Thought for the day:
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." -Margaret Thatcher
After a week of stay-cation, taken to get some projects completed around the house. My back yard looks pretty good. My container vegetable garden is planted. The covered patio has been cleaned out and painted and quite a lot of junk was carried out to the street for trash pick up. I could go on and on but lets just say I have toiled like a Hebrew Slave all week.
My body is so sore from using muscles I forgot I had.
My new BFF is Aleve.
Today was weigh in day and I really expected to have lost weight. I stayed on point and then there was all the physical labor.
The scale was not friendly this morning. I gained 2.8 pounds.
WHY!
According to Wendy, our meeting leader, this can happen when one works out very strenuously all at once rather than gradually building up to the activity. As I understand it, muscles can become somewhat inflamed and hold on to water. I have noticed that my feet and ankles are slightly swollen so perhaps the weight gain is from some water retention.
It could be that I have not drank enough water this week even though I drank 6-8 glasses a day. It's been hot and I have been working outside so extra water was probably needed. It is also possible that I've not eaten enough to accommodate the extra activity. I've barely eaten enough food to meet my daily points target because I haven't been hungry.
Back to the drawing board!
My week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked 30 minutes each day.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Drink extra water during outdoor activities.
c. Use a few flex points each day, especially when I'm more active.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Accomplishment
Thought for the day:
Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps. ~Author Unknown
Yesterday I it! I really, really did it!
I completed a 5K walk!
It really did feel good to have accomplished the goal I've been training for over the last 6 weeks.
The day could not have been more perfect for a walk, warm and breezy. Gordon Moore Park where we walked was beautiful, the Rose Garden which was our turn around place was especially lovely.
The other walkers were folks from the Weight Watchers meetings I attend and our group leader Wendy, who is always an inspiration. We had a nice "Pot Luck" lunch afterward giving us even more time to talk and offer each other support in our common effort at a healthier lifestyle. We had so much fun that there is even talk about another walk, just for the fun of it, this Fall.
After I left the park, I decided to reward myself with a non-food splurge. Since my wardrobe is getting too big for me, and one of the ladies at the walk commented on my having to pull my shorts up, I decided to go shopping. I bought myself a new skirt and top to celebrate completing another goal!
It was hard to shop because while I have lost 1/4 of my weight loss goal I'm kind of stuck between sizes. The size I started out at is way too big and the size I'm in is too big as well, but the next size down is still a little tight. So I settled on things that were the next size down but not particularly fitted.
After all that activity I went home, took two Aleve, and took a nap.
I see Aleve and Aloe Vera in my future for the next couple of days but it still feels great to have accomplished a 5K, although I'll be living with sore muscles and a sunburn for a few days.
Next time I'll put a Post It on the bathroom mirror to remind me about the sun-screen.
Oh Yeah!
Here is another big Whoop-tee-do !
I got to shop in the Misses department, not the "Big Girls" clothes!
Woo! Hoo!
Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps. ~Author Unknown
Yesterday I it! I really, really did it!
I completed a 5K walk!
It really did feel good to have accomplished the goal I've been training for over the last 6 weeks.
The day could not have been more perfect for a walk, warm and breezy. Gordon Moore Park where we walked was beautiful, the Rose Garden which was our turn around place was especially lovely.
The other walkers were folks from the Weight Watchers meetings I attend and our group leader Wendy, who is always an inspiration. We had a nice "Pot Luck" lunch afterward giving us even more time to talk and offer each other support in our common effort at a healthier lifestyle. We had so much fun that there is even talk about another walk, just for the fun of it, this Fall.
After I left the park, I decided to reward myself with a non-food splurge. Since my wardrobe is getting too big for me, and one of the ladies at the walk commented on my having to pull my shorts up, I decided to go shopping. I bought myself a new skirt and top to celebrate completing another goal!
It was hard to shop because while I have lost 1/4 of my weight loss goal I'm kind of stuck between sizes. The size I started out at is way too big and the size I'm in is too big as well, but the next size down is still a little tight. So I settled on things that were the next size down but not particularly fitted.
After all that activity I went home, took two Aleve, and took a nap.
I see Aleve and Aloe Vera in my future for the next couple of days but it still feels great to have accomplished a 5K, although I'll be living with sore muscles and a sunburn for a few days.
Next time I'll put a Post It on the bathroom mirror to remind me about the sun-screen.
Oh Yeah!
Here is another big Whoop-tee-do !
I got to shop in the Misses department, not the "Big Girls" clothes!
Woo! Hoo!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Keeping Motivated
Thought for the day:
"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." -Mario Andretti
Today is the first day of my stay-cation vacation, while I'm not going anywhere, I'm not going to work either. I plan to get some much needed work done around my house. Get my flower beds weeded, plant some annuals and clean up the back yard for Summer.
Today is also weigh in day and I'm happy to report another 1.6 pounds lost, putting me over that 25% of the way there mark on this 100 pound challenge. I'm feeling a lot better and more energetic. My knees don't hurt as much either. I'm also going to walk a 5K tomarrow. I'm really excited and looking forward to this walk. Who would have ever thought just a couple of months ago that would ever happen! Me with my exercise allergy and all.
This challenge has been a serious is a life style changer.
I'm doing things I didn't think I would or could do.
I've changed the way I cook, now I'm baking, grilling and broiling instead of frying. My snacks have changed from Chips and dip or nachos with lots of cheese sauce and an ice cream sunday chaser to vegies and hummus or fresh fruit.
The biggest change however, is that I'm getting in some kind of physical activity daily. Usually a walk but I've also tried yoga postures, and I finally found a Tai Chi VCR tape at the library to try. I'm liking the jump rope and may yet get that Hula-Hoop.
I'm considering a 12' diameter 30" deep pool for the back yard. I think it would serve two purposes, entertainment for the grandchildren and resistance walking for me or possibly a water work out. The pools I'm looking at cost less than $100.00. At that price, even if I don't like it the kids will still be happy and when the thing is worn out I can through it away without much guilt and never buy another.
My week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 4 days of the week.
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Used the jump rope 3 times last week for 10 minutes each time.
g. Took my BFF out to dinner for her birthday and stayed on point.
d. Checked out a Tai-Chi video from the library to try.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Find another new activity.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." -Mario Andretti
Today is the first day of my stay-cation vacation, while I'm not going anywhere, I'm not going to work either. I plan to get some much needed work done around my house. Get my flower beds weeded, plant some annuals and clean up the back yard for Summer.
Today is also weigh in day and I'm happy to report another 1.6 pounds lost, putting me over that 25% of the way there mark on this 100 pound challenge. I'm feeling a lot better and more energetic. My knees don't hurt as much either. I'm also going to walk a 5K tomarrow. I'm really excited and looking forward to this walk. Who would have ever thought just a couple of months ago that would ever happen! Me with my exercise allergy and all.
This challenge has been a serious is a life style changer.
I'm doing things I didn't think I would or could do.
I've changed the way I cook, now I'm baking, grilling and broiling instead of frying. My snacks have changed from Chips and dip or nachos with lots of cheese sauce and an ice cream sunday chaser to vegies and hummus or fresh fruit.
The biggest change however, is that I'm getting in some kind of physical activity daily. Usually a walk but I've also tried yoga postures, and I finally found a Tai Chi VCR tape at the library to try. I'm liking the jump rope and may yet get that Hula-Hoop.
I'm considering a 12' diameter 30" deep pool for the back yard. I think it would serve two purposes, entertainment for the grandchildren and resistance walking for me or possibly a water work out. The pools I'm looking at cost less than $100.00. At that price, even if I don't like it the kids will still be happy and when the thing is worn out I can through it away without much guilt and never buy another.
My week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 4 days of the week.
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Used the jump rope 3 times last week for 10 minutes each time.
g. Took my BFF out to dinner for her birthday and stayed on point.
d. Checked out a Tai-Chi video from the library to try.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Find another new activity.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Losing It
Thought for the day:
"Rule your mind or it will rule you. You may delay, but time will not." -Horace
Yesterday was weigh in day and I was happy because I lost 1.8 pounds but also a little disappointed; I really wanted to have 25 pounds off by Memorial day and missed that goal by 0.2 pounds, ARGGG! I had not eaten or drank anything before weighing in, I had went to the bathroom too; so short of taking my clothes off (that may happen when I get that close to the 100 pound goal), the weight on the scale was as low as it was going to go.
The meeting was very motivating, we talked about increasing activity. Many of us didn't have weight problems when we were younger because we were a lot more active. The facilitator suggested that as grown-ups we should go out and play more.
After the meeting played with my granddaughters. We also went shopping at their favorite store and tried out the hula-hoops. None of us could keep the darned things going, but maybe I should go back and get one to practice with. As a kid, I thought they were fun. We did get jump ropes and had a jumping contest, I lost. The point is I did it, not well, but I did it.
The week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 5 days of the week.
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Tried the Hula-Hoop. Bought a jump rope and used it.
g. Bought a new pair of shorts, a size smaller! Yippee!
h. Went out to dinner with my Mom and stayed on point.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Find another new activity.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
"Rule your mind or it will rule you. You may delay, but time will not." -Horace
Yesterday was weigh in day and I was happy because I lost 1.8 pounds but also a little disappointed; I really wanted to have 25 pounds off by Memorial day and missed that goal by 0.2 pounds, ARGGG! I had not eaten or drank anything before weighing in, I had went to the bathroom too; so short of taking my clothes off (that may happen when I get that close to the 100 pound goal), the weight on the scale was as low as it was going to go.
The meeting was very motivating, we talked about increasing activity. Many of us didn't have weight problems when we were younger because we were a lot more active. The facilitator suggested that as grown-ups we should go out and play more.
After the meeting played with my granddaughters. We also went shopping at their favorite store and tried out the hula-hoops. None of us could keep the darned things going, but maybe I should go back and get one to practice with. As a kid, I thought they were fun. We did get jump ropes and had a jumping contest, I lost. The point is I did it, not well, but I did it.
The week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 5 days of the week.
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Tried the Hula-Hoop. Bought a jump rope and used it.
g. Bought a new pair of shorts, a size smaller! Yippee!
h. Went out to dinner with my Mom and stayed on point.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Find another new activity.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hot days
Thought for the day:
"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen."
-Frank Lloyd Wright
The last couple of days have been so hot and so busy I haven't been able to take my lunch break walks. I did walk on Monday but finished feeling sick and light headed even though I took a full water bottle and drank several times during the walk.
This evening after work I went to the mall to get a walk in, it was good to be moving. So I guess my new challenge is going to be finding a time when it is cool enough to hit the pavement.
I'm looking forward to this long weekend, I have lots of yard work to catch up with. Gardening is good for activity points.
I will probably walk up and watch the Memorial day Parade in Pie Town, more activity points, LOL. I do hope to spend some time honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, as that is the real purpose of the Holiday. I will also go and visit my Fathers grave. Dad didn't die in service to our country, but he did serve in the Air Force, and I want to honor him.
"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen."
-Frank Lloyd Wright
The last couple of days have been so hot and so busy I haven't been able to take my lunch break walks. I did walk on Monday but finished feeling sick and light headed even though I took a full water bottle and drank several times during the walk.
This evening after work I went to the mall to get a walk in, it was good to be moving. So I guess my new challenge is going to be finding a time when it is cool enough to hit the pavement.
I'm looking forward to this long weekend, I have lots of yard work to catch up with. Gardening is good for activity points.
I will probably walk up and watch the Memorial day Parade in Pie Town, more activity points, LOL. I do hope to spend some time honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, as that is the real purpose of the Holiday. I will also go and visit my Fathers grave. Dad didn't die in service to our country, but he did serve in the Air Force, and I want to honor him.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Perseverance
Thought for the Day:
"The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success. " -David Sarnoff
I'm a couple of days late in posting this, as I made a trip to visit family in southeast Missouri. Saturday was weigh in and the scale and I are still friends. I lost another 2.6 pounds. Yippee!! That is a total of 23 pounds lost!
The trip went well, My daughter drove and my grandson of course was an angel.
It was difficult eating well on the road, and when visiting out of town family I had no control over the menu. Having planned for this I saved my Flex points for the day and ate what was served. I did notice something, a few months ago I would have eaten everything offered, now I'm satisfied with about half the amount. I was not counting points, I had planned get back on point as soon as I got home. It was a day that I really didn't desire very much of the high fat food I was offered.
We stopped at a restaurant on the drive home and I ordered something that could be split up into two meals and took half in my lunch today, again feeling satisfied.
The week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 3 days of the week. (The Rain kept me from getting a walk in every day)
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Tried the beginners Pilates DVD. Also checked out a Play-A Way called "You on a Walk" and liked it.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Look for a beginners Tai Chi DVD at the library, I found a Pilates DVD last week last week.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
"The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success. " -David Sarnoff
I'm a couple of days late in posting this, as I made a trip to visit family in southeast Missouri. Saturday was weigh in and the scale and I are still friends. I lost another 2.6 pounds. Yippee!! That is a total of 23 pounds lost!
The trip went well, My daughter drove and my grandson of course was an angel.
It was difficult eating well on the road, and when visiting out of town family I had no control over the menu. Having planned for this I saved my Flex points for the day and ate what was served. I did notice something, a few months ago I would have eaten everything offered, now I'm satisfied with about half the amount. I was not counting points, I had planned get back on point as soon as I got home. It was a day that I really didn't desire very much of the high fat food I was offered.
We stopped at a restaurant on the drive home and I ordered something that could be split up into two meals and took half in my lunch today, again feeling satisfied.
The week in review:
What I did right-
a. Ate Breakfast daily.
b. Kept a diary of every bite that crossed my lips.
c. Drank a minimum of 6 glasses of good old H2O daily.
d. Walked for 60 minutes, 3 days of the week. (The Rain kept me from getting a walk in every day)
e. Continued the Yoga practice. It does feel good to stretch.
f. Tried the beginners Pilates DVD. Also checked out a Play-A Way called "You on a Walk" and liked it.
What I can do better-
a. Try a couple of new recipes so I don't get bored.
b. Look for a beginners Tai Chi DVD at the library, I found a Pilates DVD last week last week.
c. Treat myself to a non-food splurge.
d. Find some additional ways to unwind and reduce stress.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hanging in There
Thought for the day:
"Smooth Seas do not make skillful sailors."—African proverb
I'm experiencing boredom. It has been raining so much that I can't get outside to walk, or garden, or do anything. I'd like nothing better than to feel the sun on my face and a warm breeze in my hair.
The George Forman Grill my daughters gave me is helping with the boredom involving food. I love the thing, I could be a spokesperson! It's amazing how much grilling chicken, beef, fish, or veggies can change the taste from ho-hum to OH! YUM!
A little marinating also boosts the flavor.
Something else that occurred to me is that the more flavor a dish has, increases it's satisfaction factor. When food really satisfies me I eat less of it. I used to look at a little 3 oz. piece of chicken breast or a 4 oz steak and think, where is the rest?
Give it some flavor, slice it up and add some sauteed mushrooms, bell pepper, and onions. Put some seasonal veggies on the side add a salad with lite dressing and that little piece of protein has become a very satisfying meal.
I really can't say enough about having good quality small kitchen appliances. Paying a little extra money for something can seem a little frivolous at first; but you'll never regret getting quality.
I have two personally tested recommendations, the George Foreman Grill and Kitchen-Aid blender. The grill is wonderful, it heats to 400 degrees within 5 minutes and cooks both sides at once. I have a model that has non-stick removable cooking plates that can go in the sink or dishwasher making clean-up easy. I love my Kitchen-Aid blender and use it 4 to 5 times a week. It has it has three normal settings as well as an ice crushing setting and a smoothie setting, lots of power and it is easy to clean. I can't tell you how many cheaper blenders I have been through that wore out quickly and just did not do a good job, making this one well worth the extra money.
Now for a few food product recommendations.
Dijonase, it is made by Hellman's and is a creamy Dijon mustard that has 5 calories per 1 teaspoon serving, I spread it on sandwiches, mix it with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of lite mayo to make a dip for veggies or pretzels, I also add it to salad dressing and marinades.
Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce, just a little of this red pepper sauce really makes every thing just taste better without necessarily making it taste hot. I use it in eggs, collard greens, veggies, fish, chicken, I could go on and on.
Fat Free Coffee-mate, adding this to almost anything will make it taste creamier and just 2 teaspoons of the French Vanilla flavor gives smoothies or a packet of 25 calorie hot chocolate a creamy flavor boost.
And last but certainly not the least of the products I depend upon.
Torani Sugar Free syrups, they come in lots of flavors but my favorites are vanilla, chocolate and hazelnut, and a little goes a long way down the flavor trail. I add them to my morning lite soy latte, plain or vanilla frozen or Greek yogurts, smoothies, fresh fruit salads and oatmeal.
There is really no end to what you can do with this sweet stuff.
Now, what will I make for dinner?
"Smooth Seas do not make skillful sailors."—African proverb
I'm experiencing boredom. It has been raining so much that I can't get outside to walk, or garden, or do anything. I'd like nothing better than to feel the sun on my face and a warm breeze in my hair.
The George Forman Grill my daughters gave me is helping with the boredom involving food. I love the thing, I could be a spokesperson! It's amazing how much grilling chicken, beef, fish, or veggies can change the taste from ho-hum to OH! YUM!
A little marinating also boosts the flavor.
Something else that occurred to me is that the more flavor a dish has, increases it's satisfaction factor. When food really satisfies me I eat less of it. I used to look at a little 3 oz. piece of chicken breast or a 4 oz steak and think, where is the rest?
Give it some flavor, slice it up and add some sauteed mushrooms, bell pepper, and onions. Put some seasonal veggies on the side add a salad with lite dressing and that little piece of protein has become a very satisfying meal.
I really can't say enough about having good quality small kitchen appliances. Paying a little extra money for something can seem a little frivolous at first; but you'll never regret getting quality.
I have two personally tested recommendations, the George Foreman Grill and Kitchen-Aid blender. The grill is wonderful, it heats to 400 degrees within 5 minutes and cooks both sides at once. I have a model that has non-stick removable cooking plates that can go in the sink or dishwasher making clean-up easy. I love my Kitchen-Aid blender and use it 4 to 5 times a week. It has it has three normal settings as well as an ice crushing setting and a smoothie setting, lots of power and it is easy to clean. I can't tell you how many cheaper blenders I have been through that wore out quickly and just did not do a good job, making this one well worth the extra money.
Now for a few food product recommendations.
Dijonase, it is made by Hellman's and is a creamy Dijon mustard that has 5 calories per 1 teaspoon serving, I spread it on sandwiches, mix it with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of lite mayo to make a dip for veggies or pretzels, I also add it to salad dressing and marinades.
Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce, just a little of this red pepper sauce really makes every thing just taste better without necessarily making it taste hot. I use it in eggs, collard greens, veggies, fish, chicken, I could go on and on.
Fat Free Coffee-mate, adding this to almost anything will make it taste creamier and just 2 teaspoons of the French Vanilla flavor gives smoothies or a packet of 25 calorie hot chocolate a creamy flavor boost.
And last but certainly not the least of the products I depend upon.
Torani Sugar Free syrups, they come in lots of flavors but my favorites are vanilla, chocolate and hazelnut, and a little goes a long way down the flavor trail. I add them to my morning lite soy latte, plain or vanilla frozen or Greek yogurts, smoothies, fresh fruit salads and oatmeal.
There is really no end to what you can do with this sweet stuff.
Now, what will I make for dinner?
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