Enjoyment, education, entertainment, excitement, experience, and exercise. Six great concepts that all start with the letter ‘E’ and half a dozen things that I was able to put into practice all at once today.
What might this adventure have been, you ask? My husband planned a surprise outing and we ended up taking a swordplay class. It was awesome! Wow, did I ever sweat! They make you work pretty hard, plus I still have that type of body where a little movement goes a long way so I am feeling really tired now.
The instructor started us off with about ten minutes of warm up moves that included lunges, stretches, and throwing a medicine ball. We also played a game where three objects are tossed around the circle from person to person in an attempt to keep them moving but not ending up on the ground; that one got my heart rate up too since there is a lot of bobbing and weaving involved.
Finally we got to the swordplay which required a lot of balance and a good dose of both upper and lower body strength. The footwork is very specific so my legs and glutes got a workout, and the swords aren’t exactly light so swinging them around as much as we did has left my arms slightly limp.
I had an incredible time and I am so happy that I had fun while doing something that is great for my body. Now I just need to explain to my husband that suits of armor are not easily justified in my health plan as appropriate walking attire.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Quickie
This will be a really fast post since I have to get up earlier than usual in the morning. Hopefully I will write something brilliant tomorrow! I am feeling like I slacked on the exercise today, but because I normally do the bulk of it later in the evening I am kind of missing out since I have to go to bed already. Weird. I just realized I wish I had more time to workout. Am I a sicko or what?
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 1/2 cups of lemon and garlic green beans
- 2 cups of celery with 2 Tb. of peanut butter
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 cup of chicken stir fry
- 1 small bite of tiramisu
- 1 piece of zucchini and chocolate chip bread with butter
- 2 cups of broccoli with Mexican dip and hummus
- 1 cup of blueberries
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of 15 squats
- 2 sets of 30 stomach crunches
- 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 1/2 cups of lemon and garlic green beans
- 2 cups of celery with 2 Tb. of peanut butter
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 cup of chicken stir fry
- 1 small bite of tiramisu
- 1 piece of zucchini and chocolate chip bread with butter
- 2 cups of broccoli with Mexican dip and hummus
- 1 cup of blueberries
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of 15 squats
- 2 sets of 30 stomach crunches
- 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Thoughts
Thanks to everyone who commented on last night’s entry; I was thrilled with such a large response! I would also like to mention that the green beans I had yesterday were made from a recipe that ‘S.’ posted at her blog, Ethereal Endeavor – that’s right, I actually cooked! They were very tasty, just like she promised, but I should note that I used regular broth instead of low sodium, tabasco instead of cayenne, and basil instead of thyme since those ingredients were already available in my house and needed to be used up.
I don’t have much on the agenda for today, although there is a good chance we will end up at our friends’ place this evening. I will be packing up my pre-cut vegetables just in case they break out some of the snacks I am trying to avoid.
I have lots of things that have been bouncing around in my head – ideas for posts and just topics that I have been pondering of late – and I think that it is good that my mind is naturally turning towards this subject area. One of the very first comments I got on this blog recommended getting educated about nutrition as a way to encourage success. I believe that I have slowly been doing this, and my hope is for the thought process to expand even more so that this contemplation of my healthier lifestyle continues to be reflected in my choices and actions.
I don’t have much on the agenda for today, although there is a good chance we will end up at our friends’ place this evening. I will be packing up my pre-cut vegetables just in case they break out some of the snacks I am trying to avoid.
I have lots of things that have been bouncing around in my head – ideas for posts and just topics that I have been pondering of late – and I think that it is good that my mind is naturally turning towards this subject area. One of the very first comments I got on this blog recommended getting educated about nutrition as a way to encourage success. I believe that I have slowly been doing this, and my hope is for the thought process to expand even more so that this contemplation of my healthier lifestyle continues to be reflected in my choices and actions.
The Need For Fast Food
My husband and I were having a conversation today and he mentioned that one of his co-workers was looking forward to the prospect of having his child grow up so that he and his wife can get back to eating healthy. His premise was that their lives are currently too busy to lead a healthier lifestyle and that fast food and take out are basically all they can find the time to eat.
I hesitate to write this, because journaling it is an admission of having – and thereby creating the necessity to live by – this knowledge, but that argument is completely false. This man’s idea that the greasy options at the drive through window are the only way to feed oneself when pressed for time just couldn’t be further from the truth. I wish it wasn’t so! I would love to continue using that as one of my own all time favorite excuses for persevering with unhealthy habits, but I now know better.
In today’s society, fast food is indeed prevalent, but so are the menu options that have largely followed suit with the general public's desire for better choices. I can't think of a single drive through that doesn't offer a salad. Yogurts, fresh fruit, bottled water, vegetarian meals, whole wheat bread products, and many other items are available at most convenience restaurants nowadays.
When ordering in or picking up take out food it is just as easy to ask for the options that include vegetables as it is to order saucy or fatty items. Steamed rice instead of noodles, grilled without the skin instead of batter drenched, Caesar salad instead of pasta, vegetarian instead of meat lovers, tomato sauce instead of cream, chicken or fish instead of beef or lamb, fruit salad instead of cheesecake, thin crust instead of cheese stuffed... these are just a few examples of how altering our ordering habits can bring benefits without increasing the time needed to obtain food on the go.
Frozen dinners are another huge contender for providing the quick fix when short on the opportunity to prepare a proper meal. Yet even these prepackaged time-savers offer a wide variety of healthier options. There are even purely broccoli, cauliflower, mixed veggies, etc. varieties that I know are just as easy to find as the macaroni and cheese or rib style pork complete with brownie.
I would love to keep on kidding myself that the world just isn't built to accommodate a healthy lifestyle when a person is constantly moving from one project to the next, but the reality is that there are so many choices available that it is our own failings that create this false belief. I know that it is simpler to order the cheeseburger and fries to comfort oneself when holding onto the idea that it is all that is available, but I am also aware of too much evidence to the contrary now. I have quite literally eaten the apple of knowledge and cannot turn back towards ignorance.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 cups of grapes
- 2 cups of green leaf lettuce with light Caesar dressing and croutons
- 2 scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper
- 6-inch sub on a parmesan oregano bun with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, onion, light mayonnaise, mustard, and pepper
- 2 1/2 cups of lemon and garlic green beans
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 20 minutes of walking completed in two outings (1 hour and 5 minutes long and 15 minutes long)
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of 15 squats
I hesitate to write this, because journaling it is an admission of having – and thereby creating the necessity to live by – this knowledge, but that argument is completely false. This man’s idea that the greasy options at the drive through window are the only way to feed oneself when pressed for time just couldn’t be further from the truth. I wish it wasn’t so! I would love to continue using that as one of my own all time favorite excuses for persevering with unhealthy habits, but I now know better.
In today’s society, fast food is indeed prevalent, but so are the menu options that have largely followed suit with the general public's desire for better choices. I can't think of a single drive through that doesn't offer a salad. Yogurts, fresh fruit, bottled water, vegetarian meals, whole wheat bread products, and many other items are available at most convenience restaurants nowadays.
When ordering in or picking up take out food it is just as easy to ask for the options that include vegetables as it is to order saucy or fatty items. Steamed rice instead of noodles, grilled without the skin instead of batter drenched, Caesar salad instead of pasta, vegetarian instead of meat lovers, tomato sauce instead of cream, chicken or fish instead of beef or lamb, fruit salad instead of cheesecake, thin crust instead of cheese stuffed... these are just a few examples of how altering our ordering habits can bring benefits without increasing the time needed to obtain food on the go.
Frozen dinners are another huge contender for providing the quick fix when short on the opportunity to prepare a proper meal. Yet even these prepackaged time-savers offer a wide variety of healthier options. There are even purely broccoli, cauliflower, mixed veggies, etc. varieties that I know are just as easy to find as the macaroni and cheese or rib style pork complete with brownie.
I would love to keep on kidding myself that the world just isn't built to accommodate a healthy lifestyle when a person is constantly moving from one project to the next, but the reality is that there are so many choices available that it is our own failings that create this false belief. I know that it is simpler to order the cheeseburger and fries to comfort oneself when holding onto the idea that it is all that is available, but I am also aware of too much evidence to the contrary now. I have quite literally eaten the apple of knowledge and cannot turn back towards ignorance.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 cups of grapes
- 2 cups of green leaf lettuce with light Caesar dressing and croutons
- 2 scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper
- 6-inch sub on a parmesan oregano bun with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, onion, light mayonnaise, mustard, and pepper
- 2 1/2 cups of lemon and garlic green beans
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 20 minutes of walking completed in two outings (1 hour and 5 minutes long and 15 minutes long)
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of 15 squats
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Incredible Shrinking Woman?
Does your stomach actually shrink if you eat less? This is something that has been bouncing around in my head for the past couple of days since I have been experiencing a slight decrease in my desire to eat. I know that I have heard this belief repeated like folklore again and again, but I have never heard any science to back up the claim.
I investigated online and found a wide array of conflicting information. Some say that the statement is true while others claim that it is no more than a myth. The thing is though, most have no data to back up their assertions.
The viewpoint that seems to offer a sliver of credibility came from the few who expressed a somewhat middle ground way of thinking. According to the information I was able to piece together, since the stomach is an organ it is unlikely to actually shrink, although is is able to stretch if someone consumes enough food on a very regular basis. What it does do is expand and contract depending on the amount of food that is in it.
The proponents of this argument further suggest that it is simply more of a matter of getting used to a lowered food intake that people who switch to smaller portions seem to be experiencing when they report feeling less hungry. Basically, the habit of eating less results in the trigger that signals that full feeling going off sooner.
Does anyone have any further insight into this topic? I am just going off of what I was able to find on the world wide web and may very well be incorrect. I would welcome any contributions to my conclusions, whether they confirm or contradict.
I investigated online and found a wide array of conflicting information. Some say that the statement is true while others claim that it is no more than a myth. The thing is though, most have no data to back up their assertions.
The viewpoint that seems to offer a sliver of credibility came from the few who expressed a somewhat middle ground way of thinking. According to the information I was able to piece together, since the stomach is an organ it is unlikely to actually shrink, although is is able to stretch if someone consumes enough food on a very regular basis. What it does do is expand and contract depending on the amount of food that is in it.
The proponents of this argument further suggest that it is simply more of a matter of getting used to a lowered food intake that people who switch to smaller portions seem to be experiencing when they report feeling less hungry. Basically, the habit of eating less results in the trigger that signals that full feeling going off sooner.
Does anyone have any further insight into this topic? I am just going off of what I was able to find on the world wide web and may very well be incorrect. I would welcome any contributions to my conclusions, whether they confirm or contradict.
It Was A Rewarding Day
Today, to celebrate the weight loss that I have achieved so far, my husband and I went out and bought flowers. I admit it... we totally went overboard.
We intended to buy enough to make a really nice bouquet - just a few bunches to make it a notable and memorable treat and to make it feel like a truly special occasion. It did not exactly go as planned, but I will say that we outdid ourselves. We ended up going to a few different shops so that I could get all of the flowers in the same shade, and I put together an absolutely gorgeous display that I simply have to show off.
I'm so bad! Aren't they beautiful! Please, please don't ask what they cost (eek)!
We intended to buy enough to make a really nice bouquet - just a few bunches to make it a notable and memorable treat and to make it feel like a truly special occasion. It did not exactly go as planned, but I will say that we outdid ourselves. We ended up going to a few different shops so that I could get all of the flowers in the same shade, and I put together an absolutely gorgeous display that I simply have to show off.
I'm so bad! Aren't they beautiful! Please, please don't ask what they cost (eek)!How Do You Reward Your Weight Loss?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Unanswered Questions
Why isn't this harder? I keep on asking myself this question and I really haven't come up with a good answer yet. I truly cannot wrap my head around why I am not having more difficulty sticking to my plan and living this healthier lifestyle.
There have definitely been some very hard moments, and more cravings that I would like to admit to, but overall this has not been nearly the struggle that I had expected. I don't feel like I am staving myself - in fact, I think that I have been eating considerably more now than I was when consuming all the unhealthy stuff. I am not even disliking all the activity.
What has changed this time around? Again, a query that I wish I could respond to with some insight, yet I simply haven't any. I am not sure why I failed all the other times and why these particular efforts seem to be so effective.
I do know that for the first time I feel as if this is something I could do forever. I am unsure as to whether this is simply a honeymoon stage, or a genuine commitment to a new way of living, but I am positive that it is working right now. And I certainly hope that it continues to provide me with the energy, motivation, and enjoyment that is has thus far.
I think that everything I have accomplished over the last few weeks is what I would call my perfect lifestyle. I still want to weigh less to be able to do more of the things I feel like I can't quite physically achieve just yet, but I am doing what feels natural, instinctual, and right.
I know what it is like to battle with weight issues. I have done so for a decade and a half. I have tried so many different fads, diets, and exercise programs in the past and - even if I lost a little weight initially - unfailingly found myself weighing more after those programs than I did when I started. This doesn't appear to be struggle though. This feels more like I'm coming home.
There have definitely been some very hard moments, and more cravings that I would like to admit to, but overall this has not been nearly the struggle that I had expected. I don't feel like I am staving myself - in fact, I think that I have been eating considerably more now than I was when consuming all the unhealthy stuff. I am not even disliking all the activity.
What has changed this time around? Again, a query that I wish I could respond to with some insight, yet I simply haven't any. I am not sure why I failed all the other times and why these particular efforts seem to be so effective.
I do know that for the first time I feel as if this is something I could do forever. I am unsure as to whether this is simply a honeymoon stage, or a genuine commitment to a new way of living, but I am positive that it is working right now. And I certainly hope that it continues to provide me with the energy, motivation, and enjoyment that is has thus far.
I think that everything I have accomplished over the last few weeks is what I would call my perfect lifestyle. I still want to weigh less to be able to do more of the things I feel like I can't quite physically achieve just yet, but I am doing what feels natural, instinctual, and right.
I know what it is like to battle with weight issues. I have done so for a decade and a half. I have tried so many different fads, diets, and exercise programs in the past and - even if I lost a little weight initially - unfailingly found myself weighing more after those programs than I did when I started. This doesn't appear to be struggle though. This feels more like I'm coming home.
Party Time!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who commented on today's weigh-in post. I am so happy with how well things have been going so far, and your interest in and support of my journey means a lot. So many of you said that you see a difference in the starting point and updated photos and it makes me feel really great to know that some changes are noticeable (even if I have a hard time seeing them myself).
After reading all of your remarks I looked at the photos again and I think that because I am holding my arms differently in the two pictures, I am justifying any small improvements in my mind by assuming that it is a trick of the camera. I guess I really am my own worst critic, but it really helps to have all of you telling me that you see improvement and to have you all cheering me on. Thank you so much!
I have to ask: why does it seem like there is an endless number of celebrations - complete, of course, with unhealthy foods - during the summer? It feels like it's one thing after another. There are fairs, day trips, barbecues, birthdays, vacations, and other special events. And the list of fatty, sugary, oily, salty, gooey, battered, and mouth-watering foods that accompany these outings seems to be endless.
Today my challenges were coffee with a friend followed by a simply birthday party. I only had water when I was out with the friend and even turned down part of a brownie that she offered me. At the party, I loaded up my plate with salad, celery, a couple pieces of pita bread, and a piece of chicken. I deftly wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth as I avoided the extra saucy meatballs, cheesy potatoes, and oh-so-tempting large white dinner buns.
The one real issue I had was, surprisingly, with the salad. It had a lot more cheese, croutons, meat, and eggs in it than I realized when I served myself enough to take up half the room on my plate. It was delicious and I actually went back and had a little more, but it had so much high fat content that I feel like I should have stopped part way through my first serving. It's all healthy stuff, I know; I just don't want to slide back into the unhealthy mindset of eating more than I actually need.
On the flip side, my real accomplishment today is that I not only requested just a tiny piece of cake, but I actually threw out most of the small slice I was given. I had planned on four bites and that is exactly how many I had. The rest went right into the garbage without anyone being the wiser. I'm not a fan of wasting food, but I am proud to say that I did what I needed to do!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 1/2 cups of grapes
- 1 cup of pineapple
- 1 small sip of caramel hot chocolate
- 2 whole wheat pita triangles with babaganoush
- 3 cups of salad with deli ham, hard boiled egg, cheese, spinach, tomato, onion, bacon bits, croutons,and blue cheese dressing
- 10 celery sticks
- 1 piece of shake and bake chicken
- 4 bites of chocolate cake
- 1 mug of tea with milk
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
- 45 minute walk
- 2 sets of 10 squats
After reading all of your remarks I looked at the photos again and I think that because I am holding my arms differently in the two pictures, I am justifying any small improvements in my mind by assuming that it is a trick of the camera. I guess I really am my own worst critic, but it really helps to have all of you telling me that you see improvement and to have you all cheering me on. Thank you so much!
I have to ask: why does it seem like there is an endless number of celebrations - complete, of course, with unhealthy foods - during the summer? It feels like it's one thing after another. There are fairs, day trips, barbecues, birthdays, vacations, and other special events. And the list of fatty, sugary, oily, salty, gooey, battered, and mouth-watering foods that accompany these outings seems to be endless.
Today my challenges were coffee with a friend followed by a simply birthday party. I only had water when I was out with the friend and even turned down part of a brownie that she offered me. At the party, I loaded up my plate with salad, celery, a couple pieces of pita bread, and a piece of chicken. I deftly wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth as I avoided the extra saucy meatballs, cheesy potatoes, and oh-so-tempting large white dinner buns.
The one real issue I had was, surprisingly, with the salad. It had a lot more cheese, croutons, meat, and eggs in it than I realized when I served myself enough to take up half the room on my plate. It was delicious and I actually went back and had a little more, but it had so much high fat content that I feel like I should have stopped part way through my first serving. It's all healthy stuff, I know; I just don't want to slide back into the unhealthy mindset of eating more than I actually need.
On the flip side, my real accomplishment today is that I not only requested just a tiny piece of cake, but I actually threw out most of the small slice I was given. I had planned on four bites and that is exactly how many I had. The rest went right into the garbage without anyone being the wiser. I'm not a fan of wasting food, but I am proud to say that I did what I needed to do!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 1/2 cups of grapes
- 1 cup of pineapple
- 1 small sip of caramel hot chocolate
- 2 whole wheat pita triangles with babaganoush
- 3 cups of salad with deli ham, hard boiled egg, cheese, spinach, tomato, onion, bacon bits, croutons,and blue cheese dressing
- 10 celery sticks
- 1 piece of shake and bake chicken
- 4 bites of chocolate cake
- 1 mug of tea with milk
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
- 45 minute walk
- 2 sets of 10 squats
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Weigh-In For Week 4
239.8!!! Out of the 240’s, baby! Woo hoo! Okay, in all honesty I actually stepped on the scale first thing and it read 240.0 and I was very frustrated (come on; give me that percentage of a pound, I thought), so I stepped on again and it showed 239.8. So then I checked two more times, just to be sure, and it read the same: 239.8. Maybe I burned that fraction of a pound stepping up onto the scale the second time!
I wore the same outfit to try and make comparisons easy (sorry, Larkspur, I know you were probably hoping for something more original!). So far I don’t see much of a difference at all, but I was pretty much expecting that so I’m not worried. The measurements are nice, because they do show a loss. In fact, when I add up all the numbers I have lost a total of eight inches from my body so far (actually ten inches, if I account for the fact that I have two arms and two thighs). No wonder my jeans have been feeling slightly loose!
As promised, I am posting a progress picture today and updating my measurements. I am putting both of these into my sidebar as well for easy reference. So, without further ado:
Weight - 239.8 lbs (-14.8)
Bust - 47.0 inches (-3.0)
Waist - 46.0 inches (-2.0)
Hips - 54.0 inches (-1.0)
Arms - 17.0 inches (-0.5)
Thighs - 31.0 inches (-1.5)
Body Mass Index - 37.6 (-2.3)
I wore the same outfit to try and make comparisons easy (sorry, Larkspur, I know you were probably hoping for something more original!). So far I don’t see much of a difference at all, but I was pretty much expecting that so I’m not worried. The measurements are nice, because they do show a loss. In fact, when I add up all the numbers I have lost a total of eight inches from my body so far (actually ten inches, if I account for the fact that I have two arms and two thighs). No wonder my jeans have been feeling slightly loose!
True Beauty
I’m going to guess that most people out there have already seen these, but I just love them and am feeling the need to share. These are all commercials put out by Dove in their Campaign For True Beauty. I feel like it is a very relevant message since so many of us are battling with our weight. A healthy lifestyle is one thing, but we need to remain conscious of the fact that no matter what we look like, we are the perfect versions of ourselves.
Please be warned that there are a couple of very fast images with needles in the last film. For those wondering whether to bother watching these or not, they all run between thirty seconds and under a minute and a half and are, in my opinion, very worth the time. Remember that you are all beautiful!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-37_5Vko_Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSjh52fGTg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWNYndqFTR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vilUhBhNnQc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_wIXAP8iAg
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 10 glasses of water throughout the day
- 6 prune plums
- 1 cup of Caramel Kettle Corn Crispy Mini Rice Chips
- 1 1/2 cups of celery with 2 Tb. peanut butter
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with roasted chicken, grated cheese, garden tomato, garden pepper, garden cucumber, green onion, mushroom, green leaf lettuce, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
- 1 cup of pineapple
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
- 30 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 4 sets of 30 stomach crunches (2 straight, 1 right, and 1 left)
- 2 sets of 10 squats
- 15 minute walk
Please be warned that there are a couple of very fast images with needles in the last film. For those wondering whether to bother watching these or not, they all run between thirty seconds and under a minute and a half and are, in my opinion, very worth the time. Remember that you are all beautiful!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-37_5Vko_Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSjh52fGTg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWNYndqFTR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vilUhBhNnQc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_wIXAP8iAg
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 10 glasses of water throughout the day
- 6 prune plums
- 1 cup of Caramel Kettle Corn Crispy Mini Rice Chips
- 1 1/2 cups of celery with 2 Tb. peanut butter
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with roasted chicken, grated cheese, garden tomato, garden pepper, garden cucumber, green onion, mushroom, green leaf lettuce, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
- 1 cup of pineapple
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
- 30 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 4 sets of 30 stomach crunches (2 straight, 1 right, and 1 left)
- 2 sets of 10 squats
- 15 minute walk
Friday, September 4, 2009
Soon
Walking the path towards a healthier lifestyle can be a very difficult, and often lonely, way to travel to a better state of being. I have only been given one life, and I refuse anymore to sit by the sidelines and watch everyone else around me doing the things that I dream of doing. Don't get me wrong - I am not generally held back by emotions or psyching myself out - it is only the physical restrictions that I currently have that occasionally make things difficult.
I have one dear friend in particular who really doesn't understand this. She is not only naturally very slender, but also incredibly fit. She simply does not fathom how someone could be held back because of their weight, and just assumes that it is a mental block. She is a lovely soul who has the type of hard body that could climb Everest tomorrow if she so chose, but unfortunately she will probably never comprehend that, being in the shape I am currently in, I would likely die attempting a similar feat.
I would love to go indoor rock climbing, do simulated skydiving, or climb one of the mountains of the world, but I can't. Not yet. But I will. Every one of these things I want to do and will do.
Soon I will be able to regularly haul my frame up the face of a fake cliff without tumbling towards the ground again and again after progressing no more than a few feet. Soon I will have the option of participating in indoor skydiving because my weight will match the restrictions that are in place. Soon I will conquer one of the uphill paths that curve their way around one of this land's innumerable mountains. Soon I will tear through the shackles I have created for myself and no longer feel the limitations of my weight. Soon.
I have one dear friend in particular who really doesn't understand this. She is not only naturally very slender, but also incredibly fit. She simply does not fathom how someone could be held back because of their weight, and just assumes that it is a mental block. She is a lovely soul who has the type of hard body that could climb Everest tomorrow if she so chose, but unfortunately she will probably never comprehend that, being in the shape I am currently in, I would likely die attempting a similar feat.
I would love to go indoor rock climbing, do simulated skydiving, or climb one of the mountains of the world, but I can't. Not yet. But I will. Every one of these things I want to do and will do.
Soon I will be able to regularly haul my frame up the face of a fake cliff without tumbling towards the ground again and again after progressing no more than a few feet. Soon I will have the option of participating in indoor skydiving because my weight will match the restrictions that are in place. Soon I will conquer one of the uphill paths that curve their way around one of this land's innumerable mountains. Soon I will tear through the shackles I have created for myself and no longer feel the limitations of my weight. Soon.
Measuring Up
I have been thinking about how often I should post progress pics and update my measurements. I figure that, even if the progression of weight loss is slow to show, it is still worth recording the changes more often than less. I want to revel in what is being accomplished now and as I take this journey, not to just save it up for one finale upon the completion of my goal.
So, with that in mind, I have decided that the best thing to do is note those overall improvements once every few weeks. I think a good time to record that type of information is on a day when I am already doing an official weigh-in, so I am hoping to be posting an updated photo along with new measurements on the first Saturday of every month.
I am not expecting any huge improvements right off the bat, but I do think it will be good for me to have a visual and concrete numbers comparison. In addition to wanting to recognize what I have already done, my desire is also to fuel the flame for wanting more changes. So far I have been doing well, but I don't want feeling good to replace the reality that I am still obese and still have a long way to go. I want to celebrate every little victory, but also ensure that I don't start thinking that I can take a break just because I can walk up a hill without stopping to catch my breath.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 12 glasses of water throughout the day
- 3 bites of a banana
- 1 large apple
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with roasted chicken, grated cheese, garden tomato, garden pepper, garden cucumber, green onion, green leaf lettuce, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 6 large cranberry and hazelnut crackers
- 1 cup of pineapple
- 1 cob of corn with margarine
- 1/4 cup of Crunchy Cinnamon Fruit To Go Apple Chips
- 2 1/2 cups of broccoli and cauliflower with rancher’s choice fat free dressing
EXERCISE:
- 45 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 1 set of 5 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
- 4 sets of 30 stomach crunches (2 straight, 1 right, and 1 left)
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
So, with that in mind, I have decided that the best thing to do is note those overall improvements once every few weeks. I think a good time to record that type of information is on a day when I am already doing an official weigh-in, so I am hoping to be posting an updated photo along with new measurements on the first Saturday of every month.
I am not expecting any huge improvements right off the bat, but I do think it will be good for me to have a visual and concrete numbers comparison. In addition to wanting to recognize what I have already done, my desire is also to fuel the flame for wanting more changes. So far I have been doing well, but I don't want feeling good to replace the reality that I am still obese and still have a long way to go. I want to celebrate every little victory, but also ensure that I don't start thinking that I can take a break just because I can walk up a hill without stopping to catch my breath.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 12 glasses of water throughout the day
- 3 bites of a banana
- 1 large apple
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with roasted chicken, grated cheese, garden tomato, garden pepper, garden cucumber, green onion, green leaf lettuce, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 6 large cranberry and hazelnut crackers
- 1 cup of pineapple
- 1 cob of corn with margarine
- 1/4 cup of Crunchy Cinnamon Fruit To Go Apple Chips
- 2 1/2 cups of broccoli and cauliflower with rancher’s choice fat free dressing
EXERCISE:
- 45 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 1 set of 5 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
- 4 sets of 30 stomach crunches (2 straight, 1 right, and 1 left)
- 2 sets of 10 lunges for each leg
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Yay & Blech!
The first person asked me today if I am losing weight! Now granted, it was my mother, but I am still really happy with the confirmation that it is just starting to be mildly noticeable. It was extra nice that she emphasized that she could really tell the difference.
On a more disturbing note, the first thing I grabbed to eat this morning was the last banana - slightly spotted on the outside as it has been in the house for a few days. I peeled the first couple of inches and took a few bites, then peel a little more and notice an oddly dark, tiny bruise further down the banana... with something sticking out... and moving. Yack! It was a tiny worm! Needless to say that sucker was quickly double bagged and tossed.
Ugh. I hate the thought of live critters in my food. Yes, I know I eat meat. Yes, I know there is an acceptable amount of bugs that always ends up being finely ground into bread products. But... ewwww! I'll tell you this much: the apple I have beside me right now sure got a thorough inspection.
On a more disturbing note, the first thing I grabbed to eat this morning was the last banana - slightly spotted on the outside as it has been in the house for a few days. I peeled the first couple of inches and took a few bites, then peel a little more and notice an oddly dark, tiny bruise further down the banana... with something sticking out... and moving. Yack! It was a tiny worm! Needless to say that sucker was quickly double bagged and tossed.
Ugh. I hate the thought of live critters in my food. Yes, I know I eat meat. Yes, I know there is an acceptable amount of bugs that always ends up being finely ground into bread products. But... ewwww! I'll tell you this much: the apple I have beside me right now sure got a thorough inspection.
I Think I Might Have Overdone It
It's not the food that I may have overdone, but the exercise. Ugh! My legs are killing me. Also, my glutes and feet are in some pain right now too. I really didn't do all that much - just two walks - but I really pushed myself for over an hour on the second one, plus I was on my feet for a lot of the day. I think I may need to go for a nice, hot soak in the tub.
I did superbly at the mini fair this afternoon. I had one hot dog but managed to avoid cheeseburgers, cotton candy, and snow cones. Plus, at the very end of the day I walked right past a McDonald's without more than a cursory glance. One small confession: I actually let myself be talked out of the whole wheat bun by a friend.
Seriously, I am feeling stiff. I will try to do a more in depth post tomorrow, but right now I either need to move around or submerge myself in hot water. I hope this passes by morning...
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 1 1/2 cups of a veggie platter with mushrooms, carrots, celery, and cauliflower with rancher’s choice fat free dressing
- 1 hot dog on a white bun with relish and mustard
- 1 small mandarin orange
- 1 nectarine
- 1 pear
- 1 cup of steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and baby potatoes
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 35 minutes of walking completed in 2 outings (25 minutes long and 1 hour and 10 minutes long)
I did superbly at the mini fair this afternoon. I had one hot dog but managed to avoid cheeseburgers, cotton candy, and snow cones. Plus, at the very end of the day I walked right past a McDonald's without more than a cursory glance. One small confession: I actually let myself be talked out of the whole wheat bun by a friend.
Seriously, I am feeling stiff. I will try to do a more in depth post tomorrow, but right now I either need to move around or submerge myself in hot water. I hope this passes by morning...
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 1 1/2 cups of a veggie platter with mushrooms, carrots, celery, and cauliflower with rancher’s choice fat free dressing
- 1 hot dog on a white bun with relish and mustard
- 1 small mandarin orange
- 1 nectarine
- 1 pear
- 1 cup of steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and baby potatoes
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 35 minutes of walking completed in 2 outings (25 minutes long and 1 hour and 10 minutes long)
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