This lifestyle change is going well so far. One thing that motivates me is that my favorite jeans cause a loss of feeling in my extremities. Those babies are outta here for awhile. It will be nice to finally put them back on and say, "take that, miss tighty jeans"!!
I have made better choices and although I haven't been feeling all that great, I do feel better inside.
This week is my cardio introduction, adding a few minutes each day until I'm up to one hour per day. Next week I will start weights and concentrate on toning and add that to the cardio. What keeps me going is that for one, I can't afford a new wardrobe right now, and no one is going to leave a bag of clothes on my doorstep, so I'll either be naked or getting into my former clothes. Which would you rather do? For another, I have to have some lab work done soon, and I want good cholesterol numbers. My dad now has diabetes, so I'd rather not inherit that from him. Since 80-90% of our health problems are lifestyle related, that puts me in a powerful seat. Only 10-20% of our health issues are genetic. It was also proven that some obese people are actually healthier than their thinner counterparts. One actually runs 25 miles a week and is 5'5" and weighs 225. His cholesterol is fine, heart is great, and has no signs of diabetes. This shouldn't give us a license to give up, but to encourage you if you are weight loss-resistant, live a healthy lifestyle in spite of it. Every bit helps. We all know thin is not necessarily healthy and it should never be the goal. If it is, you'll give up as soon as you lose it, then gain it all back. I'm proof.
Oprah stated on her show that the reason she gained all of her weight back is she lacked balance in her life. She was too busy and too tired to take care of her body. She also said it had a lot to do with loving herself enough. Although it sounds trite, I do think there is something to that. We spend a lot of time loving and giving to others, and that is great, however, it can leave you empty if it isn't done in moderation.
This year has been a year in which I've seen that come to light. I used to keep myself busy with volunteer work, and a community group, church stuff, etc... Then we built a house, and I tried to keep doing those things. All the while becoming more and more discouraged with the way I was feeling. I gave up my favorite things....scrapbooking, tennis to name a couple, and threw myself into motherhood and all that comes with it. Thinking I had to be in their classrooms, helping with everything, in a way to earn the fact that I was staying home, not "out there" working in the world. What a lie I fed myself. While I respect working moms and know a few who desperately want to be home instead, I have to be here. I feel selfish at times, knowing how hard it is to work and have kids at daycare or at home with the sitter. I did both, and I spent more time worrying than being present at my job. I learned to hate my desk and the phone and everyone who came in the door because they thought they were more important than my child. It was time to go! I have given myself permission this past year to say no, and to not fill my schedule just because it has holes in it. I have a home, kids and a husband to take care of, parents who can use my help, and a desire to write, which is like a part time job some days. My time is mine first, then I give it to others. Selfish? No, I call it smart. You can't give away what you don't have.
Oprah made a comment about what she thought about raising children.....that it is the holiest, most sacred job God ever gave anyone. Not to discount other important jobs, of course, but to point out that teaching a child grace and how to love was just God-given. Just my thought, but I know of people who can't have kids, and they make it their business to love and pour into someone else's kid. That is God-given as well.
So, choices. Which ones bring fruit, and which ones just take up your time? Which ones are you doing just to please others? Ease your own guilt? Which food choices are you making that are causing you to fail? Good questions deserve honest answers. Honest answers lead to better choices.
My tip of the day: Keep a basket of sugar free gum and mints near the kitchen. Make sure it's a cute basket, of course. Each time you crave sugar, choose the gum basket instead. I like to keep about 4 different flavors, depending on my mood. Green apple is a good one for cravings.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Oh, the Weight of it all
No, I'm not talking about the economy (really tired of that word these days), the gas prices (sick of that too), or my own personal burdens (don't we all have at least one?). I'm talking about weight, as in body mass.
What a good time to bring it up, huh? Well, it's always a good time to improve my health. I have spent time thinking about it, praying about it, and working up a plan, and now it is put into action. I ask myself this question...Do you want to go to bed hungry, or wake up fat? Hmm....puts those late night snacks to rest, don't you think?
My elliptical and I have grown rather close. I am pretty fond of his squeaks as he whips my shapeless body into something recognizable. I love celery. Yes, I really do. I drank 7 bottles of water yesterday. Did you know how many calories are burned by running back and forth to the bathroom all day....and night, in my case!
I don't believe in deprivation at all. I can have all the chips and salsa I want. I just choose when. It no longer chooses me. I hate exercise, make no mistake. However, I love the way I feel after I'm done, and for that it is worth the time and pain. I am not much of a water drinker either, but I'm learning. I will enjoy the occasional Diet Dr. Pepper, because according to the commercials, it tastes just like an ice cream cone. Tee hee. With food commercials every 5 minutes, who needs enemies, right?
I am willing to overcome the obstacles of a healthy lifestyle in order to become more energetic and calm. Obstacles? Of course. Every decision has a cost! You may have a tough time paying for the extra fresh fruit and vegetables it requires. Good food costs more, in some cases. You may have a picky eater (thankfully, I don't) in your house, and you have a hard time preparing healthy meals. You may have a tough work schedule, or kids underfoot. I know, I've dealt with those. Can everyone afford to go to the gym? Weight Watchers? Can everyone go out and get great equipment? Not in most cases. However, it's when we decide that those things aren't going to stop us that we finally get in control. I don't need a personal trainer or a nutritionist to help me out. It would be a bonus, of course, but I don't have those resources. I only have me. This body can move anywhere. I can run up and down stairs, I can park a mile away, I can jog in place, do sit ups in my living room. Any little bit is better than none.
I believe exercise does many beneficial things, but when I was at it 5 days a week, I had a great outlook, a bunch of self-confidence, energy to keep up with my kids, and no anxiety. As I face each day, I try to remember what that felt like and ask myself if that's what I want for today.
If weight management is on your list of things to do, I encourage you to just jump in and start making one small change toward reaching your goal. Make room for mistakes, but don't repeat them the next day!
What a good time to bring it up, huh? Well, it's always a good time to improve my health. I have spent time thinking about it, praying about it, and working up a plan, and now it is put into action. I ask myself this question...Do you want to go to bed hungry, or wake up fat? Hmm....puts those late night snacks to rest, don't you think?
My elliptical and I have grown rather close. I am pretty fond of his squeaks as he whips my shapeless body into something recognizable. I love celery. Yes, I really do. I drank 7 bottles of water yesterday. Did you know how many calories are burned by running back and forth to the bathroom all day....and night, in my case!
I don't believe in deprivation at all. I can have all the chips and salsa I want. I just choose when. It no longer chooses me. I hate exercise, make no mistake. However, I love the way I feel after I'm done, and for that it is worth the time and pain. I am not much of a water drinker either, but I'm learning. I will enjoy the occasional Diet Dr. Pepper, because according to the commercials, it tastes just like an ice cream cone. Tee hee. With food commercials every 5 minutes, who needs enemies, right?
I am willing to overcome the obstacles of a healthy lifestyle in order to become more energetic and calm. Obstacles? Of course. Every decision has a cost! You may have a tough time paying for the extra fresh fruit and vegetables it requires. Good food costs more, in some cases. You may have a picky eater (thankfully, I don't) in your house, and you have a hard time preparing healthy meals. You may have a tough work schedule, or kids underfoot. I know, I've dealt with those. Can everyone afford to go to the gym? Weight Watchers? Can everyone go out and get great equipment? Not in most cases. However, it's when we decide that those things aren't going to stop us that we finally get in control. I don't need a personal trainer or a nutritionist to help me out. It would be a bonus, of course, but I don't have those resources. I only have me. This body can move anywhere. I can run up and down stairs, I can park a mile away, I can jog in place, do sit ups in my living room. Any little bit is better than none.
I believe exercise does many beneficial things, but when I was at it 5 days a week, I had a great outlook, a bunch of self-confidence, energy to keep up with my kids, and no anxiety. As I face each day, I try to remember what that felt like and ask myself if that's what I want for today.
If weight management is on your list of things to do, I encourage you to just jump in and start making one small change toward reaching your goal. Make room for mistakes, but don't repeat them the next day!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Here I am
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy January 5th to all of you whose children have returned to school.
We had a wonderful Christmas after I recovered from getting very sick the weekend before Christmas. I recovered (sort of) in time to finish my shopping and wrapping, but I was exhausted throughout the whole holiday time.
We celebrated Christmas many times over a span of a week, and fit in many visits with friends and family. The girls had a great Christmas morning, and for us, it's always a blessing just to watch them come down the stairs! We cut way back this year and put the emphasis on time and not spending. I have to say, it really paid off. The girls are always happy with what they get, and we try to make it look like they got a lot of gifts by wrapping them in bigger boxes.
We spent more time at home playing games with the girls, which was a blast. My dear friend, Patty was up from Missouri, and I always enjoy our time together. Her daughter, Regan, stayed with us overnight and I learned she is just like her mom. What a riot! I can't wait for their move to Kalamazoo area in May. Gee, could Dow transfer us there?? It would be awesome. We've been apart for about 11 years now after spending nearly our whole lives together. It's hard.
We had a great New Year's Eve with Glen and Sara again. We tried out our musical talents with Rock Band, and played Apples to Apples. Of course, we ate and laughed as usual. Steve and Sara were tired, but Glen and I were bouncing off the walls at midnight. Guess it was the caffeine only he and I were ingesting. Next year, we will spike their beverages with espresso.
I also learned that you should not do "U-Dance" after drinking punch and eating 9 cocktail weenies. My first lesson of 2009. Just passing it on.
I spent the latter part of our vacation arranging sleepovers for my girls and having yet another Christmas with my brother, Jeff and his boys. Again, his wife was not able to join us, but we had fun anyway. Jeff brought the chocolate fountain, and we all enjoyed staining our clothes. The boys had fun playing with the girls, and Justin learned I am quite a contender when it comes to Candyland. I just wish we could see them more often. It's always hard to say goodbye. If I told you the story, you'd know why, but that may be for another time. All I know is that God has been moving people and situations in our lives and making wonderful things happen. Who needs gifts when you've got miracles? Not me.
It would have been an absolutely perfect vacation had it not been for the migraine I got first thing Sunday morning. It gained intensity and by 3:00, I was down for the count. I took everything I could think of, but it only upset my stomach more, so I just waited it out. I woke up this morning with less of a headache, but feeling very tired. I am just glad I can see the light of day again.
Today I will enjoy my quiet time, the sunshine, and the dog at my feet. While I have things to do, the day after a bad headache means quiet, relaxation, and recovery. All else will have to wait.
I wish you all the best in the new year!!
We had a wonderful Christmas after I recovered from getting very sick the weekend before Christmas. I recovered (sort of) in time to finish my shopping and wrapping, but I was exhausted throughout the whole holiday time.
We celebrated Christmas many times over a span of a week, and fit in many visits with friends and family. The girls had a great Christmas morning, and for us, it's always a blessing just to watch them come down the stairs! We cut way back this year and put the emphasis on time and not spending. I have to say, it really paid off. The girls are always happy with what they get, and we try to make it look like they got a lot of gifts by wrapping them in bigger boxes.
We spent more time at home playing games with the girls, which was a blast. My dear friend, Patty was up from Missouri, and I always enjoy our time together. Her daughter, Regan, stayed with us overnight and I learned she is just like her mom. What a riot! I can't wait for their move to Kalamazoo area in May. Gee, could Dow transfer us there?? It would be awesome. We've been apart for about 11 years now after spending nearly our whole lives together. It's hard.
We had a great New Year's Eve with Glen and Sara again. We tried out our musical talents with Rock Band, and played Apples to Apples. Of course, we ate and laughed as usual. Steve and Sara were tired, but Glen and I were bouncing off the walls at midnight. Guess it was the caffeine only he and I were ingesting. Next year, we will spike their beverages with espresso.
I also learned that you should not do "U-Dance" after drinking punch and eating 9 cocktail weenies. My first lesson of 2009. Just passing it on.
I spent the latter part of our vacation arranging sleepovers for my girls and having yet another Christmas with my brother, Jeff and his boys. Again, his wife was not able to join us, but we had fun anyway. Jeff brought the chocolate fountain, and we all enjoyed staining our clothes. The boys had fun playing with the girls, and Justin learned I am quite a contender when it comes to Candyland. I just wish we could see them more often. It's always hard to say goodbye. If I told you the story, you'd know why, but that may be for another time. All I know is that God has been moving people and situations in our lives and making wonderful things happen. Who needs gifts when you've got miracles? Not me.
It would have been an absolutely perfect vacation had it not been for the migraine I got first thing Sunday morning. It gained intensity and by 3:00, I was down for the count. I took everything I could think of, but it only upset my stomach more, so I just waited it out. I woke up this morning with less of a headache, but feeling very tired. I am just glad I can see the light of day again.
Today I will enjoy my quiet time, the sunshine, and the dog at my feet. While I have things to do, the day after a bad headache means quiet, relaxation, and recovery. All else will have to wait.
I wish you all the best in the new year!!