned. I can actually see my body shaping up, and I can now find 'skinny spots' all over me!
I have a lot more endurance. In fact for the first time, I actually rode my bike all the way home from the gym today!
I am not afraid to sweat. I used to be- I hate sweating! Not only because of the wetness, but because I don't like the idea that people think I smell. I don't smell! I'm amazed at how many thin people say fat people smell bad. I take showers just like they do- I just need more soap! ;)
I'm more aware of what I eat. Four and now sugar are on the list of 'avoid as much as possible', because I've done a lot of experimentation with my meals. Potatoes don't affect me, and rice does a little- but not nearly as bad as bread or pasta. When I avoid flour I feel much better and have a lot more energy. Same goes for the sugar- I won't use substitutes, but I also won't be eating it a lot either. It sucks out energy like a vacuum!
Fruits and veggies rule! I've found that if I just have lean meats and veggies (non-starchy ones) and have fruit on a regular basis, I feel much more energetic and yes, happier. And it tastes awesome too- no additives!
Sometimes you need to push yourself and/or step-up the program. I admit it- I'm lazy when it comes to many things. Exercise is one of them. Once I get into a comfortable routine, I hate messing with it! But when you're doing 30 reps like they're nothing, you need to do more reps or add weights- or both. I found that once a month is good time to do some upgrading- that way you're not straining your muscles by going too fast, but you're not getting bored either. Once your body is comfortable, add weights, more reps or add a new regime entirely.
I'm adding walking to my routine on my off days.
I can't get to the gym each day yet (at least on my bike), so I'll start using my laundry rack...er- I mean treadmill to start walking more. It has a varied routine already programmed into it, but I might just do some regular walking first to warm up first. I also have some DVDs called Walking off the Pounds, and I'll use those as well, just to shake things up a bit since I'll no longer be walking my daughter to school during the summer months!
The weight is coming off slower than expected, but that's okay- I would rather it came off slow and stayed off, than to lose it fast and have it back within a year!
As Aesop once said about the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race. Even if that race takes me two or three years!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Getting Over Hurdles!
I have to admit- I blew it a few times this week.
I ate more than my fistful twice, and also ate several times when I wasn't truly hungry...it was there (or offered to me) and I caved and ate it anyway.
But I refuse to beat myself up over it!
The scale showed that I remained the same- no loss, no gain. I know I gained a little muscle, but I also know I messed up. It evened itself out this week. :)
One thing I've learned is that berating yourself does more harm than good. I used to do it all the time! I can't believe I ate that! Why did I take seconds? I knew I shouldn't have had..._________(fill in the blank)!
Now? I get over it and move on, just like a hurdler. That's much better than just standing before the hurdle and letting it block you from moving forward!
Please don't promise you'll be perfect next week if you mess up- that only sets you up for a fall if things get out of hand. There's nothing wrong with telling yourself you'll do better, but don't promise yourself perfection. A positive attitude is much easier to deal with- especially when it's your own!
So I screwed up. Next time I'll do better. That hurdle's looking smaller by the minute!
The good news is I didn't gain. And I'm retaining a lot of water as of late. It happens every summer- I bloat up like a water balloon and I don't go down until the fall. But it's fun poking my feet and making smiley-face shaped dents in them. Even water retention can be fun, if you let it. I was just glad I could reach my feet!
God bless, and remember to smile when you go over your hurdles!
I ate more than my fistful twice, and also ate several times when I wasn't truly hungry...it was there (or offered to me) and I caved and ate it anyway.
But I refuse to beat myself up over it!
The scale showed that I remained the same- no loss, no gain. I know I gained a little muscle, but I also know I messed up. It evened itself out this week. :)
One thing I've learned is that berating yourself does more harm than good. I used to do it all the time! I can't believe I ate that! Why did I take seconds? I knew I shouldn't have had..._________(fill in the blank)!
Now? I get over it and move on, just like a hurdler. That's much better than just standing before the hurdle and letting it block you from moving forward!
Please don't promise you'll be perfect next week if you mess up- that only sets you up for a fall if things get out of hand. There's nothing wrong with telling yourself you'll do better, but don't promise yourself perfection. A positive attitude is much easier to deal with- especially when it's your own!
So I screwed up. Next time I'll do better. That hurdle's looking smaller by the minute!
The good news is I didn't gain. And I'm retaining a lot of water as of late. It happens every summer- I bloat up like a water balloon and I don't go down until the fall. But it's fun poking my feet and making smiley-face shaped dents in them. Even water retention can be fun, if you let it. I was just glad I could reach my feet!
God bless, and remember to smile when you go over your hurdles!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Why You Don't Lose Weight
I did a funny post on this at my other blog, Footprints in the Mud, but now I'm going to deal with the real reasons why you might not be losing.
Weighing too often. It's true- you can vary in weight from day to day, depending on how much you drink, the humidity outside, and what you drink on a regular basis. One lady was weighing herself twice a day- she lost two pounds at one weigh-in (the night before), and the next morning she gained four! Here she drank a lot of water and coffee (caffeine can be a factor concerning this). Don't weigh yourself more than once a week, and weigh yourself at the same time every weigh-in. The results will be more consistent.
PMS. Some women bloat and retain a lot of water during this time, and it will show on the scale. Keep this in mind, especially if you've been on target with your diet and exercise regime!
Dehydration. Believe it or not, not getting enough water will make you gain weight through retention. Make sure you drink a lot of water on a regular basis- your body will react by getting rid of excess water when it gets enough regularly.
Weigh-in when you wake up, after a bathroom break. When you first wake up, your body is in elimination mode, so don't weigh yourself until you've gone to the bathroom at least twice. You've held a lot all night, and the first time you go will be getting rid of all that. Usually it takes about a half-hour for you to have to go again, so do your weigh-in after that. You'll be glad you did!
Clothing. Clothing really is a factor when weighing in. Try to wear similar clothing every time, for consistency. Sweat pants in the wintertime will make you weigh more than shorts in the summer, and weigh your footwear separately so you don't have to take your shoes off every time you weigh in. My sneakers weigh a pound and a half, so I know exactly what to deduct from the scale since I weigh myself at the gym and can't take off my shoes.
Gaining muscle. It's true- muscle does weigh more than fat. If you've gained and remained the same weight, but did everything right, you might have gained muscle! If you can, take a picture of yourself front, back and side views once a month so you can see that changes. Or you can take a tape measure and write down the measurements of your arms, legs, waist, hips and belly, then measure again when you hit a plateau. This will keep you from getting discouraged if you don't see results on the scale.
Food Allergies. Sometimes we follow a plan made for us, but it still doesn;t work. Maybe there's something in the diet itself you're reacting to, if on a small scale. For instance, I don't have Celiac disease, but I found I lost energy whenever I had something with wheat flour in it. So when I dropped that out of my diet, I started feeling better and lost more weight! Drop one thing out of your diet at a time for a week, and see if you react differently. If you don't react, put it back in and take something else out. You might be surprised by what you're sensitive to!
I hope some of these tips help you to stay with your weight-loss plans! May God Bless you, and have a great week!
Weighing too often. It's true- you can vary in weight from day to day, depending on how much you drink, the humidity outside, and what you drink on a regular basis. One lady was weighing herself twice a day- she lost two pounds at one weigh-in (the night before), and the next morning she gained four! Here she drank a lot of water and coffee (caffeine can be a factor concerning this). Don't weigh yourself more than once a week, and weigh yourself at the same time every weigh-in. The results will be more consistent.
PMS. Some women bloat and retain a lot of water during this time, and it will show on the scale. Keep this in mind, especially if you've been on target with your diet and exercise regime!
Dehydration. Believe it or not, not getting enough water will make you gain weight through retention. Make sure you drink a lot of water on a regular basis- your body will react by getting rid of excess water when it gets enough regularly.
Weigh-in when you wake up, after a bathroom break. When you first wake up, your body is in elimination mode, so don't weigh yourself until you've gone to the bathroom at least twice. You've held a lot all night, and the first time you go will be getting rid of all that. Usually it takes about a half-hour for you to have to go again, so do your weigh-in after that. You'll be glad you did!
Clothing. Clothing really is a factor when weighing in. Try to wear similar clothing every time, for consistency. Sweat pants in the wintertime will make you weigh more than shorts in the summer, and weigh your footwear separately so you don't have to take your shoes off every time you weigh in. My sneakers weigh a pound and a half, so I know exactly what to deduct from the scale since I weigh myself at the gym and can't take off my shoes.
Gaining muscle. It's true- muscle does weigh more than fat. If you've gained and remained the same weight, but did everything right, you might have gained muscle! If you can, take a picture of yourself front, back and side views once a month so you can see that changes. Or you can take a tape measure and write down the measurements of your arms, legs, waist, hips and belly, then measure again when you hit a plateau. This will keep you from getting discouraged if you don't see results on the scale.
Food Allergies. Sometimes we follow a plan made for us, but it still doesn;t work. Maybe there's something in the diet itself you're reacting to, if on a small scale. For instance, I don't have Celiac disease, but I found I lost energy whenever I had something with wheat flour in it. So when I dropped that out of my diet, I started feeling better and lost more weight! Drop one thing out of your diet at a time for a week, and see if you react differently. If you don't react, put it back in and take something else out. You might be surprised by what you're sensitive to!
I hope some of these tips help you to stay with your weight-loss plans! May God Bless you, and have a great week!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Weight Lost!
Sorry I took so long in getting back here- the holiday weekend totally threw me off!
I am happy to report I am now under 310! I'm a svelte 308.5. WOOHOO!
I'm reading this book called Thin Within- it's not a diet, but a biblical way of looking at eating habits. So far I'm on day 5 (chapter 5) and found two interesting things that really struck me as ingenious:
One- Ever see thin people eating diet food? No. So why are WE? I tossed out the diet foods long ago and I'm glad I did! This just drove home the point I was doing the right thing. I eat REAL cheese, REAL ice cream, and all that good stuff like meat, fruit and veggies. I just am careful about how much I stick in my mouth!
Two- Your stomach is about the size of your fist. To be satisfied but not overly full, don't take more than a 'fistful' of foods at a meal. WOW! This really blew me away (I have tiny hands..lol!) Portion control was always an issue with me, because i could never tell just how much six ounces of this was, or four ounces of that was.
Now I can look at my own fist and see what I should be taking- in total, mind you, not a fist of meat and a fist of veggies. I can out my portion on a six-inch plate and know that is exactly what I should be eating, since I have no idea (yet) when I consider myself 'satisfied'.
I put this to the test the other day and had a 'fist' of dinner that included roast chicken with gravy, and buttered broccoli and carrots. When the plate was empty I was done (I usually go for seconds). My mouth wanted more, but I just sipped my drink while everyone else finished (first glass was homemade iced tea, the second was water). By the time everyone was done, I actually felt satisfied! If I had eaten more like I wanted to, I would have been too full. I was amazed!
So now I'm doing it for each meal, no matter what- and the scale is starting to show it!
The only down side this week is that I have a head cold, so I had to cut short two of my workouts this week due to a massive headache and weakness. But I still went, and I still tried- that's the important thing! I'll be resting today and drinking a lot of fluids. I want to get better fast so I can go back to the gym next week!
People are starting to notice I'm losing weight, and that my shape is changing for the better. When I don't lose, I use those comments to keep me going!
God Bless, and have a great week!
I am happy to report I am now under 310! I'm a svelte 308.5. WOOHOO!
I'm reading this book called Thin Within- it's not a diet, but a biblical way of looking at eating habits. So far I'm on day 5 (chapter 5) and found two interesting things that really struck me as ingenious:
One- Ever see thin people eating diet food? No. So why are WE? I tossed out the diet foods long ago and I'm glad I did! This just drove home the point I was doing the right thing. I eat REAL cheese, REAL ice cream, and all that good stuff like meat, fruit and veggies. I just am careful about how much I stick in my mouth!
Two- Your stomach is about the size of your fist. To be satisfied but not overly full, don't take more than a 'fistful' of foods at a meal. WOW! This really blew me away (I have tiny hands..lol!) Portion control was always an issue with me, because i could never tell just how much six ounces of this was, or four ounces of that was.
Now I can look at my own fist and see what I should be taking- in total, mind you, not a fist of meat and a fist of veggies. I can out my portion on a six-inch plate and know that is exactly what I should be eating, since I have no idea (yet) when I consider myself 'satisfied'.
I put this to the test the other day and had a 'fist' of dinner that included roast chicken with gravy, and buttered broccoli and carrots. When the plate was empty I was done (I usually go for seconds). My mouth wanted more, but I just sipped my drink while everyone else finished (first glass was homemade iced tea, the second was water). By the time everyone was done, I actually felt satisfied! If I had eaten more like I wanted to, I would have been too full. I was amazed!
So now I'm doing it for each meal, no matter what- and the scale is starting to show it!
The only down side this week is that I have a head cold, so I had to cut short two of my workouts this week due to a massive headache and weakness. But I still went, and I still tried- that's the important thing! I'll be resting today and drinking a lot of fluids. I want to get better fast so I can go back to the gym next week!
People are starting to notice I'm losing weight, and that my shape is changing for the better. When I don't lose, I use those comments to keep me going!
God Bless, and have a great week!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Watching Before You Eat!
To start things off, I gained two pounds. But I also know why.
I didn't overeat, which I tend to do when it's something yummy. But I also didn't drink enough water, and that always makes me gain. My body goes into dehydration mode, and I start conserving water like a dry sponge. But that was only one small factor.
We went out for Chinese food this weekend as a treat, and I ordered the house special lo mien, thinking it was rice noodles. Only after I started feeling a little bloaty did I ask what the noodles were made of. Surprise! They were made of wheat!
Well, crud. I had already eaten my fill and packed up the other half for my lunch for today. It was no shock to see an additional two pounds on the scale this morning. You live and learn!
And I've learned what not to order in a Chinese restaurant- unless I ask first! My daughter ordered chicken and broccoli, so maybe I'll convince her to switch with me. She's ten years old and needs those carbs to grow anyway.
This week I have the bike, and I prayed all this rainy morning that it wouldn't rain during my ride to and from the gym. God is good, and I stayed dry! Now it can rain all He wants- until Wednesday morning when I have to ride again! Prayer works!
So remember this little tip from me to you- watch what you eat before you eat it. You never know what's in it unless you ask! God Bless!
I didn't overeat, which I tend to do when it's something yummy. But I also didn't drink enough water, and that always makes me gain. My body goes into dehydration mode, and I start conserving water like a dry sponge. But that was only one small factor.
We went out for Chinese food this weekend as a treat, and I ordered the house special lo mien, thinking it was rice noodles. Only after I started feeling a little bloaty did I ask what the noodles were made of. Surprise! They were made of wheat!
Well, crud. I had already eaten my fill and packed up the other half for my lunch for today. It was no shock to see an additional two pounds on the scale this morning. You live and learn!
And I've learned what not to order in a Chinese restaurant- unless I ask first! My daughter ordered chicken and broccoli, so maybe I'll convince her to switch with me. She's ten years old and needs those carbs to grow anyway.
This week I have the bike, and I prayed all this rainy morning that it wouldn't rain during my ride to and from the gym. God is good, and I stayed dry! Now it can rain all He wants- until Wednesday morning when I have to ride again! Prayer works!
So remember this little tip from me to you- watch what you eat before you eat it. You never know what's in it unless you ask! God Bless!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Was That a....Muscle??
I do believe I felt some payoff the other day.
I was lying in bed reading, and placed my hand against my leg. And I felt something odd. Something that didn't feel normal.
I stopped reading, staring aghast at my leg. There was....definition.
"Honey! Come look!" I cried, "I think I found a muscle!"
My husband came in and confirmed my discovery. The muscle just above my knee was firming up, and had caused a definitive dip as it curved into my hip. The workouts were actually working.
Huzzah!
I went into the gym on Monday to find I had also lost another half pound over the weekend! Life is definitely good!
Sorry about not posting all of this yesterday, but I'd been running around all over the place doing errands, and didn't even get a chance to think about the computer the entire day, no less post anything! I'm also noticing that I'm recovering faster energy-wise after I do too much. Not the workouts, but the everyday stuff that keeps me on my feet for hours at a time.
God bless, and may you find new muscles too!
I was lying in bed reading, and placed my hand against my leg. And I felt something odd. Something that didn't feel normal.
I stopped reading, staring aghast at my leg. There was....definition.
"Honey! Come look!" I cried, "I think I found a muscle!"
My husband came in and confirmed my discovery. The muscle just above my knee was firming up, and had caused a definitive dip as it curved into my hip. The workouts were actually working.
Huzzah!
I went into the gym on Monday to find I had also lost another half pound over the weekend! Life is definitely good!
Sorry about not posting all of this yesterday, but I'd been running around all over the place doing errands, and didn't even get a chance to think about the computer the entire day, no less post anything! I'm also noticing that I'm recovering faster energy-wise after I do too much. Not the workouts, but the everyday stuff that keeps me on my feet for hours at a time.
God bless, and may you find new muscles too!
Monday, May 9, 2011
It's Working!
It's almost like being on Biggest Loser when they step on the scale. You know you've worked out a lot, but sometimes the scale refuses to show it. Like I've been saying in the past few weeks, sometimes you lose the fat but gain muscle; and when you do, it hardly ever shows up on the scale.
But that was last week. This week I lost another three pounds! If you're keeping track, that's a grand total of nine pounds- maybe I should buy a bikini.
Nah. Maybe next week.
Even if this week didn't show weight loss, I can tell I'm getting more fit- there's some definite muscle toning going on in my legs, and when I rode my bike today, I made it all the way to the gym without stopping to walk! I also wasn't as tired either- and I can do a lot more than I used to without feeling that band of pain around my abdomen. It's nice to see a loss on the scale though! It's like icing on the ca- er...veggies on the chicken! (no cake...flour and sugar bad, meat and veggies good!)
One thing I'd noticed is when I have soup, I tend to lose better. Especially if that soup has a clear broth, not a creamy one. Not so much because of the fat content (though that is a small factor), but the fact I usually use flour to make the creamy soup thickener. Even if I use rice flour, I'm not sure of I should eat it- I'm still working that out. :)
There are only two or three exercises that I have to stop during my 30 rep runs to rest my muscles, and they are all arm related. Maybe I should make more bread doughs in the kitchen just for the workout they would give me! It would lower the food budget too- at least for the rest of the family, because I can make a loaf of bread for less than forty-five cents. It would taste better too! But I wouldn't know that because when I bake, I never eat. However, I am not responsible for when happens when I'm done baking- I just hope it gets eaten that night, so I'm not tempted!
There is nothing like fresh baked bread, toasted and well-buttered...Mmmmmm.
I think I need to eat lunch now. Without bread.
Lunch today will be a lovely bowl of stir-fry pork soup, which my daughter and I have dubbed Green Soup. It has carrots, spinach, rice and chicken in chicken broth, and is very yummy! We have enough left over that I can have it for lunch tomorrow too- if I can keep my daughter from eating it when she gets home. She loves that stuff.
I'm working on snacks as well- devilled eggs are on the list, as well as two spreads to make my baked corn tortilla chips more appetizing. The chips are in place of crackers, and have no wheat in them- they just give things a nice crunch that I miss sometimes. I can also put the spreads on celery too, which I have plenty of at the moment- at least until my daughter sees it- then I might not get any!
I took some pictures of myself when I was starting at the gym, and I was thinking of taking more- sort of a monthly visual update, so I can keep track of progress and body shape changes. As soon as I get them loaded into the computer, I will be happy to share them with you!
If you're working out with me and not seeing results, give it time- you might just be building muscle! And if you lost? Congratulations! You're on your way to a fitter you!
God Bless!
But that was last week. This week I lost another three pounds! If you're keeping track, that's a grand total of nine pounds- maybe I should buy a bikini.
Nah. Maybe next week.
Even if this week didn't show weight loss, I can tell I'm getting more fit- there's some definite muscle toning going on in my legs, and when I rode my bike today, I made it all the way to the gym without stopping to walk! I also wasn't as tired either- and I can do a lot more than I used to without feeling that band of pain around my abdomen. It's nice to see a loss on the scale though! It's like icing on the ca- er...veggies on the chicken! (no cake...flour and sugar bad, meat and veggies good!)
One thing I'd noticed is when I have soup, I tend to lose better. Especially if that soup has a clear broth, not a creamy one. Not so much because of the fat content (though that is a small factor), but the fact I usually use flour to make the creamy soup thickener. Even if I use rice flour, I'm not sure of I should eat it- I'm still working that out. :)
There are only two or three exercises that I have to stop during my 30 rep runs to rest my muscles, and they are all arm related. Maybe I should make more bread doughs in the kitchen just for the workout they would give me! It would lower the food budget too- at least for the rest of the family, because I can make a loaf of bread for less than forty-five cents. It would taste better too! But I wouldn't know that because when I bake, I never eat. However, I am not responsible for when happens when I'm done baking- I just hope it gets eaten that night, so I'm not tempted!
There is nothing like fresh baked bread, toasted and well-buttered...Mmmmmm.
I think I need to eat lunch now. Without bread.
Lunch today will be a lovely bowl of stir-fry pork soup, which my daughter and I have dubbed Green Soup. It has carrots, spinach, rice and chicken in chicken broth, and is very yummy! We have enough left over that I can have it for lunch tomorrow too- if I can keep my daughter from eating it when she gets home. She loves that stuff.
I'm working on snacks as well- devilled eggs are on the list, as well as two spreads to make my baked corn tortilla chips more appetizing. The chips are in place of crackers, and have no wheat in them- they just give things a nice crunch that I miss sometimes. I can also put the spreads on celery too, which I have plenty of at the moment- at least until my daughter sees it- then I might not get any!
I took some pictures of myself when I was starting at the gym, and I was thinking of taking more- sort of a monthly visual update, so I can keep track of progress and body shape changes. As soon as I get them loaded into the computer, I will be happy to share them with you!
If you're working out with me and not seeing results, give it time- you might just be building muscle! And if you lost? Congratulations! You're on your way to a fitter you!
God Bless!
Monday, May 2, 2011
ReComputing!
Good morning!
This week I have the car, so I decided to clock my biking route to see just how far I really went last week. Of course I had overestimated, but not by much. It was a total of 1.5 miles from the school to the gym, not 2 like I had originally thought.
So take last week's tally and deduct a mile of biking from it. I still think I did pretty awesome for a fat chick!
I'm now into week five and things are going well, though I think I need to tweak my program a bit. Not so much the gym part, but the eating part. My weight has been maintaining, and thanks to Mother Nature, I am now getting rid of a lot of bloating, so that might be a part of the reason I didn't lose anything. Maybe next week I'll lose, though that's not the only goal.
Portion control is a big issue, and I've tried to switch to having most of my meals on a small plate (about 6") instead of a big one (about 12"). I'm less inclined to overfill it (less inclined my foot- it's darn near impossible to overfill it!) and it allows me to check myself for hunger if I go for helping #2. If I still feel hungry I'll have a little more (1/2 a plate), but that's it. Unfortunately I forget to use the smaller plate a lot, and I wind up eating too much. This includes going out to eat as well- I order too much because I'm way too hungry, then I eat everything, instead of halving it and putting the rest away. This is another thing I'm working on- just because I'm out doesn't mean I should pig out! Besides, halving it means I get to have two great meals instead of one!
One thing I did do that was really smart was I went out the day after Easter and bought myself some of those fun size candy bars at half off. Now don't you look at me like that- I did it for a good reason! I told you from the beginning that I wasn't going to give up having goodies, just cutting way, way, way down on them. And those fun sizes might be a bite or two- but it gives me just a taste of chocolate that I love, but not so much that I have to eat an entire full-size candy bar.
Seriously- have you ever tried to take one bite of a full-sized bar and put it away? I can't do it. It's worse than potato chips- and I can't just take a handful of those either. At least this way there's some degree of portion control. And I'll only allow myself one a day- if that. I put them away where neither I nor the kids can see, and try to forget about them until I get a craving.
As for the gym, I'm still doing the 30 reps on each machine and three times that many in intervals on the 'crunch' machine to make my core stronger. I've stopped using the 30 pound weights and have upped them to 50 for the arm machines, and the crunch now is set at 110 pounds for both front and back crunches. It was 90. And I'm starting to really feel it now! The leg press (when I'm not biking) was set at 110 pounds, but I think I can now handle 130 pounds. So I'll be doing that next time.
I'll keep doing things at this rate until I can do 30 reps without stopping (for my arms), then I'll increase the reps to 40 before I go any further. Remember now, I'm not trying to bulge up, I want to tone and shape- and doing slow reps at lighter weights is better for doing that. Arnold Schwartzenegger I ain't!
The focus this week will be better menu choices and portion control. I might even ask the kids to remind me not to have a second helping at dinner (to which they will gleefully agree to- they love to tell me what to do), just so I can stay on track. That's how desperately I want this! :)
God Bless, and may your days be filled with God's blessings!
This week I have the car, so I decided to clock my biking route to see just how far I really went last week. Of course I had overestimated, but not by much. It was a total of 1.5 miles from the school to the gym, not 2 like I had originally thought.
So take last week's tally and deduct a mile of biking from it. I still think I did pretty awesome for a fat chick!
I'm now into week five and things are going well, though I think I need to tweak my program a bit. Not so much the gym part, but the eating part. My weight has been maintaining, and thanks to Mother Nature, I am now getting rid of a lot of bloating, so that might be a part of the reason I didn't lose anything. Maybe next week I'll lose, though that's not the only goal.
Portion control is a big issue, and I've tried to switch to having most of my meals on a small plate (about 6") instead of a big one (about 12"). I'm less inclined to overfill it (less inclined my foot- it's darn near impossible to overfill it!) and it allows me to check myself for hunger if I go for helping #2. If I still feel hungry I'll have a little more (1/2 a plate), but that's it. Unfortunately I forget to use the smaller plate a lot, and I wind up eating too much. This includes going out to eat as well- I order too much because I'm way too hungry, then I eat everything, instead of halving it and putting the rest away. This is another thing I'm working on- just because I'm out doesn't mean I should pig out! Besides, halving it means I get to have two great meals instead of one!
One thing I did do that was really smart was I went out the day after Easter and bought myself some of those fun size candy bars at half off. Now don't you look at me like that- I did it for a good reason! I told you from the beginning that I wasn't going to give up having goodies, just cutting way, way, way down on them. And those fun sizes might be a bite or two- but it gives me just a taste of chocolate that I love, but not so much that I have to eat an entire full-size candy bar.
Seriously- have you ever tried to take one bite of a full-sized bar and put it away? I can't do it. It's worse than potato chips- and I can't just take a handful of those either. At least this way there's some degree of portion control. And I'll only allow myself one a day- if that. I put them away where neither I nor the kids can see, and try to forget about them until I get a craving.
As for the gym, I'm still doing the 30 reps on each machine and three times that many in intervals on the 'crunch' machine to make my core stronger. I've stopped using the 30 pound weights and have upped them to 50 for the arm machines, and the crunch now is set at 110 pounds for both front and back crunches. It was 90. And I'm starting to really feel it now! The leg press (when I'm not biking) was set at 110 pounds, but I think I can now handle 130 pounds. So I'll be doing that next time.
I'll keep doing things at this rate until I can do 30 reps without stopping (for my arms), then I'll increase the reps to 40 before I go any further. Remember now, I'm not trying to bulge up, I want to tone and shape- and doing slow reps at lighter weights is better for doing that. Arnold Schwartzenegger I ain't!
The focus this week will be better menu choices and portion control. I might even ask the kids to remind me not to have a second helping at dinner (to which they will gleefully agree to- they love to tell me what to do), just so I can stay on track. That's how desperately I want this! :)
God Bless, and may your days be filled with God's blessings!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Week Four- Feeling the Burn!
After yesterday's workout, I didn't think I was really doing that much. Sure, I was toning, and I ached (which showed I was actually using my muscles!), but was I really accomplishing anything significant? I decided to take a good long look at what I had done, to see.
This week was my biking week, and this was what I did yesterday:
1/2 mile walk to school
2 miles to the gym on my bike (uphill, both ways- it's true!)
45 minute workout- 30 reps on each machine- some used twice
1-1/2 miles biking back home
1 mile round trip to pick up my child at school
So that means I did a grand total of 1.5 miles walking, 3.5 miles biking, and a 45 minute workout. For a 314 pound person, that is pretty darned awesome! Now I don't feel like a slacker!
I lost a pound over the past two weeks, and even though I wasn't bummed about it, it did bother me a little. I knew I would be gaining some muscle, which is true- my clothes are a bit more loose than before! And I feel thinner- which is also very important to me. It's hard to feel good about yourself when you feel like an over-sized elephant! To feel good is to look good- not the other way around. Sorry Billy Crystal- your SNL character was wrong.
So if you're working out and dieting ('diet' meant as a dietary change for healthier eating, not that four letter word 'diet' meaning 'starvation) and don't see any weight loss, take a look at what you're doing- you might be accomplishing more than you realize. And if not, then tweak your program so you are!
God Bless!
This week was my biking week, and this was what I did yesterday:
1/2 mile walk to school
2 miles to the gym on my bike (uphill, both ways- it's true!)
45 minute workout- 30 reps on each machine- some used twice
1-1/2 miles biking back home
1 mile round trip to pick up my child at school
So that means I did a grand total of 1.5 miles walking, 3.5 miles biking, and a 45 minute workout. For a 314 pound person, that is pretty darned awesome! Now I don't feel like a slacker!
I lost a pound over the past two weeks, and even though I wasn't bummed about it, it did bother me a little. I knew I would be gaining some muscle, which is true- my clothes are a bit more loose than before! And I feel thinner- which is also very important to me. It's hard to feel good about yourself when you feel like an over-sized elephant! To feel good is to look good- not the other way around. Sorry Billy Crystal- your SNL character was wrong.
So if you're working out and dieting ('diet' meant as a dietary change for healthier eating, not that four letter word 'diet' meaning 'starvation) and don't see any weight loss, take a look at what you're doing- you might be accomplishing more than you realize. And if not, then tweak your program so you are!
God Bless!
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Gym- Week Three!
Last week was the hardest- not only did I have to ride my bike to the gym, but I had to ride home after I was finished working out! But once I realized my bike was in high gear that fateful Monday (brain burps are becoming common for me now), I didn't dread trying to ride. Much.
My legs were still feeling rubbery when Wednesday came about, and I asked a friend for a ride. She did one better and let me borrow her car so I could get to the gym! I was very grateful, because I really didn't think taking on the bike again that day was going to be a good idea. My legs told me so.
And I did do a one hour workout because I drove, so don't think I'm lazy!
Friday came and I took the bike again, this time making sure I was in the right ding-dang gear. It was a nice ride (though I still had to get off and walk halfway through going to and coming from the gym), and my legs protested just the way they should after all that exercising- just enough to let me know I did a good job, and still allowing me to walk.
No weight loss after those first five pounds, but that's okay by me- that means I'm probably getting some muscle!
This week I have the car, and that's a good thing- the weather doesn't look like it's going to cooperate. I did my one hour workout, this time adding a little more weight to the machines- just a little, mind you, I don't want to have bulging biceps, but I want my muscles to know I mean business!
Veggie consumption might be a little harder this week, because my daughter and I finished off much of them last week- and I don't go shopping again until later this week. I'm going to try making some of their favorite meals without flour, which will be a HUGE challenge, since most of what my son likes are noodles and bread! Food-wise, this is going to be an interesting week!
God Bless!
My legs were still feeling rubbery when Wednesday came about, and I asked a friend for a ride. She did one better and let me borrow her car so I could get to the gym! I was very grateful, because I really didn't think taking on the bike again that day was going to be a good idea. My legs told me so.
And I did do a one hour workout because I drove, so don't think I'm lazy!
Friday came and I took the bike again, this time making sure I was in the right ding-dang gear. It was a nice ride (though I still had to get off and walk halfway through going to and coming from the gym), and my legs protested just the way they should after all that exercising- just enough to let me know I did a good job, and still allowing me to walk.
No weight loss after those first five pounds, but that's okay by me- that means I'm probably getting some muscle!
This week I have the car, and that's a good thing- the weather doesn't look like it's going to cooperate. I did my one hour workout, this time adding a little more weight to the machines- just a little, mind you, I don't want to have bulging biceps, but I want my muscles to know I mean business!
Veggie consumption might be a little harder this week, because my daughter and I finished off much of them last week- and I don't go shopping again until later this week. I'm going to try making some of their favorite meals without flour, which will be a HUGE challenge, since most of what my son likes are noodles and bread! Food-wise, this is going to be an interesting week!
God Bless!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Determination
Many times when people start something new, their friends and family ask "So, how long will you be on this plan?" Especially if you're a procrastinator who has just started a new diet or started to work out at a gym. Then the next comment made would be something like "You really have to be determined to do it if you want to succeed."
Yeah, yeah, yeah...you're preaching to the choir, people.
I am not the most determined person in the world, unless it involves chocolate or shopping for fabric. But after Monday's muscle-killing bike ride, I began to wonder...just how determined was I concerning my new and improved lifestyle?
I got my answer this morning.
Rain greeted me when I awoke, and the forecast predicted a wet, dreary day. My husband took the car to work, so I was going to have to ride the bike again. My legs were hurting so bad last night that I took some ibuprofen right before bed. When I got up, I was truly surprised at how good I felt- except for one little problem- my right heel was still hurting pretty bad.
It has been bothering me a lot since I started walking with my daughter and going to the gym, but I've had this pain in the past, and it always worked itself out after I began walking regularly. But I really put it to the test these past two weeks, and it was hard to walk on at first. Not impossible, but I was still walking with a slight limp an hour later.
No bike. Even if I'd wanted to ride, it was pouring outside. But I still felt I should go to the gym. I needed backup!
I called a friend and asked of she could drop me off at the gym and come get me an hour later. She one-upped me and said I could borrow her car! Since she lives right across the street, I took her up on it with a cheer- I could go to the gym after all! I'd dropped off my daughter at school, so we didn't have to walk in the wet. I'd forgotten I have a hole in my sneaker- my foot would have been soaked if I walked! I could stretch my heel at the gym and talk to the trainer about it.
The trainer said I should get it looked at and ice it when I can. Since it's been considered a long term problem, I'll have to get it checked out by my doc.
Eventually.
Don't you look at me like that- the guy is in a clinic and it takes forever to get an appointment! So I'll just stretch it and baby it a little, and hopefully I can ride my bike on Friday- it's supposed to be sunny, and I'll go a lot slower. I promise.
So...that's how determined I am! Enough to use my friends car to get where I have to, in the rain, uphill both ways, with a bad foot. I could have skipped it, but I really didn't want to. I just thank God that my friend was home so I could go! And now my legs are feeling much better and though a little sore, not enough for me to take more ibuprofen.
I just need to stop blogging and stand up before I get stiff!
God Bless, and may you be determined in whatever you do!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...you're preaching to the choir, people.
I am not the most determined person in the world, unless it involves chocolate or shopping for fabric. But after Monday's muscle-killing bike ride, I began to wonder...just how determined was I concerning my new and improved lifestyle?
I got my answer this morning.
Rain greeted me when I awoke, and the forecast predicted a wet, dreary day. My husband took the car to work, so I was going to have to ride the bike again. My legs were hurting so bad last night that I took some ibuprofen right before bed. When I got up, I was truly surprised at how good I felt- except for one little problem- my right heel was still hurting pretty bad.
It has been bothering me a lot since I started walking with my daughter and going to the gym, but I've had this pain in the past, and it always worked itself out after I began walking regularly. But I really put it to the test these past two weeks, and it was hard to walk on at first. Not impossible, but I was still walking with a slight limp an hour later.
No bike. Even if I'd wanted to ride, it was pouring outside. But I still felt I should go to the gym. I needed backup!
I called a friend and asked of she could drop me off at the gym and come get me an hour later. She one-upped me and said I could borrow her car! Since she lives right across the street, I took her up on it with a cheer- I could go to the gym after all! I'd dropped off my daughter at school, so we didn't have to walk in the wet. I'd forgotten I have a hole in my sneaker- my foot would have been soaked if I walked! I could stretch my heel at the gym and talk to the trainer about it.
The trainer said I should get it looked at and ice it when I can. Since it's been considered a long term problem, I'll have to get it checked out by my doc.
Eventually.
Don't you look at me like that- the guy is in a clinic and it takes forever to get an appointment! So I'll just stretch it and baby it a little, and hopefully I can ride my bike on Friday- it's supposed to be sunny, and I'll go a lot slower. I promise.
So...that's how determined I am! Enough to use my friends car to get where I have to, in the rain, uphill both ways, with a bad foot. I could have skipped it, but I really didn't want to. I just thank God that my friend was home so I could go! And now my legs are feeling much better and though a little sore, not enough for me to take more ibuprofen.
I just need to stop blogging and stand up before I get stiff!
God Bless, and may you be determined in whatever you do!
Monday, April 11, 2011
What a Workout!
And so begins my second week at the gym. For one exception- I have no car.
My husband now drives to work every other week, and he worked on my bike so it wouldn't fall apart from disuse when I needed it. This morning, I needed it.
Wow.
The gym isn't too far from me- at least a mile, but no more than a mile and a half. I know it would take me a lot longer if I walked it, so a bike ride should be really easy...right?
Here's the formula:
Me + Bike + Hills + Gravity = Bikers Butt + Really Sore Leg Muscles.
Not only did I have to get off of the bike halfway there and walk a little (for fear that my legs would fall off in protest), but there were a lot of bumps on the road. My seat was the size of a postage stamp, so that made life just Super Extra Special.
And then I had to work out on top of it.
I did mostly arm, back and 'trunk' muscle groups (abs, chest and shoulders),but skipped the recumbent bike and treadmill. After all, I'd walked my daughter to school too!
When I looked at the clock, I had only done a forty-five minute workout- and I usually do an hour. I was beginning to feel guilty over it, but then I'd realized I had worked out this morning- just not in the gym! And the best part was...I had to ride the darn bike back home. I stopped feeling guilty and went out into the fresh air and overcast sky, grateful it wasn't sunny- that would just make me sweat more.
The first Rule of Thumb is not to sit down right after working out. So what did I do? I came home and got online to make this post. So shoot me- I'm a rebel at heart.
I've dedicated this day to be 'Getting Good Stuff Ready For The Week' day. Trying to do it when I'm supposed to be cleaning just isn't working out, so I'll be chopping veggies, making salad fixings and preparing healthier lunches for myself for the week. I'll also be making a nice chicken and rice dinner with some of the veggies, and planning a menu for the week- Something I was supposed to do last week and didn't.
I managed to stay away from flour all week, but flubbed on Sunday. Ah, who can resist the call of cherry danish when the church is serving it after service? Not me. Besides, if the church serves it, it has to be good for you. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I had one half of one danish and enjoyed the heck out of it. Yum!
I think I'm better off doing a 45 minute workout when I'm biking in, and an hour if I drive. Eventually I may stop driving altogether, but for now, I'll just keep on keeping on until I feel I'm ready. I'll save the sweating for summertime!
My husband now drives to work every other week, and he worked on my bike so it wouldn't fall apart from disuse when I needed it. This morning, I needed it.
Wow.
The gym isn't too far from me- at least a mile, but no more than a mile and a half. I know it would take me a lot longer if I walked it, so a bike ride should be really easy...right?
Here's the formula:
Me + Bike + Hills + Gravity = Bikers Butt + Really Sore Leg Muscles.
Not only did I have to get off of the bike halfway there and walk a little (for fear that my legs would fall off in protest), but there were a lot of bumps on the road. My seat was the size of a postage stamp, so that made life just Super Extra Special.
And then I had to work out on top of it.
I did mostly arm, back and 'trunk' muscle groups (abs, chest and shoulders),but skipped the recumbent bike and treadmill. After all, I'd walked my daughter to school too!
When I looked at the clock, I had only done a forty-five minute workout- and I usually do an hour. I was beginning to feel guilty over it, but then I'd realized I had worked out this morning- just not in the gym! And the best part was...I had to ride the darn bike back home. I stopped feeling guilty and went out into the fresh air and overcast sky, grateful it wasn't sunny- that would just make me sweat more.
The first Rule of Thumb is not to sit down right after working out. So what did I do? I came home and got online to make this post. So shoot me- I'm a rebel at heart.
I've dedicated this day to be 'Getting Good Stuff Ready For The Week' day. Trying to do it when I'm supposed to be cleaning just isn't working out, so I'll be chopping veggies, making salad fixings and preparing healthier lunches for myself for the week. I'll also be making a nice chicken and rice dinner with some of the veggies, and planning a menu for the week- Something I was supposed to do last week and didn't.
I managed to stay away from flour all week, but flubbed on Sunday. Ah, who can resist the call of cherry danish when the church is serving it after service? Not me. Besides, if the church serves it, it has to be good for you. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I had one half of one danish and enjoyed the heck out of it. Yum!
I think I'm better off doing a 45 minute workout when I'm biking in, and an hour if I drive. Eventually I may stop driving altogether, but for now, I'll just keep on keeping on until I feel I'm ready. I'll save the sweating for summertime!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Keeping In Perspective
First off, let me say this- I LOST FIVE POUNDS!!!!
I stuck with my gym schedule (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Tuesday and Thursday are optional) as well as eating more veggies with my meals, and the scale decided to show me something great this week! I am now a slender 315 pounds...YAY!
Yesterday, I was talking my nine year-old daughter, who thought two tears was an awful long time to be losing weight. I asked her what she thought would be reasonable, since she has been teased about her weight in school. She is not fat, by the way- she's just beginning to 'blossom' and her body is readying itself for some major changes which have already begun.
But that's another post for another time. :)
She felt a few months would be reasonable enough to lose over 150 pounds. So I broke it down for her. "How much in a week would be reasonable then?' I asked. She replied 'About ten pounds a week.'
Ten pounds a week is reasonable? I proceeded to set her straight before I had an anorexic/bulimic on my hands!
I explained that was more than a pound a day, which was way too much to expect anyone to lose, fat or thin. One to two pounds a week is reasonable, and after letting her do the math, she realized that it was a lot more reasonable to lose it in two to three years. Thank goodness!
She had an excuse to think that way though- sometimes I watch The Biggest Loser, where people are losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time. But that is to the extreme, and she is only nine years old. But that got me to thinking- how many times have we as overweight people done the same thing? (just not as extreme!)
Here are some other things I have heard people say (and some I have done myself!):
If I eat just salad, I'll lose so much weight!
Oh really? And just how long will that last? A few days? I know that if it was me saying that, I would start telling myself that tuna salad counted, them shrimp salad, egg salad...then I'd find a way to make a steak and french fry salad!
Nothing wrong with salad, but it needs to be balanced for your body, not just for the people on TV. My salads come with some kind of protein in it, whether that be pine nuts, boiled eggs, or roasted chicken sprinkled on top. I need that protein to keep me from being too hungry! Some don't, so you need to try different things to see what works for you.
If I go to the gym every week long and exercise three hours a day, I'll lose weight really fast! (after all, Biggest Loser people were doing six hours a day, so three isn't as extreme...right?)
Diving into a gym routine is the best way to end up burning out and wasting that gym membership money! Even I thought I could go every day, and found I was pretty sore from working out for only an hour! I would suggest starting slow, and go three times a week to start- but commit to that three days! Do the other two days if you feel good enough to do so, but promise yourself those three days, no matter what. That way you aren't setting yourself up for disappointment (because you didn't go each day), and you aren't hurting yourself by overworking your muscles.
Start with lighter weights on the machines too; doing ten reps (repetitions) with less weight is much better than doing three reps with too much weight!
I'll skip all the good stuff I like to eat, like junk food and dessert. I'll eat rice cakes and water, and have one meal a day.
The 'good stuff' usually isn't good, and we all know it. Chips happen to be my downfall, but have refused to deny myself chips if I'm really craving them. Feeling deprived isn't the answer to losing weight- moderation is. So instead of having a bag of chips (like a did in the past) I have a handful. I put it in a bowl and close the bag. That way I'm not tempted to take more, and my tongue is a happy camper. I've found that if I eat out of the bag, I eat a lot more chips that I thought I did- and the bag sometimes gets finished off before I realize it!
However, if I find myself finishing off the bag again and again, I'll either re-bag the chips in sandwich bags, or buy the snack bags instead.
And if it's ice cream, instead of a bowl I'll buy small cones- you can only put so much on a small ice cream cone!
What I'm trying to say can be summed up into one word. Moderation. Moderation in eating so we aren't stuffing or starving ourselves. Moderation in exercise so we don't flop on the couch or tear every muscle during a workout. Just remember that doing the same diet/exercise program as someone else might not be the best thing for you! Do what you can do, go a little farther than you think you can. There's nothing wrong with challenging yourself concerning diet and exercise- but doing anything without the proper perspective can hurt you- mentally and physically.
Ask me how I know.
I stuck with my gym schedule (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Tuesday and Thursday are optional) as well as eating more veggies with my meals, and the scale decided to show me something great this week! I am now a slender 315 pounds...YAY!
Yesterday, I was talking my nine year-old daughter, who thought two tears was an awful long time to be losing weight. I asked her what she thought would be reasonable, since she has been teased about her weight in school. She is not fat, by the way- she's just beginning to 'blossom' and her body is readying itself for some major changes which have already begun.
But that's another post for another time. :)
She felt a few months would be reasonable enough to lose over 150 pounds. So I broke it down for her. "How much in a week would be reasonable then?' I asked. She replied 'About ten pounds a week.'
Ten pounds a week is reasonable? I proceeded to set her straight before I had an anorexic/bulimic on my hands!
I explained that was more than a pound a day, which was way too much to expect anyone to lose, fat or thin. One to two pounds a week is reasonable, and after letting her do the math, she realized that it was a lot more reasonable to lose it in two to three years. Thank goodness!
She had an excuse to think that way though- sometimes I watch The Biggest Loser, where people are losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time. But that is to the extreme, and she is only nine years old. But that got me to thinking- how many times have we as overweight people done the same thing? (just not as extreme!)
Here are some other things I have heard people say (and some I have done myself!):
If I eat just salad, I'll lose so much weight!
Oh really? And just how long will that last? A few days? I know that if it was me saying that, I would start telling myself that tuna salad counted, them shrimp salad, egg salad...then I'd find a way to make a steak and french fry salad!
Nothing wrong with salad, but it needs to be balanced for your body, not just for the people on TV. My salads come with some kind of protein in it, whether that be pine nuts, boiled eggs, or roasted chicken sprinkled on top. I need that protein to keep me from being too hungry! Some don't, so you need to try different things to see what works for you.
If I go to the gym every week long and exercise three hours a day, I'll lose weight really fast! (after all, Biggest Loser people were doing six hours a day, so three isn't as extreme...right?)
Diving into a gym routine is the best way to end up burning out and wasting that gym membership money! Even I thought I could go every day, and found I was pretty sore from working out for only an hour! I would suggest starting slow, and go three times a week to start- but commit to that three days! Do the other two days if you feel good enough to do so, but promise yourself those three days, no matter what. That way you aren't setting yourself up for disappointment (because you didn't go each day), and you aren't hurting yourself by overworking your muscles.
Start with lighter weights on the machines too; doing ten reps (repetitions) with less weight is much better than doing three reps with too much weight!
I'll skip all the good stuff I like to eat, like junk food and dessert. I'll eat rice cakes and water, and have one meal a day.
The 'good stuff' usually isn't good, and we all know it. Chips happen to be my downfall, but have refused to deny myself chips if I'm really craving them. Feeling deprived isn't the answer to losing weight- moderation is. So instead of having a bag of chips (like a did in the past) I have a handful. I put it in a bowl and close the bag. That way I'm not tempted to take more, and my tongue is a happy camper. I've found that if I eat out of the bag, I eat a lot more chips that I thought I did- and the bag sometimes gets finished off before I realize it!
However, if I find myself finishing off the bag again and again, I'll either re-bag the chips in sandwich bags, or buy the snack bags instead.
And if it's ice cream, instead of a bowl I'll buy small cones- you can only put so much on a small ice cream cone!
What I'm trying to say can be summed up into one word. Moderation. Moderation in eating so we aren't stuffing or starving ourselves. Moderation in exercise so we don't flop on the couch or tear every muscle during a workout. Just remember that doing the same diet/exercise program as someone else might not be the best thing for you! Do what you can do, go a little farther than you think you can. There's nothing wrong with challenging yourself concerning diet and exercise- but doing anything without the proper perspective can hurt you- mentally and physically.
Ask me how I know.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Joined a Gym!
Here I am! See? I told you I was going to post more regularly!
One thing I'm very excited to report- I have finally joined a gym! The funny thing is, it isn't your typical gym- it's one in a retirement home!
It's small- much smaller than the other gyms I visited, but the people there were awesome! I got there much later than expected (I forgot I had a dental appointment this morning), so I didn't get to see the trainers much (they also do classes during the day), but the ladies working out there helped me to sort myself out in a short amount of time. It was also a lot cheaper, but I would have gone there if it was the same price as the others- simply because this gym has more heart. I like heart!
And I worked out for an entire hour!
Sweat was not an issue because I was just testing myself on the machines to see how I felt doing the exercises. I did ten to fifteen repetitions before moving to the next machine, never doing the same set of muscles twice. I stretched beforehand, then did some hand weights, then a lap on the recumbent bike, then some abs and lower back strengthening, then back to the arms, but on a different machine. By the time I had made it back around the equipment twice it was an hour! I could have stayed as long as I wanted, but I figured an hour was a good start. I didn't overdo it, though my muscles are a little achy. That's a good thing!
I'm going to walk to school to pick up my daughter, and the rest of the night will be a bit more relaxing. Every once in a while I'll stretch out the aches reeeeeeally slow- Hopefully I'll be a little less achy by bedtime, and not a big pretzel in the morning!
There's only one small down side to all of this. I have to sacrifice some of my 'house cleaning' time in order to do the gym in the morning (gosh, golly-gee, darn!). I usually have cleaning/baking scheduled for 9:00 to 10:00 am, but now I'll go to the gym as soon as I drop my daughter off at school around 8:15. I'm going to have the car every other week now, so on the 'no car' weeks I'll also be walking her to school and biking to the gym. So I'll get there around 8:30ish to work out. That also means I won't be getting home until almost 10:00 am- right on time for writing, which I will not give up! So a little schedule tweaking might be in order.
Maybe I can do the baking/cleaning thing on Mondays after I get back, and do the regular schedule the rest of the week. That way I get the goodies made and out of the way (since I don't eat them anyway!), and I'll only have to sacrifice one day of writing instead of trying to do everything each day. I'll have to give that a bit of a think first.
Please pray that I stay on track! God Bless!
One thing I'm very excited to report- I have finally joined a gym! The funny thing is, it isn't your typical gym- it's one in a retirement home!
It's small- much smaller than the other gyms I visited, but the people there were awesome! I got there much later than expected (I forgot I had a dental appointment this morning), so I didn't get to see the trainers much (they also do classes during the day), but the ladies working out there helped me to sort myself out in a short amount of time. It was also a lot cheaper, but I would have gone there if it was the same price as the others- simply because this gym has more heart. I like heart!
And I worked out for an entire hour!
Sweat was not an issue because I was just testing myself on the machines to see how I felt doing the exercises. I did ten to fifteen repetitions before moving to the next machine, never doing the same set of muscles twice. I stretched beforehand, then did some hand weights, then a lap on the recumbent bike, then some abs and lower back strengthening, then back to the arms, but on a different machine. By the time I had made it back around the equipment twice it was an hour! I could have stayed as long as I wanted, but I figured an hour was a good start. I didn't overdo it, though my muscles are a little achy. That's a good thing!
I'm going to walk to school to pick up my daughter, and the rest of the night will be a bit more relaxing. Every once in a while I'll stretch out the aches reeeeeeally slow- Hopefully I'll be a little less achy by bedtime, and not a big pretzel in the morning!
There's only one small down side to all of this. I have to sacrifice some of my 'house cleaning' time in order to do the gym in the morning (gosh, golly-gee, darn!). I usually have cleaning/baking scheduled for 9:00 to 10:00 am, but now I'll go to the gym as soon as I drop my daughter off at school around 8:15. I'm going to have the car every other week now, so on the 'no car' weeks I'll also be walking her to school and biking to the gym. So I'll get there around 8:30ish to work out. That also means I won't be getting home until almost 10:00 am- right on time for writing, which I will not give up! So a little schedule tweaking might be in order.
Maybe I can do the baking/cleaning thing on Mondays after I get back, and do the regular schedule the rest of the week. That way I get the goodies made and out of the way (since I don't eat them anyway!), and I'll only have to sacrifice one day of writing instead of trying to do everything each day. I'll have to give that a bit of a think first.
Please pray that I stay on track! God Bless!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Loose Lips Widen Hips
A lot has happened since my last post, and not too much of it was good news. My sincerest apologies to you readers for not having been posting on a regular basis. Family health issues have been a problem here, and there was concern over my husband losing his breath at work. A lot of stress as well about the house (which is falling apart), and it didn't help me from keeping my mouth shut at mealtimes. I gained another four pounds for a whopping total of 320 on the scales. I'm now just five pounds shy of being the heaviest I have ever been. But that is no excuse to disappear like I did, and I am truly sorry.
There have been some positive changes though all this mess. One has been that the household groceries have much improved, and vegetables and fruit are making their way back into meals and snacks- much to the chagrin of my son, who is a veggiephobic. Bread has not been bought in several weeks, and the stored bread in the freezer is being eaten by the family, and not by me.
I've been abstaining from flour completely whenever possible, and home cooking 99% of the time. During the 1% that we do eat out, I try to make the best choices possible, but won't deny myself a burger (read: burger bun) if I really want one. If bread or flour is in the meal already I won't stop myself from ordering it- I just won't touch the basket of rolls on the table... ever. There's no need to fill up on bread when I have a good meal coming!
Rice and potatoes (although they are starches) don't effect my energy levels like bread does, so many dinnertime meals have one of those ingredients in it. I also cut back on the amount I make as well, since I tend to 'graze' after dinner on the leftovers- especially if I'm not the last one at the table still eating.
So far, so good!
After checking out many places to exercise, I think I've finally found the place for me. I'm going to be checking it out this week, and if all goes well, I'll be officially in a gym by next week! I'll also be increasing my walking time with my daughter when I take her to school, and work out on the treadmill at home when I drive her when it's too cold or raining.
And believe me, I need to walk. I never thought a few more pounds would bother me, but now I hurt when I stand too long, or walk too fast; my hips are starting to ache and my core hurts a lot more than it used to! And I don't like it one little bit!
And I will be posting at least weekly on this blog from now on- NO MORE EXCUSES!
God Bless, and may your steps be light and joyful!
There have been some positive changes though all this mess. One has been that the household groceries have much improved, and vegetables and fruit are making their way back into meals and snacks- much to the chagrin of my son, who is a veggiephobic. Bread has not been bought in several weeks, and the stored bread in the freezer is being eaten by the family, and not by me.
I've been abstaining from flour completely whenever possible, and home cooking 99% of the time. During the 1% that we do eat out, I try to make the best choices possible, but won't deny myself a burger (read: burger bun) if I really want one. If bread or flour is in the meal already I won't stop myself from ordering it- I just won't touch the basket of rolls on the table... ever. There's no need to fill up on bread when I have a good meal coming!
Rice and potatoes (although they are starches) don't effect my energy levels like bread does, so many dinnertime meals have one of those ingredients in it. I also cut back on the amount I make as well, since I tend to 'graze' after dinner on the leftovers- especially if I'm not the last one at the table still eating.
So far, so good!
After checking out many places to exercise, I think I've finally found the place for me. I'm going to be checking it out this week, and if all goes well, I'll be officially in a gym by next week! I'll also be increasing my walking time with my daughter when I take her to school, and work out on the treadmill at home when I drive her when it's too cold or raining.
And believe me, I need to walk. I never thought a few more pounds would bother me, but now I hurt when I stand too long, or walk too fast; my hips are starting to ache and my core hurts a lot more than it used to! And I don't like it one little bit!
And I will be posting at least weekly on this blog from now on- NO MORE EXCUSES!
God Bless, and may your steps be light and joyful!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Holiday Slump
Sorry I've been away so long- times flies when you're having stress!
I had done well over the holidays actually- I never weighed in, but I felt like I lost, and that was good enough for me. I even went clothes shopping with my Christmas gift cards, and found some clothing that I liked, and looked good in! It was the same size I was wearing before, but I felt better in them. Sexier.
Then came January.
It started out well- my birthday had come, and i had some guests over for dinner. My husband made a feat for me and my friends. A five course meal that lasted two hours! We ate in small increments, and I enjoyed every bite. I didn't overeat, either!
But then all the fun and glitter was over with, and we had to put away all the decorations and get back to our busy lives. My husband especially- he was doing 60-70 hour weeks before the holidays, and now he had to go back to that tough schedule. And my son sprained both his wrist and foot within a week of each other, so I lost my main helper around the house. I was starting to fell overwhelmed.
It isn't easy being an emotional eater. With my husband not home, me missing him, and the kids asking me to make things that were easy to make (but not necessarily well-rounded concerning nutrition), I fell into a lazy attitude when it came to eating. Grilled cheese with ham, chicken fingers and fries, pizza- all of these homemade goodies are better than fast food (because I know what goes into it all), but still, a serious lack of veggies and fruit. I also started overeating again, and going to bed feeling uncomfortably stuffed. Then I noticed my new clothes were feeling a tad tighter, and then I realized I haven't been checking in with you guys either. Yikes!
So I forced myself to go to the scale today. My shenanigans cost me a gain of four pounds. Ugh. I'm more mad at me than anybody else, because I'm the one who put all that food in my mouth. I have sent myself to the kitchen to do some much needed deep cleaning. And I hate cleaning!
Now I'm now 316 pounds, and I hate it. I don't hate me, I hate the extra weight. And that's a good thing. It makes me want to get rid of it.
I had a feeling I wasn't going to like weighing myself, so over the weekend I went out and bought a lot of veggies and fruit. My daughter found the lettuce this morning, and both her and i finished off an entire head by ourselves! She is a wolverine when it comes to veggies, and she actually helps me eat better. Just watching her enjoy something like celery so much makes me want to have some. God blessed me a great deal when He gave me a veggieholic for a daughter!
I walked my daughter to school today (okay, I had no choice since my husband took the car, but I still did it), and I'm going to be getting back into my kitchen for some extra scrubbing and decluttering. Since I was lazy enough not to put away all the spices I used when cooking, I am also scheduling myself for some spice cabinet decluttering as well. Laziness is not becoming as a housewife and mom, and frankly, I'm tired at looking at all the clutter. For some odd reason, a neater kitchen makes me want to cook better, healthier meals!
I confess I was angry with myself for not keeping up with the blog, and not standing firm about overeating. But this fallback has just made me more determined to get my butt in gear for doing better in the future.
Perfection is not what I'm going for- learning is. And as I learn, I hope you will to- even if I'm teaching you not to be like me when I fail. And I will fail from time to time. It's human nature. And last time I checked, I was human. Failures happen; it's what you do afterward that counts. I am not giving up.
All I ask of you is this- if you tend to beat yourself up for failing, I want you to look in your mirror and tell yourself that you are fallible, that you will make mistakes, but you are strong and beautiful too- and that this setback is not something that will stop you from being a better you. Use that road block as a hurdle, and get over it!
God bless you for visiting, and reading about all my successes and yes, even my failures. I hope to do better in the upcoming days, and with your prayers and God's help, I'll be putting on my new clothes and they'll start to feel loose next time!
I had done well over the holidays actually- I never weighed in, but I felt like I lost, and that was good enough for me. I even went clothes shopping with my Christmas gift cards, and found some clothing that I liked, and looked good in! It was the same size I was wearing before, but I felt better in them. Sexier.
Then came January.
It started out well- my birthday had come, and i had some guests over for dinner. My husband made a feat for me and my friends. A five course meal that lasted two hours! We ate in small increments, and I enjoyed every bite. I didn't overeat, either!
But then all the fun and glitter was over with, and we had to put away all the decorations and get back to our busy lives. My husband especially- he was doing 60-70 hour weeks before the holidays, and now he had to go back to that tough schedule. And my son sprained both his wrist and foot within a week of each other, so I lost my main helper around the house. I was starting to fell overwhelmed.
It isn't easy being an emotional eater. With my husband not home, me missing him, and the kids asking me to make things that were easy to make (but not necessarily well-rounded concerning nutrition), I fell into a lazy attitude when it came to eating. Grilled cheese with ham, chicken fingers and fries, pizza- all of these homemade goodies are better than fast food (because I know what goes into it all), but still, a serious lack of veggies and fruit. I also started overeating again, and going to bed feeling uncomfortably stuffed. Then I noticed my new clothes were feeling a tad tighter, and then I realized I haven't been checking in with you guys either. Yikes!
So I forced myself to go to the scale today. My shenanigans cost me a gain of four pounds. Ugh. I'm more mad at me than anybody else, because I'm the one who put all that food in my mouth. I have sent myself to the kitchen to do some much needed deep cleaning. And I hate cleaning!
Now I'm now 316 pounds, and I hate it. I don't hate me, I hate the extra weight. And that's a good thing. It makes me want to get rid of it.
I had a feeling I wasn't going to like weighing myself, so over the weekend I went out and bought a lot of veggies and fruit. My daughter found the lettuce this morning, and both her and i finished off an entire head by ourselves! She is a wolverine when it comes to veggies, and she actually helps me eat better. Just watching her enjoy something like celery so much makes me want to have some. God blessed me a great deal when He gave me a veggieholic for a daughter!
I walked my daughter to school today (okay, I had no choice since my husband took the car, but I still did it), and I'm going to be getting back into my kitchen for some extra scrubbing and decluttering. Since I was lazy enough not to put away all the spices I used when cooking, I am also scheduling myself for some spice cabinet decluttering as well. Laziness is not becoming as a housewife and mom, and frankly, I'm tired at looking at all the clutter. For some odd reason, a neater kitchen makes me want to cook better, healthier meals!
I confess I was angry with myself for not keeping up with the blog, and not standing firm about overeating. But this fallback has just made me more determined to get my butt in gear for doing better in the future.
Perfection is not what I'm going for- learning is. And as I learn, I hope you will to- even if I'm teaching you not to be like me when I fail. And I will fail from time to time. It's human nature. And last time I checked, I was human. Failures happen; it's what you do afterward that counts. I am not giving up.
All I ask of you is this- if you tend to beat yourself up for failing, I want you to look in your mirror and tell yourself that you are fallible, that you will make mistakes, but you are strong and beautiful too- and that this setback is not something that will stop you from being a better you. Use that road block as a hurdle, and get over it!
God bless you for visiting, and reading about all my successes and yes, even my failures. I hope to do better in the upcoming days, and with your prayers and God's help, I'll be putting on my new clothes and they'll start to feel loose next time!
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