Monday, November 30, 2009
Last Day For The Giveaway
Today is the last day of November and, therefore, the last day to comment on the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway! Please, if you haven’t yet left a remark on the post consider doing so now! We are more than two-thirds of the way to reaching our goal, but there are still lots of opportunities for people to help make my, and the other four generous donors’, wallets a little slimmer! If you missed out on the explanation, every person who leaves a comment on this post means that $5 will be given to help the less fortunate. Also, if a person links back to the post from their blog (and returns to leave a second remark) another $5 will be donated. A few seconds of writing is all it takes for you to make a huge difference, so please think about commenting to help reach the total goal of $500. Thank you!
Atta Girl!
I received the Atta Girl Award from Diane at Fit to the Finish today! What a fantastic badge to be recognized with… I am honoured that someone thinks I have or will make a difference with what I write on this blog. Thank you, Diane!I did a lot of running around earlier in the day, but once I got home I was working on Christmas presents for the majority of the evening so I didn’t move off the couch too much once I settled in. I finally realized that it was starting to get late and that I had not worked out yet - just like yesterday, when the whole day kind of escaped me - so I told myself that I needed to get active.
I am tempted here to say that sometimes my inner sloth still wants to take over, but I think that it is more a case of me getting busy again with the approaching holidays and not properly budgeting enough time to get everything done. At least, that is what I am telling myself. I am taking the gentler approach with me tonight!
I have lots of things floating around in my head - none of which are particularly related to this weight loss journey - and I have found it a bit distracting the past few days. The main thing I was able to decipher from the jumble of thoughts, when out with my husband this afternoon, is that I am having trouble getting excited about Christmas. That may not seem like too big of a deal considering we are still technically in November, but I am normally the very first person to start being energized by the approaching season. I love this time of year - absolutely love it! But, I haven’t yet been able to embody the spirit like I have in the past. I just wish I could capture the essence of midwinter for more than the few fleeting moments I have managed here and there over the last couple of weeks.
Anyhow, I don’t mean to ramble on about a non-health related issue, but I guess it is really bothering me. I wonder if there are any Santa lead aerobics videos online? That would certainly get me into the swing of the season while staying focused on the weight loss plan. I always knew multitasking served a grand purpose!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 toasted whole wheat English muffin with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 8 pieces of a dynamite sushi roll with soy sauce
- 1 mug of steamed eggnog mixed with steamed soy milk
- 1 banana
- 2 cups Caesar salad with fat free dressing and croutons
EXERCISE:
- 35 minute walk with jogging intervals
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Poor Performance
Wow, did this day ever get away from me… I am all out of time, all out of excuses, and all out of the ability to think up something clever to write. It is what it is.
I just did a set of stomach crunches to not feel like the day was a total write off. I’m not sure how tomorrow will go either, unfortunately, because I have a very early start and am unlikely to even have the time to post in the morning. Yeah. This certainly won’t ever make the top of my list for days I feel contributed to my overall weight loss. What a waste…
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 Mandarin oranges
- 1 cup of canned peaches
- 1 sandwich on whole wheat bread with sliced deli chicken, cheese, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 2 egg omelet with red and yellow peppers
- 1 glass of caramel macchiato soy milk
- 1/2 cup fat free chocolate pudding
- 1 celery stalk with tzatziki yogurt dressing
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
EXERCISE:
- 50 stomach crunches
I just did a set of stomach crunches to not feel like the day was a total write off. I’m not sure how tomorrow will go either, unfortunately, because I have a very early start and am unlikely to even have the time to post in the morning. Yeah. This certainly won’t ever make the top of my list for days I feel contributed to my overall weight loss. What a waste…
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water throughout the day
- 2 Mandarin oranges
- 1 cup of canned peaches
- 1 sandwich on whole wheat bread with sliced deli chicken, cheese, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 2 egg omelet with red and yellow peppers
- 1 glass of caramel macchiato soy milk
- 1/2 cup fat free chocolate pudding
- 1 celery stalk with tzatziki yogurt dressing
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
EXERCISE:
- 50 stomach crunches
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Weigh-In For Week 16
Well, I honestly was not expecting to lose so much this week given the slow start, but I am totally thrilled to report a five pound drop! I weighed in this morning at 195.4 which means that I have shed just over seventy pounds from my highest weight and just about sixty in the past three and a half months! November 25 was the day I actually slipped into onederland, but today is the first time I am putting an official number on my sidebar that starts with a ‘1’. Sometimes it’s the little things that make this journey so exciting and satisfying!
Speaking of exciting and satisfying – no, not that! *wink* – I would like to profusely thank Kimberley for also offering to match dollar for dollar whatever is raised for the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway! The donation has more than doubled in size since yesterday and we are currently exactly half way to reaching goal. With Kimberley's contribution, along with the other three fabulous donors and myself, you now have the potential to help raise up to $500 for those less fortunate, so if you haven’t yet commented on the post, please check it out! Each new commenter basically helps commit $5 to the cause at no cost to themselves!
Together we can reach all of our goals!!!
Speaking of exciting and satisfying – no, not that! *wink* – I would like to profusely thank Kimberley for also offering to match dollar for dollar whatever is raised for the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway! The donation has more than doubled in size since yesterday and we are currently exactly half way to reaching goal. With Kimberley's contribution, along with the other three fabulous donors and myself, you now have the potential to help raise up to $500 for those less fortunate, so if you haven’t yet commented on the post, please check it out! Each new commenter basically helps commit $5 to the cause at no cost to themselves!
Together we can reach all of our goals!!!
Challenge Check-In And Scribbling Away
A big thanks to Dawne from 365 Days To A New Me for bestowing the Superior Scribbler Award unto me! I just love these things! Not only do I feel as though some wonderful honour has been given to me whenever I receive something like this, but I also generally get to pass on the accolade to other worthy recipients!The guidelines for this award are set out as follows:
1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the award on to five most deserving bloggers.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and the name of the blog from whom s/he has received the award.
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog, and link to The Scholastic Scribe, which explains the award.
4. Each blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List (I actually couldn’t figure out where to add my name so if you do please let me know). That way, they'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honour.
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
So I happily offer this fun badge of recognition to a small number of the wonderful bloggers out there:
1. Diane at Fit To The Finish
2. Jack at Jack Sh*t, Gettin' Fit
3. Jenn at Watch My Butt Shrink!
4. Sean at The Daily Diary Of A Winning Loser
5. The Whole Team at Cranky Fitness
Onto another fun blogging element, it is time for those participating in the Looking to the Future Christmas Challenge to leave remarks confirming their continued participation and offering up some updated statistics. I know a few of you have had a hard go of it this last week, but stay strong! This challenge is much more about keeping focused and the support we can give to one another than about a specific number. Remember that the weekly check-in comment you leave is one more entry to win the dream catcher.
I did manage to get in a really great, long, dry walk today, but the workout video I was contemplating just didn’t happen. My back is killing me for some reason (I have a pillow behind me as I type this to try and relieve it a bit) so I figured continuing to exert myself was not the way to go. I am one of those people who get random aches and pains every now and then, but they tend to not amount to much at all so I am hoping this ache will be gone by tomorrow. I am off to bed now to try and get a good night’s rest prior to weighing in come morning. Here’s hoping I turn out to be a loser!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 1 toasted whole wheat English muffin with light peanut butter
- 1 banana
- 1 sandwich on whole wheat bread with sliced deli chicken, cheese, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 cup strawberries
- 3/4 cup fat free blueberry yogurt with 1/2 cup canned peaches
- 2 celery stalks with tzatziki yogurt dressing
EXERCISE:
- 2 hour and 15 minute walk
Friday, November 27, 2009
Snow: A Musing
There are still lots of chances to swing by my giveaway post! Joanne has also very generosity offered to join in, matching the donation dollar for dollar, so we now have an opportunity to raise $400! Keep those comments coming, people!!!
The day is dry, although the cloud cover does look rather threatening, so I am planning another trek outside as soon as I am able. I am not a huge fan of walking in the rain although I will do it, but it is the approaching promise of snow that really lets me know my days of enjoying the great outdoors may be limited. I am not exactly the most graceful of beings and the white stuff – though lovely in its own right – just doesn’t tend to agree with my footing. I am hoping that it stays away as long as possible since I do not foresee myself venturing out much at all in streets covered with a layer of glittering snow.
I don’t have a whole lot else on the agenda for the day. Depending on how the walk goes, I may try and get in an exercise video as well. As far as food is concerned, I think that I am doing well and staying on track. Weigh-in day is tomorrow and I am feeling optimistic about that; we will see how it actually pans out.
Also, I only have one more week until my next progress picture and measurements. I am not nervous about it, but I am also not expecting to see huge drops since there has only been four weeks since the last update, rather than the nice cushy five weeks that I had the luxury of enjoying between October and November. I know that I had a slower time moving past the onederland milestone, so my weight hasn’t dropped as significantly as it has in the past either. There are still eight days until then though, so hopefully I can pull off a little magic!
The day is dry, although the cloud cover does look rather threatening, so I am planning another trek outside as soon as I am able. I am not a huge fan of walking in the rain although I will do it, but it is the approaching promise of snow that really lets me know my days of enjoying the great outdoors may be limited. I am not exactly the most graceful of beings and the white stuff – though lovely in its own right – just doesn’t tend to agree with my footing. I am hoping that it stays away as long as possible since I do not foresee myself venturing out much at all in streets covered with a layer of glittering snow.
I don’t have a whole lot else on the agenda for the day. Depending on how the walk goes, I may try and get in an exercise video as well. As far as food is concerned, I think that I am doing well and staying on track. Weigh-in day is tomorrow and I am feeling optimistic about that; we will see how it actually pans out.
Also, I only have one more week until my next progress picture and measurements. I am not nervous about it, but I am also not expecting to see huge drops since there has only been four weeks since the last update, rather than the nice cushy five weeks that I had the luxury of enjoying between October and November. I know that I had a slower time moving past the onederland milestone, so my weight hasn’t dropped as significantly as it has in the past either. There are still eight days until then though, so hopefully I can pull off a little magic!
NSV's Galore
First of all I would like to note that you still have lots of opportunities to comment so that you are counted in the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway. Originally I stated that you can earn $1 for the less fortunate by leaving a remark on the giveaway post and another $1 by putting an entry on your own blog linking back to it. Actually, there is a slight change in the dynamics of this unique concept. Thanks to the generosity of Barb and Dawne, who have offered to match dollar for dollar whatever is raised in a donation to their local areas, your comments can now help raise up to $300! That’s three times the amount of the original goal sought after in these efforts! We are 16% of the way there, so – if you haven’t already commented – please feel free to drop a line or post an entry about this to make up the other 84 remarks needed to reach this goal! One last thing… I would also like to thank Leslie for finding the spirit of this endeavor great enough to move her to donate to her own local food bank!
I have a whole bunch of fun non-scale victories which I have accumulated over the past couple of days. One of the few remaining friends who had not yet said anything about my loss finally told me yesterday that I look great and that my drop in weight is really showing. Yay! Nearly everyone has acknowledge the difference now; it’s so great to have people notice and remark.
I have recently noticed that my favourite pair of workout pants just aren’t fitting right - in fact, they are starting to fall off when I exercise. Now I know that this is something to be happy about, but I have to say that I am sort of dismayed about this! I have a few things I can be active in, but this pair of pants are so comfortable and they actually look fairly stylish. Really, they are the only bottoms I was confident wearing out in public if I were to attempt activity with an audience, yet I am almost certain that I will have to permanently retire them within the next week or two. Boo! They will be the very first clothing item that I am sad to part with and they definitely served me well over the last several years. A lot of my shirts are now starting to look frumpy too since they are so large on me. Sheesh! I never expected to be annoyed with losing weight, but I really don’t know how I will be able to replace everything! Oh well, I’m not really complaining… I still count this all as another NSV.
I have noticed that my calves are smaller! My mother has affectionately referred to them as tree trunks in the past to illustrate the fact that they are not terribly shapely – a shame, really, as I had great pins back in high school – but I am just now realizing that my ankles are shrinking and bringing more of a sense of definition to the rest of the lower leg. Also, my wedding and engagement rings have been clanking against one another a lot lately. I am certain that I will have to have them sized soon, but I am putting it off as long as possible since they aren’t close enough to falling off that I am concerned. Furthermore, today I had to go to a chocolate shop to purchase a small gift of appreciation for another friend, and when I was offered free samples by the cashier I turned them down. Not only that, but I didn’t feel like it was a big deal and I left without buying even a single bite of anything for myself.
Here’s an interesting one: I used to visit public restrooms and hope for the wheelchair stall. I know that statement is probably being met with a round of disapproving gasps, but it is true. I was careful to look around before entering to ensure that I would not be taking it from someone who actually needed it, but I felt that it was a necessary move since I did not properly fit in the normal ones. Perhaps, more accurately, I felt that I could not maneuver properly within the confines of the average sized stalls. At any rate, I have stopped doing that. Within this last week I realized that I have no need to continue with that practice since I am able to move around adequately within the regular restroom cubicles now. I guess this is a strange NSV, but I am still happy about it!
My very favourite non-scale victory from this bunch has to be the following though! My darling husband went to hug me this morning, and as he wrapped his arms under my own and around the top part of my torso he exclaimed, “look at the overlap!” He was able to grab his own elbows while he was hugging me!!! That was truly a moment to remember!
Whew! I hadn’t realized that so much had happened over the past couple of days – I just kept jotting down notes so that I would remember everything. It is a great feeling to write it all down properly and really take stock of what has gone on. I love NSV’s!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 2 cups spinach salad with small cubes of cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 1 cup grapes and apple slices
- 1 cup lasagna
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 1 pear
- 3/4 cup fat free peach yogurt with 1 cup Maple Nut Oatmeal Crisp cereal
- 2 celery stalks with 1 Tb. light peanut butter
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 55 minutes of walking completed in 3 outings (45 minutes long, 50 minutes long, and 20 minutes long)
I have a whole bunch of fun non-scale victories which I have accumulated over the past couple of days. One of the few remaining friends who had not yet said anything about my loss finally told me yesterday that I look great and that my drop in weight is really showing. Yay! Nearly everyone has acknowledge the difference now; it’s so great to have people notice and remark.
I have recently noticed that my favourite pair of workout pants just aren’t fitting right - in fact, they are starting to fall off when I exercise. Now I know that this is something to be happy about, but I have to say that I am sort of dismayed about this! I have a few things I can be active in, but this pair of pants are so comfortable and they actually look fairly stylish. Really, they are the only bottoms I was confident wearing out in public if I were to attempt activity with an audience, yet I am almost certain that I will have to permanently retire them within the next week or two. Boo! They will be the very first clothing item that I am sad to part with and they definitely served me well over the last several years. A lot of my shirts are now starting to look frumpy too since they are so large on me. Sheesh! I never expected to be annoyed with losing weight, but I really don’t know how I will be able to replace everything! Oh well, I’m not really complaining… I still count this all as another NSV.
I have noticed that my calves are smaller! My mother has affectionately referred to them as tree trunks in the past to illustrate the fact that they are not terribly shapely – a shame, really, as I had great pins back in high school – but I am just now realizing that my ankles are shrinking and bringing more of a sense of definition to the rest of the lower leg. Also, my wedding and engagement rings have been clanking against one another a lot lately. I am certain that I will have to have them sized soon, but I am putting it off as long as possible since they aren’t close enough to falling off that I am concerned. Furthermore, today I had to go to a chocolate shop to purchase a small gift of appreciation for another friend, and when I was offered free samples by the cashier I turned them down. Not only that, but I didn’t feel like it was a big deal and I left without buying even a single bite of anything for myself.
Here’s an interesting one: I used to visit public restrooms and hope for the wheelchair stall. I know that statement is probably being met with a round of disapproving gasps, but it is true. I was careful to look around before entering to ensure that I would not be taking it from someone who actually needed it, but I felt that it was a necessary move since I did not properly fit in the normal ones. Perhaps, more accurately, I felt that I could not maneuver properly within the confines of the average sized stalls. At any rate, I have stopped doing that. Within this last week I realized that I have no need to continue with that practice since I am able to move around adequately within the regular restroom cubicles now. I guess this is a strange NSV, but I am still happy about it!
My very favourite non-scale victory from this bunch has to be the following though! My darling husband went to hug me this morning, and as he wrapped his arms under my own and around the top part of my torso he exclaimed, “look at the overlap!” He was able to grab his own elbows while he was hugging me!!! That was truly a moment to remember!
Whew! I hadn’t realized that so much had happened over the past couple of days – I just kept jotting down notes so that I would remember everything. It is a great feeling to write it all down properly and really take stock of what has gone on. I love NSV’s!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 2 cups spinach salad with small cubes of cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 1 cup grapes and apple slices
- 1 cup lasagna
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 1 pear
- 3/4 cup fat free peach yogurt with 1 cup Maple Nut Oatmeal Crisp cereal
- 2 celery stalks with 1 Tb. light peanut butter
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 55 minutes of walking completed in 3 outings (45 minutes long, 50 minutes long, and 20 minutes long)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Excited To Continue The Journey
I am so excited to be on this next leg of my journey! When I started this blog, I don’t think I ever actually believed that I would get this far, so quickly. I had failed so many times in the past, and I think there was a part of my mind which doubted me from the start.
But, I have remained committed and continued to work hard, and I know that there is just something different about this time around. This is it! Finding a way of life that will work for the rest of my life has payed off tremendously. I now believe that diets simply do not work long term like making permanent changes do… the innumerable stories which I have found online - as well as my own - are proof of that.
If some of you missed my last post, please check it out. I am having a different type of giveaway and am hoping that all of you fabulous folks will show your interest. I am off to take advantage of the very untypically dry weather which is coaxing me from outside my window. A nice long walk sounds fantastic right about now!
*Edit: A very, heartfelt and special thank you to Barb, who has generously offered to match dollar for dollar (within her own area) whatever is raised in the giveaway. I love how my faith in humanity is always lifted this time of year. Truly, Barb, thank you!*
But, I have remained committed and continued to work hard, and I know that there is just something different about this time around. This is it! Finding a way of life that will work for the rest of my life has payed off tremendously. I now believe that diets simply do not work long term like making permanent changes do… the innumerable stories which I have found online - as well as my own - are proof of that.
If some of you missed my last post, please check it out. I am having a different type of giveaway and am hoping that all of you fabulous folks will show your interest. I am off to take advantage of the very untypically dry weather which is coaxing me from outside my window. A nice long walk sounds fantastic right about now!
*Edit: A very, heartfelt and special thank you to Barb, who has generously offered to match dollar for dollar (within her own area) whatever is raised in the giveaway. I love how my faith in humanity is always lifted this time of year. Truly, Barb, thank you!*
Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway
A special thank you to Sarah from Ethereal Endeavor for suggesting yesterday that I have a “fabulous giveaway” to celebrate the fact that this blog now has one hundred followers. Her comment started my mind working overtime and it has developed something unique which I hope will be pleasing to the masses and beneficial to many.
I was out walking to meet my husband this evening, mulling around all of these different ideas that I have, when I finally hit on what I want to do. Not only will the unconventional concept - which I will describe momentarily - help me rejoice in the fact that I have so many wonderful individuals watching my journey, but it will also acknowledge my decent into onederland this morning. Sometimes my timing is just right, and in the case of having two notable achievements - both concerning the magical one hundreds - I would say that today it was impeccable!
So I am opening up the comments section on this post for everyone to have an opportunity to enter the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway! There is a catch though: you don’t actually have a chance of winning anything. Instead of offering a single person a prize, I thought that I would do things a little differently. In acknowledgement of the Thanksgiving celebrations of my neighbours to the south, and in the beautiful spirit of giving which always accompanies this time of year, I would like to donate something to those less fortunate in my area.
So on behalf of anyone who leaves a comment on this post, between now and the end of this month, I will put $1 of my own money towards purchasing food for the homeless. I will also put another $1 towards this project if you post about this giveaway on your blog and link back to this site (and then leave me a separate remark here letting me know). Unfortunately, I have to place a maximum of $100 on this. I wish that I could do more, but times are tough and I really felt like it was necessary to put a limit on the amount that I can afford to spare in the name of this cause. I am hoping to get enough comments to actually reach the maximum donation though!
So, that’s my idea! When this giveaway is over I will buy, prepare, and hand deliver food - I am most likely thinking sandwiches and other easily packaged items - to those who simply do not have as much as others. I figured that this was a nice way to tie all of my thoughts together into one relatively cohesive concept, and I hope that you will agree that being a part of a group working towards a goal such as this is much better than winning a more tangible prize as an individual. At any rate, I hereby declare the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway underway and I will report back on the results on the first of December. Thank you so much in advance for the role you will all play in this!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
- 2 cups spinach salad with small cubes of cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 1 violet flavoured mint
- 1 pear
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with ham, grated cheese, spinach, dried cranberries, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 orange
- 1 celery stalk with 1 Tb. light peanut butter
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 15 squats
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of stomach crunches
- 45 minute walk
- 2 sets of 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
I was out walking to meet my husband this evening, mulling around all of these different ideas that I have, when I finally hit on what I want to do. Not only will the unconventional concept - which I will describe momentarily - help me rejoice in the fact that I have so many wonderful individuals watching my journey, but it will also acknowledge my decent into onederland this morning. Sometimes my timing is just right, and in the case of having two notable achievements - both concerning the magical one hundreds - I would say that today it was impeccable!
So I am opening up the comments section on this post for everyone to have an opportunity to enter the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway! There is a catch though: you don’t actually have a chance of winning anything. Instead of offering a single person a prize, I thought that I would do things a little differently. In acknowledgement of the Thanksgiving celebrations of my neighbours to the south, and in the beautiful spirit of giving which always accompanies this time of year, I would like to donate something to those less fortunate in my area.
So on behalf of anyone who leaves a comment on this post, between now and the end of this month, I will put $1 of my own money towards purchasing food for the homeless. I will also put another $1 towards this project if you post about this giveaway on your blog and link back to this site (and then leave me a separate remark here letting me know). Unfortunately, I have to place a maximum of $100 on this. I wish that I could do more, but times are tough and I really felt like it was necessary to put a limit on the amount that I can afford to spare in the name of this cause. I am hoping to get enough comments to actually reach the maximum donation though!
So, that’s my idea! When this giveaway is over I will buy, prepare, and hand deliver food - I am most likely thinking sandwiches and other easily packaged items - to those who simply do not have as much as others. I figured that this was a nice way to tie all of my thoughts together into one relatively cohesive concept, and I hope that you will agree that being a part of a group working towards a goal such as this is much better than winning a more tangible prize as an individual. At any rate, I hereby declare the Celebrating The One Hundreds Giveaway underway and I will report back on the results on the first of December. Thank you so much in advance for the role you will all play in this!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 1 mug of decaffeinated tea with milk
- 2 cups spinach salad with small cubes of cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 1 violet flavoured mint
- 1 pear
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with ham, grated cheese, spinach, dried cranberries, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 orange
- 1 celery stalk with 1 Tb. light peanut butter
EXERCISE:
- 2 sets of 15 squats
- 2 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 2 sets of stomach crunches
- 45 minute walk
- 2 sets of 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Walking In A Winter Onederland
I knew today would be the day! I knew it last night before I went to bed; I think I even knew it when I weighed in yesterday morning. And I couldn’t wait to come on here and shout it from my metaphorical online rooftop:
I WEIGH 199.6 POUNDS!!!!!
There is no more - and there never again will be - a ‘2’ starting off my weight! I have never been in the one hundreds in my 30’s and was only in them for a very short time in my 20’s, but I am there now! I can rest assured that I weigh less than most of my male friends and even less than a couple of the females I know. I will never again walk into a room and wonder if – and then know that – I am the larger person in it! I will never again weigh over two hundred pounds!!!
It’s so funny to think about how this latest stretch of this journey unfolded. During my last weigh-in I was so sure that I would be in this new weight category that I actually wrote the post the evening before with both a ‘no’ ending and a ‘yes’ ending, but I did so feeling certain that I would be using the latter. The following Sunday I was sad to see the scale go up too as I had shifted my thoughts to believe that would be the day instead. Even before my weigh-in, on Friday, I was so confident that I would break the barrier a day early that I seriously debated not weighing that morning to allow myself the pleasure of being able to see and record the significant number for the first time on my official weigh-in day. Well, we all know how each of those endeavors turned out!
But today it finally happened! Apparently, sometimes the body will simply do what it’s going to do. Fortunately, it is finally doing the the thing that I have been hoping to note for about a week now!
I spent a bit longer in this last ‘decade’ of weight than I did in any of the others since beginning to walk this path to better health. It was definitely the one that I have felt like I worked the hardest within. I do think that there was a tiny voice inside of me warning me about the scary, unfamiliar territory which I was about to enter, and I believe that it is possible that it held me back just the tiniest bit. The thing is though that I paid very close attention to the writings of other bloggers on this topic; I was prepared. Overall, I just ignored that voice to the best of my ability and remained focus on the goal - both my long term one and the efforts required to simply move past the two hundred mark.
As I slide over this important threshold I know that this is still just the beginning for me. There is a lot of ground left to cover and I am excited to get going! I now have under fifty pounds left to lose until I reach my official goal - wow, I just realized that! Woo hoo! This new number also means that my ‘secret’ goal of weighing half what I started out at is now at it’s midway point; I have successfully lost more than sixty-six pounds!
There is no time for sitting back and resting because of the progress I have made. There is a lot left to do and I am more determined than ever to get started on the next leg of this journey. There may not be any snow on the ground just yet, but - with the consistently cold weather and fast approaching holiday season - I feel pretty good saying that today is the perfect day for continuing along this path by taking a nice long walk in my own personal winter onederland!
I WEIGH 199.6 POUNDS!!!!!
There is no more - and there never again will be - a ‘2’ starting off my weight! I have never been in the one hundreds in my 30’s and was only in them for a very short time in my 20’s, but I am there now! I can rest assured that I weigh less than most of my male friends and even less than a couple of the females I know. I will never again walk into a room and wonder if – and then know that – I am the larger person in it! I will never again weigh over two hundred pounds!!!
It’s so funny to think about how this latest stretch of this journey unfolded. During my last weigh-in I was so sure that I would be in this new weight category that I actually wrote the post the evening before with both a ‘no’ ending and a ‘yes’ ending, but I did so feeling certain that I would be using the latter. The following Sunday I was sad to see the scale go up too as I had shifted my thoughts to believe that would be the day instead. Even before my weigh-in, on Friday, I was so confident that I would break the barrier a day early that I seriously debated not weighing that morning to allow myself the pleasure of being able to see and record the significant number for the first time on my official weigh-in day. Well, we all know how each of those endeavors turned out!
But today it finally happened! Apparently, sometimes the body will simply do what it’s going to do. Fortunately, it is finally doing the the thing that I have been hoping to note for about a week now!
I spent a bit longer in this last ‘decade’ of weight than I did in any of the others since beginning to walk this path to better health. It was definitely the one that I have felt like I worked the hardest within. I do think that there was a tiny voice inside of me warning me about the scary, unfamiliar territory which I was about to enter, and I believe that it is possible that it held me back just the tiniest bit. The thing is though that I paid very close attention to the writings of other bloggers on this topic; I was prepared. Overall, I just ignored that voice to the best of my ability and remained focus on the goal - both my long term one and the efforts required to simply move past the two hundred mark.
As I slide over this important threshold I know that this is still just the beginning for me. There is a lot of ground left to cover and I am excited to get going! I now have under fifty pounds left to lose until I reach my official goal - wow, I just realized that! Woo hoo! This new number also means that my ‘secret’ goal of weighing half what I started out at is now at it’s midway point; I have successfully lost more than sixty-six pounds!
There is no time for sitting back and resting because of the progress I have made. There is a lot left to do and I am more determined than ever to get started on the next leg of this journey. There may not be any snow on the ground just yet, but - with the consistently cold weather and fast approaching holiday season - I feel pretty good saying that today is the perfect day for continuing along this path by taking a nice long walk in my own personal winter onederland!
Significantly Appreciative
Diane at Fit to the Finish has awarded me with my very own Significant Milestone Award for gaining one hundred followers on this site! Yay! A huge thank you to Diane and to everyone who leaves comments, has joined my blog, sits silently in the wings, and just occasional checks in. You all add to this journey, and my enthusiasm to keep at it is strengthened knowing that I have all of your cheering me on!Complying with the requirements for accepting said award, I did indeed feel pretty great about myself once I had spent my time reflecting on the significance of my accomplishment. I have come such a long way in the weight and health departments in a relatively short amount of time and it feels phenomenal to really mull over what I have achieved. I have finally implemented activity and good foods into my life in a way that makes me feel proud, and I have a fantastic group of people online who deem my journey worthy of watching. I have lost weight, inches, and insecurities and – in return – have gained confidence, energy, and an extended life expectancy. I am feeling so happy, but I am not done yet!
I think that this is a great opportunity for me to pass this accolade onto a fellow blogger who I know has recently finished a six month long project in a continuing effort to stay fit and maintain a loss of over one hundred pounds. Congratulations to Lori at Finding Radiance for completing the New Rules of Lifting program!
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 12 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 3/4 cup fat free peach yogurt
- 1 toasted whole wheat English muffin with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 4 whole wheat crackers
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with canned ham, grated cheese, spinach, dried cranberries, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 small bite of a sugar cookie with icing
- 1 mug of steamed light eggnog
- 2 celery stalks with fat free rancher’s choice dressing
EXERCISE:
- 3 sets of 15 squats
- 3 sets of 15 lunges for each leg
- 3 sets of 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm
- 3 sets of 50 stomach crunches
- 30 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 3 sets of 7 push ups
- 35 minute walk with jogging intervals
- 30 sets of walking up and down stairs (not all at one time)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Great Mood!
That’s one… one hundred followers, wa ha ha! Sorry, I was channelling my inner Count from Sesame Street! I am so excited to have reached the triple digits when it comes to those fabulous people who are interested in this blog. I know I say it a lot, but I am sincere every time I do: thank you all so much for being such a huge part of my motivation!
I am feeling pretty great today and I am hoping to put that heightened energy towards some good exercise! I suspect it will be a mix-match of activities since I don’t have anything specific planned, but I will be giving it my all regardless of what I decide to do. I will also be trying to get in the workout stuff earlier than I normally do because I know that I have items to check off my ‘to do’ list later in the day. Here’s hoping it’s as great a Tuesday as I think it will be!
I am feeling pretty great today and I am hoping to put that heightened energy towards some good exercise! I suspect it will be a mix-match of activities since I don’t have anything specific planned, but I will be giving it my all regardless of what I decide to do. I will also be trying to get in the workout stuff earlier than I normally do because I know that I have items to check off my ‘to do’ list later in the day. Here’s hoping it’s as great a Tuesday as I think it will be!
Internet Down
Our internet was not working last night, so I wasn’t able to blog. Just for accurate record keeping, I am posting my food and exercise now.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 10 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 3/4 cup fat free lemon chiffon yogurt
- 6 inch ham sub on a brown bun with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and pepper
- 8 large pieces of a California sushi roll with soy sauce
- 2 1/2 cups spinach salad with grated cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 3 strawberries
EXERCISE:
- 30 minutes running in place
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 10 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 Mandarin orange
- 3/4 cup fat free lemon chiffon yogurt
- 6 inch ham sub on a brown bun with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and pepper
- 8 large pieces of a California sushi roll with soy sauce
- 2 1/2 cups spinach salad with grated cheese, tomato, dried cranberries, croutons, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
- 3 strawberries
EXERCISE:
- 30 minutes running in place
Monday, November 23, 2009
Looking For A Little Consistency
The scale has been up just a tiny bit these past couple of days since my last official weigh-in. I think I am starting to see a pattern emerging, but I'm not sure what to do about it. I weigh, spend a couple of days seeing a small gain, and then drop before the next Saturday. I'm not complaining about the fact that I am losing, but I would really rather get back to the consistently tiny losses that added up so nicely at the start of this journey. It was simply less stressful. Maybe a little later I'll look over the past couple of weeks' food and exercise records and see if I notice any trends which may be contributing to this irritating change.
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