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!!

.

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!!

WOW-----A Compliment

One of the neighbors commented on my weight loss.  That made me feel really good, but as usual I tried to downplay the compliment.  Why would I do that?  I have lost 12.6# since early November.  That is a safe rate of loss. I would prefer faster but I am happy with this rate if I don't do any backsliding. 

This is what I am thinking.  My goal was to lose 50#.  I have lost 12.6#, which is 25% of what I want to lose.  That is really wonderful, if I feel this good after losing 25% of my goal, I can't wait to get to  my goal.

So the compliment made me actually mindful of accomplishing that milestone and appreciating my dedication to get to this point.  I also feel  there won't be any backsliding...because I just feel different about the whole process right now.  And that is something I have to really think about before I blog on it.

So right now I am just thinking.....

I can, I will!!

Chair Workout on Dr. OZ

I was watching Dr. Oz today and saw a group of women doing "chair" exercises.  The idea was to workout using a chair since everybody has one.  I thought they were great exercises and done pretty easily with variations built in to increase the difficulty for a more advance exerciser. 

I was also another site that had an interview with Denise Austin.  She was talking about her eating plan but also about what she called "fidgetcise".   These are moves you do while, brushing your teeth, talking on the phone, waiting for the water to boil, etc,etc. 

Doing moves during dead time at work has been of interest to me for quite a while.  In fact, I exercise at work whenever I can.  I think most people have opportunities to slip in a pose, move, or stretch here and there during their work day.  When it comes to moving the body, it all adds up.  I like this trend!!

I can, I will!!

I Am A Very Lucky Person

In a recent post, I mentioned the fact that I am unusual because I never gone over my highest weight.  Articles I read indicate that "yo-yo" dieters usually gain everything they lose plus when they are on the upswing and today I figured out why:

Exercising pretty consistently and eating healthfully between 55 and 80% of the time has saved me from extreme obesity.  How lucky that I  incorporated healthy eating and exercise in my life when I did.  Now I just have to increase the percentage of time I follow those healthy habits.

Since the reason is so simple, shouldn't I have figured this out before.  Better late than never!! 

OR

My Mother's favorite " You can't learn any younger".

The one I am using:

I can, I will!!

Gone For a Few

We have been in Laughlin since Friday visiting with Rex's brother and celebrating Rex's birthday.  Love the hotel we are in they have FIT TV and so have been working out with that  and taking the stairs down from the 12th floor.  No I haven't been taking them up....I know what a cop out.  Maybe I will once before we leave tomorrow.

I'm just keeping on keeping on.

I can, I will!!

Simple? Ya Right!

I have spent a lot of time trying to be successful at weight loss, in fact I have spent years and years.  Apparently so have a lot of other people, considering that weight loss products are over a billion dollar industry .  If it took money to solve the problem...we'd all be thin.

What do all of us "weight challenged" people want?  We want to take a pill or a drink and BAM be transformed into someone with a perfect figure and weight.  Yup that is what we want -no muss, no fuss-with fabulous results.  We live in the age of "instant" gratification and by golly, we want it NOW.  Why isn't that possible (after all, they can put a man on the moon)??  Why does it have to be so hard??  Why does the challenge NEVER end??

I think we all have to learn something.  Instant gratification DOES NOT exist when it comes to weight loss.  It is a LONG, HARD process that has to come together on many different levels.  I marvel at the many different  experiences the various bloggers I read are having and have had along their journeys.  In all sincerity, I am in total awe of some of these young women.  Their personalities come through and  they sound like the kind of  people you'd like to know.

From many different sources, I am learning the following "rules for success" regarding weight loss.  Following them will most likely ensure your success with this problem.

1.  Move more, eat less.......just no way around this.  As far as eating less, it means healthy foods the vast majority of the time.  Moving---start somewhere and as you progress  keep "upping" the ante.

2.  Hard work and determination.......weight loss doesn't just happen.  It takes of LOT of hard work (both mental and physical) and determination.  You have to have the absolute desire to conquer that layer of fat on your body.

Now I haven't conquered these "rules", but I honestly think I am making progress, internally if nowhere else.

Everyday is a revelation!

I can, I will!!

Making Progress

I went to the gym today...I know-the commitment I made this week was to go on Tues. and Thurs., but today is Wed.  What's up with that??  I had a whole list of errands to do on Monday-- library, post office, and bank.  WHY DIDN'T I REMEMBER ABOUT THAT GREAT AMERICAN, MARTIN LUTHER KING?? 

Since I seem to be oblivious of holidays, I ended up doing the errands yesterday (Tues.)---Yes you can use twice the gas to run errands!!  That is what happened to my gym yesterday.  So I went today.  I love going to the gym, some of the weight training I have been doing is making a difference.  I feel different internally, and am trying to determine if anything is visible externally.  I've decided to take pictures on or about Feb. 4.  I think that even though I have been having slow success with the scale, I am making progress with my body.  I feel stronger and actually more streamlined...and am hoping pictures will confirm that.

I just do not understand,  I can exercise my "resistance muscle" 5 or 6 days a week, walking past pastries, cookies, chips, and host of other goodies, but let me give in ONE day and it totally screws up my week.  I keep backsliding.  Since I have been thinking about this, I am wondering if those proportions are accurate.  May the 5 or 6 days isn't quite right....so that might have a great deal to do with a scale that isn't moving or staying moved.  I have way too much up and down..

Judith Beck, I am going back to page one and starting over.....I have to get this right.  2010 MUST be my year to put all of the pieces together.

I can, I will!!

I Cannot Believe It!!

I have another follower.  I can't believe it and feel so flattered that someone besides Rex took the time to become a follower.  That amazes me.  I must admit, that the longer I write this blog, the more I would like others to read it and comment.  I would like feedback.  I have learned SO much reading other peoples blogs that I feel sorely lacking. I am so in AWE of the accomplishments  these bloggers have achieved and at, what, I consider a young age.  Makes me feel very envious of their drive, ambition, and ability to actually get things done.  How do they do that??

I read bloggers in their 20s that have published a book (http://www.pastaqueen.com/), been listed in  the newspaper, (http://www.priorfatgirl.com/) and one who has taken a paid blog for Glamour Magazine and started one of her owe (http://www.karinaworksitout.com/)  that is wonderful-- I am totally amazed by them. 

I continue to work on my challenges and making positive choices on a daily basis.  Success is the yardstick and will be obvious.  I want what makes me happy!!

I can, I will!!

Did It!!

I  mentioned that I went to the gym to give up my membership, because I was going to use the Wii Fit Plus for exercising for now.  Since I have NO sales resistance I didn't give my membership (although they lowered my price) and came up with a new plan.  My plan is to use the gym for weights.  This week I made the commitment to go to the gym Tue., Thurs., and Sat., to do my strength training and use the Wii the other days.  And you know what??  That is exactly what happened.  Which I must admit is the not the way things usually turn out.  I am proud of myself.  Next week I am going on Tue and Thurs.  We are getting company from out of town on the week end so Sat. will not work out.

I am proud and I am working my way toward my goals.

I can, I will!!

Weight Loss Really?

I happened to notice the sentence under the title of my blog.  It says "A Weight Loss Journey".  I think maybe that is too specific.  This blog seems to be evolving in ways I hadn't anticipated.  A sentence in a recent post (of mine), indicated that weight loss could (and maybe should) be a byproduct of reaching other goals.  I actually have been concentrating on studying subjects other than weight loss.  Studying in 2010, studying things that interest me, and trying to think of life in different ways.  Weight loss specific information  is also something I continue to study, but no longer exclusively. 

I also think that, so far, 2010 is going to be a year in which I actually act on the information I have been acquiring for many, many years.  So anyway, because I am trying to study  different ways to improve myself and my life, weight issues will be fought on more than one "front".

Now I am trying to come up with a more accurate sentence under my header.  (Note on 1-12-10..I changed the sentence today).

I can't believe I almost forgot about this:  the Wii said my BMI has moved from obese to overweight.  The right direction.....again.  Success  builds on success...something I am learning every day.

But as always:

I can, I will!!

I Impressed Myself!!

Today I got my weight training routine from Jesse, the trainer, at Bullhead Health Club.  I have committed to going to the gym to do this routine 3 days a week.  The other days I will continue using the Wii Fit Plus system.

One of the machines he is having me do is called a "roman chair".  It is tall and you hold yourself up with your arms.  It is hard to explain but anyway there is also platforms on each side so you can rest your feet.  Jesse was going to have me do lift up one leg at a time to build up strength....nope I can do both now!!  That impressed me because I have never been on that machine before.  Cool!

I am also still reading the Beck book and working on incorporating the skills in it.  I will be doing more reporting on that soon.  Nothing is easy but I feel the skills in this book will help me if I implement them and actually take the time to learn them properly.  It will be an ongoing process but worth every minute.

I can, I will!!

Bullhead Health Club

I finally got back to 187.8 today.  Isn't that what I weighed about a month ago?  Yes it is...back in the right direction!!

I have been working out using the Wii Fit Plus and I really, really like it.  It is fun to see my progress graph daily and I like the the yoga poses.  I have been doing the free run for 20 minutes just about every day, although yesterday I upped it to 30 minutes.  Doing this is what makes me think I would like to train for a 5k.
That is some thing I am still planning on working on.

Anyway since I got the Wii and have been using it, I decided to give up my gym membership at Bullhead Health Club.  So on Monday I went there to do that.  I HAVE NO SALES RESISTANCE!!  The owner happened to be there.  He lowered my monthly rate and set me up with an appointment with the trainer.  I really do like the gym when I go, getting there is the problem.  Since I didn't quit I decided I would make a commitment to go 3 days a week...Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and just not worry about the gym on other days.  The other days I plan to continue with the Wii.  In the past everyday I would stress about it if I didn't go and feel I should do more if I did go.  No win for me...

This morning I had my session with Jesse the trainer.  Jesse is probably 24 or 25 and really into his job.  I like his enthusiasm and I think we will get along well.  Today was a baseline measurement day.  When I tell people, "yes I do work out" and "yes I do eat really well"--I can see in their faces..Ya Right!  So if I eat so well and work out, why am I so fat?????  Goes back to all the sugar I eat.  Did I mention that I have come to the conclusion that there is not enough candy in the world to satisfy me? 

But Jesse was measuring things like endurance, heart rate, blood pressure, and could see that those things are good.  So then I did a test involving stepping up and down on a step that is about 15" high to a metronome.  This test lasts 3 minutes and before starting he said he has given this test to about 90 people and only about 7 have completed the whole 3 minutes.  Now he has to say 8.....AND I am the only one my age (59) that has lasted 3 minutes.      Yup I DO work out!!!

I can, I will!!

Body Abuse

I am a victim of "body abuse".  Who do you suppose is the perpetrator of this abuse?  Why myself, of course.  Sunday we went to the bar to watch the Viking and Packer games......I usually have water to drink but NOOOOOOOOOO, I had the bright idea to drink JD and diet coke.  Big, Big mistake.  Rex had to drive home.

Unfortunately that was not the end of the abuse....I then went on to eat two, not one, but TWO gigantic bowls of ice cream with banana, peanuts, chocolate sauce, and butterscotch sauce.  Did I mention that I had two of those.  Needless to say, I was up most of the night sitting on the toilet.  Yup I did a great job of abusing my intestinal tract.  After I sobered up and was sitting there experiencing the result of my self inflicted abuse, I was thinking, how many times can I do this to myself, and expect my body to forgive me and not fail?   I am thinking I must be on borrowed time with this abuse and it has to stop....2010 is my year to change for the better and appreciate my body for the wonderous machine that it truly is.  I need to take care of it because I am not getting another one no matter how much I whine.

I can, I will!!

Resistance Muscle

Jen at http://www.priorfatgirl.com/ recently mentioned a book that she is going to read and conduct a discussion group about.  I can honestly say that Jen is one of the most helpful and inspiring bloggers I read.
At any rate, I got the book, "Beck Diet for Life" by Judith S. Beck, Ph.D. from the library and am currently reading it.

The basis of the book is to use Cognitive Therapy to deal with your addictions, be they eating disorders, depression, or something else.  As I am reading the first few pages, I have learned about something called the "Resistance Muscle".  It is the muscle you exercise every time you find a way to not cave in to your cravings.  It is a logical technique to combat the "red devil"  on your shoulder.  As with anything else, success leads to more success.

 I am going to describe my first challenge since reading about the "resistance muscle".  Where I work, the management provides us with a free buffet to eat at once during our shift.  I usually don't eat there, but carry my own food to work.  ALTHOUGH there are occasions when something special is on the line.  About the only special thing  that appeals to me are desserts.  At work Friday night they had a really cool chocolate ganache covered cake.  Now ordinarily I would have gotten one of those immediately but I talked to the server and he said he had quite a few and not all of them were in the cooler and, if asked, would bring one out.  So I decided to wait until my next break to have one.  During the time between deciding to have one on my next break, I thought about that "resistance muscle" and  how I would define it for my use.  On my next break, I didn't even consider having it.  So, rest assured, I WILL continue reading and studying this book.

Stay tuned for more....so far I like it enough to actually read and think about it.

I can and I will!!

I AM AN ATHLETE

I have exercised or worked out for many, many years.  I am also on the point between obese and overweight on the "BMI" scale.  Yesterday morning I weighed 189.4# and I think I go from obese to overweight at about 187.something so I am close to becoming overweight.....cause for celebration.  How can someone in the obese BMI category say that they exercise or work out.  Because it is the truth, I do workout.....and for the most part I do it well. I am obese because I overeat. Plain and simple.  I have no problem moving or exercising.  Food has always been my downfall.   I have done exercises OFF AND ON since I was a sophomore in high school, which if my math is correct is about 43 years ago.  Can that possibly be correct???  43 YEARS ago???

Yup it can be.....and that is actually OK.  I feel like I am in pretty good shape and doing physical chores certainly does not bother me.  I sort of feel that I have an "edge".  I have had both exposure to, and experience with, many different types of exercise.  Like going to agym with weight machines, tread mills, elipital machine, balls and bands,  a huge variety of exercise videos,  and walking,  That gives me a huge base of experience that allows me to keep up and not get frustrated with things like the Wii program.  I am used to using and moving my body.

So why do I think I am an athlete?

Because when I am standing at the kitchen counter I can actually FEEL my abs and they feel incredible.  I am finding that I think up ways to burn calories in so many everyday situations.  I can do a 20 minute free run aerobic workout on the Wii Fit Plus daily.  I can do the first 13 yoga poses daily on the Wii Fit Plus.  I can do several of the weight training exercises daily with Wii Fit Plus also I am usually averaging 10,000 or more steps a day.

In fact I am seriously thinking about training for a 5K which would be an amazing goal to strive for.  I even went to the local Chamber of Commerce to find out when they are scheduled.  Apparently it is too hot in Arizona to have 5ks.  Oh , well that sucks.  So I am looking for a 5k training schedule online to see if I honestly think it is feasible goal.  Will keep you posted on that "project".


I think 2010 is going to be a year of incredible growth for me personally.  I feel there is something inside me that needs to be discovered and nurtured.

I can and I will!!

Goodbye 2009

Like Christmas I am happy this year is over.  Isn't that awful?  To wish one's like away instead of embracing every moment regardless of what happens?  All experiences, good and bad, happy and sad, are what make up our life, our memories, and our mettle. 

I mentioned in my last post that I am working on becoming a more postive person so will be doing a lot of reading and study this year.  I am coming to believe that weight loss will become a byproduct of living with a postive mindset.  That is not to say that eating healthfully and exercising are not also important components -- they most definately are.  I almost forgot, my weight this morning was 189.4 and I did 40 minutes of combined yoga and cardio using the Wii Fit Plus.  So as I travel through 2010, striving to improve myself and my life, I will share what I am feeling and learning.  What I know today is that we all stuggle to make sense of our life and our purpose.

Welcome 2010, I look forward to experiencing every second of you!!

I can, I will!!

Goodbye Christmas

I am happy Christmas is over.  All of those treats everyone was bringing to work were not in my best interest.
Of course that is a crock.....the only person that put food---treats or otherwise in my mouth was me.  The time of year doesn't matter, the temptation doesn't matter.  The only thing that matters is my mindset and my behavior.  Let's just say that neither has been stellar the last 3 weeks.  No excuses.....also no positive results, just my usual backsliding.

I have been reading books on the law of attraction and also on having a positive mental attitude and I am going to be working on growing into a more positive person in 2010.

I can and I will!!

Not Fair, Not Fair!!

So how come you can easily gain 3 or 4 pounds in a day, but are extremely lucky if you lose a pound in one day.  In fact losing 1/2 pound in a day is good.  It's just not fair, there is a huge disparity between what one can gain versus what one can lose overnight. NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR!!

So anyway, I have been working out with the Wii Fit Plus and I actually like it.  Is strenuous enough that I sweat so can't be too easy on my.  I am hoovering around 191 and 193 but I feel really good and I even feel strong.  So I haven't been blogging everyday because I have gained a lot, I just don't have much to say. 

There is a blogger I am worried about though....Steve Wright at http://www.whoatemyblog.com/.  It has been over a month since he has blogged and I am worried about him.  Another blogger is really inspiring me more and more www.priorfatgirl.com , I like her attitude and enjoy her insight about weight lose and life in general.  This girl had had to deal with a lot.  I admire her.

I am so lucky and have much to be thankful and grateful for.....let me NEVER lose sight of that fact!!

I can, I will!!!

Naughty Mary

I can't believe it is almost a week since I last blogged.  Time flies!!  I've noticed that I get older, faster, every year. 

So I have been working out with Wii Fit Plus over a week. I have not been going to the gym.  So how am I doing?  I have gone up in weight to a high of 193, this after a low of 187.4.  So I have obviously not made any headway on weight but but but....I feel I have bettered my carriage and "fitness" feeling.  Does that make sense to anyone?  I have not done anything to lose weight as far as eating goes.  It's Christmas and I have been eating the usual Christmas treats.  But but but-I do feel my posture has improved, I feel I have improved in a lot of ways.  So my opinion is:  Overall, I am satisfied with the product.

Today my weight was about 191 so I am not on a runaway gaining spree.

I can, I will!!

Wii Fit Plus

Yesterday I talked about exercise...and today I am talking about the Wii Fit Plus.  This found it's way into our house on Friday night.

I have been doing a lot of jogging using the Wii Fit Plus. After jogging I have been doing the strength training and yoga routines.  At least I have been getting 30 to 60 minutes of working out everyday since we got it.  I haven't explored all of the options it has.  I know there is a place to enter your daily steps and I read somewhere that if you have a ball or bands or other equipment you can incorporate it in the Wii routines.  I don't know how to do that yet.

I do like very much the record keeping it does and the graphs, they are pretty cool.  It also allows you to increase reps or distance or time based on your performance and I think those are very helpful options.  Since I have been a gym goer I kind of feel that maybe some of the stuff is a little too slow for me, but I have only been using this for 5 days so I obviously don't know everything about it yet.  I will keep working out with it because it is so simple to just get up and do it in my pjs. 

These are another pose of my progress pictures, figured I'd better get these up before it is time for more.  Although at the rate I am going...January pictures might not be much different than the December one.

I can, I will!!

Exercise

Saturday night I finally got to see the season finale of "The Biggest Loser".  It was inspiring, some of those people were not even recognizable.  This is not a put down but did you notice how many of the contestants were still overweight?  I got to thinking about that and for example, Shay, who lost 175# and is STILL over 300#.  I don't care how tall you are 300# is overweight and most likely obese.  That was the story with a lot of the contestants...this season had a lot of starting weights in the 300 to 450# range.  So even if they lost 100# or more they still have work to do.

I cannot imagine anyone getting that big, but wait maybe I can.

I know why children are becoming more and more obese, they sit on their "behinds" most of the time.  In front of the TV or computer.  My grandchildren proudly say they are "lazy".  When did lazy become desirable?  There is no physical activity these days for kids.  The statement "go outside and play" is not specific enough.  If they do go outside it is mostly to wander aimlessly.  I really feel sorry for kids today, unless they have parents that can cart them to sports activities or to a Boys and Girls Club, "Y" or some such place they have nothing to do. 

Of course there are other ways to get physical activity....the Wii game is one and I have seen adds for other computer games that require biking or some physical movement.  But that really doesn't get it done.  Kids could get jobs mowing lawns, snow shoveling, or raking or could they.  What are the laws about that stuff these days? 

I was very lucky to have grown up on a dairy farm...where they is no sex discrimination or accepted excuses for not do what you are told.  When I was in high school, I got up at 4:30 am to milk cows before school.  I used to say that if my Dad even thought that the lawn needed mowing, I was out there mowing it.  No refusal allowed.  It would not have occurred to me to not just do it.  Oh I forgot baling hay and straw and shoveling shit.  Ya that one wasn't pretty.

So here I am at the ripe old age of 59 and I have to credit my youthful working activity to the fact that I am not lazy and I can and will exercise.  Most of my life I have done some type of physical activity, maybe not continuously but I never ever totally quit.  The first organized exercise program I remember doing was when I was 16 and I saw an article in Redbook magazine "Six Week Exercise Program".  I decided to give it a try and was very dedicated.  The reps of each move increased each week and at the end of 6 weeks, what did I do?  I stopped doing them.....it was called "Six Week Exercise Program".  Sometimes I am just too literal for my own good!!

Oh well enough bs for today.

I can, I will!!  (Regards of the bumps along the way)

Promised Report

Yesterday Isaid I would report on how the day went.  Today the scale said 190.8 so yup it went down.

So how did yesterday really go?  I ate wonderfully and perfectlly UNTIL I got home from work when I screwed up the whole day by eating a small loaf of pear bread.  Now I am sure I didn't exceed my calorie count of 1500 but what gives with this sweet downfall?  I do recognize this pattern and it is a pattern, my day goes great and then after work at 1, 2, or 3 AM I screw it up.ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!  I need to start going to bed as soon as I get, or brush my teeth, or do SOMETHING that will discourage eating.

As I say each and everyday, I will do better.

I can, I will!!

It's True!!

I have read on a lot of blog about missing bloggers....it usually means there is a bit of back sliding going on.  Well in my case that is very true.  I had a horrible week end, I think it started with my baking pear bread.  BIG MISTAKE!!  It smelled so good and it was warm and inviting and I KNOW it tasted awesome.  It's just not fair...the stuff wasn't just calling my name it was SHOUTING my name.  So being the weak willed person that I am, I succumbed.  How stupid is that??  What happened to "I can, I will"?

Oh well now on to damage control and fixing today because I can only live today.  When I quit smoking, I kept telling myself "one day, one hour, one minute, one second".  Just hang in there.  I hadn't even weighed myself for a couple of days but I did today and it came in at 191.6.  It is what it is (another phrase from other blogs).

This morning I went online and looked at all of the "before and after" pictures of the Biggest Loser contestants.  If that doesn't inspire me nothing will.  All of them look awesome.  I only want to lose 40# and these people are dealing with wanting and needing to lose between 100 and 200#.  What do I have to whine about? They are totally amazing.   I was also watching a couple on the Dr. Oz show this morning that are getting fit for their wedding.  In one month she has lost 19# and he lost 23#, they still have lots to lose but they were both so upbeat, happy, and positive, I have no doubt they will be beautiful and very healthy on their wedding day. 

I really like Dr. Oz.  I have learned a lot watching his show and I like that they go and get people to come on and they help them.  Very inspiring and it is wonderful the way most of these people embrace the guidelines they are given.  Honestly, I think most people feel so overwhelmed they don't know where to start and also have the attitude that their mountain is so high why bother.  Anyway I will be looking forward to keeping up with the wedding couple.  I also like The Doctors TV show.  They also have taught me a lot, but what can I say--Dr. Oz is Dr. Oz.

So it is back to basics today.  I am only going to worry about today.  I will report on today tomorrow.  Did that sound confusing??

I can, I will!!

More Ugly Pictures

I had Rex take pictures of me yesterday....I really should have had him retake them after I saw them, but what the hell, no one reads this blog anyway. If anyone stumble into this blog by accident--as God is my witness--I am not as crabby as I look, in fact I am not a crabby person at all.



One blog I read (Pasta Queen) put up progress pictures every 20 pounds which makes sense when your goal is to lose approximately 200 pounds. But I don't want to lose that much so I am choosing to put up pictures monthly. Hopefully I will see some progress.

I cannot figure out how to put these pictures side by side so I will have to  do it this way and so will you if you want to see them.  But the good news is--I DO see progress.  Wow, does this make me happy or what!!  I had the same three views that I had last time but I will put one up at a time since I can't figure out the side by side thing, otherwise this would be a very long blog. 

Did you notice there wasn't a weight listed on the top of this blog...I didn't weigh myself this morning, I did yesterday and it was up to 189.4.  Not good news after a low of 187.8 this week.  Ok so I was not as dedicated as I should be so the scale is showing me the error of my ways or weighs as it were.  Anyway I am back on track and hope to see the scale reflecting that but until that happens progress pictures help!!

I can, I will!!

I Survived!!

I made it through the week end!!  My Sunday weight was 189.0, my Monday weight was 188.6 and Tuesday morning it was 187.8. WOW I actually lost weight on my week end.  Now that is hard to believe but it's totally true.  Pat me on the back!!

Have been getting my exercise in also, so I am pretty happy with my progress.  I will keep it up.

I can, I will!!

Once Again

This morning my scale said 189.0....that is two (2) days out of the 190s.  I am blessed!!

My trip to the gym yesterday made my third gym workout this week....my goal reached for once!  Today I walked outside in the wind.  The wind makes it more of a workout.  I felt a little under worked so I decided to do an exercise video.  I chose "YOU: On  A Diet Workout".  I have had this video for maybe two years, maybe more, don't remember.  It has beginner, intermediate, and advanced routines on it.  I did the beginner and was able to keep up without a problem, so I decided to watch the intermediate.  I think after 3 or 4 times of the beginner I can do that with no problem also.

This is a day off so traditionally a dangerous day for me but I have managed to keep the caloric intake in check.    Of course tomorrow is also a day but I am feeling in control for the time being.  Am actually looking forward to the times when all I have to bitch about is maintenance!!

I can, I will!!

Take That!!

This morning my stubborn scale read 189.2!!!  I am thrilled and committed to not having it bounce back to the 190s again....of course I have the next 2 days off of work which is always challenging to me. Just have to keep repeating my chant "I think I can, I think I can".  Like the little red engine that could.

I went to the gym this afternoon for about an hour.  I had to cut it short as I have to go to work and had some stuff to do at home that I could not put off.  But at least I went, in past weeks I have blown it off if I felt rushed but I hung in there today.  PAT MARY ON THE BACK!!

Have had success with my calorie range this week so far too.  I have bumped up the protein and I think that has been helpful.  I feel in the zone today....

I can, I will!!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr--that is my growl at the scale this morning.  You know the one that really hates  to go below 190...the one that showed my weight this morning at 190.0??  That one.  Yup that one.  What is with that barrier?  Ok so now I have that off my chest and am ready to make today a good healthy one.

I called this morning to get a hair cut and after making an appointment for 2 this afternoon, realized the traffic I would have to fight with the "Black Friday" crowd, called back and changed the appointment to Monday.  Good catch, Mary!!

My physical activity of the day will be a long outside walk...for the first time in 4 days we don't have strong winds so I am going to take advantage of the nice weather.  It is also a nice 76 degrees, another reason to enjoy the weather.

I can, I will!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

A big "Happy Thanksgiving" to every one today.  It truly is a time to be thankful for the people in our lives that make life worthwhile.  I read a sign on the outside of a church the other day that said "Thanksgiving means more if you R thankful".  Makes sense to me!!

Today's weigh in was 190.4.  Being hopeful the dip into the 180s tomorrow, I went to the gym and did 52 minutes of cardio and some stretching.  My cardio goal for the day was 40 minutes so I even put in a little extra time.  I sure hope it works.  I have noticed that I always learn a lot when I go to the gym just watching what others are doing.  Lots of times I end up incorporating those same moves into my routine.  My Dad always said "pay attention, you might learn something".  How right he was!!

I will be gong to work today, when you work in the gaming industry getting a holiday off is nearly impossible.
Besides I don't have any family here so going to work is ok, I am very thankful that I have a job to go to.

Yesterday's calorie count was in the range, the only problem was I was VERY hungry, so today I am keeping track of my protein intake.  Based on what I have been reading lately, I might not be eating enough protein so am going to increase how much I eat.

My attitude today, like yesterday is hopeful and upbeat.

I can, I will!!

Start Of Week Four

Today starts week 4 and I am off to a good start.  My weight this morning was 191.6.  I spent 1.5 hours at the gym and it felt great.  Today while doing my weight training I actually looked at myself in the numerous mirrors.  I could see improvement in my waist.  My thighs also looked a lot more toned and thinner, of course I didn't measure my thighs but there was a lot of leg room in my shorts. On my way home, I was thinking about how great I felt and how much I do enjoy working out and going to the gym.  So why don't I just hop out of bed every day and go??  Wish I could give an answer to that question but I just don't know what it is....however I will be thinking hard about that very issue. 

So how did week 3 go.  Down the crapper I think.  Maybe I should quit making weekly goals since I don't seem to be able to meet them.  But I am going to give it another try.

1200 to 1500 calories per day....no exceptions!!
Physical activity.....3 trips to the gym...no excuses!!

I'll let you know next Wednesday how this works out.

I can, I will!!

Binge!!

OK so this morning I weighed 192.4.  I wonder if that was due to the cookies and peanuts I ate last night??

I am so disgusted with myself!!  Will I never learn???

Today I am eating very lightly but didn't exercise yet anyway.

Tomorrow is another day and I intend to get it right!!

I can, I will!!

Another Week End Almost Gone...

After that great weigh in of 189.8, I bounced right back up to 190.4 the next day, then 191.0 ever since.  I knew there would be a bounce back....always seems to be one.  Just have to hang in there until the scale decides to cooperate.    I was trying to give myself some non-scale encouragement, so I decided to measure my waist and see if there was any change.  To my utter delight, I have lost 3 inches off my waist and 1.5 inches off my hips since August.  Unfortunately, my chest measurement was not changed.  But I am happy and as everyone knows there is more than one way to measure weight loss progress.

I have been fighting my weight my whole life.  Yup, I was a chubby kid and wore the chubby sizes to prove it.  There have been times in my life when I have been reasonable and in the overweight category instead of obese.  My all time high weight was 223 about 20 years ago.  I lost weight then and have never gotten to that high of a weight again.  That is suppose to be unusual.  When people lose and regain, they usually regain more than they lost.  I really think I didn't because I am pretty physically active and have almost always walked and worked out in one fashion or another.  Unless I am going more than 4 floors up, I always take the stairs, I park far away from entrances, I always return my grocery cart...I really do all of those little things they recommend you do.  My worst problem is a bad habit of overeating.  And even that is not the like you would expect.  I eat a very healthy diet, lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (mostly chicken and pork, very little beef),  fish and nuts.  So why am I fat??  I love candy and sweets and indulge way too much.  I don't think there is enough candy in the world to satisfy me.  And you can also eat too much of the healthy stuff.  Portion control is important no matter what the food is.

I am going to be 60 in April and would really like to finally tame this beast!!  You have no idea how much I wish I would have gotten this horrible problem under control 30 years ago.  Maybe my children would be in a different place.

Not only am I an obese person, I am the mother of a 41 year old morbidly obese man.  In fact he is well on the way to becoming the next person you read about in the paper that cannot fit through the door.  At least that is my fear of what will happen to him.  I feel that I have more or less set him up for this problem from the time he was a chubby baby.  I overfed him and helped him develop every damn fat cell he has.  I wish I could undo that damage.

I also have a daughter that is obese, but not morbidly yet anyway.  I was a terrible mother and I cannot change history so they are paying the price.  Not quite fair that they are paying for my rotten choices.

Breakthrough!!

Day 3

So far I am liking week 3.  I weighed in this morning at 189.8---I finally broke the 190 barrier and barrier it has been!!  I know tomorrow I could bounce right back, but I loved seeing that 8 today!!

Eating yesterday was A-OK and I was very satisfied.

I am seriously addicted to Diet Pepsi and I am seriously thinking about quitting drinking it.  I know I can't cut down, I have to have zero because I am not a just cut down type of person.  When it comes to Diet Pepsi, it is all or nothing.  I am thinking.

Today I will just keep on, keeping on.

I can, I will!!

Start Of Week Three

Day 2

Today is Wednesday so it is the beginning of week 3. First I should recap week 2. Did I maintain the 1200 to 1500 calorie range each day-NO. For one and one half days I did not. Did I make it to the gym three times-NO. I went to the gym once, and did a fair amount of walking outside. So I wasn't a complete physical failure.
Oh I forgot to state what I weigh today, 191.0. So in two weeks I have lost 8 pounds which is not that great since I think I lost 9 pounds in 1 week!! What the hell happened??? I knew the 9 pounds in one week would bite me in the ass!!

I am back in the range and even went to the gym today. I did cardio and weight training so week 3 is off to a good start. I don't know if I should even make weekly goals since I didn't meet them this week. I am going to continue with the calorie range (this weeks football games are on at the same time so I will be able to stick with water) and I am going to do something physical at least 1/2 hour a day. Not necessarily at the gym.

I can, I will!!

Week End Gone Bad!

Sunday was not a good day for my calorie count. The first mistake I made was having a cocktail which led to two more. That more or less did it for me. On Sundays we go to a sports bar to watch football with another couple. Last Sunday I drank water the whole time, unfortunately this Sunday there was two games to watch which extended the time there from three hours to 5.5. That is way too long to sit there while everyone else is drinking and sip on water the whole time, although I did until half time of the second time. I just got really tired of water.

Then we had a fellow Wisconsinite that I work with that brought us home made potato dumplings. So we had those with pork chops for supper. The dumplings were a little dry so we had some gravy with them. I wasn't satisfied with all of that so after supper I had some cookies. Not good....I didn't even try to add up all of the calories. Yesterday was marginally better. Actually yesterday was ok, we made home made chicken noodle soup which makes it hard to accurately calculate the calorie count. I had two cups of the soup but didn't eat much else so it was ok.

I didn't weigh myself yesterday because I was just plain chicken...today I weighed 191.4. I consider myself lucky. Tomorrow starts week three and I will do better.

I can, I will!!

Danger--Another Week End

Day 12

Yesterday I was up to 191.2# and I didn't make it to the gym. Friday night was so busy at work I ended up working 2 hours overtime. That means I worked until 6 AM. Since I worked so late, I slept all day so no trip to the gym. I know, it sucks....but that is the true story. And obviously I didn't blog either because I was sleeping. Anyway this morning I weighed in at 191.0.

I work nights but my schedule changes every week. This past week, I had four 7PM starts and one 5 PM start. Now seeing that two hour difference doesn't seem like it is that much, it really is when I struggle with sleep. I don't like to sleep during the daylight hours but am forced to sleep most mornings (when I can) so I only sleep 5 or 6 hours a day and am always tired. Big surprise there. This upcoming week I have three 5PM starts and two 7PM starts. Always. always adjusting, makes things hard. (But not impossible!!) And who knows what kind of schedule I will have next?? Neither do I. No I am in another week-end and they are typically very challenging, but like last week, I intend to make it through to the other side on track.

On the up side, I have maintained my chosen calorie range, and have not gotten discouraged in spite of the scale going up. I have to credit PastaQueen (http://www.pastaqueen.com/) with that. I have been reading her blog, well to to precise I have been reading her archives because when someone has lost almost 200 pounds without surgery, you want to start at the beginning. She was always so patient when the scale would bounce a little. Reading about her patience gives me pause and makes me understand that the scale is not the be all, end all and I can wait it out too. While I didn't take my measurements 12 days ago, I did take them on August 21 so I have recent ones, and I am appalled by them. As I sit typing this I have Dr. Oz on and a Discovery Channel program about "You:On A Diet". A healthy waist size for women is 32" or less. Guess what mine is?? 43.5, enough said about that. I definitely have my work cut out for me and I am realizing that the scale is not the only yardstick here!!

I can, I will!!

Road Block

Day 10

Ok so I knew it had to happen...the scale went up 1# today. I was living in a fools paradise with a 8.2# loss in one week, but I really liked it. Even knowing it was totally unrealistic, I really liked it. Ok, Ok I am now reminded weight loss is not that easy or fast. Point taken.

Yesterday I did not take a 15 minute walk. I was still feeling under the weather so I took a nap instead. That was actually a good idea because about 2 hours after I got to work I started feeling substantially better. Not perfect but pretty damn good. So today I made it to the gym for a short visit. I did 16 minutes on the elliptical and 16 minutes on the treadmill. Just cardio today. Tomorrow I plan to do some weight training also.

I have been staying in the caloric range so I am happy about that. In the past I would have gone over by now. The big 60 birthday that is rapidly approaching is foremost in my mind. I don't want to screw this up and I want to be have a "normal" BMI by then. Each year you live, health becomes more and more important. Your body is pretty forgiving to some of the abuse one inflicts on it, but the older you get the less forgiving it is. The younger you learn this lesson, the better your chances of having a healthy, long life.

I can,I will!!

Hanging In There

Day 9

Yesterday I was actually under my calorie count because I was sick. I even called into work which is something I rarely do. I feel better today and will go to work but still do not feel the best. This mornings weight was 190.0. I plan to walk for at least 15 minutes today....need to "go slow" for a day or two. Maybe that is wrong, maybe this is the time to push myself. Guess I need to find out about that.

I can, I will!!

Week One

Day 8

This is Veteran's Day, you know the 11th day of the 11th month, and originally the 11th hour. My sincere thank you to all of our service people, both retired and active. I truly appreciate all of the sacrifices you have made so I can live the life I do in a country that is still free.

Ok so I have one week down, of the 21 weeks until my birthday in April. This morning I weighed 190.8 which is 8.2# less than last week. About six weeks ago, I weighed in at 190.2 and immediately ballooned back up to 199. The scale has never been my friend, but I intend not to waste this 8.2# gift I have earned by maintaining the daily calorie count I have chosen. I know that an 8.2# loss in 7 days in not something I can count on every week so this weeks challenge will be not to gain anything back, continue with my daily calorie count, and get to the gym at least 3 times this week.

I have not talked much about physical activity yet but I do work out. Some weeks I get to the gym 4 times and then I might not get there more than once the next week so I have to work on a regular schedule, but exercise has never been my problem, it has always been overeating. But the odd thing is that I eat very, very well. I do lots of fruits and veggies, not a lot of meat, whole grains, etc. But after I eat very healthfully, I eat candy and pastries. I have come the the conclusion that there is not enough candy in the world to satisfy me. Sugar, sugar, lovely sugar. Yuck!!

Anyway that is about all I have to say today.

I can, I will!!

I Made It!!

I survived my days off. I stayed in my daily calorie range and didn't overeat. Of course the fact that I have a sore throat, runny nose, and bad cold didn't factor in at all. Yesterday I weighed in at 193.4 and this morning it was 191.8, definitely back to the range I was in before my vacation.

I got my match up e-mail from mizfit yesterday. That will be cool. Today I will get an e-mail with more info as to how this will work. As I understand it, you are matched up with someone else that wants to lose some pounds and will motivate each other with e-mails. I am looking forward to having a virtual weight loss buddy.

Anyway outside of my cold I am very happy and feel powerful. This week I should hit new numbers and be under 190 for the first time in about 2 years. That will be great, my goal for Dec.31 is 180# and a BMI that will put me in the overweight category rather than obese.

I can, I will!!

Weekend Challenge

Ok so my two days off for this week start today. This is always a challenge because too much free time leads to too much food. Just a fact of most of my life. I also like to have a cocktail or two on my days off. That equation adds up to danger. Lots of time my efforts of the rest of the week are totally wiped out by these two days that I don't go to work. So that is my challenge for the next two days....maintain and follow my daily calorie goal.

This morning I weighed 193.8 and it is day number 5 of this journey. I know that this incredible daily weight loss is not going to continue but I am sort of liking it. I've decided to mention what day number it is for continuous calorie goal, that might help not to screw it up so I don't have to start over with day 1. Time will tell as it always does and in this case so will the pictures. Intake so far:

Wed: 940
Thurs: 1470
Fri: 1350
Sat: 1365

I am happy with that because I haven't really been unbearably hungry so that helps a lot. Makes it easier to not be tempted. I know it is closer to 1500 calories than 1200 but still in the range I have chosen.

I can, I will

That's It

I have been reading lots and lots of weight loss blogs. No one has an easy time with this struggle. One of the hardest things is getting started. One blogger actually started her blog in late 2003 but didn't get serious about a lifestyle change until 2005. I totally understand that. It does something to your mind to feel that you can't have that last food binge before starting a diet. You know what I mean, the days before "Monday" that you eat everything you want because come Monday (or Jan 1, or whatever) you are to start your diet and all of those goodies will be out of the question. But we all know that Monday, like tomorrow never comes. Getting started is hard, hard, hard,

I don't know what the trigger is, it is different for everyone. I just know that for now I have found mine.

I can, I will!!

Yes

I did do much better with caloric intake yesterday and didn't deviate from my plan at all. Yeah for me!! Although I don't intend to weigh myself everyday I have been this week because I was so distressed about the 199.0 number on my scale. This morning it said 194.8 so I am almost where I was before I went on vacation. I need to make this work.

I went on the Prevention site today to figure out my current BMI. It is 31.64 which is in the obese category. No surprise there!! So I figured out the the weight I need to be to get in the overweight category, that weight is 185#. That is 9.8# and very doable by Dec. 31. That is my short term goal...to weigh 185 and have a BMI of 29.86 by the end of 2009. Now a long term goal is to have a normal BMI by April 7th -my 60th birthday. I just counted up and that is 21 weeks away so at the rate of 2 pounds per week that is doable!! Lets state this goal here in black and white. By April 7, 2010 I want to weigh 153 pounds and have a BMI of 24.7 which is in the normal range. So I guess with that statement, I need to readjust my Dec. 31 goal--which is now 180.8 with a BMI of 29.21.

I can, I will!!

Already?

Remember my goal of staying between 1200 and 1500 calories a day? Well I didn't exceed it yesterday but came damn close. I had all of my food written down and packed (I take my lunch to work) to total 1220 calories. But in the break room a key lime pie appeared and I picked up a piece and ate it. Why oh why do I do this to myself??? I need to get to the root of this compulsion to eat whatever I see. It is taking a terrible toll on my body. Since I ate the pie, I didn't eat everything in my lunch so I got to a count of 1470, so technically I stayed with my goal but I am still upset about my "see it, eat it" compulsion.

I did weight myself this morning although I wasn't going to. I weighed 196.6 this morning...which is progress but maybe false hope. Don't know.

I hate the pictures of myself on this blog!!!!!

One day soon I am going to write down some things about myself and the lifestyle I live.

I am off to the gym and going to have a better food day today!!

I can, I will!!
'

Photos-Yuck

These are my pictures that were taken yesterday and I can honestly say I am appalled. And I have to acknowledge that I have not seen myself from these angles for many, many years. I have a lot of work to do but I am up for the challenge. This is the worst it will be.....

One of the bloggers I read, put up progress pictures every 20 pounds, I think I will do it monthly and hope to see visible results although I do know that I have to lose 30 pounds before it is noticeable....been down this road before.

I weighed myself this morning...197.4. Better than 199 but I am still disappointed in myself. Anyway onward and downward..

I am blogging about this because I need an accountability factor and from what I have been reading, so do a lot of other people. At this point I am going to state weekly goals. I will make a weekly food goal and a weekly fitness goal usually, but to get the ball rolling this week I am only making one goal. It is to keep my caloric intake between 1200 and 1500 daily. Yesterday I fell short at 950. Don't know how that happened, I think I forgot to put something down. But I will be vigilant today.

I can, I will!!

Why Now?

I have been reading numerous blogs of weight loose journeys. These people understand how simple it is. A numbers game: calories in/calories out or move more/eat less.


So what screws us all up?? Why isn't is as easy as that sounds?? What is the answer??
All of these blogs are so inspiring. They literally talk about the food relationships, the emotions, the monumental effort it takes to resist cravings. Cravings are so cruel.....they are nonstop daily, hourly, and minutely. The temptations never go away.

I have also noticed on some of the older blogs (from 2004) that these people are loosing the weight and their blog now contains other topics. I am hopeful that once weight is not the sole and total focus of my life, it becomes possible to have a life that allows other interests in it. Now that is incentive!!

Today is Wednesday and I am posting this but it is not the starting blog entry I wanted it to be. Quite frankly it is because I just got back from vacation yesterday and I am fried. I have a lot to do today and also have to get back to work so I don't have the time to take my starting pictures, etc,etc, etc. Are you buying this bullshit??? No the real reason is-----I weighed 8 pounds more this morning than I expected to and am pissed with myself. Oh well the scale said 199.0 this morning which honest to God I have not been this high in at least 6 months. I have been hoovering between 190.2 and 194 for the last 6 months so I am pouting today...something that really helps!!

Oh well tomorrow is another day!!

I CAN, I WILL!!

As I am writing this I am actually pursing my lips and blowing the dust off this blog. I've decided to write a weight loss blog because I have been reading so many of them lately and thought maybe it would work for me too.

Right now I am on vacation in Belize, but will be back in my real life Tuesday so, starting Wednesday, I am going to be working on becoming as healthy as I can.

See ya Wednesday!!

I can, I will!!

Here's The Deal

Ok so Rex and I have been working at weight loss since July 3rd. He is down 24 and I am down 20. Not too bad. But the most important thing is I BELIEVE. I believe I will weigh 150 by my birthday in April.

We are taking this challenge seriously and it makes all the difference in the world that he is on this journey with me. Thank you, Rex, so much. Whatever would I do without you??

Onward and downward!!

On Track???!!!???

On July 3rd Rex decided to go on a diet. That was an extreme shock to me. He has never seriously expressed ANY interest in dieting before. I was dumbfounded. So his plan was to weigh himself everyday and go pretty much on a starvation diet. He slashed his beer consumption and quit using sugar in his coffee-and he put 2.5 teaspoons in every cup! He is now using Splenda in his coffee. So far he has lost 16 pounds and 2.5 inches off his belly. His belly was the only measurement we took and we will be measuring every 4 weeks. As is typical of him, he jumped in with both feet. I put together a spreadsheet for him to keep track of his daily weight and loss percentage. I would say that a lot of days he only eats once but some days he eats more often but less than he used so the combination has been successful for him. I have cautioned him about starvation messing up his metabolism. Fortunately he has also heard professionals on TV programs also mentioning the metabolism slowdown. He has also been walking and every morning we go on a walk. He has been a lot more dedicated than I thought he would be. As usual he is surprising the hell out of me.

Of course I had to jump on the same bandwagon. I have lost 13# in the same amount of time. Having him working on this problem makes it much easier for me to keep motivated. I think he started out with a BMI of 28 and is now at 26. 24.9 is considered normal. So his BMI is classified as overweight. He is now 189# and when he his 184# he will be in the normal weight BMI group. I on the other hand, after losing 13#, still have a BMI of 31 which is in the obese category. When I hit 185# I will be in the overweight BMI category. I currently also weight 189# so I am close.

Wish us luck....onward and downward!!

Again and Again

On April 4th I did follow Weight Watchers plan and did go to the gym and worked out. Unfortunately since then I haven't done well at all. I should have my head examined. Anyway I to cut to the chase, today I signed up online with Slim-Fast. Let's make this work...I have a wedding to go to in October....I want to look presentable!!