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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Readers: 2011 Year in Review
SO. I started my first blog here on September 20, 2011. Thank you for stopping by to check it out!
These are the stats for readers in the last three months:
These are the stats for readers in the last three months:
New Goal and Lots of Encouragement from Twitter Friends!
It is the end of the year and I have confessed to you here on the blog and on Twitter that I have not reached my goal of losing 40 pounds by Christmas. However, I have lost 10 pounds. There have been some very positive responses of encouragement on Twitter! Thank you for your support and, believe me, I am still working on that goal. By trying to lose 40 by Christmas, I have accomplished a change of lifestyle and that is major.
I now have 30 pounds to lose by next Christmas! :D And that is a very reasonable and attainable goal! Thank you all for your support and I'll see you at the gym!
I now have 30 pounds to lose by next Christmas! :D And that is a very reasonable and attainable goal! Thank you all for your support and I'll see you at the gym!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Little Sumpin Sumpin, Increased Intensity on Cardio Work Out
Oh my, oh my, oh my! I have so not been writing blog posts! Sorry, dear friends. But I am writing today. Yay!
How are you doing on your daily exercise and eating healthy? Are you getting an average of 4 hours of exercise every week? Are you eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables?
When I started this blog, I thought that I could possibly lose 40 pounds in about four months. If I were still 18 years old, perhaps that would be true. Alas, I have been losing about one pound per week. However, during the Thanksgiving Holiday I gained back a half of a pound. Since Thanksgiving I have not been applying myself on being careful to eat 5-6 small healthy "meals" a day like I had been before. When I eat those tiny meals is when I can see the best results. They are not what you would consider real meals like most people eat. I keep them around 300 calories each. You would be surprised how much you can eat for 300 calories if you make healthy choices! And since I was eating every 2-3 hours, I never got hungry. I need to get back to that.
I have been doing very well on exercising, though. I have increased the intensity of my cardio work out. So, that's a little somethin' somethin'. This phrase is actually pronounced "a little sumhm sumhm" and I don't know where it originated. Does anyone know? Anyone? Anyone? ;D
Whatever happens, if you are trying to lose weight, just keep starting over until one day it sticks. Like Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never, never give up."
How are you doing on your daily exercise and eating healthy? Are you getting an average of 4 hours of exercise every week? Are you eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables?
When I started this blog, I thought that I could possibly lose 40 pounds in about four months. If I were still 18 years old, perhaps that would be true. Alas, I have been losing about one pound per week. However, during the Thanksgiving Holiday I gained back a half of a pound. Since Thanksgiving I have not been applying myself on being careful to eat 5-6 small healthy "meals" a day like I had been before. When I eat those tiny meals is when I can see the best results. They are not what you would consider real meals like most people eat. I keep them around 300 calories each. You would be surprised how much you can eat for 300 calories if you make healthy choices! And since I was eating every 2-3 hours, I never got hungry. I need to get back to that.
I have been doing very well on exercising, though. I have increased the intensity of my cardio work out. So, that's a little somethin' somethin'. This phrase is actually pronounced "a little sumhm sumhm" and I don't know where it originated. Does anyone know? Anyone? Anyone? ;D
Whatever happens, if you are trying to lose weight, just keep starting over until one day it sticks. Like Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never, never give up."
Friday, December 2, 2011
Exercise is a Great Stress Prevention Tool!
Privet and Heyyya! Long Time!
How are you doing? Anyone have a nice Thanksgiving holiday? You did not eat too much, did you? NAW, come on, you didn't have a couple pieces of pie and some yummy bread stuffing? haha! Well, I did, so I am up about half a pound. Uh-oh.
The truth of the matter is that I will never reach the crazy goal of losing 40 pounds by THIS Christmas. But if I continue to eat better and work out, maybe by Easter! How's that for not giving up?
This morning I was on the elliptical for over half an hour. I burned about 350 calories and distanced over two miles. I bumped it up a couple levels so I got my heart rate up to an aerobic rate and it felt great! Afterwards, I worked my arms on the lifting machines. And it was a really good thing that I did work out this morning because this afternoon I was robbed!!!!
I feel that, because I had worked out so hard and really put a lot of effort into it, the stress of being robbed did not affect me that much! It was my cell phone that was taken from the table of a busy restaurant as I turned my back on it to chat. It must have been somebody really swift who lifted it. As soon as I discovered it was missing, and it was very soon, I used someone else's phone and dialed it up. We could not hear it ringing so I ran outside but there was nobody in sight.
Because I felt so "centered", I quickly put it into perspective that this was only a phone. Yes, all my contacts were on it. No, it wasn't password protected. No, I didn't have the tracking system activated. Yes, the robber now had access to all my emails and social media. But, you know what? After all things were considered, it was still just a phone.
As I processed what had happened while trying to eat some lunch, I actually felt bad for the person who stole it. He or she was the one who would ultimately feel bad about it sooner or later. I said a couple of prayers for the person, asking that their heart would be softened and return my phone. Then I called to have the phone deactivated. I stopped by the phone store and learned it would cost $100-$300 to replace it. Then I went home to change my passwords and email my friends to let them know they may get some weird emails.
Someone contacted me only a couple hours later to say she had found my phone. The whole thing that she described sounded fishy and I doubt I will ever know what really happened. But I am grateful to have my phone back. I am also grateful that I had remained level-headed and quickly put things into perspective. I attribute my calm demeanor to having worked hard this morning at the gym.
Hard exercise is a great stress prevention tool!
How are you doing? Anyone have a nice Thanksgiving holiday? You did not eat too much, did you? NAW, come on, you didn't have a couple pieces of pie and some yummy bread stuffing? haha! Well, I did, so I am up about half a pound. Uh-oh.
The truth of the matter is that I will never reach the crazy goal of losing 40 pounds by THIS Christmas. But if I continue to eat better and work out, maybe by Easter! How's that for not giving up?
This morning I was on the elliptical for over half an hour. I burned about 350 calories and distanced over two miles. I bumped it up a couple levels so I got my heart rate up to an aerobic rate and it felt great! Afterwards, I worked my arms on the lifting machines. And it was a really good thing that I did work out this morning because this afternoon I was robbed!!!!
I feel that, because I had worked out so hard and really put a lot of effort into it, the stress of being robbed did not affect me that much! It was my cell phone that was taken from the table of a busy restaurant as I turned my back on it to chat. It must have been somebody really swift who lifted it. As soon as I discovered it was missing, and it was very soon, I used someone else's phone and dialed it up. We could not hear it ringing so I ran outside but there was nobody in sight.
Because I felt so "centered", I quickly put it into perspective that this was only a phone. Yes, all my contacts were on it. No, it wasn't password protected. No, I didn't have the tracking system activated. Yes, the robber now had access to all my emails and social media. But, you know what? After all things were considered, it was still just a phone.
As I processed what had happened while trying to eat some lunch, I actually felt bad for the person who stole it. He or she was the one who would ultimately feel bad about it sooner or later. I said a couple of prayers for the person, asking that their heart would be softened and return my phone. Then I called to have the phone deactivated. I stopped by the phone store and learned it would cost $100-$300 to replace it. Then I went home to change my passwords and email my friends to let them know they may get some weird emails.
Someone contacted me only a couple hours later to say she had found my phone. The whole thing that she described sounded fishy and I doubt I will ever know what really happened. But I am grateful to have my phone back. I am also grateful that I had remained level-headed and quickly put things into perspective. I attribute my calm demeanor to having worked hard this morning at the gym.
Hard exercise is a great stress prevention tool!
Friday, November 18, 2011
I Feel Like I Am Not on a Diet
My eating habits have changed totally since I have started this "lose 40 by Christmas" effort. I think I have changed my lifestyle and I am no longer on a diet. I do not have a diet mentality. It is more like I am thinking "ok, this choice has a lot of calories which I will not be burning today, so instead I will choose something with less calories." So, the one pound a week thing is still strolling along.
I could crank it up a notch and work out longer and eat even less calories. However, I feel confident that with my whole change of attitude, I will be able to do it slowly but surely. It will just take a little longer.
Good news about my blood pressure! It was 147/85 a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday it was 123/75. Yes!!! So, that is a good indication that my body is doing better internally.
My clothes are getting looser, but it is too early to toss them for new clothes.
Even though my deadline will change, my goal is being met and I am ok with that.
Thank you all for being so supportive!
I could crank it up a notch and work out longer and eat even less calories. However, I feel confident that with my whole change of attitude, I will be able to do it slowly but surely. It will just take a little longer.
Good news about my blood pressure! It was 147/85 a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday it was 123/75. Yes!!! So, that is a good indication that my body is doing better internally.
My clothes are getting looser, but it is too early to toss them for new clothes.
Even though my deadline will change, my goal is being met and I am ok with that.
Thank you all for being so supportive!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Still a Pound a Week! I'll Never Make 40 Pounds By Christmas!
Well, considering I have 6 weeks until Christmas and 33 more pounds to lose by then I think I can safely say that I will not be making my goal. That would be more than 5 pounds per week. I really do not know why magazines always have that on the cover: Lose 43 Pounds By Christmas. I seriously saw that about 3 days ago. It's basically a lie or you could get really sick. One or the other. :D
However, the good news is that the scale continues to be reflecting a weight loss.
I'll keep going then. No point in giving up and losing the ground I have already gained.
You with me?
However, the good news is that the scale continues to be reflecting a weight loss.
I'll keep going then. No point in giving up and losing the ground I have already gained.
You with me?
Friday, November 4, 2011
Stagnant at the Scales
BWAAH! Ok, it is true that I have resorted back to the old habit of eating one meal and two snacks as opposed to 5-6 teensy meals a day. Life gets busy. I start a new blog, I'm focusing on work and family. The holidays are coming soon.... WAIT, back up! Did I say I have a new blog? Oh, why, yes I did! Well, my, my, my isn't that something. But to make a long story short about the blog:
I was watching videos about near death experiences (NDE) and was fascinated with the whole idea of heaven and the afterlife. So, I combined that with my substantial knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and decided to reach out to people who may not know about Jesus. I created the http://DoesJesusLoveMe.blogspot.com blog. I also added a Twitter account @DoesJesusLoveMe. It does take a little time to set those up, but if it keeps one person from going stark-maving-rad in our crazy world, then it is worth it!
So, I got on the scale yesterday and it flatlined since last week. That is not all bad. At least it did not go up! But this next week, I need to get back on my hefty leafy green schedule of eating! It mostly is a matter of planning ahead to make sure I have that kind of food handy. Now that my taste buds have immigrated to a land of natural foods, I actually prefer to eat healthy. Who would have ever thought that I could crave a green salad more than a hot fudge sundae? haha! ;D
Thanks for stopping by! Drop me a note sometime when you have a sec.
I was watching videos about near death experiences (NDE) and was fascinated with the whole idea of heaven and the afterlife. So, I combined that with my substantial knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and decided to reach out to people who may not know about Jesus. I created the http://DoesJesusLoveMe.blogspot.com blog. I also added a Twitter account @DoesJesusLoveMe. It does take a little time to set those up, but if it keeps one person from going stark-maving-rad in our crazy world, then it is worth it!
So, I got on the scale yesterday and it flatlined since last week. That is not all bad. At least it did not go up! But this next week, I need to get back on my hefty leafy green schedule of eating! It mostly is a matter of planning ahead to make sure I have that kind of food handy. Now that my taste buds have immigrated to a land of natural foods, I actually prefer to eat healthy. Who would have ever thought that I could crave a green salad more than a hot fudge sundae? haha! ;D
Thanks for stopping by! Drop me a note sometime when you have a sec.
Monday, October 31, 2011
"I live a blessed life - a bright life." I love this blog!
There is a young lady who is the daughter of my hair colorist and her blog is so full of light. I just ran across it the other day and she is also losing weight and getting in shape, so our blogs have something in common. I thought you might like to see her blog. http://lylamaeandlucylou.blogspot.com/ On her profile she says that she lives a blessed life and a bright life. I don't know her very well, but there are young ladies that live in my region who have about the same standard of living that complain life is not good enough. I really love this young lady's attitude. She has great parents, but truly a lot of this comes from who she is: who she was before she got here and who she will always be from now until forever. I'm glad she has a blog and if you happen to need a good photographer, she's in business! Enjoy!
The Fat Dog
I have a little story to tell you about our pet dog. She is a Yorkie, about 7 years old.
One long weekend we went out of town and left our cute little petite Yorkie with some friends of my mother-in-law. They are a nice family from Peru and they have been very kind to my elderly parents-in-law. So, this one long weekend, they were watching our dog and we didn't have any worries at all.
When we returned home four days later, they brought our little Yorkie home.
She was a round little fat furry ball.
OH MY GOODNESS! How did THAT happen? was my very first thought! We were only gone FOUR days!!!
So, I insisted that my husband, who speaks Spanish fluently, call and find out what had happened. The cute little princess of a dog had eaten all she wanted of bread and milk for four days!
It is possible that she was somewhat bloated from gas, but I truly think it was a weight gain because it took her more than three weeks to get back to normal.
Moral of the story for me is this: It does not take me long to gain weight and it takes me at least three times as long to lose it! O_o
One long weekend we went out of town and left our cute little petite Yorkie with some friends of my mother-in-law. They are a nice family from Peru and they have been very kind to my elderly parents-in-law. So, this one long weekend, they were watching our dog and we didn't have any worries at all.
When we returned home four days later, they brought our little Yorkie home.
She was a round little fat furry ball.
OH MY GOODNESS! How did THAT happen? was my very first thought! We were only gone FOUR days!!!
So, I insisted that my husband, who speaks Spanish fluently, call and find out what had happened. The cute little princess of a dog had eaten all she wanted of bread and milk for four days!
It is possible that she was somewhat bloated from gas, but I truly think it was a weight gain because it took her more than three weeks to get back to normal.
Moral of the story for me is this: It does not take me long to gain weight and it takes me at least three times as long to lose it! O_o
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The "Shy Sis" is a Master Mind with Baking! Don't Look! No, Do Look! But BE FOREWARNED: Don't Look When You are Hungry!
http://confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com/2011/10/sweet-letters-to-daughter.html
I am the "unknown" commenter toward the bottom of this blog about baking and moms. If you must know, the "shy sis" is the sister of Sandra Bullock, Gesine, who does these amazing baked creations. BUT WAIT!!! Don't look now if you are on a diet with me! You will be too tempted to try some of these delectables! I guarantee. She bakes some of these yummy things that you can mail order or buy them in Vermont.
I am the "unknown" commenter toward the bottom of this blog about baking and moms. If you must know, the "shy sis" is the sister of Sandra Bullock, Gesine, who does these amazing baked creations. BUT WAIT!!! Don't look now if you are on a diet with me! You will be too tempted to try some of these delectables! I guarantee. She bakes some of these yummy things that you can mail order or buy them in Vermont.
I Want to Hear From YOU
Google has this little tally sheet of statistics showing who is reading my blog. I have had something like 548 page views since I started at the end of September. So, I know that you guys are reading! Relax, though, Google's analytics does NOT tell me who you are, only that you are out there! I know that I have had visitors from Japan, Russia, Hong Kong, the United States, various European countries, and Canada. Did I forget to mention anyone?
So, how about writing a little comment? I have heard from a couple of friends that they are not able to post comments for some reason. If that is the case with you, just email me at lose40byChristmas@gmail.com and if you indicate that you would like me to, I can share it on my blog. May I remind you that if you write to me in another language, that is no problem! I can get it translated. I live in a place where we have language speakers of almost all other languages!
Again, thanks for reading! Hug the people you love today! And if you want to hug me, just send an XO to my email. ;D
Love.
So, how about writing a little comment? I have heard from a couple of friends that they are not able to post comments for some reason. If that is the case with you, just email me at lose40byChristmas@gmail.com and if you indicate that you would like me to, I can share it on my blog. May I remind you that if you write to me in another language, that is no problem! I can get it translated. I live in a place where we have language speakers of almost all other languages!
Again, thanks for reading! Hug the people you love today! And if you want to hug me, just send an XO to my email. ;D
Love.
Hello Dear Readers!
Hello my Dear Readers and Supporters,
You all have been great! Thank you for your support.
Tomorrow is weigh-in and I am expecting that the scales will say I have lost 7 pounds. That kind of momentum is not going to get me down 40 by Christmas. However, the scales are migrating in the right direction and I am grateful for that.
So, even if I don't make my 40 by Christmas, I will be happy with whatever progress I do make. I hope you will not be too disappointed. Let's look at the bright side. Eating healthy and exercise is always a good thing. Even if I can't do the extreme weight loss. I have always heard that healthy weight loss is one pound a week and that is about what I am doing. So, this way, most likely, I will be keeping the weight off.
Again, thank you for being there for me and I'll keep you posted on continued success, even if it is not going to be as grandiose as 40 pounds by Christmas.
With love.
You all have been great! Thank you for your support.
Tomorrow is weigh-in and I am expecting that the scales will say I have lost 7 pounds. That kind of momentum is not going to get me down 40 by Christmas. However, the scales are migrating in the right direction and I am grateful for that.
So, even if I don't make my 40 by Christmas, I will be happy with whatever progress I do make. I hope you will not be too disappointed. Let's look at the bright side. Eating healthy and exercise is always a good thing. Even if I can't do the extreme weight loss. I have always heard that healthy weight loss is one pound a week and that is about what I am doing. So, this way, most likely, I will be keeping the weight off.
Again, thank you for being there for me and I'll keep you posted on continued success, even if it is not going to be as grandiose as 40 pounds by Christmas.
With love.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
OH NO MR. BILL!
Yesterday my goal was a complete train wreck! I went to a buffet for lunch. I did amazingly well compared to how I used to feast at a buffet. I was actually kind of pleased with myself. I chose veggies, baked fish, and some "bourbon" chicken. I skipped the rolls and any breads because I knew ahead of time that I would like to have some dessert. So, I did ok. Then I had dessert and wanted so badly to have one more dessert, but chose to refrain. However, I am still thinking of how delicious the Chocolate Chess Pie tasted. Oh, maybe I shouldn't say that! The power of suggestion might make you hungry. Eek.
So, I did ok at the buffet, but for dinner I had ice cream and hot chocolate. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Haha! It was really good. But I'm sure I went way over on the caloric intake that I should have observed.
Here's the worst part of yesterday's train wreck: no exercise! OH NO MR. BILL!!! =/
Only one day of skipping exercise and I already feel like being lazy! So, today I must drag myself to movement! I finished my work early and now I must MOVE! ...Even though my inner self wants to curl up with a good movie and eat Chocolate Black Out cake all day. O_o
Tune in tomorrow and see if I did better today! Or better yet, comment below if you have ever felt this way for no reason at all!!! ;D
So, I did ok at the buffet, but for dinner I had ice cream and hot chocolate. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Haha! It was really good. But I'm sure I went way over on the caloric intake that I should have observed.
Here's the worst part of yesterday's train wreck: no exercise! OH NO MR. BILL!!! =/
Only one day of skipping exercise and I already feel like being lazy! So, today I must drag myself to movement! I finished my work early and now I must MOVE! ...Even though my inner self wants to curl up with a good movie and eat Chocolate Black Out cake all day. O_o
Tune in tomorrow and see if I did better today! Or better yet, comment below if you have ever felt this way for no reason at all!!! ;D
Monday, October 17, 2011
Chocolate Shake for only 116 Calories..... Oh Really, How Does it Taste?
I found this Chocolate Shake on a website I just recently became aware of. I thought I would share it with you. Then I will tell you a funny story about it.
1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 ripe banana
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 ice cubes
Toss in blender and blend until smooth.
116 cals per serving
Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
(serves 2)1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 ripe banana
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 ice cubes
Toss in blender and blend until smooth.
116 cals per serving
Ok, so I thought this sounded pretty good. I especially like that this recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder which I have learned is packed with antioxidants. As we all know, antioxidants help boost our immunity system and helps to prevent cancer.
So, I tried this out. When it is made just like the recipe above, to me it tastes like coffee: a little bitter. It also did not have the consistency that I like in a smoothie or a shake. I like my smoothies to be thick and this was thin. However, if you like thin smoothies on the not-too-sweet side, you might just love this one.
Here is how I improved it, tasting as I went. I added 3 tablespoons of honey at 60 calories each. I also added 1 tablespoon (level) of peanut butter thinking it might get the peanut butter cup thing going. Honey is sweeter than sugar and is already in liquid form so I thought it would be perfect.
I have to laugh. It did taste really good by then. So, I could not taste the peanut butter. But it seems like it did round out the chocolate flavor.
My version of this lo-cal drink is a little different than Snack Girl's. My version is 251 calories per serving. Not really the low calories I had envisioned. But a lot of cocoa! Another plus is it was virtually cost-free since I had all the ingredients already at home. :D And if I maybe drank the whole thing, not saying I did mind you, it would be 502 calories. If I did drink the whole thing, just maybe, then that would serve as my lunch for today. If. Lol! =]
Today is Monday, Monday, Monday!
Nobody writes a happy song about Monday, do they? haha!
Today my plans are to go for a long bike ride again and then tonight I am debating whether or not I should go to Zumba again. I have taken a couple of weeks off since my knee was hurting for awhile. If I do not do Zumba, then for sure I will do elliptical for about 20-30 minutes, about 5 minutes of rowing and arm strength training. I am lagging behind on my weight loss goals and unless I increase my activity, I will not lose 40 pounds by Christmas. (Shhhh, between you and me, if I lose 30 I will be very happy, and then I can continue to lose more after Christmas! Shh. You didn't hear that! What?) (Of course, I will have to rename this blog. haha!)
Love to you today!
Today my plans are to go for a long bike ride again and then tonight I am debating whether or not I should go to Zumba again. I have taken a couple of weeks off since my knee was hurting for awhile. If I do not do Zumba, then for sure I will do elliptical for about 20-30 minutes, about 5 minutes of rowing and arm strength training. I am lagging behind on my weight loss goals and unless I increase my activity, I will not lose 40 pounds by Christmas. (Shhhh, between you and me, if I lose 30 I will be very happy, and then I can continue to lose more after Christmas! Shh. You didn't hear that! What?) (Of course, I will have to rename this blog. haha!)
Love to you today!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A Morning of Service and An Afternoon of Bicycling Bliss
Saturday morning our church participated in a day of service. As families we were assigned to different locations to help someone by doing some service. At 8:00 a.m. everyone showed up for donuts (I passed) (yay for me) and then we all went to work! It is crazy how much work can be done by about 80 dedicated men, women and children! Even the little kids pitched in and helped! We cleaned up yards, an awesome plumber helped make repairs in the bathroom of an elderly neighbor, a couple of carpenters built a wheelchair ramp for another neighbor. It was truly an amazing sight and a blessing to those who did service today!
In the afternoon, we went for a bike ride in the canyon. (see photo) The weather conditions could not have been more perfect. The autumn colors were beautiful. The ride is unique in that the first 40 minutes you are riding all uphill. It is a gradual climb, just enough to get your aerobic work-out. Then the last 22 minutes is when we turned around and went back, so yes, it is all downhill. I switched my gears up as high as possible so I could still pedal for more exercise. I love speed!
And by the way, eating salad greens seriously curbs my appetite. Like nobody's business. I ate two salads today. After the second one, I then tried to eat two small tacos and felt like I had finished a Thanksgiving dinner! So stuffed! I think when our bodies get the nutrients we need, our brain screams at our stomachs "YOU ARE DONE! BACK. AWAY. FROM. THE. TABLE." haha!
Compare that to the days when I pretty much ate whatever I wanted and it was never the green leafy salads. I always seemed to be hungry. It doesn't really make sense that now I eat less and do more and am hungry less! Go figure! (I also now take a multivitamin every night religiously to round out the nutrients. It dissolves in a glass of water so I know the vitamins and minerals are being absorbed into my system.)
Thank you for reading! ;D *waves goodbye* Luvs until next time . . .
In the afternoon, we went for a bike ride in the canyon. (see photo) The weather conditions could not have been more perfect. The autumn colors were beautiful. The ride is unique in that the first 40 minutes you are riding all uphill. It is a gradual climb, just enough to get your aerobic work-out. Then the last 22 minutes is when we turned around and went back, so yes, it is all downhill. I switched my gears up as high as possible so I could still pedal for more exercise. I love speed!
And by the way, eating salad greens seriously curbs my appetite. Like nobody's business. I ate two salads today. After the second one, I then tried to eat two small tacos and felt like I had finished a Thanksgiving dinner! So stuffed! I think when our bodies get the nutrients we need, our brain screams at our stomachs "YOU ARE DONE! BACK. AWAY. FROM. THE. TABLE." haha!
Compare that to the days when I pretty much ate whatever I wanted and it was never the green leafy salads. I always seemed to be hungry. It doesn't really make sense that now I eat less and do more and am hungry less! Go figure! (I also now take a multivitamin every night religiously to round out the nutrients. It dissolves in a glass of water so I know the vitamins and minerals are being absorbed into my system.)
Thank you for reading! ;D *waves goodbye* Luvs until next time . . .
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Move it to Lose it
Today was weigh-in day and I have lost a total of 5.8 pounds. That is only one pound this week. So, what have I done differently this past week compared to the two weeks before that? I have exercised less. Apparently there is a direct correlation to how much and how rigorously I move my body to how much weight I lose. It seems like a no-brainer, right? Then, I have to ask myself, why I don't put exercising as a higher priority on my list of daily things that need to be done. There is no viable excuse.
In the past, when I was feeling heavier, I didn't really feel like I wanted to move that much. Moving was somewhat difficult and it seemed that I was needing to catch my breath more. Now that I have been moving more for three weeks, I move with ease and I feel much lighter even though it is only 5.8 pounds of a difference! Cra.zy. right? Even though I am older than 25, I feel 25. That's a good pay off for eating well and exercising more.
Another thing which makes me feel more energetic, I think, is taking a daily multi-vitamin supplement and choosing "live" things to eat. For instance, I am eating green leafy vegetables more now than I have ever eaten in my life. I hear that we should have 51% live things on our plate for every meal. When I say "live", I mean fresh and not over-ripe.
Plus, getting enough sleep is key to feeling energized! But not too much! There is a balance there somewhere.
I may be repeating myself, but truly there is not much else to do to lose weight besides eat less calories and burn more calories. By staying away from fat-laden foods, I get to eat a lot more in quantity. That's a nice trade off!
Thank you for reading! And I hope your day is happy. Spasiba! Xie Xie! Toa Chie! Gracias! Hasta luego! Domo Arigato! Merci! Mahalo! Nse!
In the past, when I was feeling heavier, I didn't really feel like I wanted to move that much. Moving was somewhat difficult and it seemed that I was needing to catch my breath more. Now that I have been moving more for three weeks, I move with ease and I feel much lighter even though it is only 5.8 pounds of a difference! Cra.zy. right? Even though I am older than 25, I feel 25. That's a good pay off for eating well and exercising more.
Another thing which makes me feel more energetic, I think, is taking a daily multi-vitamin supplement and choosing "live" things to eat. For instance, I am eating green leafy vegetables more now than I have ever eaten in my life. I hear that we should have 51% live things on our plate for every meal. When I say "live", I mean fresh and not over-ripe.
Plus, getting enough sleep is key to feeling energized! But not too much! There is a balance there somewhere.
I may be repeating myself, but truly there is not much else to do to lose weight besides eat less calories and burn more calories. By staying away from fat-laden foods, I get to eat a lot more in quantity. That's a nice trade off!
Thank you for reading! And I hope your day is happy. Spasiba! Xie Xie! Toa Chie! Gracias! Hasta luego! Domo Arigato! Merci! Mahalo! Nse!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Walking is Just Walking, but it is Refreshing
Yay for me! I just returned from a walk that was over an hour. It is warm enough (64 degrees Fahrenheit) and sunny and I enjoyed some new tunes on an internet radio station as I walked.
I realized something. I realized that even though I started out with an ache in my left hip joint, as I walked for the first half an hour, it eased up and now it doesn't even hurt.
Another thing I was reminded of is that walking is not hard! I mean, hello? It's just walking. Yet, when I walk for an hour, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
On my way back home, an older beat-up car passed me with a young couple who were engaged in talking and laughing with each other. I flashed back to my earlier years when I was poor and had a beater car. Life was hard in some ways, but way easier in other ways. There was no money, so there was no financial burden. We just didn't plan on anything because there was no extra money to plan anything. We just enjoyed what we did in our hometown. If we didn't have health insurance, we didn't worry because we were walking a lot and working hard which made us healthy. Did it make me want to sell my car and get a beater? haha! no! But it was a good reminder that it doesn't take money to be happy.
Walking is great. Our friend, Roy, is 77 years old and walks an hour almost every day. Last year he missed four days.
It is amazing to be rewarded with such a great feeling for doing something so simple as walking!
#walking
I realized something. I realized that even though I started out with an ache in my left hip joint, as I walked for the first half an hour, it eased up and now it doesn't even hurt.
Another thing I was reminded of is that walking is not hard! I mean, hello? It's just walking. Yet, when I walk for an hour, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
On my way back home, an older beat-up car passed me with a young couple who were engaged in talking and laughing with each other. I flashed back to my earlier years when I was poor and had a beater car. Life was hard in some ways, but way easier in other ways. There was no money, so there was no financial burden. We just didn't plan on anything because there was no extra money to plan anything. We just enjoyed what we did in our hometown. If we didn't have health insurance, we didn't worry because we were walking a lot and working hard which made us healthy. Did it make me want to sell my car and get a beater? haha! no! But it was a good reminder that it doesn't take money to be happy.
Walking is great. Our friend, Roy, is 77 years old and walks an hour almost every day. Last year he missed four days.
It is amazing to be rewarded with such a great feeling for doing something so simple as walking!
#walking
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Are we ignorant and prejudice against fat people?
Yesterday I saw a sad thing on Twitter. Someone tweeted "Fat girls have fat girls for friends." Boo. That was sad and not really true. It was, however, someone's put down on overweight girls. Was it necessary? No. Was it true? No.
My husband told me of a comment he saw on YouTube. It was under a song about the heartbreak of love. Most people were commenting how hard it is to be in love and losing your love, etc. One girl wrote, "You are all commenting about love. Try being fat." Oh, wow, it is just heartwrenching to think of people out there suffering because of being overweight.
People who are really big have a lot they have to deal with. I saw a show on Netflix called "Heavy". It's an A & E series. I only saw one episode and it didn't take long to realize how very difficult it is to carry around so much weight. Physically and emotionally.
Obviously, I need to lose weight. That is why I am writing this blog and dieting and exercising. But, there is no reason for other people to judge so severely of those who are very heavy. We have no idea what it is like and it would do us well to be more compassionate of their plight. A couple of decades from now, do we want someone to make a movie about our ignorance like they did about the ignorance and racial prejudice in the Deep South in the movie, The Help?
And on the flip side there is always the question: In taking care of myself, what am I doing to keep fit and healthy? How am I making sure that I do not become the person whose weight is out of control? Is my family doing alright? How am I making sure that my children are staying active and eating well? Do I pay attention to what they eat and do I cook healthy meals so we don't have to rely on the high fat and calories of restaurant food?
Please comment below on your feelings about fat people. Do you think your feelings will change? What do you think when you see a fat person exercising at the gym or walking or running?
(Remember, if you comment in a language other than English, it is ok. I can get it translated.)
My husband told me of a comment he saw on YouTube. It was under a song about the heartbreak of love. Most people were commenting how hard it is to be in love and losing your love, etc. One girl wrote, "You are all commenting about love. Try being fat." Oh, wow, it is just heartwrenching to think of people out there suffering because of being overweight.
People who are really big have a lot they have to deal with. I saw a show on Netflix called "Heavy". It's an A & E series. I only saw one episode and it didn't take long to realize how very difficult it is to carry around so much weight. Physically and emotionally.
Obviously, I need to lose weight. That is why I am writing this blog and dieting and exercising. But, there is no reason for other people to judge so severely of those who are very heavy. We have no idea what it is like and it would do us well to be more compassionate of their plight. A couple of decades from now, do we want someone to make a movie about our ignorance like they did about the ignorance and racial prejudice in the Deep South in the movie, The Help?
And on the flip side there is always the question: In taking care of myself, what am I doing to keep fit and healthy? How am I making sure that I do not become the person whose weight is out of control? Is my family doing alright? How am I making sure that my children are staying active and eating well? Do I pay attention to what they eat and do I cook healthy meals so we don't have to rely on the high fat and calories of restaurant food?
Please comment below on your feelings about fat people. Do you think your feelings will change? What do you think when you see a fat person exercising at the gym or walking or running?
(Remember, if you comment in a language other than English, it is ok. I can get it translated.)
Is There a Conspiracy Between the Restaurant Industry and the Health Care Industry?
Hello Friends!
Have you ever thought about the whole idea of doctors and health care and pharmaceuticals? Even though they call it "health care" do you think they want us to always be healthy? What would happen if everyone was healthy? They would sit idle. There would be no business for them.
Certainly, when a person goes into the medical field they hope to be helpful and often want to engage in this line of work to provide a service for sick and ailing people. There have been many times that I have been so grateful for a doctor who studied hard and was able to help me get better. One time I was so overcome with gratitude, in fact, that I got all choked up in front of the doctor. haha! Awkward.
So, it is my guess that there are many individuals who go into the field for altruistic reasons. As a whole, though, as an industry, I would also guess that corporations and committees make decisions based on keeping it a thriving business. When is the last time your doctor suggested that you eat raw veggies? There is literature all over the place explaining the high number of antioxidants in veggies and fruits. Antioxidants prevent cancer. However, I've never heard this from a doctor. Nutrition is generally not part of their education.
And then take a look at restaurants in the United States. The most important motivation for a restaurant is the return customer. If the food is pleasing, then the customer will return and he will also tell his friends about it. Health is now becoming a concern because the customer demands it, but there are many people still eating thousands of calories in one meal because they just do not know the ingredients of the menu items. Do you know that there are 730 calories and 47 grams of fat in an Enormous Omelette Breakfast Sandwich which is served at one of my favorite fast food places? That is a lot!
You know there are a lot of calories in cheesecake, right? Did you know there are 1200 calories in one slice of cheesecake at a restaurant which shall remain nameless? If my caloric intake should be under 1500 calories, poof! There it goes in one slice of cheesecake! Well, they do add whipped cream to the side, so that adds more!
I know in the past I have assumed that a restaurant would make a dish using a similar recipe that I might use at home. Wrong, wrong, wrong. One of our teenage children got a job at a certain popular chain restaurant and told us how they make their delicious mashed potatoes. They use a mix and a few real potatoes. A lot of the food came from cans, the meats are cooked in a lot of grease, etc. He won't eat there anymore unless he gives them specific instructions on how to prepare it!
There was a documentary film made several years ago called "Super Size Me" about a guy who ate nothing but foods from a fast food restaurant over a period of time. He actually got sick and gained a lot of weight. There have been people since then that have shown you CAN eat at fast food restaurants successfully IF YOU CHOOSE WISELY.
Of course there is no conspiracy between the restaurant business and the medical business. That would be a far-fetched accusation. But I now realize clearly that we must use information available about calorie, fat and protein counts for eating out. We can't just go pick the first thing that looks yummy! There are yummy healthy choices, too, if we just look for them. Or, as our son does, we can ask for a certain type of preparation.
The best course of action is to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, raw nuts and grains. I, for one, feel so much better when I eat the fresh foods than eating anything from a restaurant. And there are so many natural flavors that go undetected which get buried in grease and salt and spices.
Friends, you are going to crack up laughing - the last two days I have eaten salad for breakfast. It was really the only thing that sounded good to me! I bought a clear plastic box of greens from Winco and my favorite salad dressing and I have really enjoyed salad for breakfast! haha! What a food nerd, right?
Have you ever thought about the whole idea of doctors and health care and pharmaceuticals? Even though they call it "health care" do you think they want us to always be healthy? What would happen if everyone was healthy? They would sit idle. There would be no business for them.
Certainly, when a person goes into the medical field they hope to be helpful and often want to engage in this line of work to provide a service for sick and ailing people. There have been many times that I have been so grateful for a doctor who studied hard and was able to help me get better. One time I was so overcome with gratitude, in fact, that I got all choked up in front of the doctor. haha! Awkward.
So, it is my guess that there are many individuals who go into the field for altruistic reasons. As a whole, though, as an industry, I would also guess that corporations and committees make decisions based on keeping it a thriving business. When is the last time your doctor suggested that you eat raw veggies? There is literature all over the place explaining the high number of antioxidants in veggies and fruits. Antioxidants prevent cancer. However, I've never heard this from a doctor. Nutrition is generally not part of their education.
And then take a look at restaurants in the United States. The most important motivation for a restaurant is the return customer. If the food is pleasing, then the customer will return and he will also tell his friends about it. Health is now becoming a concern because the customer demands it, but there are many people still eating thousands of calories in one meal because they just do not know the ingredients of the menu items. Do you know that there are 730 calories and 47 grams of fat in an Enormous Omelette Breakfast Sandwich which is served at one of my favorite fast food places? That is a lot!
You know there are a lot of calories in cheesecake, right? Did you know there are 1200 calories in one slice of cheesecake at a restaurant which shall remain nameless? If my caloric intake should be under 1500 calories, poof! There it goes in one slice of cheesecake! Well, they do add whipped cream to the side, so that adds more!
I know in the past I have assumed that a restaurant would make a dish using a similar recipe that I might use at home. Wrong, wrong, wrong. One of our teenage children got a job at a certain popular chain restaurant and told us how they make their delicious mashed potatoes. They use a mix and a few real potatoes. A lot of the food came from cans, the meats are cooked in a lot of grease, etc. He won't eat there anymore unless he gives them specific instructions on how to prepare it!
There was a documentary film made several years ago called "Super Size Me" about a guy who ate nothing but foods from a fast food restaurant over a period of time. He actually got sick and gained a lot of weight. There have been people since then that have shown you CAN eat at fast food restaurants successfully IF YOU CHOOSE WISELY.
Of course there is no conspiracy between the restaurant business and the medical business. That would be a far-fetched accusation. But I now realize clearly that we must use information available about calorie, fat and protein counts for eating out. We can't just go pick the first thing that looks yummy! There are yummy healthy choices, too, if we just look for them. Or, as our son does, we can ask for a certain type of preparation.
The best course of action is to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, raw nuts and grains. I, for one, feel so much better when I eat the fresh foods than eating anything from a restaurant. And there are so many natural flavors that go undetected which get buried in grease and salt and spices.
Friends, you are going to crack up laughing - the last two days I have eaten salad for breakfast. It was really the only thing that sounded good to me! I bought a clear plastic box of greens from Winco and my favorite salad dressing and I have really enjoyed salad for breakfast! haha! What a food nerd, right?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Freshetarian: A New Way to Look at Food for Our Bodies
First of all, let me report that I have had a total weight loss of 4.8 lbs. in two weeks. That is 2.18 kilograms, which sounds like way less! haha! We should definitely keep track of our weight loss in pounds!!!
Also, even though a few of those days I kept my caloric intake low and I exercised, I have to report that I feel much better on the days that I eat foods which are still alive. That means fruits and vegetables before they start to become too ripe. There seems to be a new way of looking at food and there are several people talking about it. Here is one that is near and dear to my heart: http://freshetarian.blogspot.com/ I really like how he advises to eat things that are fresh and defines what is best and what is better to eat. And if a person following the Freshetarian way falls off for one day, he says it is no problem, because you don't live there. You are only visiting. If you "live" in the healthy area, it is ok to "visit" the lesser choices occasionally.
So, to keep from getting hungry too often, I follow the advice to eat small amounts often in the End Game Diet (Amazon.com). For good food choices, I look to the concept in the Freshetarian way of eating (link in paragraph above). I feel so much better!!! And I have a lot more energy! Oh yeah! ;D
Also, even though a few of those days I kept my caloric intake low and I exercised, I have to report that I feel much better on the days that I eat foods which are still alive. That means fruits and vegetables before they start to become too ripe. There seems to be a new way of looking at food and there are several people talking about it. Here is one that is near and dear to my heart: http://freshetarian.blogspot.com/ I really like how he advises to eat things that are fresh and defines what is best and what is better to eat. And if a person following the Freshetarian way falls off for one day, he says it is no problem, because you don't live there. You are only visiting. If you "live" in the healthy area, it is ok to "visit" the lesser choices occasionally.
So, to keep from getting hungry too often, I follow the advice to eat small amounts often in the End Game Diet (Amazon.com). For good food choices, I look to the concept in the Freshetarian way of eating (link in paragraph above). I feel so much better!!! And I have a lot more energy! Oh yeah! ;D
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
TO: Sandy, Debbie, Angi, Ashley and Wes, Thank you!
Dear Angi, Ashley, Debbie, Sandy and Wes,
Thank you for coming on this journey with me! You are each approaching it in your own way, and you are here and I am not alone. Thank you! Thank you! There is still room if anyone else wants to jump on board! I hope I didn't miss anyone! Jamie, you are way ahead of us! You only have a few more to lose! ;D Way to go!
Here is what Sandy wrote to me last week:
"Ok so here is what I am thinking… I know there is never a convenient time to start a diet because there is always some holiday, or party, or something involving food! But Monday is the day I begin my journey. I have one final weekend to eat whatever I want and to just be lazy and Monday I begin. I’m working on a diet plan, an exercise plan, etc. I don’t know if I will post that for the whole world to see, but I will post what I did for exercise and log my progress. I am excited to begin this journey! I really think I can do it! Thanks for getting me going!"
And she has already begun! Soon Sandy will report on how she is doing.
It is so inpsiring that we are all trying to eat well and exercise more. I hope you are each feeling better overall with your increased circulation and sense of accomplishment.
This morning I got a bicycle ride in before it rained. It was chilly and I wore a fleece vest. I was comfortable enough. Now with the rain, this evening I will be going to the indoor track not too far from where I live. It takes about 10 minutes to get there. I plan to walk an hour and use the rowing machine if they have one. I am taking a break from Zumba, as my right knee twisted the wrong way! But I am getting a great benefit from walking, too!
Again thank you to Ashley, Wes, Sandy, Debbie and Angi! Your company motivates me to stay on task!
Love,
Just me
Thank you for coming on this journey with me! You are each approaching it in your own way, and you are here and I am not alone. Thank you! Thank you! There is still room if anyone else wants to jump on board! I hope I didn't miss anyone! Jamie, you are way ahead of us! You only have a few more to lose! ;D Way to go!
Here is what Sandy wrote to me last week:
"Ok so here is what I am thinking… I know there is never a convenient time to start a diet because there is always some holiday, or party, or something involving food! But Monday is the day I begin my journey. I have one final weekend to eat whatever I want and to just be lazy and Monday I begin. I’m working on a diet plan, an exercise plan, etc. I don’t know if I will post that for the whole world to see, but I will post what I did for exercise and log my progress. I am excited to begin this journey! I really think I can do it! Thanks for getting me going!"
And she has already begun! Soon Sandy will report on how she is doing.
It is so inpsiring that we are all trying to eat well and exercise more. I hope you are each feeling better overall with your increased circulation and sense of accomplishment.
This morning I got a bicycle ride in before it rained. It was chilly and I wore a fleece vest. I was comfortable enough. Now with the rain, this evening I will be going to the indoor track not too far from where I live. It takes about 10 minutes to get there. I plan to walk an hour and use the rowing machine if they have one. I am taking a break from Zumba, as my right knee twisted the wrong way! But I am getting a great benefit from walking, too!
Again thank you to Ashley, Wes, Sandy, Debbie and Angi! Your company motivates me to stay on task!
Love,
Just me
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
True Confessions
The truth is this: I took two days off. I will resume my efforts in the morning. Yesterday and today I did not do any great exercise other than walking for short distances. Today I may go to the gym later, but I don't know. I'm not feeling it. Does that make me a loser? No. No, it doesn't.
But I knew you were missing hearing from me, so I thought I would write this little blog and let you know I did fall off and will get up on it again.
"Where did I go wrong?" you may ask. Yesterday was Sunday, which is the day that Christian nations celebrate the Sabbath, as you know. I went with my husband to visit friends who were making a delicious dinner and we were invited to stay. It was empanadas with spinach, meat, egg and onion. Very delicious by familia de Robles!
Today was the last day of good weather for awhile, so I decided to drive around the mountains and take pictures. No exercise there. And since I was off the plan, I enjoyed a cookie.
So, you can see it was not a bad fall off of the wagon, but it was just a fall. A little fall. haha! :D Back up on it tomorrow!
How are YOU doing with your exercise and healthy eating?
But I knew you were missing hearing from me, so I thought I would write this little blog and let you know I did fall off and will get up on it again.
"Where did I go wrong?" you may ask. Yesterday was Sunday, which is the day that Christian nations celebrate the Sabbath, as you know. I went with my husband to visit friends who were making a delicious dinner and we were invited to stay. It was empanadas with spinach, meat, egg and onion. Very delicious by familia de Robles!
Today was the last day of good weather for awhile, so I decided to drive around the mountains and take pictures. No exercise there. And since I was off the plan, I enjoyed a cookie.
So, you can see it was not a bad fall off of the wagon, but it was just a fall. A little fall. haha! :D Back up on it tomorrow!
How are YOU doing with your exercise and healthy eating?
Sunday, October 2, 2011
COME ON MY WALK WITH ME
This morning I went for a walk for an hour.
Later, in the afternoon, I rode my bicycle for 45 minutes.
I'm feeling pretty good about this amount of exercise.
I took a 360 degree video so you could come with me on my walk. I didn't take a video of the bicycle ride. It is in the same area as this video, though.
When you play this video, please imagine really cool music playing, ok? Or turn some music on before you start the video - haha! ;D
Here are the tunes I was listening to while on my walk today: On The Floor (Jennifer Lopez), Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw), Good Morning and Stronger(Mandisa), Move, The Generous Mr. Lovewell (MercyMe), Fallin for You (Colbie Caillat),Cliffs of Dover (Eric Johnson), Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5). You Zumba-heads might recognize the last one! And you Guitar Hero players might recognize the Cliffs of Dover! And I listened to Pandora's Moves Like Jagger Radio Station. Booyah, Baby!
All this exercise makes me realize how out of shape I am. While I was doing fairly sedentary things and working out comfortably on "my" elliptical at the gym, I felt fine. But once I started Zumba, long walks and bicycling a lot, I realized clearly that I am carrying around a lot of extra weight which makes every activity more difficult than it should be. Too freaking bad that it takes so long to get it off! It seems like recognizing the problem should somehow magically make it go away faster! ;D You know what I'm talking about?
One final song for this blog: Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole! This morning, as I came close to the end of my walk, I thought "This walk is for you, Iz!" If you don't know, Mr. Kamakawiwo'ole battled obesity until he passed away at the age of 38 in 1997. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Kamakawiwo%CA%BBole
Later, in the afternoon, I rode my bicycle for 45 minutes.
I'm feeling pretty good about this amount of exercise.
I took a 360 degree video so you could come with me on my walk. I didn't take a video of the bicycle ride. It is in the same area as this video, though.
When you play this video, please imagine really cool music playing, ok? Or turn some music on before you start the video - haha! ;D
Here are the tunes I was listening to while on my walk today: On The Floor (Jennifer Lopez), Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw), Good Morning and Stronger(Mandisa), Move, The Generous Mr. Lovewell (MercyMe), Fallin for You (Colbie Caillat),Cliffs of Dover (Eric Johnson), Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5). You Zumba-heads might recognize the last one! And you Guitar Hero players might recognize the Cliffs of Dover! And I listened to Pandora's Moves Like Jagger Radio Station. Booyah, Baby!
All this exercise makes me realize how out of shape I am. While I was doing fairly sedentary things and working out comfortably on "my" elliptical at the gym, I felt fine. But once I started Zumba, long walks and bicycling a lot, I realized clearly that I am carrying around a lot of extra weight which makes every activity more difficult than it should be. Too freaking bad that it takes so long to get it off! It seems like recognizing the problem should somehow magically make it go away faster! ;D You know what I'm talking about?
One final song for this blog: Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole! This morning, as I came close to the end of my walk, I thought "This walk is for you, Iz!" If you don't know, Mr. Kamakawiwo'ole battled obesity until he passed away at the age of 38 in 1997. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Kamakawiwo%CA%BBole
Friday, September 30, 2011
おはよう Hello Japan Readers!
Hello to my new Japanese readers,
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you find it interesting. If you would like to comment, please do. English or Japanese is fine, because I can simply use a translation system if you write in your native tongue. I would love to hear your feedback. Perhaps you can share some healthy recipes.
再びありがとう
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you find it interesting. If you would like to comment, please do. English or Japanese is fine, because I can simply use a translation system if you write in your native tongue. I would love to hear your feedback. Perhaps you can share some healthy recipes.
再びありがとう
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Good Idea from My Niece: Tap & Track
I got this note from my niece the other day and she said I could share it:
Hello Auntie Susan, I just wanted to say yay for your 40 lbs by Christmas goal! I am working losing weight too:):):) I was reading your blog and noticed you were thinking about tracking your calories. When I lost almost 60 pounds a couple years ago that is how I did it. That's what I'm doing again actually:) Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that the iPhone has an awesome app called Tap and Track. You enter your weight and height and weight loss goals and it tells you how many calories you can eat each day. Then you enter the food you eat and it tracks the calories. It has a giant database with a lot of food's nutrition info stored so you don't have to enter the nutrition info for all the food you eat. You can also record your weights and exercise you've done. It's pretty awesome if you do decide to track your calories. Good luck!
Love ya!
Andrea
Thank you, Andrea! Big hug!
AND..... my Zumba instructor last night after class ended said, "OK, you all know you just burned 1,000 calories doing Zumba with me, right?" WOW, ONE THOUSAND CALORIES, are you kidding me? Since I wasn't able to keep up with this particular instructor, I'd have to say I burned a bit less. But still it was a sweat fest!
Hello Auntie Susan, I just wanted to say yay for your 40 lbs by Christmas goal! I am working losing weight too:):):) I was reading your blog and noticed you were thinking about tracking your calories. When I lost almost 60 pounds a couple years ago that is how I did it. That's what I'm doing again actually:) Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that the iPhone has an awesome app called Tap and Track. You enter your weight and height and weight loss goals and it tells you how many calories you can eat each day. Then you enter the food you eat and it tracks the calories. It has a giant database with a lot of food's nutrition info stored so you don't have to enter the nutrition info for all the food you eat. You can also record your weights and exercise you've done. It's pretty awesome if you do decide to track your calories. Good luck!
Love ya!
Andrea
Thank you, Andrea! Big hug!
AND..... my Zumba instructor last night after class ended said, "OK, you all know you just burned 1,000 calories doing Zumba with me, right?" WOW, ONE THOUSAND CALORIES, are you kidding me? Since I wasn't able to keep up with this particular instructor, I'd have to say I burned a bit less. But still it was a sweat fest!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Privet! Oi! Come va? Grüß dich! Bonjour! Hello to all Readers!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! It is so great to look at the stats and see you popping in from Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom and all over the United States. You are undoubtedly looking for something interesting. I hope I am able to deliver! :D I am also trying to write like I talk so you can get an idea of how an average person sounds in the USA.
Losing weight is not super easy. Why in the world did I think it might be easy enough? Hoo boy, it is also not really that difficult, but it IS nonstop thinking about what I put into my mouth. Life used to be so simple when I didn't have to plan what I was eating and I could just do life. When I got hungry I could grab something handy and yummy to satisfy that hunger. Side thought: maybe that is why so many people in the USA are obese. Because the availability of fast food and junk food is literally at our fingertips.
So, today I am a little frustrated and a teensy bit discouraged that this is going to be a long haul project and I have to stick with a plan. My alternative is to go back to my non-plan way of living and most certainly an early grave.
Yesterday I met a wonderful couple from Lima, Peru who now live in the USA. They both enjoy going to the gym and the wife especially loves Zumba. And her husband goes to Zumba with her! ha! Now, that is a good sport right there! :D We all know aerobic dance (Zumba) is very tricky for guys. ;D
This lady said that she used to hate exercise. She really loathed it. She would rather do anything than exercise. But one day her doctor told her that her cholesterol count was dangerously over 300 and that she would surely die if she didn't take action right away. She used to pass out and faint just because her cholesterol was so high! Oh my gosh, that's cra-zy!
So, she started exercising and now she really loves it and looks forward to it. I don't know if it is the exercise rush or what, but they both had a very shiny countenance! They look like they feel great, and said that they do! That is inspiring.
Again thank you for reading! Please comment! Grazie! Spasiba! Danke! Obrigada! XO! and Merci!
Losing weight is not super easy. Why in the world did I think it might be easy enough? Hoo boy, it is also not really that difficult, but it IS nonstop thinking about what I put into my mouth. Life used to be so simple when I didn't have to plan what I was eating and I could just do life. When I got hungry I could grab something handy and yummy to satisfy that hunger. Side thought: maybe that is why so many people in the USA are obese. Because the availability of fast food and junk food is literally at our fingertips.
So, today I am a little frustrated and a teensy bit discouraged that this is going to be a long haul project and I have to stick with a plan. My alternative is to go back to my non-plan way of living and most certainly an early grave.
Yesterday I met a wonderful couple from Lima, Peru who now live in the USA. They both enjoy going to the gym and the wife especially loves Zumba. And her husband goes to Zumba with her! ha! Now, that is a good sport right there! :D We all know aerobic dance (Zumba) is very tricky for guys. ;D
This lady said that she used to hate exercise. She really loathed it. She would rather do anything than exercise. But one day her doctor told her that her cholesterol count was dangerously over 300 and that she would surely die if she didn't take action right away. She used to pass out and faint just because her cholesterol was so high! Oh my gosh, that's cra-zy!
So, she started exercising and now she really loves it and looks forward to it. I don't know if it is the exercise rush or what, but they both had a very shiny countenance! They look like they feel great, and said that they do! That is inspiring.
Again thank you for reading! Please comment! Grazie! Spasiba! Danke! Obrigada! XO! and Merci!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
FIRST DAY OF WEIGHING IN
I probably should not expect too much yet, right? I mean, I had a slow start. It has been a week, but not a full week of exercise and eating perfectly at the beginning. But still, it has been an official week since I have started.
This morning I weighed in with a 3.8 pound loss. Not too bad. 36.2 pounds to go before Christmas. That is still doable. Christmas is what? Just shy of 12 weeks away? So, if I lose 3.8 pounds every week up until Christmas, I can easily make the goal. At my age, with the metabolism of molasses, I am really fortunate I am able to lose that much.
My friend said she would buy my lunch if I lost 8 pounds total by next Tuesday. That is nice of my friend to be extra supportive! Or maybe she knows she is safe because the likelihood of that happening is slim! haha! :D
Thanks again, friends, for your support and to those of you who have joined in! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! haha! It's true. :D [that many exclamation points and I'm using a megaphone, right? ;) ]
This morning I weighed in with a 3.8 pound loss. Not too bad. 36.2 pounds to go before Christmas. That is still doable. Christmas is what? Just shy of 12 weeks away? So, if I lose 3.8 pounds every week up until Christmas, I can easily make the goal. At my age, with the metabolism of molasses, I am really fortunate I am able to lose that much.
My friend said she would buy my lunch if I lost 8 pounds total by next Tuesday. That is nice of my friend to be extra supportive! Or maybe she knows she is safe because the likelihood of that happening is slim! haha! :D
Thanks again, friends, for your support and to those of you who have joined in! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! haha! It's true. :D [that many exclamation points and I'm using a megaphone, right? ;) ]
ZUMBA!
Went to Zumba tonight and about 35 minutes into it, I started to wonder if they would be carrying me out on a stretcher. But because you guys are with me on this quest, I was determined to NOT give in. So, I drank lots of water and when I started to feel like it was too much, I just made my sexy moves a little less dramatic! haha! ;D "Booyah, Ba-by!"
Of course, since I don't know the steps I felt like a newbie, but I figured if I just kept moving it would count! And the steps are not all that difficult.
I saw on Twitter some comments about Zumba that were tweeted within minutes of my class ending. And I realized it is not that easy for anybody. Even my instructor was sweating!
On Twitter: @Devan_Salle said "#zumba kicked my boooty" @nmpereira17 said "Just had a #zumba workout! Wow they are intense and tiring! But fun :D" @Lesi_9314 said "#ZUMBA is some serious isshh" haha! all good comments! I asked a Men's Health Magazine on Twitter if men ever Zumba. We'll see what they say!
I will be doing ZUMBA twice, maybe three times a week! If that and eating healthy doesn't take off 40 pounds by Christmas, I don't know what will! (On those other days, I will do other exercise!)
Listen, friends, if I die in this process, you will all know that I died trying to be healthy. "/
Of course, since I don't know the steps I felt like a newbie, but I figured if I just kept moving it would count! And the steps are not all that difficult.
I saw on Twitter some comments about Zumba that were tweeted within minutes of my class ending. And I realized it is not that easy for anybody. Even my instructor was sweating!
On Twitter: @Devan_Salle said "#zumba kicked my boooty" @nmpereira17 said "Just had a #zumba workout! Wow they are intense and tiring! But fun :D" @Lesi_9314 said "#ZUMBA is some serious isshh" haha! all good comments! I asked a Men's Health Magazine on Twitter if men ever Zumba. We'll see what they say!
I will be doing ZUMBA twice, maybe three times a week! If that and eating healthy doesn't take off 40 pounds by Christmas, I don't know what will! (On those other days, I will do other exercise!)
Listen, friends, if I die in this process, you will all know that I died trying to be healthy. "/
Monday, September 26, 2011
ADDING EXERCISE and REPORTING BELOW!
Welcome to Christi, Just Jo, Mjnetty, Robin, and Debbie who commented that she is onboard! It is great to get your support and your suggestions, you beautiful women, you!
Today I got on the scales and was happy to see a teensy success. I know it will increase as I add exercise, which is what I am wanting to report right now!
Last week Sandy told me in person that she is willing to commit to recording how much exercise she does every day. And I was so glad to hear it because now I feel more accountable, too!!! So, since I know that I will be reporting my exercising starting today, I already got over to the gym for 33 minutes. Yes, I know that is not much, but it is a start. And I will be bicycling for about 30 minutes on my break from work. Later, I will make a comment below and give you exact information.
So if you want to, feel free to comment below and let me know what you did today for exercise! If I were more techy savvy, we could have like a list on the right over there -> that lists our names and our exercise for every day. BUT, you know what? We will work with what we have and we have room below for all your comments! ;D Also, if you didn't exercise today, just jump in when you can. . . . pressure and stress is exactly what we do not need!
Quick note on how it felt to be at the gym after a long time away from the gym: awesome! It was great to be there with everyone else who was covered in sweat. Also, we don't have television at home. We just watch shows and movies online. So, it was fun to see the news and the commercials. Commercials? I know, right? haha!
Today I got on the scales and was happy to see a teensy success. I know it will increase as I add exercise, which is what I am wanting to report right now!
Last week Sandy told me in person that she is willing to commit to recording how much exercise she does every day. And I was so glad to hear it because now I feel more accountable, too!!! So, since I know that I will be reporting my exercising starting today, I already got over to the gym for 33 minutes. Yes, I know that is not much, but it is a start. And I will be bicycling for about 30 minutes on my break from work. Later, I will make a comment below and give you exact information.
So if you want to, feel free to comment below and let me know what you did today for exercise! If I were more techy savvy, we could have like a list on the right over there -> that lists our names and our exercise for every day. BUT, you know what? We will work with what we have and we have room below for all your comments! ;D Also, if you didn't exercise today, just jump in when you can. . . . pressure and stress is exactly what we do not need!
Quick note on how it felt to be at the gym after a long time away from the gym: awesome! It was great to be there with everyone else who was covered in sweat. Also, we don't have television at home. We just watch shows and movies online. So, it was fun to see the news and the commercials. Commercials? I know, right? haha!
Friday, September 23, 2011
OPEN INVITATION TO EXERCISE & RECORD IT
The past few days, I have added pacing and jiggling. I have gone for a couple of short bike rides. I have run up and down the stairs. I have parked far from the door of whatever building I plan to enter. So, I have increased movement a little. BUT. IS that enough? I submit to you, "NO, it is not enough!" Haha, that sounds like I am shouting, huh? But I'm not. I am being more like a lawyer in a courtroom, pleaing the case. The case, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, for exercise. It is a critical part of any weight loss program.
Starting Monday, I am inviting you to report your exercise with me every day! I am going to start a regular exercise program of committing to something every day Monday - Saturday.
Now, we don't all have to be as energetic as Amy, who rides her bicycle 12 miles a day to commute to work. Although it would be very beneficial to each of us to do that while we save our planet! (Once, I rode my bicycle 10 miles to work and home one day. I didn't die. It was amazing! Well, and surprising! haha!)
However, we have to decide how many minutes per day and what type of exercise we will do each day. Perhaps you are at the level of being so out of shape that you need to start by walking out to get the mail. Hey, that is super ok! We all have to start somewhere. You don't need someone to tell you what to do, do you? You already know that. You just need to do it.
So, how about if you do it with us?
On Monday, I will tell you exactly what I did and how much time I spent exercising. Then, in the comment section below, you will add your comment of what you did and how long. You can also add anything else you want to. Maybe you would like to share how you were feeling when you did this!
WHO IS WITH ME? Anyone? Anyone? :) Any thin people who want to join in this segment....?
Starting Monday, I am inviting you to report your exercise with me every day! I am going to start a regular exercise program of committing to something every day Monday - Saturday.
Now, we don't all have to be as energetic as Amy, who rides her bicycle 12 miles a day to commute to work. Although it would be very beneficial to each of us to do that while we save our planet! (Once, I rode my bicycle 10 miles to work and home one day. I didn't die. It was amazing! Well, and surprising! haha!)
However, we have to decide how many minutes per day and what type of exercise we will do each day. Perhaps you are at the level of being so out of shape that you need to start by walking out to get the mail. Hey, that is super ok! We all have to start somewhere. You don't need someone to tell you what to do, do you? You already know that. You just need to do it.
So, how about if you do it with us?
On Monday, I will tell you exactly what I did and how much time I spent exercising. Then, in the comment section below, you will add your comment of what you did and how long. You can also add anything else you want to. Maybe you would like to share how you were feeling when you did this!
WHO IS WITH ME? Anyone? Anyone? :) Any thin people who want to join in this segment....?
Pacing and Jiggling
The whole name of the game is burning calories, right? Over the past couple of years I have noticed that the people who are very thin and stay that way without any real exercise plan do something that I used to find kind of annoying. They jiggle and move a lot. They simply cannot stay still. So, I have learned from that. They are burning calories like nobody's business. (Didn't that sound like Tina Fey? Well, ok, just a little? I felt like Tina Fey when I said it.)
So, I have added jiggling and pacing to my lifestyle. Whenever I have an opportunity, I think, "ok, move!" It's hilarious, right? haha!
Well, when I am talking on my cell phone, I can pace. When I am waiting for something or someone I can flex muscles even if I am not ambulating. And jiggling - ugh - I can intentionally jiggle sometimes, too. (No, I'm not talking about the running-fat-jiggle! haha!)
Having said all this, if you take me to the symphony I will sit still. Ok, well, I might do buttocks squeezes. But you will never notice. ;D
So, I have added jiggling and pacing to my lifestyle. Whenever I have an opportunity, I think, "ok, move!" It's hilarious, right? haha!
Well, when I am talking on my cell phone, I can pace. When I am waiting for something or someone I can flex muscles even if I am not ambulating. And jiggling - ugh - I can intentionally jiggle sometimes, too. (No, I'm not talking about the running-fat-jiggle! haha!)
Having said all this, if you take me to the symphony I will sit still. Ok, well, I might do buttocks squeezes. But you will never notice. ;D
Grouchy People Drain My Happyness
Man! Have you ever been around someone who is grouchy or unhappy? Do you let it affect your day? And here is the million dollar question: Do you let it affect your eating habits?
So, today I was around someone unhappy and I really wanted to go get some gooey chocolate something or another. But, luckily I recognized that it wasn't my problem. So, why am I going to let someone else's attitude affect my attitude? I can still be positive and upbeat. And why have I let people affect my eating habits in the past? I could just kick myself in the butt!
Yes, it used to be that when I was around negativity, I would find something sweet to eat. That is probably a borderline eating disorder. At least I knew that I wasn't fixing the problem, but I was just making myself feel a little better. I didn't have to eat a lot, but I did want a little something sweet.
Now, I am going to tell myself something different: If someone near me is grouchy. Leave. Maybe not physically, but mentally at least. Their unhappiness is not my unhappy! And surely, if I want something sweet, I can always have a small portion of diet soda and gum. If necessary, for a strong sweet tooth I remember Marie Osmond said she would have a teaspoon of honey. I would gag, but if you like honey it might be worth a try!
And please join me in being happy in spite of all the negativity in the world around us! We can be happy even without an 800 calorie dessert. ;D
So, today I was around someone unhappy and I really wanted to go get some gooey chocolate something or another. But, luckily I recognized that it wasn't my problem. So, why am I going to let someone else's attitude affect my attitude? I can still be positive and upbeat. And why have I let people affect my eating habits in the past? I could just kick myself in the butt!
Yes, it used to be that when I was around negativity, I would find something sweet to eat. That is probably a borderline eating disorder. At least I knew that I wasn't fixing the problem, but I was just making myself feel a little better. I didn't have to eat a lot, but I did want a little something sweet.
Now, I am going to tell myself something different: If someone near me is grouchy. Leave. Maybe not physically, but mentally at least. Their unhappiness is not my unhappy! And surely, if I want something sweet, I can always have a small portion of diet soda and gum. If necessary, for a strong sweet tooth I remember Marie Osmond said she would have a teaspoon of honey. I would gag, but if you like honey it might be worth a try!
And please join me in being happy in spite of all the negativity in the world around us! We can be happy even without an 800 calorie dessert. ;D
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Heading into a Day of Success!
This morning I went shopping and picked up all the foods I think will help me stick with my eating plan that I outlined earlier. (see EATING PLAN post)
I bought some frozen blueberries, yogurt without high fructose syrup, mushrooms, lettuce, salad dressing that I really like, lowfat cheese sticks, crackers, spray "butter", diet soda-one cup every three days since it is not good for my fine-looking body ;D, and the best thing for curbing an appetite - stick pretzels! I will probably eat stick pretzels with nuts - something like 20 pretzels to 10 nuts and that will be a complete snack and together they create protein! Best part is that those stick pretzels are only about 100 calories for 53 pretzels.
So, this sounds like a mixed bag of food. But, I already have fresh vegetables and fruits and some lean meat at home. This was mostly snack items. And note to self: DRINK WATER!!!
Today will be successful! OH! And my husband fixed my bicycle, so when it warms up, I can go for a ride! Thank you, handsome.
AND HERE'S A SURPRISE: Even though I have not been following a plan closely, I have been moving more and eating less, so I have dropped 1.2 pounds so far already! Nice.
I bought some frozen blueberries, yogurt without high fructose syrup, mushrooms, lettuce, salad dressing that I really like, lowfat cheese sticks, crackers, spray "butter", diet soda-one cup every three days since it is not good for my fine-looking body ;D, and the best thing for curbing an appetite - stick pretzels! I will probably eat stick pretzels with nuts - something like 20 pretzels to 10 nuts and that will be a complete snack and together they create protein! Best part is that those stick pretzels are only about 100 calories for 53 pretzels.
So, this sounds like a mixed bag of food. But, I already have fresh vegetables and fruits and some lean meat at home. This was mostly snack items. And note to self: DRINK WATER!!!
Today will be successful! OH! And my husband fixed my bicycle, so when it warms up, I can go for a ride! Thank you, handsome.
AND HERE'S A SURPRISE: Even though I have not been following a plan closely, I have been moving more and eating less, so I have dropped 1.2 pounds so far already! Nice.
Terrible Debacle "GIT RIGHT BACK UP ON IT"
Ok, all of you good folks who are pulling for me. Today was a complete failure. My bicycle had a flat tire this morning. And I did not make it to the store to get the "eating plan" goods and ended up eating what I had around. And then I got sucked into research until 6:00 p.m. when I finally pulled myself away. Do not give up on me. I'm not giving up on me! I'll get to the store in the morning and get on track! If I were a cowboy, I could say I will "git right back up on it and ride that tired old horse 'til she becomes glue". haha! ew.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
EATING PLAN
Ok, I came up with an eating plan that should work for the first week or so as a transition. If there is a steady amount of weight lost, then this will be fine. If there is not enough weight being lost, then I will re-visit this plan and make adjustments.
I'm open to suggestions and recipes. :D
½ cup granola
½ cup milk
½ cup blueberries
1 serving lean meat or fish
10-12 almonds (preferably raw)
Multi-vitamin (the kind that will dissolve in a glass of water within a few minutes)
1 egg
1 pc of dry toast
½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 serving lean meat or fish
1 tsp. peanut butter
Diet soda
Multi-vitamin
1 cracker
1 serving of oatmeal
1 tsp peanut butter
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup skim milk
1 serving lean meat or fish
4 Brazilian nuts
Topped with a drizzle of olive oil or spray butter, salt, grilled veggies (in Pam)
Multi-vitamin
Herbal tea (optional)
I'm open to suggestions and recipes. :D
EATING PLAN
Three days and then repeat. Boredom is a factor to reduced eating. Research shows that if you are bored with your food, you will not overeat. I have found that to be true, too. But I try to build in a nice treat every day like yogurt or a square of chocolate so I don’t feel deprived. Also, a small frozen yogurt can be substituted occasionally. Of course, I will avoid the chocolate syrup and the junky toppings!
Day 1
Breakfast:½ cup granola
½ cup milk
½ cup blueberries
Mid-morning:
1 piece of fruitLunch:
Salad, a little bit of lite dressing1 serving lean meat or fish
Mid-afternoon:
2-3 crackers10-12 almonds (preferably raw)
Dinner:
Homemade soup with clear broth, small serving Before bed snack:
1 small container of yogurt without high fructose syrup in it!Multi-vitamin (the kind that will dissolve in a glass of water within a few minutes)
Day 2
Breakfast:1 egg
1 pc of dry toast
½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Mid-morning:
1 piece of fruitLunch:
Salad with drizzle of light dressing1 serving lean meat or fish
Mid-afternoon:
2-3 crackers1 tsp. peanut butter
Diet soda
Dinner:
Boiled or steamed veggies with saltBefore bed snack:
1 small container of yogurt with no high fructose syrupMulti-vitamin
1 cracker
Day 3
Breakfast:1 serving of oatmeal
1 tsp peanut butter
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup skim milk
Mid-morning:
1 fruitLunch:
Salad with light dressing1 serving lean meat or fish
Mid-afternoon:
2-3 crackers4 Brazilian nuts
Dinner:
Baked PotatoTopped with a drizzle of olive oil or spray butter, salt, grilled veggies (in Pam)
Before bed snack:
1 small square of dark chocolateMulti-vitamin
Herbal tea (optional)
OTHER SNACKS that can take the place of a snack:
Hard boiled egg
3-5 olives
1 cheese stick (no, not fried!!!) haha :D
1 cup of skim milk with a little Hershey’s chocolate syrup
The idea is to keep the snack to around 100 calories or less. And the purpose is to curb my appetite so I don’t ever get hungry. If there is hunger after the first couple of days, maybe a smoothie made with fruits and veggies will bring the nutrition up to speed so that hunger will go away.
I tried eating a donut one morning. After I finished the donut, I was still as hungry as before I ate it. Anything healthy, that gives us nutrition, will not leave us feeling so hungry. Nutrition is key.
So, why would I want to eat one little cookie when I could have a whole orange or apple for the same calorie count. A piece of fruit, even though our brain says "yawwwn, borrring" is much more satisfying for hunger than a cookie!
Yay! Members! And My First Day
TODAY:
Ok, when I start the day out not prepared, it doesn't turn out so well. I mean, I did alright. I grabbed some peanuts for breakfast on the way out the door to a meeting. Then at the meeting they were serving up some really rich sauces and pasta with some chicken, salad and the best looking breadsticks you ever want to see. Also, some luxurious desserts! So, here is what I did. I took a lot of lettuce and tomatoes on my plate (it was buffet style) and loaded up on grilled veggies. I added about 5 bites of chicken. I passed on the breadsticks, pasta, sauces and dessert. And I did give in to a diet Coke, even though generally I know diet soda is not good for us.
Not too bad so far, right?
Then for a midafternoon snack, I had some raw nuts and one fresh pear. I got a bit of a tummy ache, so I drank 1/2 cup of kefir for the extra help on the digestion. It did seem to ease the discomfort and my stomach ache did not return.
Then for dinner I was on my way to babysit, running late, and grabbed a salad at Costa Vida. I opted for the vegetarian salad and only used a teensy bit of my vinagrette dressing. I drank water with this meal and left most of the tortilla in the bowl. I will try to post a picture of what I left, but not sure if I can figure it out.
I had one bite of the Creme Brulee ice cream that is still calling my name from my freezer. If I were smart, I would just throw it away, but it was a gift and that would be downright rude! ;D
Today I am still craving sweets and I have had a headache for a good part of the afternoon. The only thing I can think of is that all the sugar from the previous few days is finding it's way out of my system.
NOW. That is not too bad, right? Ummm, it is ok. It is barely ok. I have no idea how many calories I have eaten. The upside is that everything I ate (except the coke and the bite of ice cream) has some good nutritional value.
As far as exercise? The only exercise I got was walking from the door of the car into the various places I went today. Probably a total of 800 steps if that much. We cannot really count a few times up and down the stairs and dancing in the shower!
If I were to measure calories in versus calories out, I most probably took in more than I burned. I cannot reach a goal that way, so what do I have to do? PLAN! More tomorrow with an actual plan!
Here is what I left for dinner, but this is usually the best part to eat! :( It will pay off in the end!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tummy Ache!
Does anyone else ever have a stomach ache when you start eating all healthy foods? My stomach started hurting after a pear and some nuts. So, I just drank 1/2 cup of kefir, think the probiotics will help with digestion... hopefully that will work!
Saw this "AWESOME" link on Facebook - Girls of all ages, it's for you!
http://blog.pigtailpals.com/2011/08/waking-up-full-of-awesome/
Let us always remember that we are divine by nature. Why in the world do we let media define what beautiful is? Did media write the Bible or the Koran or anything that elevates beauty and glorifies God?
Things to think about!
p.s. I made it through half a day. Didn't get up early enough to exercise so I ran up and down stairs at my house and danced like a cross between Shakira and Kevin James (in the movie Hitch) in the shower! Maybe I'll get a walk or bike ride later! So far I have done ok on food choices. Really craving ice cream, though. Maybe a small frozen yogurt without junk on top will suffice...?
Let us always remember that we are divine by nature. Why in the world do we let media define what beautiful is? Did media write the Bible or the Koran or anything that elevates beauty and glorifies God?
Things to think about!
p.s. I made it through half a day. Didn't get up early enough to exercise so I ran up and down stairs at my house and danced like a cross between Shakira and Kevin James (in the movie Hitch) in the shower! Maybe I'll get a walk or bike ride later! So far I have done ok on food choices. Really craving ice cream, though. Maybe a small frozen yogurt without junk on top will suffice...?
Thinking About Eating
I do like to eat. It's pretty obvious. I will post pictures here soon.
But the truth is, I like to wait until I am really hungry and then eat some really yummy food kind of fast. It is so fun to me. Perhaps I am a dork for this....? It is way more fun if I can talk with some friends and laugh and eat all at the same time. We can say "Oh, this is so good!" or "Have you ever tasted anything this yum?" and talk and laugh. Did I mention talking and laughing? LOL. So fun!
Ok, but now I am going to change some of this. Instead of waiting until I am very hungry, I am going to eat a little something every couple of hours. It will not be AS fun, but it will still be fun in a different way. Instead of waiting until I am famished, I can taste things along the way. In fact, all day long I can taste different things.
And since I have been eating unhealthy treats for so long, I am going to have to re-train my mind to remember fruits, nuts, veggies, and grains. I don't like meat all that much anyway, so I won't miss it much.
Instead of thinking about food a lot, I am going to re-train my mind to enjoy thinking of other things that I have long forgotten because I have been so consumed with thinking about food and eating with friends. I will have to re-discover new fun things and then also, discover some new things.
One thing I have already re-discovered is archery. I haven't shot an arrow since high school, but there is a place about 5 miles from my house that will provide all the equipment and all I have to do is show up and give them a couple of bucks to shoot arrows for as long as I like!
So, eating will no longer be my only hobby. Although, I am looking forward to cooking some healthy recipes if anyone wants to share some!
Anyway, just wanted to share that thought about thinking. Talk more tomorrow!
But the truth is, I like to wait until I am really hungry and then eat some really yummy food kind of fast. It is so fun to me. Perhaps I am a dork for this....? It is way more fun if I can talk with some friends and laugh and eat all at the same time. We can say "Oh, this is so good!" or "Have you ever tasted anything this yum?" and talk and laugh. Did I mention talking and laughing? LOL. So fun!
Ok, but now I am going to change some of this. Instead of waiting until I am very hungry, I am going to eat a little something every couple of hours. It will not be AS fun, but it will still be fun in a different way. Instead of waiting until I am famished, I can taste things along the way. In fact, all day long I can taste different things.
And since I have been eating unhealthy treats for so long, I am going to have to re-train my mind to remember fruits, nuts, veggies, and grains. I don't like meat all that much anyway, so I won't miss it much.
Instead of thinking about food a lot, I am going to re-train my mind to enjoy thinking of other things that I have long forgotten because I have been so consumed with thinking about food and eating with friends. I will have to re-discover new fun things and then also, discover some new things.
One thing I have already re-discovered is archery. I haven't shot an arrow since high school, but there is a place about 5 miles from my house that will provide all the equipment and all I have to do is show up and give them a couple of bucks to shoot arrows for as long as I like!
So, eating will no longer be my only hobby. Although, I am looking forward to cooking some healthy recipes if anyone wants to share some!
Anyway, just wanted to share that thought about thinking. Talk more tomorrow!
Last Chance to Eat Like a Pig
I told you on my first post that today is my last day to eat whatever I want. So, tonight while we were out getting our dog some dog food at PetSmart, my husband offered me ice cream as my last chance and I said "oh yeah"! :D So, I had a small ice cream at Maggie Moo's. I was going to tell you what flavor, but if you are eating healthy as you read this, believe me, you really do not want to hear it! Before I go to sleep I may have a couple bites of Creme Brulee by Haagen Das (it was a birthday gift - thank you!) Shouldn't I be getting a commission or something from these companies that I am naming? haha!
Ok, so here's the plan. I am planning ahead for tomorrow. It is about 9:30 pm and I have a plan for tomorrow morning. It is just in my mind, I haven't gone to the store yet, so I will have to make do with whatever we have here.
First, within a half an hour of waking up, I will eat breakfast. It will be small because I want to eat again about two hours later. So, all I need to do is curb my appetite and get my metabolism going. I will most likely have a half of a cup of granola with a little bit of milk. If I have some frozen blueberries, I will put about 10 of those on top, but I may be out. . . And right after waking up I will be drinking a full glass of water as I do every morning to take my meds for the hypothyroidism that I mentioned in my first post.
Then in a couple of hours, I will eat again during the mid-morning. I don't know what I will eat at that time yet. I do know it will be between 100-200 calories*. I will definitely keep you posted, though!
I have already read The End Game Diet by Bryan R. Daybell (available on Amazon.com) and I am going to be following the Freshetarian blog, which is brand new. Both of these talk about eating often. And I am all about eating, so that should work out well! I just need to gauge what I eat, so I don't take in more energy than I care to burn. Yes, I do not like to exercise that much! How did you guess? ;D (By the way, The End Game Diet is a quick read and comes with an audio CD. It really motivates me to do well!)
*100-200 calorie ideas: couple of crackers and a couple of nuts, or 1/2 glass keifer, or two small pieces of fruit, or one small container of yogurt (without high fructose syrup if possible), or one piece of dry wheat toast with one egg over medium, or a banana. NOT two cookies or 1/2 donut!!! ;D And if I want to have integrity, I should tell you that I will probably splurge anytime I have wheat toast and put a teensy bit of butter - about 1/2 tablespoon (50 calories, so if you can skip it, do!)
Ok, so here's the plan. I am planning ahead for tomorrow. It is about 9:30 pm and I have a plan for tomorrow morning. It is just in my mind, I haven't gone to the store yet, so I will have to make do with whatever we have here.
First, within a half an hour of waking up, I will eat breakfast. It will be small because I want to eat again about two hours later. So, all I need to do is curb my appetite and get my metabolism going. I will most likely have a half of a cup of granola with a little bit of milk. If I have some frozen blueberries, I will put about 10 of those on top, but I may be out. . . And right after waking up I will be drinking a full glass of water as I do every morning to take my meds for the hypothyroidism that I mentioned in my first post.
Then in a couple of hours, I will eat again during the mid-morning. I don't know what I will eat at that time yet. I do know it will be between 100-200 calories*. I will definitely keep you posted, though!
I have already read The End Game Diet by Bryan R. Daybell (available on Amazon.com) and I am going to be following the Freshetarian blog, which is brand new. Both of these talk about eating often. And I am all about eating, so that should work out well! I just need to gauge what I eat, so I don't take in more energy than I care to burn. Yes, I do not like to exercise that much! How did you guess? ;D (By the way, The End Game Diet is a quick read and comes with an audio CD. It really motivates me to do well!)
*100-200 calorie ideas: couple of crackers and a couple of nuts, or 1/2 glass keifer, or two small pieces of fruit, or one small container of yogurt (without high fructose syrup if possible), or one piece of dry wheat toast with one egg over medium, or a banana. NOT two cookies or 1/2 donut!!! ;D And if I want to have integrity, I should tell you that I will probably splurge anytime I have wheat toast and put a teensy bit of butter - about 1/2 tablespoon (50 calories, so if you can skip it, do!)
TODAY IS THE DAY BEFORE I BEGIN
Last Monday was my birthday and we have been celebrating all week long! I have gained 5 pounds and have had a great time eating a lot of whatever I wanted. But let's face it, it was the dark chocolate Costco cake that weighs about 10 pounds that I ate plenty of! Once a year on my birthday, I think is ok. But every day during the week seems like a bit over the top, don't you think? haha! Next year I will have to limit it to one day!
I seriously need to lose 40 pounds by Christmas. Once I get to that point, I will probably want to lose 20 more, but no need to worry about that now.
Since turning really old on my birthday, I know that my metabolism is very very slow. Slow as molasses, in fact. If I eat over 1300 calories a day, I will actually gain weight! Plus I have hypothyroidism which should be under control now with meds. Hey, if you are overweight and you have never had your thyroid tested, you really should do that! Having extra weight is not the only problem with hypothyroidism, and you could feel a lot better if you get on meds if you need them.
SO. Today I finished off all I wanted of the chocolate cake and tossed the rest. Because tomorrow I start my quest to lose 40 pounds by Christmas. If you want to join me, let me know! Each day I will blog how I am doing it!
I seriously need to lose 40 pounds by Christmas. Once I get to that point, I will probably want to lose 20 more, but no need to worry about that now.
Since turning really old on my birthday, I know that my metabolism is very very slow. Slow as molasses, in fact. If I eat over 1300 calories a day, I will actually gain weight! Plus I have hypothyroidism which should be under control now with meds. Hey, if you are overweight and you have never had your thyroid tested, you really should do that! Having extra weight is not the only problem with hypothyroidism, and you could feel a lot better if you get on meds if you need them.
SO. Today I finished off all I wanted of the chocolate cake and tossed the rest. Because tomorrow I start my quest to lose 40 pounds by Christmas. If you want to join me, let me know! Each day I will blog how I am doing it!
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