Changes are Good

Haven't Given up...yet

2010-02-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

I know this blog has been neglected for quite some time. I haven't given up on my quest to good health, but just has slowed down a bit.

I need to figure out what is holding me back. What is attributing to my sabotaging myself every time those temptations come into my life. Why do I feel deep down I'm not worthy or that I don't have what it takes to achieve my goals? All this and more on my mind. So until things are figured out and I can get off my duff, this blog will remain just a place for me to try to get inspiration from.

Treking Along

2009-11-02T14:30:00.001-08:00

Weighed myself last week and I was down again. 1 pound according to my ticker so that's good. Seems I find out how I've done a month at a time. I have so much to learn about my body and nutrition it's overwhelming. Just taking it one day at a time.

Step in the Right Direction

2009-09-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

I'm down another pound this month. Slowly but surely it's coming off. That's all I can ask for. Been eating a lot better this past month. Really since my SIL Amy moved back. She's keeping me accountable and motivated to eat right. I've even done some exercising. Now to step that part up, then I'll really start seeing some results.

I'm not sure if I'll make my goal on my ticker along the side bar, but as long as I'm losing and not gaining...I'll be happy.

To be Continued....

2009-09-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

One step at a time, one goal at a time, nothing can stop me.

Goal: cut out carbonated drinks.

short, simple and to the point.

Eat Breakfast

2009-08-09T00:58:00.001-07:00

I've been terrible about not eating breakfast. I know it's the most important meal of the day...but just don't want to take the time for some reason. That's what I'll be focusing on this month. Eating something for breakfast. I picked up some oatmeal, and more Fiber One Oat Cluster cereal. Between those two I should have a pretty good choice.

Another thing I need to work on, is getting sleep. I've ready many studies that people who don't get the right about of sleep tend to gain or stay heavy. Not sure when I'll focus on getting better sleep....maybe once the kids are older. :)

Surprising and Proud

2009-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I weighed myself this morning for the first time since April. I was pleasantly surprised. I figured I was hovering around 240 just because of the crap I've been eating lately, not to mention the lack of exercise. Well, I weighed 233. How cool is that?!? As my ticker says along the side of my blog...only 18 more pounds until I meet my goal for the end of the year.

Makes me wonder if I really have been listening to my body and what it wants. I've tried to keep my food variety kept in moderation as to not deprive myself (this as I just finished a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream).

Now to really find what is working, and improve on those points. Logan, thanks for your advice. You're right and little goals it is. I'll keep you updated as I continue on this journey.

Trying again

2009-07-13T00:13:00.001-07:00

So not sure why I didn't follow through with my goals, but I'm having another go at it. It'll be the same as before only I will accomplish them. LOL

I think some of my biggest hang ups right now are not being able to cook like I want to. The kids don't eat what I do (even though I know they should) and with Loney working nights, I feel like it's not worth the effort. I think more stews, soups, and such are going to be my best friend. Easy to make, easy to re-heat, and not much calories.

I think I'll try to find my kitchen tomorrow...perhaps that will help with some of my issues.

No excuses

2009-06-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

I'm the extreme excuse maker when it comes to my health and exercise. I always put my children and hubby first. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I still need to keep my needs in check as well. If I don't do something about the extra weight I have, I won't be around to do things for my family.

So, starting today:

1. Exercise of some sort for 30 minutes not matter where or what. I'll shoot for 5 days a week by the end of the month.

2. No more sweets. They are my biggest downfall as far as my diet goes. I've got to wean myself off of them for at least 2 months, then only on the rare occation will I have something.

3. Drink more Water! Expecially now that it's getting so hot. I've heard that you're supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces. I'm definately not drinking near enough.

I'm basically only going to focus on those goals for the rest of this month and July. So I guess I should get off my lazy butt and get my 30 minutes in!!

Evil Temptations

2009-04-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Don't even start on the evils of candy. Why can't I resist the yummy goodness of M&M's. Mom...stop buying them for your candy dish!! Especially the scrumptious dark chocolate.....

And then there's the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hearts, Eggs, Pumpkins and Trees. How can something sooo good be sooo bad?!?

Needless to say, my goals this week haven't been met. Luckily it's only Tuesday and I have the rest of the week to make up for the candy binge I had this weekend. Now to stay out of the kid's stash.

April Goals

2009-04-07T09:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, I figured since it's still early in April I can post what I'm going to accomplish this month.

Walk 5-6 days a week to get myself used to exercizing. If I say only 3 days a week, I know I'll fail because I'll work out Monday....then before I know it, Saturday will roll around and I haven't done any more walking. So if I have more days I'm committed to, then I'll keep it up.

I'll be walking 2 miles this month (30 minutes) using the Walk Slim system mom has. I'm already feeling better doing it.

I also plan to cut back on the sweets and such. I'm going to watch what I eat and just try not to go overboard. Basically if I end up giving in to temptation I'll forgive myself and start again the next day instead of beat myself up and eat more of the same old thing.

That's all I'm going to focus on for this month. It's mostly to get an exercise routine set in place so I won't fail this time. This is a lifestyle change for me as well as my family. I'm hoping Jordan and Melody will follow mom's example and get active. If I'm active...I'll be more inclined to get them moving around.

Down again

2009-04-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

So I weighed myself last Thursday and I'm down another 2 pounds. Of course this has been since I weighed on March 12th, but a loss is a loss. I've started walking again. 2 miles in 30 minutes. I'm going to stick with this routine 5-6 days a week for a month. This is just for me to get used to exercising.

I'm trying to make better food choices as well, but eating three handfuls of m&m's doesn't help. I have been really good though with not picking up goodies to have in the house when I'm at the grocery store like I used to. I really need to get a menu made up with what I'll eat for lunch and dinner so as to have it all on hand. Any suggestions on good recipes are always welcome.

Just an update...

2009-03-25T22:21:00.001-07:00

Been doing so so since I last posted. I weighed myself on mom's scale last week, and I was the same. That's a good thing. I'll weigh myself tomorrow and I'm hoping for another same day. Of course a loss would be great, but I don't think that's gonna happen with the way I've been eating this week. With being out of town and also not being very active from my back being out. That's why I'm hoping for a stay. I'm still optimistic though that this will be the time I change my life.

I had a loss!!

2009-03-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo. I weighed myself this morning, and I'm down 7 pounds from the last time I weighed!! I'm actually now where I was when I got pregnant with both kids. Now to just get down to where I weighed when I had them, then I'd be even more excited.

I know some of the loss has been because I haven't been able to eat much the past couple days of being sick. So to just keep on eating well, and I won't put it back on. I'm feeling very encouraged.

Playing the Victim

2009-03-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm one of the millions of Americans who watch Biggest Loser. Loney and I even considered applying for the show a year ago which means we would have been on this season. In all the season's I've watched, tonight's show hit me kinda hard. For some reason the confrontation Jillian had with Laura gave me an aha moment. I believe I'm one of those that is playing the victim. That I want acceptance from everyone around me to fill this need inside. Doing things halfway and thinking that's good enough. Obviously it's not! Look at where I'm at. I'm pushing 250 pounds, my knees and legs ache almost constantly, I get headaches frequently, and I know my health is in jeopardy I'm just too scared to see how bad it's gotten.

I've got to focus these feelings I have inside of me and push myself further then I ever have before. I'm afraid of failing and letting everyone down. Letting myself down. I'm afraid that maybe I don't have it in me to succeed. That it's too hard. Where has taken the easy way gotten me? An early grave? A life that is consumed with eating to fill that hole inside of me that can be found in other ways?

I'm not a victim. I am a hero..to myself..to my kids..to my family. I will be the ultimate success story in my book of LIFE. Because if I am successful, I can then help others become successful. Whether they be my children living a full and healthy life I didn't have..up until now, or other so called "victims" like me who need a swift kick in the butt to get the fire burning.

Stay tuned and to anyone who is following my journey, keep me in line and remind me why I am no longer a victim to my life of "easy".

"[It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Psalms 18:32

"Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength." Proverbs 8:14

Neglectful

2009-02-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

I know, I've neglected this blog, and really I've neglected myself. Just no drive, no desire, and no umph to get this going. I know, it's just a cop out. I guess I just really need to sit down and find out why I'm sabotaging myself ALL of the time. One excuse over the other. My house is a mess, my kids are whiney, I'm too tired, I'll do it tomorrow. The excuses never end. I deserve a better life, I can achieve my ideals. I'm better than the rut I'm stuck in. Set backs are inevitable, things happen, but the excuses aren't worth my life. They aren't worth my children having a mother who is too tired to play with them outside. They just aren't worth it. I'm worth more then an excuse.

I'M WORTH MORE!!!!

A little behind...

2009-01-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

I've not done the best this past week or so. This stressful weekend, I did eat almost everything in site, and made one excuse or another why I wouldn't walk/exercise. I've got to make that commitment to change my life. That I am in control. I need to stop sabotaging myself and get moving. It's not going to fall off by itself, only I can lose this weight.

I'm just so frustrated.

A Good Start

2009-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

So I've had a pretty good start this past week. I walked with my SIL for 3 days this past week. I hope to continue to walk at least 4-5 days a week. I tried the Yoga DVD as well, and although it was super hard I felt pretty good afterwards. It was a little difficult to do since Melody decided to climb on my legs and back while I was in some of the positions. What a stinker.

I've not been eating terribly, but I figured this month I'd focus on moving more rather then my food. Of course it will be in the back of my mind to pay attention to what I eat so as to not go overboard.

Achievement

2009-01-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

The buzz these days is to pick a word to best represent 2009. I finally found mine: Achievement. That's what I need to strive for. To achieve my goals I set whether it be weight loss, spiritual inspiration, mundane duties. I can and will achieve those things I set my mind to. What about you?

I've been doing so good these past couple of days. My eating is ok, but I've walked (walk away the pounds) 2 miles so far since yesterday. I plan on doing the DVD 5-6 days a week. It helps that I'm the motivator for Susan. Some sort of motivation is what I need to get going. I also bought a Biggest Loser Yoga DVD and did some tonight...whoa boy. It was tough but I feel better after doing most of it. Melody was trying to help me ;). This has got to be my year. I can feel myself getting sicker by the day.

I told my mom that this was my time. She's leaving me to serve the Lord with my dad and I promised her I would get healthy. Her weight for me to be at is 170. Actually she said 165, but that's my ideal weight, so anywhere in the area is perfect. I've got a long way to go, but I can do it. I have it in me to not hold back. To better myself and my family. Only I can change myself and set the tone and example for others. I pray for strength to carry that burden and not get discouraged. I will have those awful moments of weakness and want to give up. I pray I will get past the hurting, the sadness, the dispair, whatever lies ahead. I can't hide anymore or ignore the inevitable. I won't give up hope.

Losing Hope

2008-10-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know what my hold up is. I know I'm not getting enough sleep, but that's no excuse for getting something done. I'm getting frustrated and not sure where to turn. I know that I don't need to have access to a pool, but I soo enjoy swimming. I know that having sidewalks aren't important, but I wish we had some around here. I'm just at a loss at what to do, and I just have a hard time with eating so much junk.

Still nothing

2008-09-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

I'm at a stand still. No progress being made with my weight loss, but at least I haven't been gaining. I've been able to weigh myself on my MIL's scale, and it's not as bad as I had originally thought. Just gotta plug along and find that nitch that will keep me motiviated. Now that it's getting cooler, I'm thinking of going for a walk with the kids after dinner. Will be good for them to get out of the house, as well as me. At least I'm not beating myself up over all of this.

Mistakes

2008-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

A lady over at Faith Sisters posted the 8 mistakes you can make while trying to lose weight. I decided to post them here so it's easier for me to find them. I'm still not doing the best I can...yet, but I'm determined.

1. Get more sleep. After a very short period of time (about 6 nights), studies show that your glucose levels can rise if you get only 4 to 7 hours of sleep each night. New parents are excluded, but everyone else should try to hit the 8 hour mark as often as you can and get to bed BEFORE midnight. Every hour of rest before 12 a.m. is twice as valuable as the hours after midnight: Our cortisol levels are lowest before midnight therefore our recovery is the highest.

I'm super bad about this one. It really isn't very often that I'm in bed before 1:30. Partly because Loney doesn't get home until just before then..but it's no excuse. I'm sure if I change this even by going to bed before Midnight I'll probably see a change right away.

2. Eating fewer refined and processed foods. Avoid fast and fried food and try to consume as many real foods as you can. It's also imperative to get enough fiber (helps with elimination); fruits and veggies are a great way to fill up.

I don't even know if I want to discuss this one. Eating more fruits and veggies is a must. Just really hard sometimes when we're kinda in limbo with our house. I know..that's no excuse.

3. Avoid sugary drinks and reach for more water. Water is great for so many things like digestion, eliminating toxins in the body, and transporting important nutrients to our cells which need energy to burn calories. Americans drink 20% of their calories, so be careful of that silent pitfall.

I really should drink more water. I really try, but sometimes it's just not enough. In time it will be though, I won't crave the sugary drinks...even the diet ones. Super sugary drinks are gross.

4. Get to know your kitchen. I realize it takes more work, but the simple truth is we eat out or order in too often. There is a greater opportunity to control what is in your food if you cook it yourself.

I'm really bad about this, especially around lunchtime. I'm not sure why I want to eat out so much for lunch, but I do. Probably because it's easier with the kids. I need to lead by example.

5. Slow down. When you do sit down to a meal, don't woof it down. Our culture encourages eating while driving or sitting at our desks. The only time we seem to sit down and our food is at Thanksgiving. The monks chew each bite of food 100 times (which is excessive), but they also eat only until they are full. They recognize that chewing their food more makes it easier for the body to digest.

This is a big problem of mine. I grew up in a big family and probably had it in my head that if I didn't eat fast...there wouldn't be any left. I know it's bad for me so it's something I need to concentrate on.

6. Breathe. There are so many days that I don't breathe deeply. In the morning, mid-afternoon, and at the end of the day take a 10 conscious, belly-deep breaths. Close your eyes, pull that air deep into your stomach via your nose and let all the junk out through your mouth. Whether its a stressful day, or you just want to start and end your day on the right foot, breathing is important.

I think this is one you take for granted. I find that when I just relax and take some deep breathes I feel better. I think this is one I need to take to heart.

7. Don't starve yourself. Oddly enough some of you may not be eating enough, and the lack of calories is putting your body into save mode. Our bodies are so brilliant, and if they aren't getting enough food, your metabolism will tell your body to store each and every calorie it receives or to make energy from whatever muscle tissue you have. Not good. Oh and by the way, don't skip breakfast. People who skip breakfast are over 4 times more likely to be overweight.

How many are guilty of this one?!? I try not to starve myself, just get so busy with everyone else, I just forget. I need to eat when I feel hungry and start slow. I need to learn to read when my body is full...kinda goes along with the eating slower.

8. Do more than exercise. Even if you are working out, you can't eat and drink whatever you want. It really is a three sided puzzle: balancing exercise, food, and (oh yes) the spirit (which stress and happiness play into).

Should be a no brainer right?!? WRONG! I've always not likes exercise...could be why I'm having issues huh. It's no excuse to not move more. Now that it's getting cooler outside, I just need to take my kids for a walk to start with. We'll have some quality time together, and it'll be good for all of us. I need to find what's right for me (besides swimming ::crying over this one::) and stick with it.

In the next few days, I'll write a list of commitments on here that I'm willing to change/try. Perhaps having it written down will help me too.

Horrible Start

2008-08-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so all I've accomplished so far is beautifying this blog. I have yet to get a plan set forth to follow as far as the weight loss goes. Perhaps in the next couple of days I'll come up with the first steps I'm gonna take and just take it nice and easy.

I did want to say though, that I'm so proud of Loney. He has lost soo much weight with in the last few years. It's almost like I have the 25 year old man back in my life, only better. I only hope I can get crackin' so I can look as good as he does.

And so it begins

2008-08-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a weight loss blog to help me document my journey. I've started and stopped for years, and I think one of the main things that has held me back is the accountibility. Perhaps this blog will help in that aspect. I know there will be the good times and bad, but as long as I progress to my goal, then it'll all be worth it. Perhaps I'll be able to show my kids the struggles I went through so they don't have to go through the same thing.