Goals!!

I made some goals for myself this week. 

Goal 1.  Reach a combined total of 20 workout hours on the Wii Fit Plus program.  I reached that Saturday  morning.  Can anyone tell me what happened to the time "piggy bank"  when I hit 20 hours?

Goal 2.  Workout at the gym at least twice.  I did and each time I worked out about an hour and a half.

Goal 3.  Be under 180# by Mar. 1.  Don't know about that one yet but I am within 0.4#

Achieving these goals is actually something new for me.  I usually am much more successful at setting goals than achieving them.  I finally realized that taking the steps to allow me to meet my goals, coincides with general day to day living-eating, sleeping, working, etc. to some degree.  A lot  can be achieved by  making the healthy "choice", situation by situaion, such as parking in the furtherest space of the parking lot, steaming salmon for lunch,  or stretching while standing "dead".   Even giving myself a "pep" talk while I brush my teeth in the morning as I am doing calf raises.  You just have to start somewhere and notice what happens when you choose healthy and fit.  Success builds on success, but you do have to pay attention and notice every positive thing that happens.  Some changes are kind of subtle.

I can, I will!!

Onward and Downward

I don't really mention my weight much.  I'm trying not to have the scale be the "be all, end all" for me.  Having said that, I do weigh myself everyday.  My morning ritual is: wake up, pee, get naked, and stand on the scale.  Today the number is: 181.0#.  On November 3 the number was: 199.0#.  It is slow progress but it IS progress.  To date I have lost 18#.  I have a calendar hanging on the wall by my desk.  I write down my weight everyday and I am happy to say that the entire month of February I never showed a 9 as the second digit for my weight.  That makes me really, really proud of myself.  I also feel having this visible reminder  close at hand is beneficial.  I can see the successes building on each other.  It encourages me to keep making better choices!!

I also took my measurements this week.  Since Jan 30, I am down 1" in my chest, waist, and hips.  I am not happy it is only 3 total inches seems like it should be more.  I don't know where I would find out if this is too little an amount after 18# in 3+ months.  Wait that isn't right because the 3" are since Jan. 30, less than a month ago.  Ok I guess it is alright. It is success, I am moving in the right direction!

I can, I will!!

Sexy

We have always heard "sex sells".  And it must, everyone seems to want sexy.  Every starlet, singer, etc. is described as "sexy".  I think the word "sexy" must be the most overused adjective in the world. 

Is anyone else as sick of our "sex sells" environment  (culture) as I am?  Does this mentality in our culture have any impact on the fact that the age kids start engaging in sex keeps getting younger?  Just a thought.

I think we should start a campaign.  We should offer an alternative to "sex sales".  God knows that would be a nice change.  So I am thinking, how could we possibly come up with something to rival the success of "sex sells"?  That has been number one for as long as I can remember.

I know--how about "fit".  That gets my attention because "fit" makes me think of effort, dedication, and  commitment. All positive traits.  You don't just get "fit" it takes effort, dedication, and commitment. The irony?  A "fit" body is "sexy" as hell!!

Wouldn't you rather have kids thinking "fit" rather than "sexy"??  I would.

I can, I will!!

A Favorite

I read several blogs daily.  One of my favorites is http://www.priorfatgirl.com/ by Jen Emert.  I admire the way she has tackled her weightloss journey and how she expresses that journey.  Her insight is very valuable to me and I usually learn useful information.  She is also having one of those famous "give-aways".

The give away is from http://www.exercisetv.com/ .  Several items will be given so don't forget to enter!!

I can, I will!!

Things of Interest

Things that caught my interest this week:

1. FitBit.  Apparently this product (http://www.fitbit.com/) is worn on your body.  It sounds like a pedometer on steroids.  It records distance and calories burned plus keeps track of how long it takes for you to fall asleep.  Then it records how many times you wake up during the night.  This information can be downloaded to your computer.  Like I said, a multitasking little gadget.

2.  A Timer:  On Dr. OZ a lady said she used a kitchen timer to set every 3 or 4 hours to remind her when to eat a snack or meal.  Freed up her mind to not have to think about food in between.That might be something I'll try.

3.  Mighty Leaf!  Chocolate mint truffle tea.  Does that not sound like something to try?   It definitely did to me and boy am I glad!!  I found it at Whole Foods in Vegas.

4.  Strechy Bands.  I saw someone somewhere using one and it reminded me I have some.  I got one out and have been using it .  I use it when I am sitting at my computer.  I stretch something  (leg, arm, or arms) while I read  articles, blogs, newspapers, whatever.  One of the times, I can workout a little at a time.  In order for this to work, for me exercise has to be incorporated in my daily life. 

There is so much information out there.  Sometimes you can learn at lot by just paying attention .  It's good to find things to think about, even if it is only for a minute or two.

My Dad always told me: "Pay attention, you might learn something".  He was so right.

I can, I will!!

Changes

I think I mentioned how impressed I was with my progress pictures.  Since I could definitely see the difference 12+ pounds made, I started noticing differences that don't show up on a scale. 

I stand taller, my posture is better and it makes a difference. Good posture makes one appear more energetic than most people AND it feels GOOD!!

My abs are stronger,  they feel smaller, tighter, flatter.  They feel different!  The distance between my belly button and spine feels shorter.

My arms hang straight down from my shoulders.  They no longer hang further from my body (at hip level) like they used to.  I need to take my measurements sometime this week.

The total of these differences makes me feel a confidence of sorts.  It's important to notice the little changes as they happen.  It's also so much fun, these changes are adding up!!  Not sure where this ride is going, but it is interesting.

I can, I will!!

Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats

I have never liked oatmeal.  The consistency is sort of gross to me.  When I heard Oprah talk about steel cut oats I decided to give them a try again.  The best thing I can say, it's edible. For some reason I did not find it easy to make. The length of time needed to cook it, made controlling the temperature difficult. So I probably haven't had any for at least a couple of years.

At Trader Joe's recently I noticed this product:

For some reason, I decided to try it again, especially since it was precooked and frozen.  The package had two servings in it and if I remember correctly cost $1.99.  And  was ready to eat in 2-3 minutes.  It was flavored with brown sugar and maple syrup so it wasn't just bland oatmeal. 

The finished product looked like this.  My opinion of this product is favorable and I will try it again.  It is kind of expensive but, for me, it would be just an occasional treat.  I don't hate oatmeal anymore!!                                                                             

I can, I will!! 

Efficiency or Multi-tasking?

I don't want to keep a food journal.  I have been on WW in the past and kept a food journal with points, I have also just counted calories.  In all honesty, you can definitely succeed  with either system.  But that is much too labor intensive for me.  I am good at it for a short period of time and then it just gradually stops.  So NO more journaling. 

Having said that, I understand the importance and function of journaling, it's just not for me.  I like things to be efficient and since I have memorized portions sizes and have an understanding what my body feels like after ingesting 1200 to 1500 calories, I've decided to just listen to my body, and free up the time I used journaling-that makes sense to me, I think it is efficient.

Maybe this is "lifestyle comprehension" AND "implementation".  God I hope so!!

I can, I will!!

A give away to plug!!  I love give aways, and hope to win one someday.
This one is from Sarah at http://www.healthymomontherun.com/.  The product give away is for Homemade Dressing from http://www.homemadedressings.com/.  I visited their website and the recipes using these dressings sound yummy.  So go enter but keep this in mind.....it's MY turn to win!!

Implement

Do you ever feel like: if I  have the knowledge, I should reap  major benefits just because I understand the concept?  I finally realized that I have spent decades, feeling that way, and FINALLY realized something was missing. The missing component in that equation: implementation.  There is no free ride.....especially when it comes to fitness.  You either are or you aren't....or, hopefully, some point in between. 

I sure wish this light bulb had gone off over my head about 25 years ago.....but better late than never.  This process has been incubating inside me and now I am in the process of hatching.  Being a childhood farm girl, I think in agricultural terms sometimes.  I have gradually incorporated a lot of healthy habits into my life over the span of several years. So at this point in time, I am not starting at zero.  That is so advantageous to my goals and I am so very grateful.

Three adjectives I am striving for:  lean, strong, and healthy.

I can, I will!!

One Battle At A Time...

I've been thinking about "lifestyle change" and what it actually means.  My eating has been really good lately.  I have not given in to late night snacking-OK-maybe twice, but that is actually in a months time.  Because I have improved  the amount of late night snacking significantly I  feel I am building "lifestyle changes" into my life.  It is important to give proper attention to every "battle" won.  They will build on each other.

Success builds on success.  So very, very true!!

I can, I will!!

P.S.  I limited myself to one Hershey's kiss!!

I really can, I really will!

A Give Away!!

I love reading blogs.  I recently found one I really like by Kristin http://www.iowagirleats.com/.   She has a give away on her site.  It is for $50 in merchandise from http://www.iherb.com/.  I went to their website yesterday and was impressed by the vast number of products they offer.  I will be ordering from them as they have a lot of the supplements that I currently take and some I have been meaning to try.  Good luck to all who enter the give away!!

I can, I will!!

Tired Of It!!

I read something on line about a woman complaining that she was sick of every article on "Shine" being about dieting and losing weight.  I agree with her, sort of.

Obviously weight articles are popular: they sell magazines, books, and attract people to web sites.  So there is no incentive to change the lure currently used to attract people.  This one works.

Since this lure works so well, why is the population heavier than ever?  I have a hard time believing it is due to lack of information.  I think it is time to try something new. 

What could possibly be new in the weight world?  I think we all have to put the emphasis on something else.  I hope I can explain this the exact way I mean it.  To do that, I am defining "byproduct" as I am using it.

Byproduct:  a secondary and sometimes, unexpected or unintended, result.

Weight gain is a "byproduct" of eating too much and eating food with little or no nutritional value.

Weight gain  is a "byproduct" of not moving, not keeping your body flexible, and in general taking your body for granted.

I feel the focus should be on making progress along these lines in one's life.

1.  Eating healthy, whole foods in reasonable quantities
2.  Cooking your own food 65 to 90% of the time.
3.  Move your body in various ways that includes cardio, strength training, stretching.  Some of these ways can be incorporated in just day to day living, not requiring extra time.
4.  Live your life and stop obsessing about dieting, weight loss, and food.

I believe as I make progress in these four areas, weight loss will become a "byproduct" of my honest and sincere efforts.

I can, I will!!

Progress..

I had Rex take pictures on Monday.  I still have not figured out how to get them side by side but here they are.

This was taken in November.

Taken in December.  Remember my last  blog?  The one in which I wondered about my backside view....I could scream looking at my bed hair.  That is really unattractive.  I will now quit jumping out of bed, putting on these clothes, and having Rex take my pictures. From now on, FIRST, I will comb my hair!!                  

This was one taken Monday (2-7) and I think I see progress through my backside.  This is encouraging!!      The weight difference between picture 1 and 3 is 12.4#.  The difference that 12.4# has made in my backside amazes me.  I can't wait to see how much difference another 12# makes!                                                     

This is just crazy, I won't put up progress pictures up until I can figure out how to get them side by side.

I can, I will!!                                                                                                                                      

Inside Out

At work I have the opportunity to "people watch" once in a while.  Have you ever wondered about what you notice, while "people watching"?  This is what I usually notice.  I love fashion and usually notice clothing pretty quickly.  I also notice how people move--if you notice clothes, you notice movement.  That leads me to pay attention to body type and overall appearance.

One area I have been noticing more and more, is a person's  top to bottom back side.  I often wonder if people ever consider how they look from behind.  Ironically, today I decided to use mirrors and check out my backside.  WOW......I am not impressed.  I honestly thought my backside would be bette,r but when I took an honest look at recent pictures taken in Vegas, I thought maybe not.   Looking confirmed that suspicion.  I am so grateful for all of this motivation I keep finding lately. 

Now I need to make my outside "look" coincide with the way I feel inside.  So do I say, inside out or outside in?

I can, I will!!

Lifestyle Changes

I am making lifestyle changes to become as healthy as I can possibly be.  The older I get, the more aware I become of just how much my actions influence the life I can live from a health standpoint.  Would have been nice if I had made these changes one, five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago but I didn't.  

In the last 2 weeks, I have made a stir-fry using tofu and black bean soup.  Both were delicious and  I will be making more and more changes as I find things that appeal to me with ingredients I want to try.  In the ingredient I want to try category is: sun choke.

I was in Whole Foods last weekend and bought some after asking a guy in the produce department what the hell they were.  Sun choke added a fresh taste and crunchy texture to my salad.  The flavor is pretty bland but still fresh tasting somehow.   Since I really likes the texture, I will definitely buy them again when I am someplace they have them.  Love crunchy!!

I  have pictures of a new food item I tried from Trader Joe's.  Love, love, love Trader Joe's.  A very surprising item for me.

I can, I will!!

Women Who Love Their Bodies

Today I read a blog about women who love their bodies.   I think the blog is by Sarah Jio.  So I started thinking about how I love my body.  Here is what I have come up with so far.

1.  Since I've had them, I have loved my breasts.  The one thing I have always liked best about them is the fact they are small.  When I was young having big boobs would have totally embarrassed me.  Thank You God for giving small breasts. Now that I am no longer young, having big boobs would totally embarrass me. Some things never change.  Although I admit that I might have had another opinion about this between these two stages of my life.

2. I used to think that my thighs were very large, actually down right fat.  Since I have walked and exercised with various degrees of commitment for 40 years, I now think my  legs are strong and  nice looking.

3.  I have great posture, at least my trainer on WII Fit Plus tells me several times a week that I do.

4.  I am coordinated, what a great muscle system and skeletal system my body must have.

5.  The things my body can do amazes me and for the healthfulness of it, I am truly grateful.

Realizing these positive things about my body, has made me want to treat it better.  I think that is what's  motivating me at this point in time

Frequency and repetition is key.

I can, I will!!

Ruby

There is a reality show on one of the cable networks about an obese lady, named Ruby, and her journey to a healthier life.  I have seen bit and pieces of this show. I have never watched an entire episode or even half of one.  It is one of those shows you pause over while channel surfing so I am aware of it and know who Ruby is.

Today Ruby was on Oprah for the second time.  I learned things about Ruby that I totally didn't know.  First of all I had NO clue she started this journey at 716#.  That is a weight that is beyond my ability to comprehend. The times I saw her show she had probably already lost 150 to 200#.   Ruby walked onto Oprah's stage today wearing jeans and looking really good.  She is under 350# which is, admittedly, still obese, but such a stunning change it is hard to feel that way.  She also has quite a gorgeous face.  Anyway, her journey, is going  in directions that I am sure she had no clue about before.  This actually is quite a fascinating story.  I'm not going to watch the show but will look her up online occasionally.

I love people that are working on this journey and give us all insight about it.  I know every one's journey is unique to them but knowing that other people are having just as complicated a journey as someone else is encouraging, I think.  I am encouraged by Ruby's journey, not just for her, but for myself as well.

I can, I will!!

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Vibram Sprints

About six months ago, I read about Vibram FiveFingered Sprints on a blog.  I think the blog was written by Sarah Jio, but am not sure.  I was interested enough to go to their website:  http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/.  After six months of looking at their website, I decided--Yes I WANT THOSE SHOES!!

The store locater indicated there was a vendor in Las Vegas - fortunately, that is but a hop, skip, and a jump from here.  So I called to see if they had the style I wanted.  Nope but he was expecting a large shipment in the next week. We scheduled a trip to Vegas.

Here they are:

I got these shoes yesterday and wore them to the gym today.  For the first time I was able to run for 14 minutes on the treadmill.  The most I have done previously is 2 minutes so I am pumped!! 

I want to run and I saw these shoes on the Dr. Oz show, he demonstrated running the way our ancestors did.  Short strides with more pressure on the front of your foot.  It just looked right to me so I am trying that.

And one of the best things about going to Vegas for two day, I maintained my weight!!

I can, I will!!