Well, my blog is anyways.
Check it out: elizabethbenton.com
I don't really have a name for the blog yet but I'm open to suggestions.
There's a new post over there waiting for you!!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Happy December, guys!! I know, I know, I was MIA again. But not for nearly as long as the last time, so I'm getting better!
The bad news: November was a crazy, crazy month! Work was crazy, home was crazy, the holidays were definitely crazy.
The good news: Despite all the crazy, I lost 9 lbs in November. I'm pretty proud of that.
I'm curious - have any of you seen the documentary "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"? I watched it last night. It definitely gives you something to think about! While I can't say that I agree with everything in there, it was definitely shocking to see/hear what "average" Americans have to say about their diet and lifestyle. It's a very inspiring story about the radical changes that come about when you adopt a more wholesome lifestyle. Specifically, it focuses on the health benefits of "juicing". If you haven't seen it, check it out. If you have, what did you think?
I got a juicer a couple of years ago as a gift from my mom and while I love it, I don't use it often because its such a pain in the a** to clean. However, when I did use it, the juice was great and I never wanted to throw away the pulp so I'd incorporate it into meatloaf or veggie soups. After watching the documentary I think I'm going to try to incorporate "juicing" into my routine at least a couple of times a week. I have a few other goals for the last month of 2011 - even though we're a few days in, I figured I'd share them with you guys for the sake of accountability:
December 2011 Goals (progress, not perfection)
- Make time for exercise - at least twice each week
- Fresh juice from the juicer - at least twice each week
- Journaling - at least once each week
- Move this blog to my new platform - husband is on me about this one
- Send out Christmas cards
- Drink more water
Monday, November 7, 2011
Missing in Action (inaction, really)
*Sheepishly* Hi guys.
It's been a while. Way too long, actually. Sorry 'bout that.
Why did I fall off the face of the earth? Well......it wasn't really off the face of the earth, it was really more like off the wagon. Yup, it's true.
We all have reasons for falling off the wagon and the same is certainly true for me. In my mind, they're pretty good ones, but that's neither here nor there. Maybe I'll get into them at some point, but today's not that day.
At the risk of setting myself for ridicule and criticism, here's the deal - I'm heavier than ever and feel worse about myself than ever. Other than that, life is better than ever. Ha! Sounds sarcastic but it's actually true. Work is good, marriage is good, life is good. My weight and self esteem are not. Really, really, really not.
I don't really have a plan. Right now I don't even feel really hopeful. I feel desperate. But I'm telling myself just to put one foot in front of the other so this seemed like a doable first step. A major thanks to Marge and James for encouraging me to get back at it.
Sorry I've been gone so long - (most sorry for disappointing myself).
Stay tuned - the journey begins again today (even though I don't know what that means yet)
It's been a while. Way too long, actually. Sorry 'bout that.
Why did I fall off the face of the earth? Well......it wasn't really off the face of the earth, it was really more like off the wagon. Yup, it's true.
We all have reasons for falling off the wagon and the same is certainly true for me. In my mind, they're pretty good ones, but that's neither here nor there. Maybe I'll get into them at some point, but today's not that day.
At the risk of setting myself for ridicule and criticism, here's the deal - I'm heavier than ever and feel worse about myself than ever. Other than that, life is better than ever. Ha! Sounds sarcastic but it's actually true. Work is good, marriage is good, life is good. My weight and self esteem are not. Really, really, really not.
I don't really have a plan. Right now I don't even feel really hopeful. I feel desperate. But I'm telling myself just to put one foot in front of the other so this seemed like a doable first step. A major thanks to Marge and James for encouraging me to get back at it.
Sorry I've been gone so long - (most sorry for disappointing myself).
Stay tuned - the journey begins again today (even though I don't know what that means yet)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Take Captive Every Thought
Thanks to my dear friend Michelle, I've been thinking a lot lately about my thoughts and words and their power in my life. I think we are all familiar with the phrase "You become what you think about all day long" (which might imply that I should be a bowl of ice cream.....) And though I'm not said bowl of ice cream, I am a person largely (no pun intended) controlled by food.
My life is consumed with thoughts driven by shame, anger and frustration about my weight. Thoughts, words and fears of failure and defeat. Where has that gotten me....?
A month or so ago I said I was going to stop all negative self talk for 90 days. I'm gonna go ahead and say that venture didn't turn out so well. I didn't decide to give up, I just sort of forgot about the challenge and went about thinking and talking as I normally do. But I"m really interested to see just how things might change if I change the way I think about myself. So I'm going to put a note to myself on my desk at work and in my car as a reminder to "take captive every thought". It won't be easy to completely re-wire my brain but I'm going to make it a very intentional focus.
What is the tape you play in your head about yourself, your life, your marriage or your job? Do you think its impacting your life? Maybe you'll join me in seeing what happens when we switch out the tape.
My life is consumed with thoughts driven by shame, anger and frustration about my weight. Thoughts, words and fears of failure and defeat. Where has that gotten me....?
A month or so ago I said I was going to stop all negative self talk for 90 days. I'm gonna go ahead and say that venture didn't turn out so well. I didn't decide to give up, I just sort of forgot about the challenge and went about thinking and talking as I normally do. But I"m really interested to see just how things might change if I change the way I think about myself. So I'm going to put a note to myself on my desk at work and in my car as a reminder to "take captive every thought". It won't be easy to completely re-wire my brain but I'm going to make it a very intentional focus.
What is the tape you play in your head about yourself, your life, your marriage or your job? Do you think its impacting your life? Maybe you'll join me in seeing what happens when we switch out the tape.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Today's Choices
What you do today dictates who you are tomorrow. I saw that on twitter today and it kinda made me freak out a bit. It made me think of how my grandmother used to warn me that if I made funny faces my face would freeze that way. It used to make me stop in my tracks and wonder what life would be like if I permanently had my tongue sticking out and my eyes crossed (I'm thinkin' that wouldn't be a great look...)
But what if today's habits were frozen in time as our habits for the rest of our earthly lives? Well, if it was based on today, I can tell you I wouldn't be very happy. I'd oversleep every day and go without eye makeup. I'd not get things accomplished at work because I'd spend the day cleaning and organizing my office. I'd never eat breakfast. I'd never eat any fruits and vegetables (I hope Lydia doesn't read this - I had absolutely no fresh fruits or veggies today). I wouldn't read my Bible. I wouldn't make it to the gym. I'd eat dinner while standing at the counter.
Just as I breathe a sigh of relief because I know my habits aren't frozen in time I remember that they kinda are. That little twitter post I read today is so true: What you do today dictates who you are tomorrow. Sure, I can (and will) have a better day tomorrow. I'll wake up on time. I'll workout. I'll eat breakfast. I'll have balanced meals. I'll read my Bible. But I'll still wake up with the consequences of who I am today. I didn't make forward progress today. I didn't get closer to my goal today. My choices today create someone I don't want to be.
And I think that reminding myself that each choice I make reinforces either the woman I want to be or the woman I don't want to be. *sigh* I'm increasingly grateful that every new day bring a new opportunity to be better and stronger. Thank God!
But what if today's habits were frozen in time as our habits for the rest of our earthly lives? Well, if it was based on today, I can tell you I wouldn't be very happy. I'd oversleep every day and go without eye makeup. I'd not get things accomplished at work because I'd spend the day cleaning and organizing my office. I'd never eat breakfast. I'd never eat any fruits and vegetables (I hope Lydia doesn't read this - I had absolutely no fresh fruits or veggies today). I wouldn't read my Bible. I wouldn't make it to the gym. I'd eat dinner while standing at the counter.
Just as I breathe a sigh of relief because I know my habits aren't frozen in time I remember that they kinda are. That little twitter post I read today is so true: What you do today dictates who you are tomorrow. Sure, I can (and will) have a better day tomorrow. I'll wake up on time. I'll workout. I'll eat breakfast. I'll have balanced meals. I'll read my Bible. But I'll still wake up with the consequences of who I am today. I didn't make forward progress today. I didn't get closer to my goal today. My choices today create someone I don't want to be.
And I think that reminding myself that each choice I make reinforces either the woman I want to be or the woman I don't want to be. *sigh* I'm increasingly grateful that every new day bring a new opportunity to be better and stronger. Thank God!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Lack of Discipline
Hey guys! I hope if you're reading this you are in a sunnier part of the country! It is dreary and raining here for like the millionth day in a row! Bring on the sunshine please!!!
So I wanted to write really honestly here for a minute. I've probably said this before, but it's on my heart again tonight - this journey really isn't about weight loss. Do I need to lose weight? Um, yeah. Big time. But that isn't my primary goal. It always has been, but its not anymore. Everyday my goal is to be a more whole, more balanced, more Christian, God-loving, God-fearing woman. Right now, one of my biggest struggles on that journey is discipline. I have a selective, but broad, lack of discipline. It is on my heart to be more disciplined in my words, my actions and my thoughts. Obviously, a big way in which my lack of discipline manifests is over-eating.
In the past 10 years or so, I've tried to attack this lack of discipline a million different ways: starvation diets, purging, compulsive exercise, the list goes on and on. But recently, when feeling really overwhelmed so many areas of my life that I feel need improvement, I had a moment of clarity. A moment where I realized that if I just focused on one thing, all of these pieces could fall in to place. That I didn't need to constantly feel so fragmented - like nothing ever got 100% of my effort and I was always failing. I realized that if I focus my heart, mind and energy on wildly pursuing Jesus, that all these other facets of life would likely fall in to step.
The past couple weeks have been emotionally challenging for me. There is a lot going on and I'm faced with uncertainty and straight-up fear. Tonight, with the pouring rain making me feel even more down, I decided to turn off the TV and open my bible. I've been reading through the New Testament and I felt drawn to open to the book of Hebrews. After reading for a few minutes I was struck by this passage: "No discipline feels pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed" (Hebrews 12: 11-13).
Um - speaking to me much??? That was exactly where my mind was when I opened up my Bible tonight. Between that passage and Hebrews 2:18 "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted", I just feel so encourage, inspired and renewed tonight.
Maybe you feel torn. Maybe you feel like there isn't enough of yourself to give to all that requires your attention. You cannot walk forwards, backwards and to the side at the same time. Identify your most basic objective and walk confidently in that direction. Everything else will fall in to place.
So I wanted to write really honestly here for a minute. I've probably said this before, but it's on my heart again tonight - this journey really isn't about weight loss. Do I need to lose weight? Um, yeah. Big time. But that isn't my primary goal. It always has been, but its not anymore. Everyday my goal is to be a more whole, more balanced, more Christian, God-loving, God-fearing woman. Right now, one of my biggest struggles on that journey is discipline. I have a selective, but broad, lack of discipline. It is on my heart to be more disciplined in my words, my actions and my thoughts. Obviously, a big way in which my lack of discipline manifests is over-eating.
In the past 10 years or so, I've tried to attack this lack of discipline a million different ways: starvation diets, purging, compulsive exercise, the list goes on and on. But recently, when feeling really overwhelmed so many areas of my life that I feel need improvement, I had a moment of clarity. A moment where I realized that if I just focused on one thing, all of these pieces could fall in to place. That I didn't need to constantly feel so fragmented - like nothing ever got 100% of my effort and I was always failing. I realized that if I focus my heart, mind and energy on wildly pursuing Jesus, that all these other facets of life would likely fall in to step.
The past couple weeks have been emotionally challenging for me. There is a lot going on and I'm faced with uncertainty and straight-up fear. Tonight, with the pouring rain making me feel even more down, I decided to turn off the TV and open my bible. I've been reading through the New Testament and I felt drawn to open to the book of Hebrews. After reading for a few minutes I was struck by this passage: "No discipline feels pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed" (Hebrews 12: 11-13).
Um - speaking to me much??? That was exactly where my mind was when I opened up my Bible tonight. Between that passage and Hebrews 2:18 "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted", I just feel so encourage, inspired and renewed tonight.
Maybe you feel torn. Maybe you feel like there isn't enough of yourself to give to all that requires your attention. You cannot walk forwards, backwards and to the side at the same time. Identify your most basic objective and walk confidently in that direction. Everything else will fall in to place.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
UnProcrastination Day
Hi guys!
So I was reading a blog the other day that talked about having an unprocrastination day. What's that, you ask? Well - I don't know about you but I have a good long list of things that always get bumped for more important things. The things I should do but never seem to get done. They are important but not critical. So I am going to make this Saturday my "UnProcrastination Day". I'm going to do all those things that I keep putting off. I definitely need to have one of those days at work, too. We'll see how Saturday goes and maybe I'll have an UnProcrastination Day at work next week. Here's what Saturday's UnProcrastination Day list looks like:
So I was reading a blog the other day that talked about having an unprocrastination day. What's that, you ask? Well - I don't know about you but I have a good long list of things that always get bumped for more important things. The things I should do but never seem to get done. They are important but not critical. So I am going to make this Saturday my "UnProcrastination Day". I'm going to do all those things that I keep putting off. I definitely need to have one of those days at work, too. We'll see how Saturday goes and maybe I'll have an UnProcrastination Day at work next week. Here's what Saturday's UnProcrastination Day list looks like:
- Vacuum my car
- Clean out the cabinets in the master bathroom
- Get some decorative, yet organizational boxes or baskets for the top of my vanity
- Finish clearing out the boxes in at least one of our two vacant bedrooms (I'm ashamed to admit that this means putting up the Christmas tree that was moved to one of these rooms instead of taken down properly)
- Buy a binder to organize coupons (I'm going to give couponing a try - why not?)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Farmer's Market and Growing Your Own
I LOVE the farmer's market. And Greensboro has one of the best farmer's markets ever!! I could seriously go to their every day and never get tired of it. It makes healthy eating so much more affordable - and healthy! So many organic options - fresh fruits and veggies and most of them are local! Yesterday I got a big bucket of strawberries, several fresh heirloom tomatoes and a bunch of brussell sprouts! I'm trying to decide if I want to grill the brussel sprouts tonight or later in the week.
It totally made me wish I grew my own food. I was thinking about getting some plants but I tend to kill everything I try to grow. I'd love to do just tomatoes, basil and cilantro....definitely my three faves! Any advice out there for someone with a history of killing plants? I would be so stoked to successfully grow a few things this year.
It totally made me wish I grew my own food. I was thinking about getting some plants but I tend to kill everything I try to grow. I'd love to do just tomatoes, basil and cilantro....definitely my three faves! Any advice out there for someone with a history of killing plants? I would be so stoked to successfully grow a few things this year.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Appetite and Emptiness
I've finished the book "Made to Crave". I highly recommend it. Two phrases really stuck with me. "When my heart feels empty, my stomach picks up on it". "Satan wants to keep us distracted by chasing one temporary filling after another".
I eat when I'm not hungry. I'm not driven to eat ice cream and oreos because I'm ravenously hungry. But at times I have an unquenchable appetite for these things. Since it's not driven by my empty stomach, I'm trying to evaluate what other types of emptiness I'm trying to fill with food. At a cursory glance, there is nothing glaringly wrong in my life that I can blame for this emptiness. I think it is years of wrong programming - years of not dealing with the normal, healthy, occasional emptiness that comes in difficult seasons of life. I just let Satan convince me to avoid emotional triggers and silence them with food.
In paying attention to these triggers that make me want to dive into a bag of cookies, I think I'll also need to embrace emptiness and pain. I'll have to allow myself to feel these voids so that I can fill myself up with healthy things. To address this emotional and spiritual emptiness. To face temptation and instead of bemoaning deprivation, embrace sacrifice. Embrace sacrifice that I'm willing to make in order to gain something much more worthwhile.
I eat when I'm not hungry. I'm not driven to eat ice cream and oreos because I'm ravenously hungry. But at times I have an unquenchable appetite for these things. Since it's not driven by my empty stomach, I'm trying to evaluate what other types of emptiness I'm trying to fill with food. At a cursory glance, there is nothing glaringly wrong in my life that I can blame for this emptiness. I think it is years of wrong programming - years of not dealing with the normal, healthy, occasional emptiness that comes in difficult seasons of life. I just let Satan convince me to avoid emotional triggers and silence them with food.
In paying attention to these triggers that make me want to dive into a bag of cookies, I think I'll also need to embrace emptiness and pain. I'll have to allow myself to feel these voids so that I can fill myself up with healthy things. To address this emotional and spiritual emptiness. To face temptation and instead of bemoaning deprivation, embrace sacrifice. Embrace sacrifice that I'm willing to make in order to gain something much more worthwhile.
Finding the Positive
So yesterday I was feeling frustrated about my accommodations here on this business trip. The fitness center in the hotel is laughable and has very limited hours. Their is no "room service" but for a pizza place and italian joint down the road which deliver. There are no grocery stores or restaurants within walking distance.
But I'm determined to make this work. This morning I got up and walked/jogged on the treadmill for 40 minutes before heading to the hotel's continental breakfast. They make eggs "to order" but won't make an egg white omelet. I got the next best thing - a regular omelet with tomatoes and green peppers and a plate of "fresh" fruit.
After a sketchy and overpriced cab ride to the event facility I noticed a Chipotle a couple of blocks from where I was headed. So after my sessions I walked over there and got two salads - one for lunch and one for dinner and called the cab to come pick me up. (True confession - while waiting for the cab I stopped by Starbucks and got a hot Chai tea).
I'm back to my room now (which fortunately has a mini fridge to keep my dinner cold) and I'm about to head down to the "gym" again to get in another little workout. The great thing about traveling alone is that I can take this evening down time for myself. I'm trying to do a lot of reading, a lot of stretching, a lot of sleeping and whatever else I think my body and mind need.
But I'm determined to make this work. This morning I got up and walked/jogged on the treadmill for 40 minutes before heading to the hotel's continental breakfast. They make eggs "to order" but won't make an egg white omelet. I got the next best thing - a regular omelet with tomatoes and green peppers and a plate of "fresh" fruit.
After a sketchy and overpriced cab ride to the event facility I noticed a Chipotle a couple of blocks from where I was headed. So after my sessions I walked over there and got two salads - one for lunch and one for dinner and called the cab to come pick me up. (True confession - while waiting for the cab I stopped by Starbucks and got a hot Chai tea).
I'm back to my room now (which fortunately has a mini fridge to keep my dinner cold) and I'm about to head down to the "gym" again to get in another little workout. The great thing about traveling alone is that I can take this evening down time for myself. I'm trying to do a lot of reading, a lot of stretching, a lot of sleeping and whatever else I think my body and mind need.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
On the Road
Hey guys -
So - my routine is switched up a little bit this week - I'm in New Jersey for a tradeshow. I flew up here this afternoon and I'll head home Wednesday night. A few little kinks have been thrown at me already:
Hope you guys have a great week!
So - my routine is switched up a little bit this week - I'm in New Jersey for a tradeshow. I flew up here this afternoon and I'll head home Wednesday night. A few little kinks have been thrown at me already:
- The gym here SUCKS and my hotel isn't in an area that's really safe to walk or jog around. The "gym" has no weights - just a treadmill and a bike. I'll make it work, but I'm really disappointed.
- There is no room service. Seriously. And there are NO restaurants around here except for a pizza place. Their "room service" is an Italian restaurant down the street. Fortunately, I brought a few protein bars and the Italian place has salads. Again - major disappointment.
Hope you guys have a great week!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
When Life Gets Hard
A lot is going on in my life right now and a lot of it isn't easy. My natural reaction is to turn to food for comfort and distraction. I don't know why that's my reaction, but it is. I'm hyper-aware of that now - but being aware doesn't make it any easier. When things are hard, there is a voice in my head that tells me I deserve to have that ice cream, that I need to not be so hard on myself, that it will make me feel better.
I completely realize that those are lies I tell myself. Because the fact is, what I deserve is to be healthy. What I deserve is to take care of myself. What I deserve is to be at a healthy weight. That will ultimately make me feel better - not diving in to a bowl of ice cream. So I really think that food isn't so much of a comfort as it is a distraction. For just a few minutes it takes me away from my problems or worries. It makes me feel like I'm in control of something.
When its all said and done, giving in to those cravings only makes me feel worse. It makes me feel badly about myself, makes me feel less empowered, less in control, less hopeful.
But in the moment, that lying voice that tells me I deserve that ice cream is still louder than the voice that tells me I deserve to be healthy. And that's really frustrating.
I completely realize that those are lies I tell myself. Because the fact is, what I deserve is to be healthy. What I deserve is to take care of myself. What I deserve is to be at a healthy weight. That will ultimately make me feel better - not diving in to a bowl of ice cream. So I really think that food isn't so much of a comfort as it is a distraction. For just a few minutes it takes me away from my problems or worries. It makes me feel like I'm in control of something.
When its all said and done, giving in to those cravings only makes me feel worse. It makes me feel badly about myself, makes me feel less empowered, less in control, less hopeful.
But in the moment, that lying voice that tells me I deserve that ice cream is still louder than the voice that tells me I deserve to be healthy. And that's really frustrating.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Quick Check-In
Hey guys -
Just wanted to check in real quick and let you know that two mornings in a row (as promised) I've gotten up a full hour earlier and done my stretching and Bible reading/prayer. There has been a lot going on this week and I really think getting a good, positive start to the day has helped me to stay focused and in control. I'll write more later when things settle down a bit. Maybe tomorrow :-)
Just wanted to check in real quick and let you know that two mornings in a row (as promised) I've gotten up a full hour earlier and done my stretching and Bible reading/prayer. There has been a lot going on this week and I really think getting a good, positive start to the day has helped me to stay focused and in control. I'll write more later when things settle down a bit. Maybe tomorrow :-)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
First Things First
I've told you before that I'm a list-maker. At work I live and die by my lists. I have a certain notebook that has my daily lists in it - it has to be this exact notebook. When its filled up, I file it away in my desk drawer. I keep all my work notebooks. If I lost it, I'd be so screwed. If they ever stop manufacturing this type of notebook, I'll cry.
At work, I always tackle the most important tasks first. That way I know that these things are most likely to get done. Sure, that means sometimes certain less important items never get done - they continuously get bumped for critical items. But that's OK. I'm not Wonderwoman. But I rarely let critical items fall through the cracks with this prioritized approach.
Today, as I was thinking about what I need to do tonight, I realized that I really should use the same approach at home. I'm not sure why I don't. I need to start my day with the most critical items. I currently just try to cram them in to the few hours after work before bed and oftentimes, they don't get done. I take a huge risk by leaving them for the end of the day. Sometimes I get stuck late at work or there is an unexpected obligation after work or hell, I just might be too tired! But, if I tackle the things that are most important to me first thing in the morning, no matter what the rest of the day brings, I can feel successful.
For me, that would be stretching, working out and praying/reading my Bible. Of course, that means getting up earlier, which is a struggle for me, but I need to start being sure to go to bed earlier. So - hold me accountable - tomorrow I'm going to get up a full hour earlier. For real. Since my foot is still a mess, I'm going to do 30 minutes of intense stretching (Thanks Lydia - for showing me what I need to do - and for those of you doubting that stretching can be intense - you've obviously never been stretched by Lydia!!) and I'm going to do 30 minutes of reading/prayer/meditation. Seriously. No excuses.
What things in your day are most important to you?
At work, I always tackle the most important tasks first. That way I know that these things are most likely to get done. Sure, that means sometimes certain less important items never get done - they continuously get bumped for critical items. But that's OK. I'm not Wonderwoman. But I rarely let critical items fall through the cracks with this prioritized approach.
Today, as I was thinking about what I need to do tonight, I realized that I really should use the same approach at home. I'm not sure why I don't. I need to start my day with the most critical items. I currently just try to cram them in to the few hours after work before bed and oftentimes, they don't get done. I take a huge risk by leaving them for the end of the day. Sometimes I get stuck late at work or there is an unexpected obligation after work or hell, I just might be too tired! But, if I tackle the things that are most important to me first thing in the morning, no matter what the rest of the day brings, I can feel successful.
For me, that would be stretching, working out and praying/reading my Bible. Of course, that means getting up earlier, which is a struggle for me, but I need to start being sure to go to bed earlier. So - hold me accountable - tomorrow I'm going to get up a full hour earlier. For real. Since my foot is still a mess, I'm going to do 30 minutes of intense stretching (Thanks Lydia - for showing me what I need to do - and for those of you doubting that stretching can be intense - you've obviously never been stretched by Lydia!!) and I'm going to do 30 minutes of reading/prayer/meditation. Seriously. No excuses.
What things in your day are most important to you?
Circuit with TRX Kicked My....
Let me start by saying that I'm really proud of myself. Seriously. Yesterday was a hard day for me. It was stressful and physically and emotionally exhausting. A day where I would be likely to "treat" myself to Mexican food and ice cream. But I didn't. Not only was my food totally on point (ok, lack of veggies but whatever - I'm still proud) - I got in a 60+ minute circuit workout.
Here's a little recap so you can be proud of me too :-)
Breakfast: Protein shake (made with water - total of 30g protein)
Morning snack: an apple with 3 tbsp peanut butter
Lunch: Protein shake (same as above)
Afternoon snack: 1/2 protein bar
Dinner: Grilled chicken salad with romaine lettuce and 1 cup veggie soup
A friend of mine, who is a personal trainer, invited me to workout with her last night. After the day I had, I really didn't want to go but I'm so glad I did. I was feeling kinda down so I can't say I gave 110% to the workout but it still was a heck of a workout. It was a bit over an hour of circuits (no rest) including spin bikes, TRX bands, kettlebells and lots of jumping! The TRX bands were a lot of fun - the upper body wasn't too bad but the lower body kicked my ass! After taking a week and a half off from the intense workouts because of my foot pain, it felt really good to wake up sore this morning!
Here's a little recap so you can be proud of me too :-)
Breakfast: Protein shake (made with water - total of 30g protein)
Morning snack: an apple with 3 tbsp peanut butter
Lunch: Protein shake (same as above)
Afternoon snack: 1/2 protein bar
Dinner: Grilled chicken salad with romaine lettuce and 1 cup veggie soup
A friend of mine, who is a personal trainer, invited me to workout with her last night. After the day I had, I really didn't want to go but I'm so glad I did. I was feeling kinda down so I can't say I gave 110% to the workout but it still was a heck of a workout. It was a bit over an hour of circuits (no rest) including spin bikes, TRX bands, kettlebells and lots of jumping! The TRX bands were a lot of fun - the upper body wasn't too bad but the lower body kicked my ass! After taking a week and a half off from the intense workouts because of my foot pain, it felt really good to wake up sore this morning!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Food and Faith
Up until now, I haven't really made too much of a connection between my relationship with food and my relationship with God. Sure, I realize that I was carefully created by God and part of loving God is caring for my body and maintaining my health, but I never thought of it much beyond that.
However, since reading "Made to Crave" I'm finding a much deeper connection and I'm so excited about it. Think about it - how did sin enter the world? FOOD. The apple. Satan tempted Eve with food. Eve turned away from God and turned to food. How did I miss that? Satan will tempt us anywhere we are weak - for me, most often that is food.
How about this one? Read this and tell me that there isn't a connection: "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is their destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)
Just some food for thought today.
However, since reading "Made to Crave" I'm finding a much deeper connection and I'm so excited about it. Think about it - how did sin enter the world? FOOD. The apple. Satan tempted Eve with food. Eve turned away from God and turned to food. How did I miss that? Satan will tempt us anywhere we are weak - for me, most often that is food.
How about this one? Read this and tell me that there isn't a connection: "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is their destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)
Just some food for thought today.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
Hey y'all! Happy Easter! So while I totally missed being around family this Easter, the upside is that it was probably the first Easter EVER that I didn't eat any candy! It was just a quiet day at home - church and then lunch with some awesome friends who didn't want us to be alone on Easter.
So, I guess an update is overdue, huh? As you guys know, I had been working really hard with my running workouts but unfortunately I got hurt. I don't really know what the problem is but bottom line is that I have a searing pain from my foot up through my knee that is pretty close to unbearable when I run. So, I took about a week off from my workouts and concentrated on stretching and flexibility. I'm not gonna lie - I'm super bummed. Running for 30 min by May 1st isn't going to happen.
Other than that, things are alright. I have a big doctor's appointment tomorrow (Monday) that I am stressing about so there was a little bit of emotional eating this weekend. But, tomorrow is a new day and I'm making progress every day. One of my good friends, who is a personal trainer, invited me out to her gym tomorrow night for a workout so I'm really looking forward to that. This same friend also recommended a book to me - you MUST read this if you are a woman struggling with weight! I haven't been able to put it down. It's called "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst. Totally amazing. It has personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter and I think they are awesome. I'll share one of them with you.
"One weightloss company personifies cravings as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods....If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form would it take?"
For me, my "cravings" look like me - a fat, tired, lazy me. Me as the victim. Reassuring yet sly - making me feel like I shouldn't have to "try" so hard. Telling me its OK to do what feels good. That I deserve it. It lures me in to this place of complacency - it knows that I put this tremendous pressure on myself to lose weight and it leverages that - telling me I'm fine just the way I am, even though I don't WANT to be this way. It's definitely not the me I want to be.
So - where do I go from there? Well, I guess identifying this voice in my head as destructive and manipulative is step 1. That will help me identify it more easily. And replacing those thoughts with positive, encouraging and empowering thoughts. And having people in my life who encourage me, build me up and most importantly, hold me accountable. (Still accepting applications for those people in my life!!)
On that note - Happy Easter. Hope you guys had a great day.
So, I guess an update is overdue, huh? As you guys know, I had been working really hard with my running workouts but unfortunately I got hurt. I don't really know what the problem is but bottom line is that I have a searing pain from my foot up through my knee that is pretty close to unbearable when I run. So, I took about a week off from my workouts and concentrated on stretching and flexibility. I'm not gonna lie - I'm super bummed. Running for 30 min by May 1st isn't going to happen.
Other than that, things are alright. I have a big doctor's appointment tomorrow (Monday) that I am stressing about so there was a little bit of emotional eating this weekend. But, tomorrow is a new day and I'm making progress every day. One of my good friends, who is a personal trainer, invited me out to her gym tomorrow night for a workout so I'm really looking forward to that. This same friend also recommended a book to me - you MUST read this if you are a woman struggling with weight! I haven't been able to put it down. It's called "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst. Totally amazing. It has personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter and I think they are awesome. I'll share one of them with you.
"One weightloss company personifies cravings as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods....If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form would it take?"
For me, my "cravings" look like me - a fat, tired, lazy me. Me as the victim. Reassuring yet sly - making me feel like I shouldn't have to "try" so hard. Telling me its OK to do what feels good. That I deserve it. It lures me in to this place of complacency - it knows that I put this tremendous pressure on myself to lose weight and it leverages that - telling me I'm fine just the way I am, even though I don't WANT to be this way. It's definitely not the me I want to be.
So - where do I go from there? Well, I guess identifying this voice in my head as destructive and manipulative is step 1. That will help me identify it more easily. And replacing those thoughts with positive, encouraging and empowering thoughts. And having people in my life who encourage me, build me up and most importantly, hold me accountable. (Still accepting applications for those people in my life!!)
On that note - Happy Easter. Hope you guys had a great day.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Why I Do the Grocery Shopping
Hi guys - sorry for the lack of consistent posts in the past week. I'll do better :)
This weekend was crazy busy. We barely had a moment to breathe. It was a great weekend, but it was crazy. In fact, it was so crazy that my husband had to do the grocery shopping. In my house, that's major. Aaron NEVER does the grocery shopping. Seriously, I think this was probably only the second or third time he's done it since we've been married.
It's almost more work to have him do the shopping than to do it myself. I know exactly what I want and while I do have a list, my list certainly wouldn't make sense to most people. I created my list and went over with him the items I thought would be tricky. For me, "cereal" works. I know exactly which cereal I'm talking about. I know it's the Fiber One Honey Clusters. For Aaron, I tell him Fiber One cereal and I tell him to look at the box in the pantry to see exactly what it looks like. Take a picture with your phone just in case! I tell him to get the 4 pack of Bumble Bee tuna (in a can) packed in water. Apples. What color apples? Red apples. What kind of red apple? Macintosh.
Somehow, the details here were lost in translation. Fiber One cereal came back as the original bran cereal. Dude, that stuff looks like rabbit food. Seriously. Have you seen it? It doesn't taste any better than it looks, either. Instead of Bumble Bee tuna he got Starkist. I HATE Starkist tuna. When I mentioned the tuna to him, he says "So throw it away". I am so not going to throw away $5 worth of tuna! I'm certainly not going to eat it either --- maybe the dog will eat it. I bet the dog doesn't like Starkist either. Yuck. And instead of Mac apples he got Cameos (but, they are red)!
I do have to give him some props though - he did come in $28 under budget. Can't complain there!
This weekend was crazy busy. We barely had a moment to breathe. It was a great weekend, but it was crazy. In fact, it was so crazy that my husband had to do the grocery shopping. In my house, that's major. Aaron NEVER does the grocery shopping. Seriously, I think this was probably only the second or third time he's done it since we've been married.
It's almost more work to have him do the shopping than to do it myself. I know exactly what I want and while I do have a list, my list certainly wouldn't make sense to most people. I created my list and went over with him the items I thought would be tricky. For me, "cereal" works. I know exactly which cereal I'm talking about. I know it's the Fiber One Honey Clusters. For Aaron, I tell him Fiber One cereal and I tell him to look at the box in the pantry to see exactly what it looks like. Take a picture with your phone just in case! I tell him to get the 4 pack of Bumble Bee tuna (in a can) packed in water. Apples. What color apples? Red apples. What kind of red apple? Macintosh.
Somehow, the details here were lost in translation. Fiber One cereal came back as the original bran cereal. Dude, that stuff looks like rabbit food. Seriously. Have you seen it? It doesn't taste any better than it looks, either. Instead of Bumble Bee tuna he got Starkist. I HATE Starkist tuna. When I mentioned the tuna to him, he says "So throw it away". I am so not going to throw away $5 worth of tuna! I'm certainly not going to eat it either --- maybe the dog will eat it. I bet the dog doesn't like Starkist either. Yuck. And instead of Mac apples he got Cameos (but, they are red)!
I do have to give him some props though - he did come in $28 under budget. Can't complain there!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I'm Still Here!
Hi guys!
I took a little break from blogging over the weekend - very busy around here! Quick update on the relevant happenings of the past couple days:
Hope you guys had a great weekend!
I took a little break from blogging over the weekend - very busy around here! Quick update on the relevant happenings of the past couple days:
- Found an amazing new protein shake (and I HATE all shakes) - more on that later
- Hurt my foot - will have to delay running goal. Major pain.
- Some less-than-perfect food choices at a dinner out with friends
Hope you guys had a great weekend!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Habits of Successful People
So I read today that most people who achieve long-term success in weight loss tend to have a few things in common: they keep a food journal, monitor their weight, never skip breakfast and get an hour of exercise each day.
While I don't think that's a perfect list - certainly not a comprehensive one - it's not that bad. One thing that I started doing this week is journaling everything I eat. I know I should have been doing that all along, but regardless, I'm doing it now. So far, I find it really helpful. It definitely helps to keep me accountable for those spoonfuls of peanut butter or handfuls of popcorn that I might tend to "forget". In addition to journaling food, I'm also noting water intake, exercise, supplements and sleep. Here's a peak at today's journal page.
Anyways, after reading that list, I started thinking about what other elements would/should probably be included - at least for me:
While I don't think that's a perfect list - certainly not a comprehensive one - it's not that bad. One thing that I started doing this week is journaling everything I eat. I know I should have been doing that all along, but regardless, I'm doing it now. So far, I find it really helpful. It definitely helps to keep me accountable for those spoonfuls of peanut butter or handfuls of popcorn that I might tend to "forget". In addition to journaling food, I'm also noting water intake, exercise, supplements and sleep. Here's a peak at today's journal page.
 |
| Dinner and workout aren't on there yet because it's still early! |
- Having an accountability partner. Someone (or a group of people - say a public blog for the whole world to see?) who knows what you're trying to do and encourages you, while also holding you accountable.
- Setting goals: Everyone has heard the saying "You can't hit a target you can't see", right? I like to know where I'm headed. It helps me to stay focused when I know exactly what I'm trying to achieve and what my goals are. My goals have to be very specific and measurable so I can easily tell if I'm making progress.
- A meal plan: If I fail to prepare, I'm prepared to fail. I have to be diligent about packing my food at night. If I'm stuck without healthy choices I will eat anything if I get hungry enough. Each evening I get everything I need ready for all of my meals for the next day. Sometimes I really don't feel like it - I just want to relax and go to bed - but I force myself to do it. I also try to always keep a protein bar in my purse just in case I get stuck in a meeting or have to run errands after work.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Winning the Battle with the Scale
t's really remarkable how making positive changes in your life really changes your overall outlook. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and focusing on positive self talk REALLY changes the way you look at your life. At least it really does for me. Seriously. It's kinda crazy.
So - true confession time - despite my post about the dangers of weighing myself daily, up until a week and a half ago, I was weighing myself everyday. But, since then, I haven't weighed myself at all. Not once. Initially, I told myself I was only going to go a week without it. Then I made it a week and felt good about it so I decided to go another week. I was initially really afraid that NOT weighing myself daily would cause me to cheat, slack on exercise, etc because I wouldn't have that daily accountability of facing the numbers on the scale. That's the way its been in the past. I have to say that this time, something is different. I don't really know what it is but its definitely different. My focus is totally not on the numbers anymore. I am 100% confident in what I'm doing and I know that I'm going to lose weight. I don't need to obsess over the numbers. I don't think I'm losing 4-5 lbs each week but I'm probably losing a pound or two. And that's awesome. My new perspective is essentially this: I'm changing my life. For the first time ever, I don't feel like I'm on a diet. I'm just making good choices. I'm eating low glycemic foods probably 90% of the time. I'm exercising regularly. I'm taking my supplements. I'm going to lose weight. But its not a race.
I'm even thinking that I might not weigh myself until May 1st. So crazy. I'm just going to continue to make good eating choices - focusing on my short term goals - pushing myself in my workouts - and most importantly, believing in myself. And it's all going to be good.
So - true confession time - despite my post about the dangers of weighing myself daily, up until a week and a half ago, I was weighing myself everyday. But, since then, I haven't weighed myself at all. Not once. Initially, I told myself I was only going to go a week without it. Then I made it a week and felt good about it so I decided to go another week. I was initially really afraid that NOT weighing myself daily would cause me to cheat, slack on exercise, etc because I wouldn't have that daily accountability of facing the numbers on the scale. That's the way its been in the past. I have to say that this time, something is different. I don't really know what it is but its definitely different. My focus is totally not on the numbers anymore. I am 100% confident in what I'm doing and I know that I'm going to lose weight. I don't need to obsess over the numbers. I don't think I'm losing 4-5 lbs each week but I'm probably losing a pound or two. And that's awesome. My new perspective is essentially this: I'm changing my life. For the first time ever, I don't feel like I'm on a diet. I'm just making good choices. I'm eating low glycemic foods probably 90% of the time. I'm exercising regularly. I'm taking my supplements. I'm going to lose weight. But its not a race.
I'm even thinking that I might not weigh myself until May 1st. So crazy. I'm just going to continue to make good eating choices - focusing on my short term goals - pushing myself in my workouts - and most importantly, believing in myself. And it's all going to be good.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Another Day of Running
Hey y'all. So I took the day off from work today - which was awesome. I needed a day of "rest" ---which was really only rest from work since I had a very busy and productive Monday.
I went to the gym around 10AM and this was my hardest running workout yet (each one gets harder than the last, so I guess I can say that with each post). It was a lot harder than Saturday's workout. I think part of it was that I didn't have the right pre-workout food. I had some Fiber One cereal (about a half cup, no milk) and an apple with peanut butter. I'm thinking that was way too heavy for pre-workout. I felt like I was dying through pretty much the entire thing. There were many, many moments where I seriously thought I had no choice but to quit. I continued the positive self-talk through my workout "I am in control" etc but my body was fighting against me the whole time.
The good news is - I didn't quit. The bad news is - I threw up all over myself on the way back to my car. Niiiice. Fortunately I was headed home to shower before meeting some friends for lunch. I was so proud of myself for powering through when I really didn't feel like I could. My legs felt like they were cinderblocks and I felt tired before I even got started. Like I said the other day though - I know there will be good days and bad days - days when I feel strong and days when I feel weak - but the bottom line is that I keep going.
Oh - I did find a "protein" bar that has become a little too addictive. I don't think I can buy more than one at a time because they are like my candy bar. It's the Balance Bar Gold chocolate mint cookie or something. I swear, it tastes like Thin Mints. My girlfriend Michelle turned me on to them, and I'm not sure if I should love her or hate her for it! I mean, I guess its better than a handful of cookies - but its not a true protein bar either. 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat. They are INSANELY good! If you try them - watch out - you might not be able to stop!
Have a great Monday, guys!
I went to the gym around 10AM and this was my hardest running workout yet (each one gets harder than the last, so I guess I can say that with each post). It was a lot harder than Saturday's workout. I think part of it was that I didn't have the right pre-workout food. I had some Fiber One cereal (about a half cup, no milk) and an apple with peanut butter. I'm thinking that was way too heavy for pre-workout. I felt like I was dying through pretty much the entire thing. There were many, many moments where I seriously thought I had no choice but to quit. I continued the positive self-talk through my workout "I am in control" etc but my body was fighting against me the whole time.
The good news is - I didn't quit. The bad news is - I threw up all over myself on the way back to my car. Niiiice. Fortunately I was headed home to shower before meeting some friends for lunch. I was so proud of myself for powering through when I really didn't feel like I could. My legs felt like they were cinderblocks and I felt tired before I even got started. Like I said the other day though - I know there will be good days and bad days - days when I feel strong and days when I feel weak - but the bottom line is that I keep going.
Oh - I did find a "protein" bar that has become a little too addictive. I don't think I can buy more than one at a time because they are like my candy bar. It's the Balance Bar Gold chocolate mint cookie or something. I swear, it tastes like Thin Mints. My girlfriend Michelle turned me on to them, and I'm not sure if I should love her or hate her for it! I mean, I guess its better than a handful of cookies - but its not a true protein bar either. 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat. They are INSANELY good! If you try them - watch out - you might not be able to stop!
Have a great Monday, guys!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Favorite Foods
I love salads at Ameri-Mexican places like Moes, Qdoba or Chipotle. There is something about the crunchy-cheesy-salty that I love in all foods - but when its dressed like a salad, it just "feels" healthier. Of course I know that salads at these places can be packed with sodium, fat and calories. So, in my attempt to create new favorites, I replicated one of these salads tonight.
Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, 1/8 cup of black beans, diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro, low fat cheese and 2 tablespoons of mashed avocado. Yum!!!
I Am Selfish
I am selfish. And that's OK. In order for me to succeed in getting healthy and achieving my weight loss goals - I must be selfish. And I'm totally fine with that. Because being a healthier me will help me to be be a better wife, a better employee, a better friend, daughter, sister, etc.
This is really a great time in my life to conquer this. Because we don't have kids yet (and because my husband is understanding and supportive) I can really focus on getting healthy. But sometimes its hard. It means saying no to going out with friends if I feel I won't be able to resist the temptation to drink or eat junk. It means being less spontaneous and having fewer dinners out with Aaron. It means going to bed earlier. There are a lot of sacrifices to make - but they are all worth it. And most importantly, I am worth it.
This is really a great time in my life to conquer this. Because we don't have kids yet (and because my husband is understanding and supportive) I can really focus on getting healthy. But sometimes its hard. It means saying no to going out with friends if I feel I won't be able to resist the temptation to drink or eat junk. It means being less spontaneous and having fewer dinners out with Aaron. It means going to bed earlier. There are a lot of sacrifices to make - but they are all worth it. And most importantly, I am worth it.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
I Am In Control
Happy Saturday - guys! It's dreary and rainy here but I'm having a great day! I think I had a bit of a breakthrough today.
I headed to the gym this afternoon for my running workout. If you've read my goals for the next 30 days, you know that I'm working up to being able to run for 30 minutes. At this point, I do walking/running intervals and the running intervals are getting longer while the walking intervals get shorter.
The reason that I made this one of my goals is that I've always tried to run (since I started on the X-Country team in the 5th grade) and I've always failed. My sister Debi was the #1 runner on our middle school X-Country team and I came in last (way, way, way last) every single race except for one (because I got lost and cut off 1/2 the course). Then I had a boyfriend several years ago who was a big runner and he got me to agree to run the Philadelphia marathon with him - one of the worst experiences of my life! I've always accepted running as something I just can't do - so - I'm determined to conquer it.
Anyways - during today's workout I was extending my running intervals. Sometimes during my intervals I start to doubt myself. When I question whether or not I'll be able to make it the whole way, my doubt has physical consequences. My breathing starts to become hurried and stressed. I lose my rhythm. It just starts to feel so much harder. I usually give up at that point. I accept that some days just aren't great days and a mediocre workout is better than no workout at all.
Today, as I started to doubt whether or not I'd be able to get through these longer intervals, a loud, strong thought ran through my head - I AM IN CONTROL. "I am in control of this workout. I am in control of my strong body. I am in control of my strong lungs. I am in control of my strong legs - my strong core - my controlled breathing". I'm not going to say that the workout was effortless - it was crazy hard - but it was so much easier than when I doubt myself. My breathing was steady, my stride was long, my core was strong. It felt good.
As I was driving home from the gym I realized that believing that I am in control can make this entire journey easier. I am in control of my choices about food. I am in control of my attitude and my beliefs about myself.
This has been a tough few days but today was a very positive turning point. I am in control!
I headed to the gym this afternoon for my running workout. If you've read my goals for the next 30 days, you know that I'm working up to being able to run for 30 minutes. At this point, I do walking/running intervals and the running intervals are getting longer while the walking intervals get shorter.
The reason that I made this one of my goals is that I've always tried to run (since I started on the X-Country team in the 5th grade) and I've always failed. My sister Debi was the #1 runner on our middle school X-Country team and I came in last (way, way, way last) every single race except for one (because I got lost and cut off 1/2 the course). Then I had a boyfriend several years ago who was a big runner and he got me to agree to run the Philadelphia marathon with him - one of the worst experiences of my life! I've always accepted running as something I just can't do - so - I'm determined to conquer it.
Anyways - during today's workout I was extending my running intervals. Sometimes during my intervals I start to doubt myself. When I question whether or not I'll be able to make it the whole way, my doubt has physical consequences. My breathing starts to become hurried and stressed. I lose my rhythm. It just starts to feel so much harder. I usually give up at that point. I accept that some days just aren't great days and a mediocre workout is better than no workout at all.
Today, as I started to doubt whether or not I'd be able to get through these longer intervals, a loud, strong thought ran through my head - I AM IN CONTROL. "I am in control of this workout. I am in control of my strong body. I am in control of my strong lungs. I am in control of my strong legs - my strong core - my controlled breathing". I'm not going to say that the workout was effortless - it was crazy hard - but it was so much easier than when I doubt myself. My breathing was steady, my stride was long, my core was strong. It felt good.
As I was driving home from the gym I realized that believing that I am in control can make this entire journey easier. I am in control of my choices about food. I am in control of my attitude and my beliefs about myself.
This has been a tough few days but today was a very positive turning point. I am in control!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Water Weight
I think I've talked about this before but I'm bringing it up again because I'm feeling so frustrated. I have a MAJOR issue with water retention. I mean, as soon as I eat (even if its a chicken breast and steamed greens) my hands get puffy to where I can't remove my wedding ring. Seriously. It's crazy. (No, its not allergies. I've been tested).
It was recommended that I start supplementing with dandelion extract. I tried that, but it didn't improve my water retention. Then I cut out my supplements. This is the 3rd day without my supplements. I'm more frustrated than ever. I'm still retaining a substantial amount of water and I'm REALLY feeling the difference without my supplements. Its a great thing in that I can tell that the supplements were making a difference. For example, one of the supplements I take is to help maintain optimal levels of cortisol and manage stress - the past two days without it my stress level has been significantly higher. I feel tense and on edge. One of the other supplements helps with cravings and satiety. Let me just tell you that in the past couple of days I've noticed a MAJOR increase in cravings. Bad news! I've GOT to get back on these supplements! Ugh. No fun.
Anyways - I've cut out sodium, dairy and artificial sweeteners but still having this significant water retention issue. Such a bummer. Feeling defeated today.
It was recommended that I start supplementing with dandelion extract. I tried that, but it didn't improve my water retention. Then I cut out my supplements. This is the 3rd day without my supplements. I'm more frustrated than ever. I'm still retaining a substantial amount of water and I'm REALLY feeling the difference without my supplements. Its a great thing in that I can tell that the supplements were making a difference. For example, one of the supplements I take is to help maintain optimal levels of cortisol and manage stress - the past two days without it my stress level has been significantly higher. I feel tense and on edge. One of the other supplements helps with cravings and satiety. Let me just tell you that in the past couple of days I've noticed a MAJOR increase in cravings. Bad news! I've GOT to get back on these supplements! Ugh. No fun.
Anyways - I've cut out sodium, dairy and artificial sweeteners but still having this significant water retention issue. Such a bummer. Feeling defeated today.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tough Day
Today has been tough. I don't know why, it's just been a hard day. I felt overwhelmed at work as soon as the day started. Feeling like there is a lot on my plate and not really knowing where to dive in and get started. I looked at my crazy long list of things to do and felt defeated. The crazy thing is, I have a crazy long list every day. For some reason, today I felt much less in control. Somebody brought in brownies and I really, really wanted one. I wasn't hungry, and I wasn't even craving chocolate - I just wanted to eat crap. I felt like it would make me feel better. I must have walked by them 50 times. But I didn't eat one.
Then I got home from work and my sweet husband grilled me a turkey burger. I ate it, wasn't hungry anymore, sat down to pay some bills....and just wanted to eat again. Had there been junk food in the house, I'm pretty confident I would have eaten it. That whole bargaining thing (see my last post) started to happen. "You're stressed. It's been a bad day. Take the night off from eating healthy. What's one night?" Fortunately, there wasn't any "real" junk. There was, however, a bag of FF microwave popcorn. And I ate it. And now I feel guilty.
Looking back on the day, I'm trying to identify what made me feel different than other days. 1) I didn't really have time to eat my snacks at work. 2) I didn't write down my non-work goals for the day. 3) I didn't take my Transitions ACTS (I think that might be a big part of this). 3. I didn't have any veggies with my lunch OR dinner (I know - bad bad. I had tuna on a high fiber tortilla for lunch and just a turkey burger for dinner). I guess it's not too hard to identify what went wrong!! I mean, not a terrible day, but not my best day either. I'm tired and cranky and feeling defeated. I guess this is a day to go to bed early, huh?
Then I got home from work and my sweet husband grilled me a turkey burger. I ate it, wasn't hungry anymore, sat down to pay some bills....and just wanted to eat again. Had there been junk food in the house, I'm pretty confident I would have eaten it. That whole bargaining thing (see my last post) started to happen. "You're stressed. It's been a bad day. Take the night off from eating healthy. What's one night?" Fortunately, there wasn't any "real" junk. There was, however, a bag of FF microwave popcorn. And I ate it. And now I feel guilty.
Looking back on the day, I'm trying to identify what made me feel different than other days. 1) I didn't really have time to eat my snacks at work. 2) I didn't write down my non-work goals for the day. 3) I didn't take my Transitions ACTS (I think that might be a big part of this). 3. I didn't have any veggies with my lunch OR dinner (I know - bad bad. I had tuna on a high fiber tortilla for lunch and just a turkey burger for dinner). I guess it's not too hard to identify what went wrong!! I mean, not a terrible day, but not my best day either. I'm tired and cranky and feeling defeated. I guess this is a day to go to bed early, huh?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Bargaining with Myself
Hey guys - sorry I didn't get to post a blog last night...we have no power because of the storms around here. We aren't expected to get it back until tomorrow! Such a drag. I'm feeling totally gross today without a "proper" shower.
Let me ask a rhetorical question: Do you ever bargain with yourself? I totally do it all the time. I had planned all day yesterday to go to the gym after work. However, on my way home, the bargaining started. "I really don't want to work out tonight. In fact, I'm tired and it probably wouldn't be a great workout. It would probably be better if I take tonight off and just work out early tomorrow AM. I mean, my food has been perfect. I'm still going to lose weight regardless of whether or not I workout. Well, we'll play it by ear. Let me just relax for a few minutes before I decide."
Fortunately for me, the power was out when I got home. Not TV to watch - no internet to distract me. The gym became my best option. But honestly, if the power had not been out, I'm not sure I would have worked out. And if I had put it off til this morning, I'm about 99% sure I wouldn't have worked out. As I was going through my workout I was reminded of the saying "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". It's so true. There was nothing going on to keep me from the gym. I just didn't feel like it. But a big part of this journey, for me, is making the decision to do things because they are good for me - regardless of whether or not I feel like it.
And the bargaining isn't always about workouts. Oftentimes its food. "I'm not going to have any cake at this party. I don't need it. But it looks so good. I'll just have a small piece. A small piece is better than a huge piece, right? I've been good all day. I'll have a small dinner. I'll workout extra hard tonight".
It's those internal dialogues that threaten success. It's old habits trying to creep back in to my every day life. Temptation. Justification. Bargaining. I'm working to be more aware of those internal struggles and identify them as what they are: threats. lies. attempts to throw me off course.
As for yesterday, I made it to the gym and had a great workout. Once I finished, as always, I was so glad I went.
Let me ask a rhetorical question: Do you ever bargain with yourself? I totally do it all the time. I had planned all day yesterday to go to the gym after work. However, on my way home, the bargaining started. "I really don't want to work out tonight. In fact, I'm tired and it probably wouldn't be a great workout. It would probably be better if I take tonight off and just work out early tomorrow AM. I mean, my food has been perfect. I'm still going to lose weight regardless of whether or not I workout. Well, we'll play it by ear. Let me just relax for a few minutes before I decide."
Fortunately for me, the power was out when I got home. Not TV to watch - no internet to distract me. The gym became my best option. But honestly, if the power had not been out, I'm not sure I would have worked out. And if I had put it off til this morning, I'm about 99% sure I wouldn't have worked out. As I was going through my workout I was reminded of the saying "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". It's so true. There was nothing going on to keep me from the gym. I just didn't feel like it. But a big part of this journey, for me, is making the decision to do things because they are good for me - regardless of whether or not I feel like it.
And the bargaining isn't always about workouts. Oftentimes its food. "I'm not going to have any cake at this party. I don't need it. But it looks so good. I'll just have a small piece. A small piece is better than a huge piece, right? I've been good all day. I'll have a small dinner. I'll workout extra hard tonight".
It's those internal dialogues that threaten success. It's old habits trying to creep back in to my every day life. Temptation. Justification. Bargaining. I'm working to be more aware of those internal struggles and identify them as what they are: threats. lies. attempts to throw me off course.
As for yesterday, I made it to the gym and had a great workout. Once I finished, as always, I was so glad I went.
Monday, April 4, 2011
My Appetite Is Not For Food
Have you read 'Women Food and God'? I'm reading it now. I bought it several months ago at the recommendation of my sister, Emily, but I was working through several other books and didn't get through the first chapter of it but now I'm diving back in. I loved the first chapter and I hope I like the rest just as well. Be prepared for numerous references between now and when I finish.
I sat down to read for a bit but didn't even get through a page before I felt the need to share it here. Such a huge, powerful, substantial thought - I had to put it out there.
In chapter 2 Geneen writes: "Women turn to food when they are not hungry because they are hungry for something they can't name: a connection to what is beyond the concerns of daily life. Something deathless, something sacred. But replacing the hunger for divine connection with Double Stuf Oreos is like giving a glass of sand to a person dying of thirst. It creates more thirst, more panic...We lose the pieces of ourselves waiting to be found beneath it."
Um, hello. Yeah. I can totally relate to that feeling of turning to food only to make things so much worse. My challenge here is to define what exactly I'm longing for that I have been silencing with food. To seek and find those pieces of myself that are hidden beneath 20+ years of emotional garbage. I don't have any answers today. I'm just spending more time with myself and my thoughts - time in prayer, time in self-reflection and brutal honesty about my feelings.
Does this make any sense to anyone? Maybe other people quench their hunger with drugs or lust or money and totally can't relate to my issue with food. I don't know. What are you truly hungry for? Have you always known? When I find out what I'm hungry for, I'll let you know.
I sat down to read for a bit but didn't even get through a page before I felt the need to share it here. Such a huge, powerful, substantial thought - I had to put it out there.
In chapter 2 Geneen writes: "Women turn to food when they are not hungry because they are hungry for something they can't name: a connection to what is beyond the concerns of daily life. Something deathless, something sacred. But replacing the hunger for divine connection with Double Stuf Oreos is like giving a glass of sand to a person dying of thirst. It creates more thirst, more panic...We lose the pieces of ourselves waiting to be found beneath it."
Um, hello. Yeah. I can totally relate to that feeling of turning to food only to make things so much worse. My challenge here is to define what exactly I'm longing for that I have been silencing with food. To seek and find those pieces of myself that are hidden beneath 20+ years of emotional garbage. I don't have any answers today. I'm just spending more time with myself and my thoughts - time in prayer, time in self-reflection and brutal honesty about my feelings.
Does this make any sense to anyone? Maybe other people quench their hunger with drugs or lust or money and totally can't relate to my issue with food. I don't know. What are you truly hungry for? Have you always known? When I find out what I'm hungry for, I'll let you know.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Morning After
So, last night I had a cheat meal. It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment-I-need-to-eat-that kind of thing. I planned it out. It's been 4 weeks and I wanted to enjoy a cheat meal and challenge myself to not let it turn in to a downward spiral.
So, last night Aaron and I went out for Mexican food (my favorite) and I ate a chicken chimichanga. I didn't eat the rice or beans that came with the meal - I planned to - but honestly, my chimichanga totally filled me up (that's rare). I really credit that entirely to Transitions CORE - one of the supplements I take that helps me to feel fuller sooner. After dinner, I got some fat-free sugar-free vanilla frozen yogurt with chocolate sprinkles. I didn't feel guilty at all because I had planned for it. I didn't go overboard and I didn't go crazy.
But, the most important part for me was the morning after. This morning. Getting back on track. Oftentimes in the past, a night out turns in to breakfast out the next morning or a stop for ice cream the next day. I had a plan for today - I knew exactly what I was going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I knew I was going to get up, fix an egg white omelet, go to church, come home and have a grilled chicken salad, go the gym, go grocery shopping, have a protein bar for a snack and then have tuna for dinner. So far, so good. Here's a little peak of this week's groceries.
I had a really great workout this afternoon (so great I nearly fainted afterwards and felt sick to my stomach for about an hour). I'm headed out here shortly to take the dog to the dog park and I am planning to do some yoga later tonight while I watch Army Wives. It's a good day. Anyways - I thought it was important to share here about my cheat day. Don't worry - it doesn't mean I'm off track in any way, shape, or form. In fact, being able to get back on track today is milestone. Here's to having a week as successful as the weekend! One of my goals this week is to make sure I get 30 grams of fiber each day.
So, last night Aaron and I went out for Mexican food (my favorite) and I ate a chicken chimichanga. I didn't eat the rice or beans that came with the meal - I planned to - but honestly, my chimichanga totally filled me up (that's rare). I really credit that entirely to Transitions CORE - one of the supplements I take that helps me to feel fuller sooner. After dinner, I got some fat-free sugar-free vanilla frozen yogurt with chocolate sprinkles. I didn't feel guilty at all because I had planned for it. I didn't go overboard and I didn't go crazy.
But, the most important part for me was the morning after. This morning. Getting back on track. Oftentimes in the past, a night out turns in to breakfast out the next morning or a stop for ice cream the next day. I had a plan for today - I knew exactly what I was going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I knew I was going to get up, fix an egg white omelet, go to church, come home and have a grilled chicken salad, go the gym, go grocery shopping, have a protein bar for a snack and then have tuna for dinner. So far, so good. Here's a little peak of this week's groceries.
I had a really great workout this afternoon (so great I nearly fainted afterwards and felt sick to my stomach for about an hour). I'm headed out here shortly to take the dog to the dog park and I am planning to do some yoga later tonight while I watch Army Wives. It's a good day. Anyways - I thought it was important to share here about my cheat day. Don't worry - it doesn't mean I'm off track in any way, shape, or form. In fact, being able to get back on track today is milestone. Here's to having a week as successful as the weekend! One of my goals this week is to make sure I get 30 grams of fiber each day.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
If You Can Walk, You Can Run
I love Saturdays. Saturday is by far my favorite day of the week. It is the only day where I feel like I can make my own schedule and go at my own pace. Of course, I know that will only work until I have kids. But for now, I absolutely love Saturdays.
Today was a great Saturday. I woke up early and went to the gym, went to a friend's birthday party, went and did a little shopping, took a long nap, then had dinner and saw a movie with Aaron. Best of all, its 9:20 and we are in the for the night. If you know me, you know I'm a morning person. More importantly, I am NOT a night owl. I would be perfectly happy to be fast asleep by 9pm every night. That never happens, but I love getting home early and getting a good night's sleep.
So, if you read my post about goals yesterday, you know that within the next 30 days I will be able to run for 30 minutes straight. I've NEVER been a runner. I've always wanted to be, but I've told myself that my body just isn't meant to run. But I'm determined to prove myself wrong. If you can walk, you can run, right?
Right now, I think from a cardiovascular endurance standpoint I could totally do it. But, since I carry most of my extra weight in my hips, butt and legs, my legs get too tired and even though I'm not winded or fatigued, my legs just won't carry me any further. So - I've started an 8 week program that I plan to do in 4-5 weeks. We'll see if I'm being over ambitious or if its reasonable. I started out today with 30 minutes on the treadmill doing repeated intervals of running and walking. Over the next few weeks, the running intervals will get longer and the walking intervals will get shorter. While its only day one, the workout today felt great. It was empowering and energizing. I'm really excited for the next one. I'll definitely keep you posted about my progress!
One of the things I picked up while I was shopping today was dandelion extract. I have a major issue with water retention. In a matter of minutes my ring can go from very lose to not even able to turn on my finger. It's really pretty crazy. I don't know why I have such crazy fluctuations, but its really frustrating. So, I picked up the dandelion extract to help mitigate the water retention. Let me just say - it tastes AWFUL. Totally gross. But hopefully it will serve its intended purpose.
That's all for today. No breakthrough thoughts - no crazy revelations. Just my day. Enjoy your weekend!
Today was a great Saturday. I woke up early and went to the gym, went to a friend's birthday party, went and did a little shopping, took a long nap, then had dinner and saw a movie with Aaron. Best of all, its 9:20 and we are in the for the night. If you know me, you know I'm a morning person. More importantly, I am NOT a night owl. I would be perfectly happy to be fast asleep by 9pm every night. That never happens, but I love getting home early and getting a good night's sleep.
So, if you read my post about goals yesterday, you know that within the next 30 days I will be able to run for 30 minutes straight. I've NEVER been a runner. I've always wanted to be, but I've told myself that my body just isn't meant to run. But I'm determined to prove myself wrong. If you can walk, you can run, right?
Right now, I think from a cardiovascular endurance standpoint I could totally do it. But, since I carry most of my extra weight in my hips, butt and legs, my legs get too tired and even though I'm not winded or fatigued, my legs just won't carry me any further. So - I've started an 8 week program that I plan to do in 4-5 weeks. We'll see if I'm being over ambitious or if its reasonable. I started out today with 30 minutes on the treadmill doing repeated intervals of running and walking. Over the next few weeks, the running intervals will get longer and the walking intervals will get shorter. While its only day one, the workout today felt great. It was empowering and energizing. I'm really excited for the next one. I'll definitely keep you posted about my progress!
One of the things I picked up while I was shopping today was dandelion extract. I have a major issue with water retention. In a matter of minutes my ring can go from very lose to not even able to turn on my finger. It's really pretty crazy. I don't know why I have such crazy fluctuations, but its really frustrating. So, I picked up the dandelion extract to help mitigate the water retention. Let me just say - it tastes AWFUL. Totally gross. But hopefully it will serve its intended purpose.
That's all for today. No breakthrough thoughts - no crazy revelations. Just my day. Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Setting Goals
I am so glad today is Friday! I know I keep saying it but I am so tired this week! Is anybody else feeling that? I need to energize this weekend for sure!
I know I don't talk much about my job on this blog - and I don't plan to - but I think my job is unique in that my work is actually an environment in which my weight loss goals are totally supported. My job is totally focused around health and nutrition. This week, I was helping out with the development of some support materials for our weight management program. One of the things we were talking about is the importance of setting goals. I am a bigtime goal setter. I have goals for work, goals for my marriage, goals for my finances. But while working on this project, I realized that I haven't yet set goals for this weight loss/health transformation journey.
So, not only have I set goals - I am sharing them with you so that you all can help me stay focused and accountable. Because I have a lot of weight to lose and this will be a long process for me, I am setting 30 day and 120 day goals as well as long term goals. I'll remind myself of these goals each day and tweak them as neccessary. I'll definitely have to create new goals after 90 days for the next 3 or 6 months.
30 Day Goals (Target Date: May 1st)
I know I don't talk much about my job on this blog - and I don't plan to - but I think my job is unique in that my work is actually an environment in which my weight loss goals are totally supported. My job is totally focused around health and nutrition. This week, I was helping out with the development of some support materials for our weight management program. One of the things we were talking about is the importance of setting goals. I am a bigtime goal setter. I have goals for work, goals for my marriage, goals for my finances. But while working on this project, I realized that I haven't yet set goals for this weight loss/health transformation journey.
So, not only have I set goals - I am sharing them with you so that you all can help me stay focused and accountable. Because I have a lot of weight to lose and this will be a long process for me, I am setting 30 day and 120 day goals as well as long term goals. I'll remind myself of these goals each day and tweak them as neccessary. I'll definitely have to create new goals after 90 days for the next 3 or 6 months.
30 Day Goals (Target Date: May 1st)
- Between now and May 1st I will exercise at least 4 times each week
- Between now and May 1st I will stop all negative self talk and positively affirm myself and my actions daily
- By May 1st I will be able to jog for 30 minutes without stopping
- By May 1st I will weigh 10 lbs less than I do now.
- Between now and May 1st I will consume at least 30 grams of fiber daily
- Between now and May 1st I will reduce my body fat percentage by at least 1.5%
- By August 1st I will decrease my pant size by at least 2 sizes
- Between now and August 1st I will blog at least 4 times each week
- Between now and August 1st I will identify and journal situations in which I eat for emotion instead of hunger or fuel
- Between now and August 1st I will try at least 2 new low GI recipes each month
- Between now and August 1st I will reduce my body fat by at least 5%
- To boost my confidence and truly believe that I am beautiful
- To achieve and maintain less than 25% body fat
- To get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby
- To be an example of peak physical and emotional health in my family and at work
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Too much or not enough?
I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday. I think all this rainy, cold weather is making me tired! I'm thinking I'm also tired because I'm not eating enough. I was looking today at my daily intake and I think it's right at or just below 1,000 calories. I need to be getting a good bit more than that. So tonight I figured I'd make a big omelet for dinner with lots of veggies. I stopped by the grocery to pick up some green peppers for my omelet and changed gears on the dinner plan.
The only time I've had kale was when I was visiting my sister Emily this summer. She went out and picked kale out of her garden and came in and sauteed it with some sweet onion and a little olive oil then topped it with a little low fat feta. It was amazing. Inspired by the organic kale at the grocery, I decided to re-create it. It was pretty damn delicious - not near as good as fresh out of the garden - but still pretty good. I decided to also pick up a summer roll (cucumber, lettuce, carrot, avocado and crab wrapped in rice paper). Totally random combo, but it was GOOD!
So - my focus for the next few days is going to be on trying to eat a little bit more, a little bit more often, focusing specifically on vegetables and protein. Gonna start in the AM by making that omelet I was planning to have for dinner tonight!
The only time I've had kale was when I was visiting my sister Emily this summer. She went out and picked kale out of her garden and came in and sauteed it with some sweet onion and a little olive oil then topped it with a little low fat feta. It was amazing. Inspired by the organic kale at the grocery, I decided to re-create it. It was pretty damn delicious - not near as good as fresh out of the garden - but still pretty good. I decided to also pick up a summer roll (cucumber, lettuce, carrot, avocado and crab wrapped in rice paper). Totally random combo, but it was GOOD!
So - my focus for the next few days is going to be on trying to eat a little bit more, a little bit more often, focusing specifically on vegetables and protein. Gonna start in the AM by making that omelet I was planning to have for dinner tonight!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Inspiration
Hey guys! Hope you're having a great Wednesday! It is raining and cold here in NC.
I've been taking note lately of how important it is for me to stay connected to people and things that inspire me. With a long road of weight loss and self improvement ahead of me, if I don't stay plugged in to those things it is easy for me to lose focus and get discouraged. I read something the other day that was a major inspiration to me. So much so, in fact, that I printed it out and posted it on my wall at work. Check it out.
This lady is 94 years old and still practicing yoga daily. And I'm not talking about sitting around stretching - she still masters some of the most challenging poses - things that I can only dream about doing and I'm only 27!! After reading it I realized that there is nothing keeping me from having the same story when I'm 94. But, that type of thing doesn't happen by accident. Am I doing everything I can so that can be my story?
"Peacock received the loudest applause of the afternoon. The challenging arm balance gives even the most advance asana junkie pause, but given that it was being performed so effortlessly by 92-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch added to the heartfelt reply. Having just healed a broken wrist and recently completed (and won) a 16-hour marathon ballroom dance competition, there was little the fireball seemed incapable of. I made an affirmation to myself to both never complain again when asked to do a particular posture, and to demand the same of my own students.
Tao has been practicing yoga for over seven decades and teaching for two score and five years. While nothing new was covered in the Iyengar-style workshop (she studied with the man in India forty years ago) held at Strala Yoga, you really didn’t attend for groundbreaking postural referencing. Given the fact that Tao moves as gracefully as she does at 92 was reason enough to sign up. No one left feeling differently.
Having attended two David Williams workshops at Pure Yoga the weekend prior, it was like watching history still in process. Williams was the first non-Indian to study with Pattabhi Jois, bringing Ashtanga Yoga back to America. Both instructors discussed the importance of a dedicated, continual practice; both mentioned that experience alone will grant you the knowledge of remaining youthful as you age. Tao herself kept referring to the fact that she’s still constantly being educated by yoga, and that in her mind she’s no different than the child that grew up during the Depression yet obviously never clung to a depressed state of mind.
Most importantly, it was refreshing witnessing an elder so in command of her body and mind. At a time when mandated healthcare is being vehemently derided, when politicians are lobbying to cut, end or privatize Medicare and Social Security, when the process of aging is seen as a disgraceful burden on our national debt, Tao’s simple message of self-empowerment -- that you can do anything you want -- provided a warm sense of comfort. Talk is one thing, however; seeing her smoothly float into a Half Moon pose or wrap up her arms into Eagle provided validity to her words.
It is true that we all have our own karma to deal with, and we arrive at similar places via different routes. Perhaps Tao’s genes predisposed her to long health. Regardless, her Peacock will remain with me. I’m constantly warned by students about their limitations, the injuries or mental afflictions that don’t allow them to practice fully. While I’d never advocate pushing past our personal capabilities, we have to play the edge of our abilities or we never grow. Feeling victimized by life is a certain harbinger of death. Remaining resilient to self-doubt and open to the possibilities of what we are capable of is the surest sign of life."
I've been taking note lately of how important it is for me to stay connected to people and things that inspire me. With a long road of weight loss and self improvement ahead of me, if I don't stay plugged in to those things it is easy for me to lose focus and get discouraged. I read something the other day that was a major inspiration to me. So much so, in fact, that I printed it out and posted it on my wall at work. Check it out.
This lady is 94 years old and still practicing yoga daily. And I'm not talking about sitting around stretching - she still masters some of the most challenging poses - things that I can only dream about doing and I'm only 27!! After reading it I realized that there is nothing keeping me from having the same story when I'm 94. But, that type of thing doesn't happen by accident. Am I doing everything I can so that can be my story?
Tao has been practicing yoga for over seven decades and teaching for two score and five years. While nothing new was covered in the Iyengar-style workshop (she studied with the man in India forty years ago) held at Strala Yoga, you really didn’t attend for groundbreaking postural referencing. Given the fact that Tao moves as gracefully as she does at 92 was reason enough to sign up. No one left feeling differently.
Having attended two David Williams workshops at Pure Yoga the weekend prior, it was like watching history still in process. Williams was the first non-Indian to study with Pattabhi Jois, bringing Ashtanga Yoga back to America. Both instructors discussed the importance of a dedicated, continual practice; both mentioned that experience alone will grant you the knowledge of remaining youthful as you age. Tao herself kept referring to the fact that she’s still constantly being educated by yoga, and that in her mind she’s no different than the child that grew up during the Depression yet obviously never clung to a depressed state of mind. Most importantly, it was refreshing witnessing an elder so in command of her body and mind. At a time when mandated healthcare is being vehemently derided, when politicians are lobbying to cut, end or privatize Medicare and Social Security, when the process of aging is seen as a disgraceful burden on our national debt, Tao’s simple message of self-empowerment -- that you can do anything you want -- provided a warm sense of comfort. Talk is one thing, however; seeing her smoothly float into a Half Moon pose or wrap up her arms into Eagle provided validity to her words.
It is true that we all have our own karma to deal with, and we arrive at similar places via different routes. Perhaps Tao’s genes predisposed her to long health. Regardless, her Peacock will remain with me. I’m constantly warned by students about their limitations, the injuries or mental afflictions that don’t allow them to practice fully. While I’d never advocate pushing past our personal capabilities, we have to play the edge of our abilities or we never grow. Feeling victimized by life is a certain harbinger of death. Remaining resilient to self-doubt and open to the possibilities of what we are capable of is the surest sign of life."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lists
Hi guys!
A little something about me: I'm a list maker. I love lists. I like my lists to be on paper (not on the computer - there is something about physically writing things down that is helpful to me).
I have lists at work and at home. I'm constantly adding to my lists. Every night before I leave work I write out a list of my work goals for the next day. There is always more on each list than I can feasibly get done in a day, but I'll highlight the critical ones and be sure those get done first. There is something so rewarding about crossing things off my work lists.
On the weekends, I create my "home" list for all the things I want to accomplish that day: laundry, bathrooms, floors, errands, etc. I rarely keep these home lists during the week because there is so much going on after work that I'm generally in survival mode. Today, however, I decided to make a list of today's home goals. Let me just say that it has been tremendously helpful! It's 7:30 and even though I didn't leave work until 5:30, I've already run two errands, cooked and eaten dinner, cleaned up from dinner, washed my tupperware from lunch, loaded the dishwasher and packed tomorrow's food. I'm taking a quick break to send some emails and write this blog, then I'm off to workout, do some laundry and head to bed. Just by writing down the day's goals for home, no matter how small they are, has kept me focused and on track. More importantly than that - seeing what I have to accomplish and knowing I have the time to do it, has kept me from getting stressed or feeling overwhelmed or unfocused. It makes the atmosphere at home positive and upbeat. That makes me feel good.
Oh - and here's a pic of dinner. Looks good, right? Steak and brussel sprouts! Yum!!
A little something about me: I'm a list maker. I love lists. I like my lists to be on paper (not on the computer - there is something about physically writing things down that is helpful to me).
I have lists at work and at home. I'm constantly adding to my lists. Every night before I leave work I write out a list of my work goals for the next day. There is always more on each list than I can feasibly get done in a day, but I'll highlight the critical ones and be sure those get done first. There is something so rewarding about crossing things off my work lists.
On the weekends, I create my "home" list for all the things I want to accomplish that day: laundry, bathrooms, floors, errands, etc. I rarely keep these home lists during the week because there is so much going on after work that I'm generally in survival mode. Today, however, I decided to make a list of today's home goals. Let me just say that it has been tremendously helpful! It's 7:30 and even though I didn't leave work until 5:30, I've already run two errands, cooked and eaten dinner, cleaned up from dinner, washed my tupperware from lunch, loaded the dishwasher and packed tomorrow's food. I'm taking a quick break to send some emails and write this blog, then I'm off to workout, do some laundry and head to bed. Just by writing down the day's goals for home, no matter how small they are, has kept me focused and on track. More importantly than that - seeing what I have to accomplish and knowing I have the time to do it, has kept me from getting stressed or feeling overwhelmed or unfocused. It makes the atmosphere at home positive and upbeat. That makes me feel good.
Oh - and here's a pic of dinner. Looks good, right? Steak and brussel sprouts! Yum!!
The Best Offense is a Good Defense
There are many instances in which "the best offense is a good defense" is applicable. However, for me, I've found the reverse to oftentimes be more useful. For me, more often than not, the best defense is a good offense.
At work, I defend against stress by being organized, trying to stay ahead of schedule and proactively planning to avoid possible setbacks.
In my marriage, I defend against arguments or stress by choosing to have a positive attitude, choosing to compliment my husband, choosing to not engage in trivial disagreements.
In my journey to get healthy and lose weight I am learning to defend against temptations, setbacks and discouragements. While I don't have it entirely figured out yet, I am learning every day. I learned this morning that failing to plan can really be a plan to fail. Despite going to bed early last night, I didn't get up on time this morning and I didn't have time to make breakfast. I ended up eating my morning snack for breakfast and forgetting my protein bar. So now, its early afternoon and I'm hungry with no options. In the past, this would when I'd make a desperate rush to the vending machine. But, I chalking this up as a learning opportunity and just increasing my water intake to help curb the hunger.
Defending against temptation means not going out to eat as often. One great piece of advice I got relating to eating out was to look at the menu before you go and decide what you will order. That way, when you get there and your hungry, you don't have to sift through all the temptations on the menu. Love that! It also means getting my husband on board with not having junk in the house. Even though he is not doing TLS with me, the least he can do to support me is not bring temptations in the house. (He knows he'll lose a limb if he even thinks about bringing chocolate peanut butter ice cream into the house).
Defending against discouragement means not checking my weight every day. Not subjecting myself to the emotional torture of normal weight fluctuations. It means not setting unrealistic expectations of rapid weight loss. It means embracing slow, measured body change as a result of permanent lifestyle changes.
What proactive steps do you take to help you stay on track?
At work, I defend against stress by being organized, trying to stay ahead of schedule and proactively planning to avoid possible setbacks.
In my marriage, I defend against arguments or stress by choosing to have a positive attitude, choosing to compliment my husband, choosing to not engage in trivial disagreements.
In my journey to get healthy and lose weight I am learning to defend against temptations, setbacks and discouragements. While I don't have it entirely figured out yet, I am learning every day. I learned this morning that failing to plan can really be a plan to fail. Despite going to bed early last night, I didn't get up on time this morning and I didn't have time to make breakfast. I ended up eating my morning snack for breakfast and forgetting my protein bar. So now, its early afternoon and I'm hungry with no options. In the past, this would when I'd make a desperate rush to the vending machine. But, I chalking this up as a learning opportunity and just increasing my water intake to help curb the hunger.
Defending against temptation means not going out to eat as often. One great piece of advice I got relating to eating out was to look at the menu before you go and decide what you will order. That way, when you get there and your hungry, you don't have to sift through all the temptations on the menu. Love that! It also means getting my husband on board with not having junk in the house. Even though he is not doing TLS with me, the least he can do to support me is not bring temptations in the house. (He knows he'll lose a limb if he even thinks about bringing chocolate peanut butter ice cream into the house).
Defending against discouragement means not checking my weight every day. Not subjecting myself to the emotional torture of normal weight fluctuations. It means not setting unrealistic expectations of rapid weight loss. It means embracing slow, measured body change as a result of permanent lifestyle changes.
What proactive steps do you take to help you stay on track?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Micro-Goals
Hey ya'll!
I don't know about you but I set little micro-goals for myself. Small, manageable goals. I set micro-goals for my work, finances, marriage and certainly for my weight loss.
My first micro-goal for weight loss is 20 lbs. And I'm just a few pounds away from that. And while I'm not trying to reward myself with food, I am seriously considering having a "cheat meal" (I really hate that phrase) next weekend.
In the past, I would have a cheat meal and then not get on track. Right now, I'm thinking the cheat meal is important not so much because I want the food but rather because I have to prove to myself that I can get back on track. Does that make sense? I have to prove to myself that I can still be successful even when I go off track.
I'd love to know what you guys think - cheat meal or no?
I don't know about you but I set little micro-goals for myself. Small, manageable goals. I set micro-goals for my work, finances, marriage and certainly for my weight loss.
My first micro-goal for weight loss is 20 lbs. And I'm just a few pounds away from that. And while I'm not trying to reward myself with food, I am seriously considering having a "cheat meal" (I really hate that phrase) next weekend.
In the past, I would have a cheat meal and then not get on track. Right now, I'm thinking the cheat meal is important not so much because I want the food but rather because I have to prove to myself that I can get back on track. Does that make sense? I have to prove to myself that I can still be successful even when I go off track.
I'd love to know what you guys think - cheat meal or no?
I've Noticed A Difference
Morning and Happy Monday!
So last week I made a little change to my program and I've noticed that my rate of weight loss has increased since I made the change. (Disclaimer - I am not here to push this product and I don't make any money if you guys all go out and buy it. I'm just sharing what has impressed me so far).
At work, I was sitting through a vendor's presentation on an ingredient called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and the science behind this ingredient was pretty strong. I left the meeting and got myself a bottle of our CLA. The CLA in this product is a brand called Tonalin and the science behind Tonalin is pretty incredible.
However - I'm always a skeptic until I see the results myself. I've noticed that my BF% and my weight is going down more quickly now that I am supplementing with CLA. Here are a few things that I learned about Tonalin that have impressed me:
So last week I made a little change to my program and I've noticed that my rate of weight loss has increased since I made the change. (Disclaimer - I am not here to push this product and I don't make any money if you guys all go out and buy it. I'm just sharing what has impressed me so far).
At work, I was sitting through a vendor's presentation on an ingredient called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and the science behind this ingredient was pretty strong. I left the meeting and got myself a bottle of our CLA. The CLA in this product is a brand called Tonalin and the science behind Tonalin is pretty incredible.
However - I'm always a skeptic until I see the results myself. I've noticed that my BF% and my weight is going down more quickly now that I am supplementing with CLA. Here are a few things that I learned about Tonalin that have impressed me:
- It has 18 clinical studies which support its role in reducing body fat
- It targets fat loss in the tummy and legs (um, hello! Yes please!)
- It helps to reduce the number of fat cells by inducing cell death in these cells
- It increases the rate of fat burning in the mitochondria
- It decreases fat storage after eating
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Is Failing Really Failing?
Hey guys -
Before I dive into my post today - I've got a favor to ask - I only have a few more days of this competition at work about who can get the most followers on twitter. If you are reading this - can you help me get some more followers? All you have to do is click "follow" when you find me on twitter - my handle is bentonek - if you could ask others to do the same, that would be awesome. Thanks!
Moving right along. I'm feeling really good this week. I'm down more than 15 lbs and I've lost at least 8 inches. My clothes are starting to fit better. I have very few cravings. My energy is up. I feel great. But in the back of my mind is that thought that I still have a long journey ahead. I'm not a girl who has 20-30 lbs to lose. I really need to lose around 100. Gah - that number is so daunting.
I've tried a MILLION different plans to lose weight. And I've failed at each of them. And I know that all this yo-yo dieting has really screwed my metabolism.
One of my biggest failures was right before my wedding. About 6 months before my wedding, I bought a wedding dress that was a least 3 sizes too small. I couldn't even come close to fitting into it. But it was gorgeous. And I figured there was no better way to motivate myself to lose weight than a wedding dress that I HAD to fit into. Otherwise, I'd be walking down the aisle in sweats. (Disclaimer - that was a bad decision - emotionally and physically unhealthy - I don't recommend it).
In order to fit into my dress, I decided to do one of those insane HCG diets. They are all over the news right now. Let me start by saying: THEY SUCK. THEY DON'T WORK. Sure, you'll lose weight crazy fast but it will be miserable and you'll gain it back. I'm not the only person who's experienced that. In hindsight, I realize that any diet that requires that you follow a plan that you can't stick with forever is leading you to failure. Sure - if you take hcg drops twice each day and eat 400 calories a day, the weight is going to fall off. I lost over 50 lbs in 40 days. But I had no energy. I was going to bed around 8:30 every night and I was miserable. I couldn't go out to eat, I avoided hanging out with friends, and I was STARVING all the time. It was just enough to fit in to my wedding dress. But within 6 weeks after my wedding, I had gained all the weight back plus 15 lbs. Yeah. 6 weeks. And I didn't go on a crazy binge after my wedding - I just went back to generally healthy eating with a cheat meal about once a week. I was devastated.
So now, here I am, losing that same 50 lbs all over again. But, I kinda feel like that failure wasn't a total failure. I learned that losing weight quickly isn't all its cracked up to be. I realized that diets don't work. They don't. Sure, anybody can drastically reduce their calories and lose weight, but if you aren't going to maintain that calorie level for the rest of your life, you aren't going to keep the weight off. The HCG diet prepared me for the mindset that I believe will make me successful this time around. I don't expect myself to be perfect all the time. I don't expect that I'm going to avoid all sweets until I reach my goal weight. Why not? Because I'm not going to avoid them for the rest of my life.
I'm not going to force myself to exercise for 2 hours every day. Why? Because I know that's not realistic for every day of the rest of my life.
I have embraced the fact that my weight loss will be slow and that it will take a long time to reach my goal weight. Before, I was always in a rush. Now, I'm not dieting to lose weight. I'm not restricting my food so that I can be at my goal weight by a certain date. I'm just changing my life. I'm changing the way I think about food and exercise and I am certain that my body will follow.
So like most things - my greatest "failures" were actually some of my best learning experiences.
Before I dive into my post today - I've got a favor to ask - I only have a few more days of this competition at work about who can get the most followers on twitter. If you are reading this - can you help me get some more followers? All you have to do is click "follow" when you find me on twitter - my handle is bentonek - if you could ask others to do the same, that would be awesome. Thanks!
Moving right along. I'm feeling really good this week. I'm down more than 15 lbs and I've lost at least 8 inches. My clothes are starting to fit better. I have very few cravings. My energy is up. I feel great. But in the back of my mind is that thought that I still have a long journey ahead. I'm not a girl who has 20-30 lbs to lose. I really need to lose around 100. Gah - that number is so daunting.
I've tried a MILLION different plans to lose weight. And I've failed at each of them. And I know that all this yo-yo dieting has really screwed my metabolism.
One of my biggest failures was right before my wedding. About 6 months before my wedding, I bought a wedding dress that was a least 3 sizes too small. I couldn't even come close to fitting into it. But it was gorgeous. And I figured there was no better way to motivate myself to lose weight than a wedding dress that I HAD to fit into. Otherwise, I'd be walking down the aisle in sweats. (Disclaimer - that was a bad decision - emotionally and physically unhealthy - I don't recommend it).
In order to fit into my dress, I decided to do one of those insane HCG diets. They are all over the news right now. Let me start by saying: THEY SUCK. THEY DON'T WORK. Sure, you'll lose weight crazy fast but it will be miserable and you'll gain it back. I'm not the only person who's experienced that. In hindsight, I realize that any diet that requires that you follow a plan that you can't stick with forever is leading you to failure. Sure - if you take hcg drops twice each day and eat 400 calories a day, the weight is going to fall off. I lost over 50 lbs in 40 days. But I had no energy. I was going to bed around 8:30 every night and I was miserable. I couldn't go out to eat, I avoided hanging out with friends, and I was STARVING all the time. It was just enough to fit in to my wedding dress. But within 6 weeks after my wedding, I had gained all the weight back plus 15 lbs. Yeah. 6 weeks. And I didn't go on a crazy binge after my wedding - I just went back to generally healthy eating with a cheat meal about once a week. I was devastated.
So now, here I am, losing that same 50 lbs all over again. But, I kinda feel like that failure wasn't a total failure. I learned that losing weight quickly isn't all its cracked up to be. I realized that diets don't work. They don't. Sure, anybody can drastically reduce their calories and lose weight, but if you aren't going to maintain that calorie level for the rest of your life, you aren't going to keep the weight off. The HCG diet prepared me for the mindset that I believe will make me successful this time around. I don't expect myself to be perfect all the time. I don't expect that I'm going to avoid all sweets until I reach my goal weight. Why not? Because I'm not going to avoid them for the rest of my life.
I'm not going to force myself to exercise for 2 hours every day. Why? Because I know that's not realistic for every day of the rest of my life.
I have embraced the fact that my weight loss will be slow and that it will take a long time to reach my goal weight. Before, I was always in a rush. Now, I'm not dieting to lose weight. I'm not restricting my food so that I can be at my goal weight by a certain date. I'm just changing my life. I'm changing the way I think about food and exercise and I am certain that my body will follow.
So like most things - my greatest "failures" were actually some of my best learning experiences.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Inch by Inch
Hey guys - Happy Friday - It's halftime of the KU game so I have a min to write (Go Jayhawks!!)
Anyways - even though I'm not quite done with week 3, I felt the urge to check my measurements today. Weight loss (lbs) was really fast during detox and has been a lot slower since. And if you've been reading for a bit you know that I'm trying to stay off the scale. So even though the weight loss has been slower, I'm definitely feeling a difference in my clothes. Hence the decision to check the inches. I'm so glad I did. You ready for this??
In less than 3 weeks I've lost 8 inches!!
Crazy, right? I've lost 3 inches around my waist - 2.5 inches around my bust - 1.5 around my hips and about a half inch on each arm. I'm super pumped.
I'm equally as excited about the mental victories. This was the first Friday in a long time that I didn't have to talk myself out of a big cheat meal (Mexican - margarhitas - ice cream). Honestly - that doesn't even really tempt me right now! So great.
Happy weekend to you guys!
Anyways - even though I'm not quite done with week 3, I felt the urge to check my measurements today. Weight loss (lbs) was really fast during detox and has been a lot slower since. And if you've been reading for a bit you know that I'm trying to stay off the scale. So even though the weight loss has been slower, I'm definitely feeling a difference in my clothes. Hence the decision to check the inches. I'm so glad I did. You ready for this??
In less than 3 weeks I've lost 8 inches!!
Crazy, right? I've lost 3 inches around my waist - 2.5 inches around my bust - 1.5 around my hips and about a half inch on each arm. I'm super pumped.
I'm equally as excited about the mental victories. This was the first Friday in a long time that I didn't have to talk myself out of a big cheat meal (Mexican - margarhitas - ice cream). Honestly - that doesn't even really tempt me right now! So great.
Happy weekend to you guys!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Perfect Time For Dinner
I'm searching for the perfect time for dinner. After work I'm really hungry. I want dinner. But if I eat too early, I'm hungry before bed. If I eat later, I'm hungry after work. Snacks aren't as satisfying as a meal. I've got a good routine at work but I haven't figured out the home thing yet. That's my random thought for the evening. Now I'm happy to settle in and watch Grey's Anatomy. I've already worked out and cleaned the kitchen - tomorrow's lunch is packed - hubby is at his softball game (I bailed cause it was at 9:30 - too late for me).
G'night y'all! Oh - saw a great presentation on CLA the other day - lookin forward to sharing the info on here. XO
G'night y'all! Oh - saw a great presentation on CLA the other day - lookin forward to sharing the info on here. XO
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Priorities
The other day someone posed this introspective challenge: Look at your bank account and your calendar and that will tell you what your priorities are. Where you spend your time and money is a direct reflection of your priorities. Not necessarily what your priorities should be, or even what you want them to be, but definitely what they are.
If I'm being really honest, my calendar shows me that my priorities are probably work, television, God, fitness, marriage, family. If I look at my bank account it would probably reflect that my priority is getting out of debt. That is not a reflection of how I want my priorities to line up. Not at all. Those priorities aren't helping me reach my goals. They aren't helping make me a better person. In fact, they are in large part keeping me from reaching my goals.
The easy part is determining what I want my priorities to be. The hard part is aligning my actions with those priorities. Honestly, I don't even know what that looks like. Sure, some things are easy. Watch less tv. Turn off the TV and spend more time with my husband - go to bed earlier so I can get up and work out before work. Be more diligent about reading my Bible and spending more time in prayer. Other things aren't quite so easy. I work my butt off at work and sometimes I feel like I need my down-time after work - like its the only thing that sustains me through the week. And while I know that is selfish, when is it good to be selfish and when do I just need to get off my butt?
It's easy to avoid spending quality time with my husband because "date nights" often include dinner out or ice cream after a movie and frankly - my "comfort zone" here at home really helps me to stay on track right now. Yeah, yeah, yeah - we could have date nights of things that are "active" but still - its just harder to go out and do things when you're trying really hard to have structure in your life. At least for me. So spare me the suggestions that we go for a walk or some lame crap like that.
I don't have the answers and I don't much feel like coming up with them right now - that's just on my heart so I'm writing about it. But I'm exhausted so I don't have any more to say about that right now.
If I'm being really honest, my calendar shows me that my priorities are probably work, television, God, fitness, marriage, family. If I look at my bank account it would probably reflect that my priority is getting out of debt. That is not a reflection of how I want my priorities to line up. Not at all. Those priorities aren't helping me reach my goals. They aren't helping make me a better person. In fact, they are in large part keeping me from reaching my goals.
The easy part is determining what I want my priorities to be. The hard part is aligning my actions with those priorities. Honestly, I don't even know what that looks like. Sure, some things are easy. Watch less tv. Turn off the TV and spend more time with my husband - go to bed earlier so I can get up and work out before work. Be more diligent about reading my Bible and spending more time in prayer. Other things aren't quite so easy. I work my butt off at work and sometimes I feel like I need my down-time after work - like its the only thing that sustains me through the week. And while I know that is selfish, when is it good to be selfish and when do I just need to get off my butt?
It's easy to avoid spending quality time with my husband because "date nights" often include dinner out or ice cream after a movie and frankly - my "comfort zone" here at home really helps me to stay on track right now. Yeah, yeah, yeah - we could have date nights of things that are "active" but still - its just harder to go out and do things when you're trying really hard to have structure in your life. At least for me. So spare me the suggestions that we go for a walk or some lame crap like that.
I don't have the answers and I don't much feel like coming up with them right now - that's just on my heart so I'm writing about it. But I'm exhausted so I don't have any more to say about that right now.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Lies We Tell Ourselves
Hey guys - hope everyone is having a great Tuesday! The weather here is gorgeous! We just grilled out - so nice! Anyways...down to business....
I read a blog today that really impacted me. In talking about the importance of guarding our words, he referenced Proverbs 15:4 - "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit"
While there are a million ways to apply this to the words we say to and about others or the lies we tell to or about others - it didn't strike me that way. Thinking about a "deceitful tongue" really makes me think about the lies I tell myself. The way that my spirit has been crushed by the lies I've been telling myself for years.
The lies started when I was a kid - I adopted other people's thoughts about me and made them truths. When kids, and then teenagers, teased me and called me names, over time I made them my reality. When I dated guys who told me I'd be so pretty if I would just lose weight, I accepted that I was unattractive and unworthy. I received, and then internalized, constant messages that I wasn't complete because of my weight. All the comments of "You are so smart, so talented, so kind...if only you could lose weight" made me feel like (and believe) I wasn't good enough because I was overweight. On top of that, every failed attempt to lose weight made me believe that I can't do it. That I'll always be fat.
Here's what I know: I believe in God's promises. I believe that everything is possible through Christ. I've allowed my own spirit to be crushed by my negative self talk. The great news is that I can undo that damage. It's not going to happen overnight, but in time, I can rebuild my spirit - I can believe in myself and my strength. And I can do this. But it starts by stopping the lies I've told myself and starting a new chapter.
What lies do you tell yourself?
I read a blog today that really impacted me. In talking about the importance of guarding our words, he referenced Proverbs 15:4 - "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit"
While there are a million ways to apply this to the words we say to and about others or the lies we tell to or about others - it didn't strike me that way. Thinking about a "deceitful tongue" really makes me think about the lies I tell myself. The way that my spirit has been crushed by the lies I've been telling myself for years.
The lies started when I was a kid - I adopted other people's thoughts about me and made them truths. When kids, and then teenagers, teased me and called me names, over time I made them my reality. When I dated guys who told me I'd be so pretty if I would just lose weight, I accepted that I was unattractive and unworthy. I received, and then internalized, constant messages that I wasn't complete because of my weight. All the comments of "You are so smart, so talented, so kind...if only you could lose weight" made me feel like (and believe) I wasn't good enough because I was overweight. On top of that, every failed attempt to lose weight made me believe that I can't do it. That I'll always be fat.
Here's what I know: I believe in God's promises. I believe that everything is possible through Christ. I've allowed my own spirit to be crushed by my negative self talk. The great news is that I can undo that damage. It's not going to happen overnight, but in time, I can rebuild my spirit - I can believe in myself and my strength. And I can do this. But it starts by stopping the lies I've told myself and starting a new chapter.
What lies do you tell yourself?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Positive People
I have to surround myself with people that make me better. People who challenge me and help me grow. People who encourage me to meet my goals and hold me accountable. I think everyone has people like that in their life. But we also have people who don't bring out the best in us. And oftentimes, those people are close friends or even family. I am really making an effort to minimize the impact that the latter has on my life, my attitude and my personal growth. It's not easy.
One of the people who really challenges me and supports me - someone I learn from everytime I talk to her - is my friend Michelle. If you haven't already, you need to check out her blog. I love it. Her latest post is about excuses. Excuses are something that have really held me back when I've tried to lose weight before. I could write a book of excuses. And honestly - I still really struggle with excuses. I should have worked out tonight but I didn't. In fact, I had plans with a friend tonight that were canceled so I had even more time that I expected. But I didn't. I didn't do anything. I ate my healthy dinner, cleaned up, packed tomorrow's lunch, played with the dog...and not much else. And I'm mad at myself for making the excuse that I am too tired - I didn't sleep well last night - I have emails to catch up on, etc.
But, I'm going to take the advice Michelle gave in her blog today and I'm going to set two goals for the rest of the month of March. While there is only this week and next left in March, I WILL workout 5 times this week and 5 times next week. No excuses. (Even in my mind right now I'm thinking about how I have plans every single night this week and how I'll have to wake up early and how tired I am). Oh well - I guess there are always excuses - everyone has them. But what makes us different is how we respond to excuses. I'll overcome them. I'll be successful in spite of them. And I'll continue to surround myself with people who challenge me and help me become the person I want to be. How about you?
One of the people who really challenges me and supports me - someone I learn from everytime I talk to her - is my friend Michelle. If you haven't already, you need to check out her blog. I love it. Her latest post is about excuses. Excuses are something that have really held me back when I've tried to lose weight before. I could write a book of excuses. And honestly - I still really struggle with excuses. I should have worked out tonight but I didn't. In fact, I had plans with a friend tonight that were canceled so I had even more time that I expected. But I didn't. I didn't do anything. I ate my healthy dinner, cleaned up, packed tomorrow's lunch, played with the dog...and not much else. And I'm mad at myself for making the excuse that I am too tired - I didn't sleep well last night - I have emails to catch up on, etc.
But, I'm going to take the advice Michelle gave in her blog today and I'm going to set two goals for the rest of the month of March. While there is only this week and next left in March, I WILL workout 5 times this week and 5 times next week. No excuses. (Even in my mind right now I'm thinking about how I have plans every single night this week and how I'll have to wake up early and how tired I am). Oh well - I guess there are always excuses - everyone has them. But what makes us different is how we respond to excuses. I'll overcome them. I'll be successful in spite of them. And I'll continue to surround myself with people who challenge me and help me become the person I want to be. How about you?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Balancing and Other Practical Matters
Every Saturday I plan out the next week's meals and make my grocery list. This can be a bit of challenge for me since I have to take into account what things my husband will eat, how much time I have to cook that night and having a variety of healthy foods. For example, the only night this week that we don't have an evening commitment is Tuesday. That can be tough when it comes to cooking since I generally don't get home until around 6 and our engagements are either at 7 or 6:30. All my meals have to meet the following criteria: my husband will eat them (picky eater), they are low GI, include both protein AND vegetables and can be prepped and cooked within 30 minutes (there might be one night a week where I have 60 minutes to cook). Most weeks, that feels like a pretty tall order. I also factor in one night where we do our own thing - I'll put together a salad with some leftovers and Aaron can do whatever he wants.
This week will look a little like this:
Today, when I went to the grocery store, I had to remind myself that while I am spending more at the grocery store, I'm spending less overall. I'm saving by not going out to eat as much, by not buying sodas or other snacks, not stopping at Chick-fil-A for breakfast. Everything I eat I buy at the grocery store. While I'm spending about $30/week more at the grocery store, I'm pretty sure I'm saving about $20/week overall.
I still feel really good - I feel strong and positive. The only thing that has the power to get me down right now is the scale and that's why I'm staying off of it. I know that I'm doing what I need to do and the scale will follow. Here's to another great week!
This week will look a little like this:
- Sunday - Turkey meatloaf and brussel sprouts
- Monday - Pistacchio crusted chicken with avocado lime sauce served over lettuce
- Tuesday - Grilled steaks and salad
- Wednesday - Potroast with veggies in the crockpot
- Thursday - Veggie omelets
- Friday - leftovers
Today, when I went to the grocery store, I had to remind myself that while I am spending more at the grocery store, I'm spending less overall. I'm saving by not going out to eat as much, by not buying sodas or other snacks, not stopping at Chick-fil-A for breakfast. Everything I eat I buy at the grocery store. While I'm spending about $30/week more at the grocery store, I'm pretty sure I'm saving about $20/week overall.
I still feel really good - I feel strong and positive. The only thing that has the power to get me down right now is the scale and that's why I'm staying off of it. I know that I'm doing what I need to do and the scale will follow. Here's to another great week!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Right Choices
It was not hard to have a healthy breakfast this morning. It wasn't even hard to have a healthy lunch. Making one good decision has never been hard for me. Making hundreds of good decisions is hard. Making a change for a day is easy. Making a change for a lifetime is hard. I read this quote today and quickly decided it will be a new mantra of mine:
"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time"
That quote is reinforcement that I can do this. That this is a long journey, but I can make it because I just have to make one good choice. Then another. And create a habit of doing what is right on an ongoing basis. I don't need to get overwhelmed about how much weight I'll have lost in 3 months. Or how much I'll weigh in 6 months. Or what size clothes I'll be wearing next year at this time. Or what if I get pregnant before I reach my goal weight. None of that matters. The weight on the scale doesn't matter. I just have to make the right choice at the right time and all of this will fall in to place.
Historically, I set these big goals. In 3 months, I'll have lost 25 lbs. In 6 months I'll have lost 40. I'll workout 5 times each week. I'll be at my goal weight within 10 months. Unfortunately, at the first sign that I'm not going to reach one of my goals, I jump ship. I feel defeated and I tell myself I'm a failure. But the reality is that if I make healthy choices 80% of the time, I exercise regularly, I get enough sleep - I begin taking care of my body - my body will take care of me. The weight will come off. The clothes will fit better. My energy will increase. I will be healthier.
The problem with me comes when I make one bad choice and tell myself I'm a failure. Feeling worthless turns one bad choice into a month of bad choices. But my new mantra will remind me that after one choice, good or bad, the slate is clear and I have an opportunity to make myself better with my next choice.
"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time"
That quote is reinforcement that I can do this. That this is a long journey, but I can make it because I just have to make one good choice. Then another. And create a habit of doing what is right on an ongoing basis. I don't need to get overwhelmed about how much weight I'll have lost in 3 months. Or how much I'll weigh in 6 months. Or what size clothes I'll be wearing next year at this time. Or what if I get pregnant before I reach my goal weight. None of that matters. The weight on the scale doesn't matter. I just have to make the right choice at the right time and all of this will fall in to place.
Historically, I set these big goals. In 3 months, I'll have lost 25 lbs. In 6 months I'll have lost 40. I'll workout 5 times each week. I'll be at my goal weight within 10 months. Unfortunately, at the first sign that I'm not going to reach one of my goals, I jump ship. I feel defeated and I tell myself I'm a failure. But the reality is that if I make healthy choices 80% of the time, I exercise regularly, I get enough sleep - I begin taking care of my body - my body will take care of me. The weight will come off. The clothes will fit better. My energy will increase. I will be healthier.
The problem with me comes when I make one bad choice and tell myself I'm a failure. Feeling worthless turns one bad choice into a month of bad choices. But my new mantra will remind me that after one choice, good or bad, the slate is clear and I have an opportunity to make myself better with my next choice.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Dear Scale: You're Fired
Disclaimer: One of my challenges to myself with this blog is to avoid self-editing. This is different from a journal in that I know people are reading my thoughts, challenges, successes, etc. In the back of my mind, I want to avoid people who don't know me from judging me, people I do know from criticizing me, and close family and friends knowing some deeply personal things. On the other hand, I want this to be very real because it's first and primary objective is to help ME reach my goal. So what you are about to read is a long-standing, deep-rooted struggle for me that I need to end.
I need to end my battle with my scale. I am in control of the battle and the only one who has kept it going is me. Up until now, my scale has had the power to turn my day into a great day or a terrible day. To pinpoint me as a failure or to grant me victory. I tell myself that my scale is my accountability partner. It tells me when I'm on track or when I'm too slack. And this isn't a new thing. This unhealthy relationship with the scale goes back to when I was 6 or 7 years old - seriously. As an overweight kid, my mom was really concerned about my weight. Her concern was out of love - she only wanted me to be happy and healthy - but in her attempts to help me, I developed a major complex about my weight and the scale. She would have me weigh myself in front of her each morning for a long, long time. I remember one morning when I was probably only about 7, before I went to weigh in with her, I cut my own hair - from underneath so no one would notice - thinking that might help me to drop some weight so I could be "successful" in my weigh in. Other times I would spit into a cup for 10-15 minutes - again, trying anything and everything I knew to try, as a 7 year old, to drop weight. As I got older, my efforts to trick the scale only got more serious. Even now, I have major OCD behaviors around the scale - I weigh myself 3 times and take the average. I won't brush my teeth before I check my weight because there might be extra water in my mouth afterwards. The scale has to be a specific number of inches from the wall. While my obsessive behaviors might not be physically dangerous anymore, they are emotionally dangerous and mentally manipulative. This relationship with the scale threatens my long term weight loss success.
I have been off detox following Low-GI guidelines for 4 full days now. I've exercised every single day. I feel great. My clothes fit looser. My face looks thinner. I have more energy. People are noticing a difference. This morning, excited about the difference I am seeing and feeling, I decided to check my weight - even though I know I shouldn't. Scale says: You suck. You're fat. You're ugly. You're failing. You can't do this. Stop trying. It's not working. You've gained 4.5 lbs.
That feeling I woke up with of feeling great - feeling smaller - clothes fitting better - was instantly stolen by my ugly silver friend that taunts me in the corner of my bathroom - the perfect 6.5 inches from the wall. What the scale also told me, that I ignored, is that my body fat % was down a full 1% and my body water percentage was up 1.5%. But I chose to ignore that. My scale redeemed itself and told me: Hey! Great job! You've lost fat but you've put a little of that water on after detox. When you added back in peanut butter, cheese and some grains, we are holding on to a little bit of that 12.5 lbs of water that you lost during detox but you're still losing fat! That's why your jeans feel better! Keep it up.
Unfortunately, all I see is the pounds. And I'm devastated. I drive to work feeling like a failure. Feeling like my effort is worth nothing. Feeling like I have to write a blog that says I've failed. So I text my dear friend and coach Lydia - it goes a little something like this:
I need to end my battle with my scale. I am in control of the battle and the only one who has kept it going is me. Up until now, my scale has had the power to turn my day into a great day or a terrible day. To pinpoint me as a failure or to grant me victory. I tell myself that my scale is my accountability partner. It tells me when I'm on track or when I'm too slack. And this isn't a new thing. This unhealthy relationship with the scale goes back to when I was 6 or 7 years old - seriously. As an overweight kid, my mom was really concerned about my weight. Her concern was out of love - she only wanted me to be happy and healthy - but in her attempts to help me, I developed a major complex about my weight and the scale. She would have me weigh myself in front of her each morning for a long, long time. I remember one morning when I was probably only about 7, before I went to weigh in with her, I cut my own hair - from underneath so no one would notice - thinking that might help me to drop some weight so I could be "successful" in my weigh in. Other times I would spit into a cup for 10-15 minutes - again, trying anything and everything I knew to try, as a 7 year old, to drop weight. As I got older, my efforts to trick the scale only got more serious. Even now, I have major OCD behaviors around the scale - I weigh myself 3 times and take the average. I won't brush my teeth before I check my weight because there might be extra water in my mouth afterwards. The scale has to be a specific number of inches from the wall. While my obsessive behaviors might not be physically dangerous anymore, they are emotionally dangerous and mentally manipulative. This relationship with the scale threatens my long term weight loss success.
I have been off detox following Low-GI guidelines for 4 full days now. I've exercised every single day. I feel great. My clothes fit looser. My face looks thinner. I have more energy. People are noticing a difference. This morning, excited about the difference I am seeing and feeling, I decided to check my weight - even though I know I shouldn't. Scale says: You suck. You're fat. You're ugly. You're failing. You can't do this. Stop trying. It's not working. You've gained 4.5 lbs.
That feeling I woke up with of feeling great - feeling smaller - clothes fitting better - was instantly stolen by my ugly silver friend that taunts me in the corner of my bathroom - the perfect 6.5 inches from the wall. What the scale also told me, that I ignored, is that my body fat % was down a full 1% and my body water percentage was up 1.5%. But I chose to ignore that. My scale redeemed itself and told me: Hey! Great job! You've lost fat but you've put a little of that water on after detox. When you added back in peanut butter, cheese and some grains, we are holding on to a little bit of that 12.5 lbs of water that you lost during detox but you're still losing fat! That's why your jeans feel better! Keep it up.
Unfortunately, all I see is the pounds. And I'm devastated. I drive to work feeling like a failure. Feeling like my effort is worth nothing. Feeling like I have to write a blog that says I've failed. So I text my dear friend and coach Lydia - it goes a little something like this:
- E: Panicking! Gained weight! But body fat down. So upset!
- L: You need to be checking inches, not weight. Your body is adjusting after detox
- E: Yeah, but I have to blog about this!
- L: Great! Blog about how you're feeling - the scale is deceiving. Step away from the scale!
- E: I'm afraid
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Temptation
I'm back from the potluck. Aside from my veggie tray, there was wine, frozen drinks, fried chicken, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, a lasagna-looking thing, cake, pie and more. Luckily, there was some pork that wasn't covered in BBQ sauce so I had my veggies and some pork and some hummus. I also took the turkey and cheese off a sandwich and had that too. I would have loved to have had a biscuit and some cake. But, I just kept reminding myself that the path to a better me is paved with good decisions and that isn't something I can put off until tomorrow.
I haven't been good about getting enough sleep this week so I came home determined to get to bed early. But, part of my success depends on planning ahead so I need to make tomorrow's breakfast tonight (another vegetable fritatta so I can just reheat it in the AM) and get tomorrow's lunch together, as well as getting everything together so I can throw tomorrow's dinner in the crockpot tomorrow morning before I run out the door to work. And blog. Then sleep :)
So - nothing wise or deep tonight - just a day of working hard to stay on track and stay on top of things. If I'm not prepared, its a lot harder to stay on point. I am looking forward to checking my weight this week! But I'm thinking about changing my blog weigh-ins from Friday to Saturday. Not sure yet but I'll let ya know.
I haven't been good about getting enough sleep this week so I came home determined to get to bed early. But, part of my success depends on planning ahead so I need to make tomorrow's breakfast tonight (another vegetable fritatta so I can just reheat it in the AM) and get tomorrow's lunch together, as well as getting everything together so I can throw tomorrow's dinner in the crockpot tomorrow morning before I run out the door to work. And blog. Then sleep :)
So - nothing wise or deep tonight - just a day of working hard to stay on track and stay on top of things. If I'm not prepared, its a lot harder to stay on point. I am looking forward to checking my weight this week! But I'm thinking about changing my blog weigh-ins from Friday to Saturday. Not sure yet but I'll let ya know.
Potlucks Are From the Devil
Hey guys! I wanted to check in and get some encouragement (by writing) before I go to a potluck for my Bible Study group. Potlucks are major trouble when you are trying to eat healthy. But, I don't want to close myself off from my friends, so I'm going. I'm bringing a veggie tray. But that's my dinner! So I know I'm going to be hungry and tempted to eat, but I won't. I should have brought a protein bar today. That was stupid. Ugh.
Groceries stores and potlucks are dangerous right now. And I have to go to both - right now.
I'll write more later!
Groceries stores and potlucks are dangerous right now. And I have to go to both - right now.
I'll write more later!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Don't Get Too Comfortable
I had my menu all planned out for the week but sometimes things don't go as expected. My husband and I ended up going out to dinner tonight - and I was nervous. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to find a suitable option on the menu. I was nervous that I wasn't going to be able to resist the temptation to eat off my husband's plate or order a delicious appetizer.
And I'm not gonna lie. Once I got into that restaurant and started looking at that menu, I started thinking about the fried calamari, the french fries, the mashed potatoes. Wondering how much it would hurt - just once - I've been good all day....what's a cup of mashed potatoes? I started thinking about how many days of clean eating I have ahead before I check my weight and wondering if it would make an impact to cheat a little. All those old thoughts and habits started pouring through my head. What's one glass of wine? I just can't get too comfortable. If I start to feel like I have this all figured out, I'll quickly get overtaken by those old, die-hard habits. If I start to rationalize and use the "this one little thing won't matter" mindset - I will fail.
But, I'm changing my life. I do that by one good decision after another. (I can't say that much for my sweet husband, who I adore, who got steak, french fries and a side of mashed potatoes!) I ordered pan seared scallops with broccoli rabe and asked that they keep the mashed potatoes in the kitchen. And I didn't feel cheated. Not at all. I didn't feel like it was a sacrifice.
After a good meal, I was tempted to go home and head to bed early (especially since I was up way too late last night) but instead I got in a really tough high-intensity interval workout. Now I feel like I've had my butt whipped and I hardly had the energy to write this blog tonight!
Love to you guys! I'm really glad to have people interested in my journey!
And I'm not gonna lie. Once I got into that restaurant and started looking at that menu, I started thinking about the fried calamari, the french fries, the mashed potatoes. Wondering how much it would hurt - just once - I've been good all day....what's a cup of mashed potatoes? I started thinking about how many days of clean eating I have ahead before I check my weight and wondering if it would make an impact to cheat a little. All those old thoughts and habits started pouring through my head. What's one glass of wine? I just can't get too comfortable. If I start to feel like I have this all figured out, I'll quickly get overtaken by those old, die-hard habits. If I start to rationalize and use the "this one little thing won't matter" mindset - I will fail.
But, I'm changing my life. I do that by one good decision after another. (I can't say that much for my sweet husband, who I adore, who got steak, french fries and a side of mashed potatoes!) I ordered pan seared scallops with broccoli rabe and asked that they keep the mashed potatoes in the kitchen. And I didn't feel cheated. Not at all. I didn't feel like it was a sacrifice.
After a good meal, I was tempted to go home and head to bed early (especially since I was up way too late last night) but instead I got in a really tough high-intensity interval workout. Now I feel like I've had my butt whipped and I hardly had the energy to write this blog tonight!
Love to you guys! I'm really glad to have people interested in my journey!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Skill Building
When I think about transformation, I don't initially think about transforming my body. I really don't. I mean, don't get me wrong - losing weight is a huge part of this - but this has been a lifelong struggle for me so I'm equally, if not more, excited about the mental and emotional transformation that I am creating.
Food is my drug of choice. (Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I'm a foodaholic). I am an emotional eater. I treat my stress, anxiety, happiness, sadness, anger, etc with food. I soothe myself by giving in to my cravings. It's my way of saying "Ok, breathe. Everything is going to be OK. Wind down - take control". That is the message that food sends to my brain. And you know, breaking that addiction - the addiction to that calming effect of food - I think, is harder in a lot of ways than any other addiction. You can't just walk away from food. You can't quit eating. You have to make food decisions dozens of times a day. You can't say "I'm not going to hang around with those awful people who eat cake anymore". It's everywhere. And you need it. So you have to create a new relationship with food. A relationship in which I am in control A relationship where food is primarily a tool, not a crutch. Now, I'm not saying that I never want to feel joy in regards to food - food is emotional. It always will be. I'll always enjoy cake. But it can't control me. I must be in control. I am trying to do that by being aware of my emotions when I eat. And talking about it. Here.
I also need to work on enjoying healthy foods. Healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland. My primary issue here is that for me to feel in control - for me to be sure that what I am eating is healthy - I need to be the one preparing it. And you know what? I'm a TERRIBLE cook. But, I really believe that as long as you can read, you can cook. So, what I'm working on is identifying the types of food I really look forward to eating and figuring out how to cook it in a healthy way. For example, I love Greek food. So yesterday, I marinated some chicken in chicken broth and a variety of spices and baked it. Then I made some tzatziki sauce from scratch (cucumbers, FF yogurt, LF sour cream, lemon juice). It was mediocre. But now I'll try a different recipe. I'll become a good cook. I'll find great mexican recipes, great Japanese recipes. I'll be one of those people who would rather eat at home than eat out because I'm just that good.
So - do you have any great, low GI recipes you love? Share them with me! And if I knock one out of the park, I'll share it with you!
Happy eating!
Food is my drug of choice. (Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I'm a foodaholic). I am an emotional eater. I treat my stress, anxiety, happiness, sadness, anger, etc with food. I soothe myself by giving in to my cravings. It's my way of saying "Ok, breathe. Everything is going to be OK. Wind down - take control". That is the message that food sends to my brain. And you know, breaking that addiction - the addiction to that calming effect of food - I think, is harder in a lot of ways than any other addiction. You can't just walk away from food. You can't quit eating. You have to make food decisions dozens of times a day. You can't say "I'm not going to hang around with those awful people who eat cake anymore". It's everywhere. And you need it. So you have to create a new relationship with food. A relationship in which I am in control A relationship where food is primarily a tool, not a crutch. Now, I'm not saying that I never want to feel joy in regards to food - food is emotional. It always will be. I'll always enjoy cake. But it can't control me. I must be in control. I am trying to do that by being aware of my emotions when I eat. And talking about it. Here.
I also need to work on enjoying healthy foods. Healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland. My primary issue here is that for me to feel in control - for me to be sure that what I am eating is healthy - I need to be the one preparing it. And you know what? I'm a TERRIBLE cook. But, I really believe that as long as you can read, you can cook. So, what I'm working on is identifying the types of food I really look forward to eating and figuring out how to cook it in a healthy way. For example, I love Greek food. So yesterday, I marinated some chicken in chicken broth and a variety of spices and baked it. Then I made some tzatziki sauce from scratch (cucumbers, FF yogurt, LF sour cream, lemon juice). It was mediocre. But now I'll try a different recipe. I'll become a good cook. I'll find great mexican recipes, great Japanese recipes. I'll be one of those people who would rather eat at home than eat out because I'm just that good.
So - do you have any great, low GI recipes you love? Share them with me! And if I knock one out of the park, I'll share it with you!
Happy eating!
An Object in Motion
I love Newton. Especially Newton's 1st law of motion: "An object in motion will stay in motion and an object at rest will stay at rest (unless acted upon by another object)".
To some, this probably seems like an obvious concept - but it is so fundamental to live - even beyond physics.
When you are in a rut - not working out, not eating healthy, not taking care of yourself, not caring for your finances - whatever it is - the longer you are in the rut, the longer you will stay. An object at rest will stay at rest.
On the other hand - if you are actively making good decisions - if you are intentional about doing what needs to be done - you will be more likely to keep doing so. An object in motion will stay in motion.
If the overall trajectory of your life is progress - it is a lot more difficult to go backwards than if you are just stagnant. Are you stagnant? Or are you making progress? I ask myself each morning - "What am I going to do today to make progress towards my goal?". If I am not intentional about asking and answering that question, I WILL become stagnant. I WILL lose ground. On the other hand, if I continuously push myself, achieve new goals, conquer obstacles, I will stay in forward motion.
For me, that looks like preparing my food the night before. It means making sure I have plenty of healthy choices in the house. It means working out when I'd rather take a nap or watch TV. It means reading my Bible. It means reaching out to friends even when I don't have the energy. It means making time for my husband when I'd rather have some alone time. Everyday.
I'm in motion. Are you?
To some, this probably seems like an obvious concept - but it is so fundamental to live - even beyond physics.
When you are in a rut - not working out, not eating healthy, not taking care of yourself, not caring for your finances - whatever it is - the longer you are in the rut, the longer you will stay. An object at rest will stay at rest.
On the other hand - if you are actively making good decisions - if you are intentional about doing what needs to be done - you will be more likely to keep doing so. An object in motion will stay in motion.
If the overall trajectory of your life is progress - it is a lot more difficult to go backwards than if you are just stagnant. Are you stagnant? Or are you making progress? I ask myself each morning - "What am I going to do today to make progress towards my goal?". If I am not intentional about asking and answering that question, I WILL become stagnant. I WILL lose ground. On the other hand, if I continuously push myself, achieve new goals, conquer obstacles, I will stay in forward motion.
For me, that looks like preparing my food the night before. It means making sure I have plenty of healthy choices in the house. It means working out when I'd rather take a nap or watch TV. It means reading my Bible. It means reaching out to friends even when I don't have the energy. It means making time for my husband when I'd rather have some alone time. Everyday.
I'm in motion. Are you?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Next Leg
Hey guys! So my detox is over, thank goodness! Don't get me wrong - it was great. I feel good, have lots of energy - but man, it is NICE to eat hot food again! The official weight loss numbers post detox: down 12.5 lbs and 0.5% body fat. I'm very happy with that. I almost fell in to the discouragement trap this morning when I realized that I didn't lose any weight on the last day of detox, but I had to remind myself of the incredible accomplishment of 12.5 lbs in 7 days. And really, I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday anyways so if I hadn't, I wouldn't have known that the last day was a stalemate and would have been thrilled with 12.5 lbs.
Now I'm on to the next leg of this marathon - low glycemic eating.
This morning I jumped out of bed so excited to cook breakfast! And it was good! I made a delicious veggie fritatta and some turkey bacon. The fritatta is so easy and so delicious - and really healthy too! I basically saute my fave veggies (this morning it was spinach and tomatoes) and then puree 1/2 cup of egg beaters, 1/2 cup FF cottage cheese and 1/4 cup FF evaporated milk and then pour the mixture over my veggies in a saute pan. I cook it on low for about 10 minutes and then pop it in the oven (low broil) for 5 minutes or until it rises. Major deliciousness. I usually eat a third of it and then heat up leftovers for the next few mornings.
We went to church and then after church went to a steakhouse and I had 6 oz steak, steamed broccoli and a house salad. It is great to eat again!
I'm off to a training - check in with y'all later! Hope its a great day! The weather here is gorgeous!
Now I'm on to the next leg of this marathon - low glycemic eating.
This morning I jumped out of bed so excited to cook breakfast! And it was good! I made a delicious veggie fritatta and some turkey bacon. The fritatta is so easy and so delicious - and really healthy too! I basically saute my fave veggies (this morning it was spinach and tomatoes) and then puree 1/2 cup of egg beaters, 1/2 cup FF cottage cheese and 1/4 cup FF evaporated milk and then pour the mixture over my veggies in a saute pan. I cook it on low for about 10 minutes and then pop it in the oven (low broil) for 5 minutes or until it rises. Major deliciousness. I usually eat a third of it and then heat up leftovers for the next few mornings.
We went to church and then after church went to a steakhouse and I had 6 oz steak, steamed broccoli and a house salad. It is great to eat again!
I'm off to a training - check in with y'all later! Hope its a great day! The weather here is gorgeous!
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