So I'm a tracker, through and through. I keep my paper tracker on my kitchen counter and track EVERYTHING that I eat....well, almost everything...well, almost all the time. I've never used the
online tracker because... well, just because I'm used to doing it on paper.
I've learned something though about my tracking. I've been following the new PointsPlus program for a month now and not always seeing results. Yesterday I decided I needed to really analyze the situation. Well, first of all, one thing I've realized is that I'm not tracking the milk I put in my coffee in the morning. If I stop for a cup of coffee in the afternoon and use a creamer, I do track those, but my skim milk in my coffee in the morning? Nope. Not happening. So that's step one of change for the week.
Secondly, I decided that maybe I would use the tracker online since I pay for etools and see if there is a difference. Well, already, I'm seeing a difference! I keep forgetting that all the points values have changed and if you were doing the old plan and are now doing PointsPlus, you really, really have to recalculate the points for EVERYTHING!
My breakfast sandwich this morning I would have tracked at 5 points if I did it on paper. I tracked it this morning with the PointsTracker, and turns out it's actually 6 points! What's the difference? Well, my old friend, Cabot 75% cheddar cheese I've always tracked at 1 point per ounce. Turns out it's now 2 points per ounce. So there is one point right there that I was off by just for my breakfast, plus the milk in my coffee. If I multiply that by 7 days, I'm already off by 14 points!
I did have a little pleasant surprise though. Yes, one egg is 2 points, but if you add just one eggwhite to that, it's still 2 points. One eggwhite is 0 points! That bulked up the sandwich just a bit for me and added no points. Try it. For those of you who don't like eggwhites, just try it. You can't tell that it's a mix of egg and eggwhite.
My challenge to myself this week is to track everything electronically as opposed to paper and see what other foods I find that I've been counting incorrectly, and then let's see what happens on the scale this week.
Are you tracking everything? Are you recalculating EVERYTHING since the switch to PointsPlus? What foods have you found have gone up in points that caught you off guard? Or is it just me?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Fear....What Am I So Afraid Of?
Fear, what am I so afraid of. That is the question I am faced with today. I had a rough week, monitored my weight during the week (as I normally do), and it went WAY UP. I knew what it was. It was a fluctation due to entirely too much sodium and also due to "mother nature", but it shocked me because I've never gone up 5 pounds so quickly, seriously, almost overnight, and I felt it. All of sudden, the jeans didn't fit, and I panicked.
I knew what to do about the sodium, cut it out and drink tons of water. Well, drinking tons of water just made me feel even bigger for a few days, and I panicked some more. I had pretty much decided that I was not going to my meeting this morning, was DEFINITELY NOT getting on the scale at my Weight Watchers meeting, and was just going to have a little pity party for myself...which I did.
But I started feeling better last night and by this morning, I knew I was pretty much back to my weight from last week.
So what am I so afraid of? That was the question my friend/leader asked me today. Why, after being AT GOAL for a year and a half, am I so unsure and unaccepting of the fact that I am at goal. I am NOT that person anymore.
And I NEVER WILL BE that person anymore. I have come too far, learned too much, changed too much. I am SO HAPPY, LOVE LIFE, ENJOY EVERYTHING SO MUCH MORE!
So what is it that is holding me back from accepting the fact that I really am in control of this forever? What is it that I'm afraid of? I guess bottom line is I am still afraid that I WILL BE THAT GIRL AGAIN, and I am not at my "forever goal weight" yet.
But I have to accept the fact that it has been a difficult year for me with some physical setbacks that have held me back from getting down to that "forever goal weight". But those issues are resolving themselves, and there is really nothing stopping me now except my own fear.
But really, what's the worst that can happen? It already happened. I saw a number on the scale that scared the heck out of me, and I freaked. So what did I learn from this week? I learned that I got to that number, I continued doing what I know I need to do, make some adjustments, and just moved on. I went to my meeting and faced the scale....because that's what I do and will do for the rest of my life, accept, adjust, and move on.
This girl ....
... is so much happier.
This girl....
...is training to run a half marathon.
This girl....
...loves to dress up in pretty clothes. This girl....
...can pose for the camera now instead of hiding from it.
This girl....
...loves to hoop dance and make hula hoops. This girl....
...loves to ride around town on her old pink bike.
This girl...
...is ready and can't wait to see what other fun and exciting things she can do now, things she would have never dreamed of doing 75 pounds ago!
I WILL NOT BE AFRAID because I am in control and will never go back. I am moving on! What a groovy life it is!
Okay. Now, who's ready for a snowball fight! :)
I knew what to do about the sodium, cut it out and drink tons of water. Well, drinking tons of water just made me feel even bigger for a few days, and I panicked some more. I had pretty much decided that I was not going to my meeting this morning, was DEFINITELY NOT getting on the scale at my Weight Watchers meeting, and was just going to have a little pity party for myself...which I did.
But I started feeling better last night and by this morning, I knew I was pretty much back to my weight from last week.
So what am I so afraid of? That was the question my friend/leader asked me today. Why, after being AT GOAL for a year and a half, am I so unsure and unaccepting of the fact that I am at goal. I am NOT that person anymore.
So what is it that is holding me back from accepting the fact that I really am in control of this forever? What is it that I'm afraid of? I guess bottom line is I am still afraid that I WILL BE THAT GIRL AGAIN, and I am not at my "forever goal weight" yet.
But I have to accept the fact that it has been a difficult year for me with some physical setbacks that have held me back from getting down to that "forever goal weight". But those issues are resolving themselves, and there is really nothing stopping me now except my own fear.
But really, what's the worst that can happen? It already happened. I saw a number on the scale that scared the heck out of me, and I freaked. So what did I learn from this week? I learned that I got to that number, I continued doing what I know I need to do, make some adjustments, and just moved on. I went to my meeting and faced the scale....because that's what I do and will do for the rest of my life, accept, adjust, and move on.
This girl ....
... is so much happier.
This girl....
This girl....
This girl....
This girl...
I WILL NOT BE AFRAID because I am in control and will never go back. I am moving on! What a groovy life it is!
Okay. Now, who's ready for a snowball fight! :)
Biting the Bullet
I've decided to go to my meeting and weigh-in this morning. I know that the meeting does SO MUCH for me every week. Even though I'm seriously not happy about having to get on the scale every week when I'm a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers, the program works for me so I'm going to continue doing what I do, and that's to go to the meeting and get a recharge for the week. I HAVE THE BEST WEIGHT WATCHERS LEADER AT MY MEETING!
Remember, it's a brand new day and you have the opportunity to make whatever you want out of it. I'm not sure what I'm going to make out of it, work or play. Options: Go to the produce store, come home and work and cook a potroast for dinner, or go to the produce store, come home, have lunch, and then see if my niece and nephew want to take me sledding, something I haven't done in oh, 30 plus years, but have been anxious lately to get back on a sled. I also would LOVE TO BUILD A SNOWMAN! Think it might just be a play day for me.
Happy Weekend to all and try to have a little fun today.
Remember, it's a brand new day and you have the opportunity to make whatever you want out of it. I'm not sure what I'm going to make out of it, work or play. Options: Go to the produce store, come home and work and cook a potroast for dinner, or go to the produce store, come home, have lunch, and then see if my niece and nephew want to take me sledding, something I haven't done in oh, 30 plus years, but have been anxious lately to get back on a sled. I also would LOVE TO BUILD A SNOWMAN! Think it might just be a play day for me.
Happy Weekend to all and try to have a little fun today.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Brutally Honest...I'm Angry
I still hate the scale. Seriously, I know I'm not supposed to give the scale so much attention, but I do. I HATE, HATE, HATE the scale.
I've had a good week. Haven't gotten to the gym since Monday, because after a slip on the ice in the driveway on my way to the gym, and then my workout, I was hurting and working out was not a good idea. Thought I'd be skating Wednesday, but because of the storm coming in, they closed. Yesterday? Well, didn't get to the gym yesterday because we were seriously snowed in, but I did spent 5 hours in the morning (yes, 5 hours) removing snow, pushing, inch, by inch, an old snow blower until it broke, and then shoveling the driveway by hand. I figured that counted for quite a few activity points.
I've tracked my food all week, ate lots of fruits and veggies, and this morning I get on the scale...and it's up 5 pounds. 5 pounds??? Seriously? Really? How can that possibly happen when I'm following program? Even without the activity, that still in no way warrants a 5 pounds gain!!!!! I AM TOTALLY FRUSTRATED.
Now, I guess maybe female issues could play a role in the gain, but I would have thought since that came into play earlier in the week, it would not be such an effect at this point. Okay, we have had a lot of high-sodium dinners this week, turkey ham, turkey tenderloin, stirfry, and I am sensitive to sodium, but I've also been drinking, drinking, drinking gallons of water, and I've never, ever seen that much of a gain from sodium.
I am totally bummed. My weekly meeting and weigh-in is tomorrow. Yes, Weight Watchers fans, even thought I am at goal, I still go to my meeting every week and in order to do that, my center requires that I weigh-in in order to stay for a meeting. Crazy, right? When you get to goal, you're a free Weight Watchers member for life, but in order to attend those "free" meetings, you have to get on the scale? Reminder to self, call and complain.
But I really don't want to go to a meeting and have to pay, and don't want the reality of a 5-pound gain to show up on my Weight record.
So I don't know what to do. I guess all I can do today is try to stay away from ALL sodium, drink gallons of water, eat light, and see what happens on the scale tomorrow.
I've had a good week. Haven't gotten to the gym since Monday, because after a slip on the ice in the driveway on my way to the gym, and then my workout, I was hurting and working out was not a good idea. Thought I'd be skating Wednesday, but because of the storm coming in, they closed. Yesterday? Well, didn't get to the gym yesterday because we were seriously snowed in, but I did spent 5 hours in the morning (yes, 5 hours) removing snow, pushing, inch, by inch, an old snow blower until it broke, and then shoveling the driveway by hand. I figured that counted for quite a few activity points.
I've tracked my food all week, ate lots of fruits and veggies, and this morning I get on the scale...and it's up 5 pounds. 5 pounds??? Seriously? Really? How can that possibly happen when I'm following program? Even without the activity, that still in no way warrants a 5 pounds gain!!!!! I AM TOTALLY FRUSTRATED.
Now, I guess maybe female issues could play a role in the gain, but I would have thought since that came into play earlier in the week, it would not be such an effect at this point. Okay, we have had a lot of high-sodium dinners this week, turkey ham, turkey tenderloin, stirfry, and I am sensitive to sodium, but I've also been drinking, drinking, drinking gallons of water, and I've never, ever seen that much of a gain from sodium.
I am totally bummed. My weekly meeting and weigh-in is tomorrow. Yes, Weight Watchers fans, even thought I am at goal, I still go to my meeting every week and in order to do that, my center requires that I weigh-in in order to stay for a meeting. Crazy, right? When you get to goal, you're a free Weight Watchers member for life, but in order to attend those "free" meetings, you have to get on the scale? Reminder to self, call and complain.
But I really don't want to go to a meeting and have to pay, and don't want the reality of a 5-pound gain to show up on my Weight record.
So I don't know what to do. I guess all I can do today is try to stay away from ALL sodium, drink gallons of water, eat light, and see what happens on the scale tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Snow Angels!
Life is too short. Got to have fun!
Be IMPULSIVE! Don't say, oh, my gosh, I'm too old for that or what would the neighbors think or that's just silly. JUST DO IT! Have some fun. Be a kid again. It's okay. Really, it's okay.
Next up, SNOWMAN, and who knows after that, maybe even sledding! Well, actually, maybe we'll skip that until the back is feeling better.
But first, got to get my work done. The next round of snow will be coming in soon, and then I'll have to do the adult thing tomorrow morning and get out there and clean up before I can play a little.
Good to Go - Pain Included
Wow, more snow. More snow? Did I really need this right now? No, but there are some things in this world that are beyond are control, and weather is one of them. Oh, well. I'll hibernate and work today and worry about clearing it tomorrow.
Got the go-ahead from the doctor to train for half-marathon(s). Even though I slipped on ice and twisted my back and am hurting, that should resolve in a few days, and then I'm good to go. I told him about the fact that my back is so much better when I'm running and working out a few times a week, and that when I'm not and I'm just sitting in front of this computer working all week, I am in a lot of pain. Normal. Exercise is a good thing. Really? Who would have thought.
Of course, he wants me to do some research, find a training program/regimen to follow and don't overdo. If I have pain, slow down or stop. Don't run through the pain/numbness.
So I'm excited! Hoping that by tomorrow, I'll be feeling better and can get back to the gym again. I'm also going to continue doing run/walk intervals for a while.
And watch out for the ice! Yeah, that's a marvelous idea. Must send someone out to get me some more rock salt. This storm that's coming through now is snow, then a mix of sleet/rain, ice, and then another hit of 6-8+ inches of snow on top of that. I always loved the snow, but this year (maybe because of my back issues) not liking it too much. Must find some time to just get out in it and play, make snow angels, build a snowman, have a snowball fight. If I had children, I certainly wouldn't get any work done in snowy weather.
Got the go-ahead from the doctor to train for half-marathon(s). Even though I slipped on ice and twisted my back and am hurting, that should resolve in a few days, and then I'm good to go. I told him about the fact that my back is so much better when I'm running and working out a few times a week, and that when I'm not and I'm just sitting in front of this computer working all week, I am in a lot of pain. Normal. Exercise is a good thing. Really? Who would have thought.
Of course, he wants me to do some research, find a training program/regimen to follow and don't overdo. If I have pain, slow down or stop. Don't run through the pain/numbness.
So I'm excited! Hoping that by tomorrow, I'll be feeling better and can get back to the gym again. I'm also going to continue doing run/walk intervals for a while.
And watch out for the ice! Yeah, that's a marvelous idea. Must send someone out to get me some more rock salt. This storm that's coming through now is snow, then a mix of sleet/rain, ice, and then another hit of 6-8+ inches of snow on top of that. I always loved the snow, but this year (maybe because of my back issues) not liking it too much. Must find some time to just get out in it and play, make snow angels, build a snowman, have a snowball fight. If I had children, I certainly wouldn't get any work done in snowy weather.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Half-Marathon - Yay or Nay
Today I have my follow-up appointment with the doctor about my back, the last appointment I wanted to get out of the way before I officially registered for my first Half Marathon. Got the all clear from one doctor last week and today is other. Back has felt great, definitely better since I started moving and I have felt great....until yesterday.
Just my luck, this happens the day before I go back to the doctor. I was headed out to the gym for my scheduled 4 mile run. Went to put my gym bag in the car and slipped on a patch of ice. I didn't fall, just kind of twisted funny. I thought since I didn't fall, everything was good, and I hopped in the car and headed to the gym. When I got to the gym and got out of the car, I started feeling it a little in my lower back. Uh-oh, I thought. That doesn't feel good. I still went in. After getting changed I did a little stretching in the locker room and then headed to the treadmill. I got the 4 miles in (not the best run though), and then headed home.
By the time I got home, the pain and burning had started and was really difficult over the course of the afternoon. After dinner, it felt like it was easing up a bit. I got the heating pad out and just relaxed. I've had this one other time since I saw this doctor. Other than that, it's been great. Figures it would flare up now, right?
So I'm still having the pain this morning. I don't know if it's the sciatic or not. It's definitely in the left hip, butt area, but doesn't really go down the back of the leg. It goes down the side of the leg and into the knee. Yesterday, it went all the way down to the foot.
I'm a little frustrated and anxious this morning, especially since it wasn't the running/training I've been doing that caused this. It was a stupid patch of ice on the driveway!!!!! I'm hoping and praying that I don't get sidelined from running again, but that may be what happens. We'll see. I am determined to run this half-marathon in October and there is another in November as well. I've got 9 months before the big day. So my plan was to take it slow and steady with the training. Fingers crossed that this is no big deal. I DON'T WANT to take more medicines. I don't want to be told I can't run, and running makes me feel good!
It took me 40 years to have what I consider to be a very healthy, active lifestyle. I want to be one of those people who's still running in their 50's, 60's, and hell, maybe even 70's!
So we shall see what happens. Fingers crossed and wish me luck!
Just my luck, this happens the day before I go back to the doctor. I was headed out to the gym for my scheduled 4 mile run. Went to put my gym bag in the car and slipped on a patch of ice. I didn't fall, just kind of twisted funny. I thought since I didn't fall, everything was good, and I hopped in the car and headed to the gym. When I got to the gym and got out of the car, I started feeling it a little in my lower back. Uh-oh, I thought. That doesn't feel good. I still went in. After getting changed I did a little stretching in the locker room and then headed to the treadmill. I got the 4 miles in (not the best run though), and then headed home.
By the time I got home, the pain and burning had started and was really difficult over the course of the afternoon. After dinner, it felt like it was easing up a bit. I got the heating pad out and just relaxed. I've had this one other time since I saw this doctor. Other than that, it's been great. Figures it would flare up now, right?
So I'm still having the pain this morning. I don't know if it's the sciatic or not. It's definitely in the left hip, butt area, but doesn't really go down the back of the leg. It goes down the side of the leg and into the knee. Yesterday, it went all the way down to the foot.
I'm a little frustrated and anxious this morning, especially since it wasn't the running/training I've been doing that caused this. It was a stupid patch of ice on the driveway!!!!! I'm hoping and praying that I don't get sidelined from running again, but that may be what happens. We'll see. I am determined to run this half-marathon in October and there is another in November as well. I've got 9 months before the big day. So my plan was to take it slow and steady with the training. Fingers crossed that this is no big deal. I DON'T WANT to take more medicines. I don't want to be told I can't run, and running makes me feel good!
It took me 40 years to have what I consider to be a very healthy, active lifestyle. I want to be one of those people who's still running in their 50's, 60's, and hell, maybe even 70's!
So we shall see what happens. Fingers crossed and wish me luck!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Lazy Sunday...Can I Turn it Around?
Wow, I slept in! I slept in! I'm never able to sleep in. My body had this alarm clock that goes off at 6:00 a.m. Even on weekends, I'm usually not able to go back to sleep so I just get up by 6:30 on weekends. Today...I don't know what happened. Guess maybe the batteries in the internal clock needed a recharge. Close to 8:00a.m.!!!! Wow!
Another hour spent sitting in front of the computer reading blog posts, and just sitting down to have breakfast now....stomach grumbling in the background. I have been finding lots of new blogs to read lately. Having a hard time keeping up. Also trying to learn about Twitter. Any tips or tricks you want to send my way? I feel like as I get older, I'm not very good with the new stuff, the new phones and new gadgets. So teach me! Follow me @ReensJourney.
So first of all, weekly weigh-in and meeting yesterday. You know, these meetings are getting huge! This new Weight Watchers PointsPlus program is drawing huge crowds each week, at least to our center. So many new faces. It's great to see. I LOVE big meetings.
So anyway, down a half pound. That's okay with me. And that's WITH a birthday party and chocolate cake (homemade by my wonderful beautiful niece and nephew) AND a cupcake and a little ice cream too. See, you really can have what you want as long as you account for it and work it in.
I have a couple of hours of work that I should try to squeeze in today, and then the question is what next. I could go roller skating (4 hour session), or I could go to the gym and work out a bit, a light running, or I could just do a little extra work today to make the work week a little easier and then watch football and cook dinner, maybe even get to that sewing machine (a few little sewing jobs stacking up).
Hmmmm. Guess I'll start my work and see if the phone rings about skating. If not, think I might head to the gym and earn some activity points to counter that extra serving of pasta I had last night. :)
Another hour spent sitting in front of the computer reading blog posts, and just sitting down to have breakfast now....stomach grumbling in the background. I have been finding lots of new blogs to read lately. Having a hard time keeping up. Also trying to learn about Twitter. Any tips or tricks you want to send my way? I feel like as I get older, I'm not very good with the new stuff, the new phones and new gadgets. So teach me! Follow me @ReensJourney.
So first of all, weekly weigh-in and meeting yesterday. You know, these meetings are getting huge! This new Weight Watchers PointsPlus program is drawing huge crowds each week, at least to our center. So many new faces. It's great to see. I LOVE big meetings.
So anyway, down a half pound. That's okay with me. And that's WITH a birthday party and chocolate cake (homemade by my wonderful beautiful niece and nephew) AND a cupcake and a little ice cream too. See, you really can have what you want as long as you account for it and work it in.
I have a couple of hours of work that I should try to squeeze in today, and then the question is what next. I could go roller skating (4 hour session), or I could go to the gym and work out a bit, a light running, or I could just do a little extra work today to make the work week a little easier and then watch football and cook dinner, maybe even get to that sewing machine (a few little sewing jobs stacking up).
Hmmmm. Guess I'll start my work and see if the phone rings about skating. If not, think I might head to the gym and earn some activity points to counter that extra serving of pasta I had last night. :)
Friday, January 21, 2011
But I'm Not Hungry.... WHAT!!!
First of all, let me tell you that it's been a little stressful the last few days. I've been having a hard time with some business issues and what's my favorite way to beat down that stress meter? RUN! Yep. You know it. I normally don't run on Fridays. Friday is my day to clear up my desk, run my errands, shopping, banking, etc. But the stress meter was up way too high. So I said you know, what's the big deal if I don't get to the grocery shopping today. I can do that tomorrow. I NEED to run. So off I went to the gym.
And what a great run I had. 5.25 miles total at 6:1 intervals (6 minutes running: 1 minute walking), and quite a few of those intervals, I would bump up the speed every minute. A few times, I found myself running....get this.....6.1 miles an hour! That's a big victory for me. Felt great too, and all that stress was gone. Wish I had taken a picture of my face when I was done. Dark red to purple (the Irish in me)! Burned some calories on that workout.
After the workout and a nice shower, hubby and I decided we needed to destress a little more and go to lunch. So we headed to Ruby Tuesdays, salad bar only. Well, hubby had the white bean chicken chili and salad bar, but I knew I'd be okay with just the salad bar. And I stayed away from all the not-so-good-when-you're-trying-to-eat-healthy choices and still had a great lunch. After my salad, I went back for a plate of grapes, because fruit is free on the new program!
And I took my own advice today. Like I said, really rough couple of days. So I treated myself to these:
Pretty, aren't they? And the beautiful Lenox vase was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law. I think that vase is going to get used a lot!
So anyway, on to my topic of the day..."But I'm not Hungry". I have been following WW for a few years now, at goal for a year and a half, but still, by mid-afternoon, I was always feeling hungry and watching the clock to see when it's time to eat dinner. Same with morning actually. By mid-morning, I'm watching the clock to see when it will be lunchtime. But low and behold, with the new PointsPlus program, I AM NOT HUNGRY. Seriously, I'm just not hungry. Really? Yep, it's true. I grab a piece of fruit mid-morning or mid-afternoon (because it's free), and I'm good until dinner.
So from where I stand, this program rocks! Tomorrow is my weekly weigh-in and meeting. We'll see how well I did. I actually didn't use that many of my weekly points and burned at least twice that in activity points. So I don't know how all that will work out with the number on the scale, but I can tell you that my clothes are fitting so much better now. I'm definitely feeling better than I did a few weeks ago upon returning from "Christmas vacation".
So catch you all on the flip side, after weigh-in. Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
And what a great run I had. 5.25 miles total at 6:1 intervals (6 minutes running: 1 minute walking), and quite a few of those intervals, I would bump up the speed every minute. A few times, I found myself running....get this.....6.1 miles an hour! That's a big victory for me. Felt great too, and all that stress was gone. Wish I had taken a picture of my face when I was done. Dark red to purple (the Irish in me)! Burned some calories on that workout.
After the workout and a nice shower, hubby and I decided we needed to destress a little more and go to lunch. So we headed to Ruby Tuesdays, salad bar only. Well, hubby had the white bean chicken chili and salad bar, but I knew I'd be okay with just the salad bar. And I stayed away from all the not-so-good-when-you're-trying-to-eat-healthy choices and still had a great lunch. After my salad, I went back for a plate of grapes, because fruit is free on the new program!
And I took my own advice today. Like I said, really rough couple of days. So I treated myself to these:
So anyway, on to my topic of the day..."But I'm not Hungry". I have been following WW for a few years now, at goal for a year and a half, but still, by mid-afternoon, I was always feeling hungry and watching the clock to see when it's time to eat dinner. Same with morning actually. By mid-morning, I'm watching the clock to see when it will be lunchtime. But low and behold, with the new PointsPlus program, I AM NOT HUNGRY. Seriously, I'm just not hungry. Really? Yep, it's true. I grab a piece of fruit mid-morning or mid-afternoon (because it's free), and I'm good until dinner.
So from where I stand, this program rocks! Tomorrow is my weekly weigh-in and meeting. We'll see how well I did. I actually didn't use that many of my weekly points and burned at least twice that in activity points. So I don't know how all that will work out with the number on the scale, but I can tell you that my clothes are fitting so much better now. I'm definitely feeling better than I did a few weeks ago upon returning from "Christmas vacation".
So catch you all on the flip side, after weigh-in. Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Big Big Breakfast
So I've had my "fill" today already, and it's not even noon yet. Had a viewing to go to this morning, and then headed out to breakfast with a friend. Just came home and tracked my points. I'm estimating that I used approximately 22 points on breakfast!!!! WHAT?!!!!
Okay. That's all right. I've got 7 left for the day and maybe I can sneak in some activity to earn a couple more. I've earned plenty of activity points this week and have only used maybe 15 of my weekly points, but have quite settled into using all my weekly points. Afraid the scale won't show a loss.
So if I'm hungry this afternoon, I'll have an orange and maybe a cup of my homemade soup, and then dinner is chicken breast and veggies. See, it's okay. You can still have a 22-point breakfast and stay close to your daily points target.
I had an omelet made with eggbeaters, turkey sausage and a slice of provolone cheese. I haven't had grits in SO SO long and I was kind of chilly, so they sounded very comfortable...and were. Also had whole wheat toast and jelly with a little butter (YUM).
Now it's time to get serious about getting some work done here. BUSY BUSY BUSY.
Okay. That's all right. I've got 7 left for the day and maybe I can sneak in some activity to earn a couple more. I've earned plenty of activity points this week and have only used maybe 15 of my weekly points, but have quite settled into using all my weekly points. Afraid the scale won't show a loss.
So if I'm hungry this afternoon, I'll have an orange and maybe a cup of my homemade soup, and then dinner is chicken breast and veggies. See, it's okay. You can still have a 22-point breakfast and stay close to your daily points target.
I had an omelet made with eggbeaters, turkey sausage and a slice of provolone cheese. I haven't had grits in SO SO long and I was kind of chilly, so they sounded very comfortable...and were. Also had whole wheat toast and jelly with a little butter (YUM).
Now it's time to get serious about getting some work done here. BUSY BUSY BUSY.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In the Pan
This morning I headed to the kitchen for my usual protein packed breakfast. The result was:
I couldn't make up my mind whether to use leftover sauteed swiss chard (with onions and garlic, of course) or roasted butternut squash, so I chose both, along with shredded carrots and mushrooms for a little more veggie action, eggbeaters, fat-free feta cheese and a slice of naturally slender american cheese. Made a huge omelet for a total PP value of ...drum roll please .... ONLY 5 points! I counted a point for the swiss chard because of the olive oil it was sauteed in.
So I'm curious, what do you put in your omelet? I tend to go with whatever is leftover in the fridge, the usual veggies, carrots, onion, peppers, and sometimes even a little salsa is great in an omelet.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
FitBloggin '11
So I'm am totally wondering what it would be like to attend FitBloggin '11. If I could come up with the $$$ for the fees, that is. But wow, what a great "little trip" that would be, a "me" trip. Just wondering if anybody I know is going.
There are so many bills due right now that I don't know where I'd come up with the $$$ anyway. I should just focus on the task at hand, getting work done, paying off bills to make life easier, less stress, and train and register for runs (Broad Street Run, Atlantic City Half Marathon, and others to be determined). And I just keep feeling like I need to do more, things that I wouldn't have done in my old life. This is one of them.
I have changed so so much in the past year and a half. If someone had told me a few years ago that I was contemplating attending a conference about health and fitness and blogging, where I really wouldn't know anybody, I would have said, "Yeah, right. Not this girl." Not that way anymore.
So I wonder....are any of my "blog friends" attending????? Maybe even speaking?
There are so many bills due right now that I don't know where I'd come up with the $$$ anyway. I should just focus on the task at hand, getting work done, paying off bills to make life easier, less stress, and train and register for runs (Broad Street Run, Atlantic City Half Marathon, and others to be determined). And I just keep feeling like I need to do more, things that I wouldn't have done in my old life. This is one of them.
I have changed so so much in the past year and a half. If someone had told me a few years ago that I was contemplating attending a conference about health and fitness and blogging, where I really wouldn't know anybody, I would have said, "Yeah, right. Not this girl." Not that way anymore.
So I wonder....are any of my "blog friends" attending????? Maybe even speaking?
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Soup Recipe
Happy Monday (grumble grumble grumble).
So a couple of you have asked me to post the recipe for my Chicken Veggie Barley Noodle Soup that I talked about in Saturday's post. Here's a close-up of my bowl of soup from Saturday.
It sas really a throw-together soup, whatever I had available, but turned out so delicious that I took the time to put it into the recipe builder. It actually builds in at 2 points per cup. Now, because I adore using the pressure cooker to make soup, that's what I did, but I'm sure you could just throw it all in a pot and let it cook away. I would leave the zucchini out for a while though because it wouldn't take as long to cook as the rest. I also added the noodles in at the very end.
CHICKEN VEGGIE BARLEY NOODLE SOUP
Ingredients:
2 cups roasted chicken breast (chopped)
2 cups canned diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked barley
2 cups carrots, diced
2 cups celery, diced
1 medium raw onion, diced
2 cups rutabegas, diced
2 cups zucchini, diced
2 oz. No Yolk fine egg noodles
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp. italian seasoning
16 cups chicken broth (I use homemade, but canned would be just as good)
***I did not use, but I think green beans would be great in this as well
Anyway, throw everything in a pot except the noodles and the zucchini, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cover. Cook until veggies start to get tender, then add in zucchini and continue cooking until veggies are cooked through and barley is tender. This is where you'll have to use your judgment, because as I said, I used my pressure cooker. Once that's done, throw in your egg noodles and continue to summer until noodles are done.
I put this into the recipe builder, and mine came out to 2 points per cup, and it made a total of about 23 cups. I know, that's A LOT OF SOUP, but we ate almost every bit of it last week. I'm going to be making another batch up this week too, but maybe just go with more barley and skip the noodles.
If you try this recipe, please, I'd love to hear back from you whether you liked it or if you changed it up a bit, what you added to your soup.
So a couple of you have asked me to post the recipe for my Chicken Veggie Barley Noodle Soup that I talked about in Saturday's post. Here's a close-up of my bowl of soup from Saturday.
CHICKEN VEGGIE BARLEY NOODLE SOUP
Ingredients:
2 cups roasted chicken breast (chopped)
2 cups canned diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked barley
2 cups carrots, diced
2 cups celery, diced
1 medium raw onion, diced
2 cups rutabegas, diced
2 cups zucchini, diced
2 oz. No Yolk fine egg noodles
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp. italian seasoning
16 cups chicken broth (I use homemade, but canned would be just as good)
***I did not use, but I think green beans would be great in this as well
Anyway, throw everything in a pot except the noodles and the zucchini, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cover. Cook until veggies start to get tender, then add in zucchini and continue cooking until veggies are cooked through and barley is tender. This is where you'll have to use your judgment, because as I said, I used my pressure cooker. Once that's done, throw in your egg noodles and continue to summer until noodles are done.
I put this into the recipe builder, and mine came out to 2 points per cup, and it made a total of about 23 cups. I know, that's A LOT OF SOUP, but we ate almost every bit of it last week. I'm going to be making another batch up this week too, but maybe just go with more barley and skip the noodles.
If you try this recipe, please, I'd love to hear back from you whether you liked it or if you changed it up a bit, what you added to your soup.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Successful Week Indeed
First of all, thank you, Marisa, for letting us know about this great t-shirt. I bought TWO and intend to get another in a men's size for the gym.
Not the greatest shot of me, but I'll blame it on the lighting. Could have chopped my head off, because it's all about the shirt, but then it would be just a chest shot, and I didn't think that would be very nice either. :)
So, yes, I'm feeling great. Went to my weekly meeting and weigh-in this morning (wow, was it crowded!). Before I report my results, let me say that I was very unsure this week of how I was going to do. It's my first full week of really settling into the new PointsPlus program. I decided to JUST DO IT and track everything no matter what.
So starting with last weekend, it was very shaky. On Saturday, I used 17 of my weekly points allowance. So I didn't feel I started off very well, but I tracked everything and then tried to do better the rest of the week. I also made sure that I got lots of activity in. I hit the gym three times, running a total of 13.25 miles for the week (wow, I ran a half-marathon this week). Of course, there was also the snow shoveling and I got on the elliptical one day, and skated on Wednesday night. So activity wise, I did VERY well.
In addition, I tried to remain open-minded about the free fruit. I limited myself to two pieces of fruit, but I did allow myself the free fruit. Oh, AND I drank lots and lots of water.
I really felt that I was eating too much, but according to my tracker, I was doing okay. So results? Drum roll........ I lost 1.5! Yeah! That I call a successful week. Because I am at goal, my weekly average weightloss is normally closer to .75.
So I was so thrilled with my success this week, that instead of coming home and heading out with hubby for lunch (what we normally do on Saturday), I decided to eat in. And I know I don't usually post pictures of my meals, but I don't know, just felt like doing it today. So here it is.
That's one heaping cup of my homemade "chicken veggie barley noodle soup" for 3 points, my "mexican cheese bread" (2 slices Pepperidge Farms light 7 grain bread) for 2 points, 2 tbsp salsa, and 1/4 cup of Cabot 50% shredded cheddar cheese for 2 points. Oh, yes, and a delicious sweet juicy Honey Bell orange for 0 points. That's a nice filling lunch for me for a total of only 7 points!
Now I'm off to a birthday party this afternoon. Going over early with snowsuit and boots so I can play in the snow with the kids and build a snowman and snow angels. Can't wait!
So, yes, I'm feeling great. Went to my weekly meeting and weigh-in this morning (wow, was it crowded!). Before I report my results, let me say that I was very unsure this week of how I was going to do. It's my first full week of really settling into the new PointsPlus program. I decided to JUST DO IT and track everything no matter what.
So starting with last weekend, it was very shaky. On Saturday, I used 17 of my weekly points allowance. So I didn't feel I started off very well, but I tracked everything and then tried to do better the rest of the week. I also made sure that I got lots of activity in. I hit the gym three times, running a total of 13.25 miles for the week (wow, I ran a half-marathon this week). Of course, there was also the snow shoveling and I got on the elliptical one day, and skated on Wednesday night. So activity wise, I did VERY well.
In addition, I tried to remain open-minded about the free fruit. I limited myself to two pieces of fruit, but I did allow myself the free fruit. Oh, AND I drank lots and lots of water.
I really felt that I was eating too much, but according to my tracker, I was doing okay. So results? Drum roll........ I lost 1.5! Yeah! That I call a successful week. Because I am at goal, my weekly average weightloss is normally closer to .75.
So I was so thrilled with my success this week, that instead of coming home and heading out with hubby for lunch (what we normally do on Saturday), I decided to eat in. And I know I don't usually post pictures of my meals, but I don't know, just felt like doing it today. So here it is.
Now I'm off to a birthday party this afternoon. Going over early with snowsuit and boots so I can play in the snow with the kids and build a snowman and snow angels. Can't wait!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Just Have Fun
Good morning to all! I had to post about this as soon as I saw this. I don't know about you, but lately, I've been feeling a little down, achey, sometimes feeling like I should just give up on being active. But last night, I went skating, put on the old skates again, the ones I really like, and I had a ball, felt like the old me again and JUST HAD FUN!
This morning, my sister-in-law posted this video on Facebook and I just can't stop watching it. So much fun. See for yourself.
So now I'm thinking my motto is Just Have Fun! Makes everything else so much easier!
This morning, my sister-in-law posted this video on Facebook and I just can't stop watching it. So much fun. See for yourself.
So now I'm thinking my motto is Just Have Fun! Makes everything else so much easier!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Just Such a Strange Day
First of all, let me just tell you, since coming back from Florida, I have been eating so many of these....
Delicious! We brought home honey bells and red navels. Yum! The honey bell is the juiciest orange I have ever had, and the red navels are soooo sweet. Might have to put in an order and have some more shipped up here unless I can find them in the stores. Mom to the rescue! Send more oranges, please.....
So yeah, been a weird day. Started off with me getting up early, having my coffee, shower, dressed, hair, make-up and out the door by 8:30 for an 8:45 doctor's appointment....which isn't until next Tuesday. What? Really? I had it on the calendar for today.
So then I was totally miffed because by the time I got back home, I realized I could have been spending the last two hours nice and warm and cozy in my jammies working at my computer and had two hours of two done. Oh, well. No sense getting upset about that. So I rearranged my schedule and decided instead of the late morning workout, I would go late afternoon, which I did.
I also pushed it a little further at the gym. Yesterday I ran 4.0 miles, today, 4.5. That felt good. I tried a new playlist on my iPod. I don't know. It was okay music, but I just seemed off and not in the groove until I switched to my usual running playlist. Hmmm.
So then I decided instead of rushing home and showering there, I would go ahead and relax, shower at the gym and take my time. As I'm in the locker room getting dressed after my shower, a girl comes past who's getting ready to go in the gym for her workout and her waist was all wrapped in what looked to me like plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag. Huh? Anybody have a clue? I'm assuming it's something to do with weighloss or slimming her waist? Reminded of the plastic running suit my father made me wear to ride the exercise bike when I was a kid. Long story.
I should write about my experiences as an overweight child and how much my father really wanted me to get healthy. I hated it then and now I pray every day that he can see me from heaven and see that I have finally accomplished what he so desired for his little girl.
So anyway, got a little off track. Now I'm home, dinner is on (chicken and veggies in the pressure cooker), firewood is ready by the back door, and we're just waiting for more snow. OH, GOODY!
My plan tomorrow is to get to the rink and get some good skating in, but depends on the weather. If we get too much snow, they'll cancel. I hope not. Really looking forward to skating. But, you know, I haven't built a snowman in a couple of years. So maybe that will be my goal for tomorrow, after the sidewalks and driveway are all cleared, to go play in the snow.
How many of you out there still like to go play in the snow? I DO!!! And I don't have any kids to use as an excuse for playing. Just me wanting to have some fun. :)
Delicious! We brought home honey bells and red navels. Yum! The honey bell is the juiciest orange I have ever had, and the red navels are soooo sweet. Might have to put in an order and have some more shipped up here unless I can find them in the stores. Mom to the rescue! Send more oranges, please.....
So yeah, been a weird day. Started off with me getting up early, having my coffee, shower, dressed, hair, make-up and out the door by 8:30 for an 8:45 doctor's appointment....which isn't until next Tuesday. What? Really? I had it on the calendar for today.
So then I was totally miffed because by the time I got back home, I realized I could have been spending the last two hours nice and warm and cozy in my jammies working at my computer and had two hours of two done. Oh, well. No sense getting upset about that. So I rearranged my schedule and decided instead of the late morning workout, I would go late afternoon, which I did.
I also pushed it a little further at the gym. Yesterday I ran 4.0 miles, today, 4.5. That felt good. I tried a new playlist on my iPod. I don't know. It was okay music, but I just seemed off and not in the groove until I switched to my usual running playlist. Hmmm.
So then I decided instead of rushing home and showering there, I would go ahead and relax, shower at the gym and take my time. As I'm in the locker room getting dressed after my shower, a girl comes past who's getting ready to go in the gym for her workout and her waist was all wrapped in what looked to me like plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag. Huh? Anybody have a clue? I'm assuming it's something to do with weighloss or slimming her waist? Reminded of the plastic running suit my father made me wear to ride the exercise bike when I was a kid. Long story.
I should write about my experiences as an overweight child and how much my father really wanted me to get healthy. I hated it then and now I pray every day that he can see me from heaven and see that I have finally accomplished what he so desired for his little girl.
So anyway, got a little off track. Now I'm home, dinner is on (chicken and veggies in the pressure cooker), firewood is ready by the back door, and we're just waiting for more snow. OH, GOODY!
My plan tomorrow is to get to the rink and get some good skating in, but depends on the weather. If we get too much snow, they'll cancel. I hope not. Really looking forward to skating. But, you know, I haven't built a snowman in a couple of years. So maybe that will be my goal for tomorrow, after the sidewalks and driveway are all cleared, to go play in the snow.
How many of you out there still like to go play in the snow? I DO!!! And I don't have any kids to use as an excuse for playing. Just me wanting to have some fun. :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pushing Through and Running Far
So first of all, have to share this picture. Me and Bailey on Christmas Eve. I was trying to get a nice pic for next year's Christmas cards, but he was just not cooperating, just like a little kid.
So anyway, on to my topic. Lately, the last week, since returning from Christmas vacation, I've felt a little lost, a little down, a little disinterested in the whole healthy lifestyle thing. Yes. I said it. I really did. It's been a struggle to find my groove again. But I REFUSE to allow myself to become the old me again. That will NEVER EVER happen. So I am moving on, day by day, dealing with this moment by moment, and I am pushing through.
I had intended on setting some new goals for the new year, and talked about them a little, maybe running a few half marathons, maybe taking a belly dancing class (fun, right?), maybe, maybe, maybe but I've never got any more specific. So that's what I'm working on this week, finding exactly what it is that I want for 2011 and going for it!
I know that one of the things I really, really want for 2011...and know this may sound a bit obvious....but what I really want is a healthy year, healing from injuries, no new injuries, and I want to run farther and farther. I DO WANT THAT HALF-MARATHON and I WILL absolutely be doing that in Atlantic City in October, and maybe another sooner, depending on how I progress.
So today I hit the treadmill at the gym, and I must say I also don't really enjoy running on the treadmill. I enjoy running outside, but I don't enjoy worrying about whether I'm going to slip on a patch of ice or freezing my butt off. So treadmill it was. It was difficult. I wanted to run 4 miles, to beat the distance I ran on vacation on my bridge runs (see previous posts) when the second day, I came just short of the 4 mile mark. Each mile I ran today, the thought creeped in that I just wasn't feeling it and I think I'll stop at 3 miles. When I got to 3 miles, I thought, okay, you got here, now how much further can you go? Got it in you? Bet you can! Just do another 2 minutes, then a little further, then another 2 minutes, until finally, I did it, got to 4 miles! Yeah!
So now it's 4.5, then 5.0, then....well, you get the idea. Have to keep pushing, challenging yourself, dare to go beyond what you think you can do. Now, granted, I've run more than 4 miles. I was running 6 on an average, but that was before the surgery, and I've really never gotten back to that physically. So that's one of my 2011 goals, to get back physically to where I was pre-surgery.
Do you challenge yourself to go beyond what you think you can?
So anyway, on to my topic. Lately, the last week, since returning from Christmas vacation, I've felt a little lost, a little down, a little disinterested in the whole healthy lifestyle thing. Yes. I said it. I really did. It's been a struggle to find my groove again. But I REFUSE to allow myself to become the old me again. That will NEVER EVER happen. So I am moving on, day by day, dealing with this moment by moment, and I am pushing through.
I had intended on setting some new goals for the new year, and talked about them a little, maybe running a few half marathons, maybe taking a belly dancing class (fun, right?), maybe, maybe, maybe but I've never got any more specific. So that's what I'm working on this week, finding exactly what it is that I want for 2011 and going for it!
I know that one of the things I really, really want for 2011...and know this may sound a bit obvious....but what I really want is a healthy year, healing from injuries, no new injuries, and I want to run farther and farther. I DO WANT THAT HALF-MARATHON and I WILL absolutely be doing that in Atlantic City in October, and maybe another sooner, depending on how I progress.
So today I hit the treadmill at the gym, and I must say I also don't really enjoy running on the treadmill. I enjoy running outside, but I don't enjoy worrying about whether I'm going to slip on a patch of ice or freezing my butt off. So treadmill it was. It was difficult. I wanted to run 4 miles, to beat the distance I ran on vacation on my bridge runs (see previous posts) when the second day, I came just short of the 4 mile mark. Each mile I ran today, the thought creeped in that I just wasn't feeling it and I think I'll stop at 3 miles. When I got to 3 miles, I thought, okay, you got here, now how much further can you go? Got it in you? Bet you can! Just do another 2 minutes, then a little further, then another 2 minutes, until finally, I did it, got to 4 miles! Yeah!
So now it's 4.5, then 5.0, then....well, you get the idea. Have to keep pushing, challenging yourself, dare to go beyond what you think you can do. Now, granted, I've run more than 4 miles. I was running 6 on an average, but that was before the surgery, and I've really never gotten back to that physically. So that's one of my 2011 goals, to get back physically to where I was pre-surgery.
Do you challenge yourself to go beyond what you think you can?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Official Vacation Results - A Flop
Hi. I hope you're all having a nice weekend. It's very, very cold here, 25 degrees right now. We got a little snow yesterday, just a couple of inches. Makes me want to cuddle up with the newspaper and just hang out today and not get anything done, but I've got A LIST, and must be finished by 4:30 gametime. Go Eagles!
Sorry. Got a little distracted for a second.
Anyway, on to my topic. Went to my meeting and weigh-in yesterday, with not such good results, but I expected it. I gained almost 4 pounds. There. I admitted. Now that that's out of the way, I have to say although I'm frustrated now at what I did not accomplish over my vacation, I'm confident in what I can accomplish now, which is it to get back to where I want to be.
That starts with one big thing. Even though it's Sunday, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though my whole body is aching right now, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though I have a lot of cleaning, putting away Christmas, cooking, that kind of stuff to do, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though I have some work that I should do for my job, my intention is to get a workout in.
What will that be? Well, I have options! Don't we all? We all have options as far as activity goes every single day. Yeah, it's cold, but if I dress warm, I could go for a walk. I could throw my gym clothes together and even though it's not a normal thing for me to do on a Sunday, I could go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I could just head down into the dark and dreary basement and get on that beautiful elliptical that hardly ever gets used. I could put the Christmas tree away so I have more room and work with my hoops.
The question really is when do I want to get my workout in and which one will I pick. Hmmm, think I better get some breakfast and finish my coffee.
What's your favorite go-to workout when you really need to push yourself back into activity?
Sorry. Got a little distracted for a second.
Anyway, on to my topic. Went to my meeting and weigh-in yesterday, with not such good results, but I expected it. I gained almost 4 pounds. There. I admitted. Now that that's out of the way, I have to say although I'm frustrated now at what I did not accomplish over my vacation, I'm confident in what I can accomplish now, which is it to get back to where I want to be.
That starts with one big thing. Even though it's Sunday, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though my whole body is aching right now, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though I have a lot of cleaning, putting away Christmas, cooking, that kind of stuff to do, my intention is to get a workout in. Even though I have some work that I should do for my job, my intention is to get a workout in.
What will that be? Well, I have options! Don't we all? We all have options as far as activity goes every single day. Yeah, it's cold, but if I dress warm, I could go for a walk. I could throw my gym clothes together and even though it's not a normal thing for me to do on a Sunday, I could go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I could just head down into the dark and dreary basement and get on that beautiful elliptical that hardly ever gets used. I could put the Christmas tree away so I have more room and work with my hoops.
The question really is when do I want to get my workout in and which one will I pick. Hmmm, think I better get some breakfast and finish my coffee.
What's your favorite go-to workout when you really need to push yourself back into activity?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Hooping = Happy
Well, first of all, Happy Friday. It's been a long week for me. I'm still struggling to get those "vacation pounds" off and don't think it's happening, but I know it's not going to happen overnight. So I trudge on.
After reading MizFit's post this morning about belly dancing, I am totally interested in finding a belly dancing class in my area. Never thought I'd say that, but really sounds like a lot of fun! I was always way too self-conscious about my weight and my body to do anything like that, but now I realize I'm not the same person and I'm ready.
Anyway, got me to thinkin about my hoops. Wow, it seems like ages. With the preparation of the holidays, working, and vacation, they're just sitting there hanging out, leaning against the wall, waiting for me (and Marisa, yours is waiting for you too...okay, and for us to meet up again so I can actually give it to you).
I miss you, hoops! Time for us to get together! That's definitely on the to-do list for later this morning, after I get my work done and before I get on with the rest of my day.
Hooping gave me the outlet that I needed to be more comfortable in my own skin. It also gives me yet another chance to "just be happy" and just have fun. I can't help but smile when I'm hooping. They just go together naturally, the hoop on my hips and a smile.
Not much room around here for hooping though right now. Will need to take it easy so as not to knock anything over, but my plan is that Sunday will be designated "put away Christmas" day, take the tree down, housecleaning and then we're ready for some serious hooping. :)
After reading MizFit's post this morning about belly dancing, I am totally interested in finding a belly dancing class in my area. Never thought I'd say that, but really sounds like a lot of fun! I was always way too self-conscious about my weight and my body to do anything like that, but now I realize I'm not the same person and I'm ready.
Anyway, got me to thinkin about my hoops. Wow, it seems like ages. With the preparation of the holidays, working, and vacation, they're just sitting there hanging out, leaning against the wall, waiting for me (and Marisa, yours is waiting for you too...okay, and for us to meet up again so I can actually give it to you).
I miss you, hoops! Time for us to get together! That's definitely on the to-do list for later this morning, after I get my work done and before I get on with the rest of my day.
Hooping gave me the outlet that I needed to be more comfortable in my own skin. It also gives me yet another chance to "just be happy" and just have fun. I can't help but smile when I'm hooping. They just go together naturally, the hoop on my hips and a smile.
Not much room around here for hooping though right now. Will need to take it easy so as not to knock anything over, but my plan is that Sunday will be designated "put away Christmas" day, take the tree down, housecleaning and then we're ready for some serious hooping. :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Paying for It
Wow, I think my vacation just caught up with me. First of all, today all of a sudden I feel like I've gained 10 pounds. I know in reality it's not 10 pounds, but maybe 4, but what a difference I'm feeling today, all bloated and puffy, clothes fitting a little snug. Yuck.
And on top of that, I just feel so washed out. I'm surprised but I guess it took a couple days for everything to catch up. Riding in the car for two VERY long days, not drinking all my water for fear I'd have to stop at every single rest stop, and just not my normal routine. I am so tired today.
I did get to the gym yesterday and got a decent run in on the treadmill. Woke up last night with that darned pain/cramp going up the front of my lower leg/shin. Ughh. Had an appointment for follow-up with doctor tomorrow but I just rescheduled it to make room in the schedule this week since now we have to get hubby to the doctors. He hurt his back on the way home and we're not sure what's going on All he did was pick up our little 20-pound dog to put him in the car and something happened in his back. I feel so bad for him. Living with chronic back pain is the pits. How can I complain about a little leg pain when he has such terrible pain?
Now I'm realizing how much he does for me since now he can't do much of anything. I'm behind in the wash, the cleaning, Christmas hasn't been put away (don't think that's happening any time soon), he usually does the dishes for me and empties the dishwasher, puts leftovers away after dinner. All that stuff really adds up.
So I just stopped my work for a minute, took a hot bath, and now I'm headed for a cup of coffee and back to work. Plan on getting two more big mugs of water in today too.
Have to weigh in at my meeting on Saturday. Hoping I'm feeling better by then.
And on top of that, I just feel so washed out. I'm surprised but I guess it took a couple days for everything to catch up. Riding in the car for two VERY long days, not drinking all my water for fear I'd have to stop at every single rest stop, and just not my normal routine. I am so tired today.
I did get to the gym yesterday and got a decent run in on the treadmill. Woke up last night with that darned pain/cramp going up the front of my lower leg/shin. Ughh. Had an appointment for follow-up with doctor tomorrow but I just rescheduled it to make room in the schedule this week since now we have to get hubby to the doctors. He hurt his back on the way home and we're not sure what's going on All he did was pick up our little 20-pound dog to put him in the car and something happened in his back. I feel so bad for him. Living with chronic back pain is the pits. How can I complain about a little leg pain when he has such terrible pain?
Now I'm realizing how much he does for me since now he can't do much of anything. I'm behind in the wash, the cleaning, Christmas hasn't been put away (don't think that's happening any time soon), he usually does the dishes for me and empties the dishwasher, puts leftovers away after dinner. All that stuff really adds up.
So I just stopped my work for a minute, took a hot bath, and now I'm headed for a cup of coffee and back to work. Plan on getting two more big mugs of water in today too.
Have to weigh in at my meeting on Saturday. Hoping I'm feeling better by then.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My Big Christmas Accomplishment!
Wow, coming back from vacation is such a drag. My days were so relaxed, so casual. Now it's back to the routine. I really struggled to get up this morning when the alarm went off. I could have stayed in bed, but I have a goal today. I want to get back to the gym, and in order to do that, I need to get moving early and get half of my work for the day done. I also wanted to write this post before I started.
Well, I met another goal in 2010, my own "Bridge Run". This is the bridge.
Beautiful, isn't it? Let me explain a little. It's a concrete arch bridge that spans the intercoastal waterway and goes over to the beach side where mom used to live "before the hurricanes". It's a mile over and a mile back.
The last time we went, my goal was to "walk the bridge". It's something I've always wanted to do and I was so thrilled to have done it at that time. I said at that point that my next trip, I would run the bridge. So when we got to Florida, I was so anxious to start running again. But because of the holiday and the weather, it was later in the week before I finally got a day to go.
At first, I was thought I better just walk first, I haven't been running, there is a slight incline, I don't want to get hurt, and start talking myself right out of it. That's when I decided "just do it". So I got up one morning and said this is the day. Of course, that's when I realized I had wiped out all my running playlists from my iPod. Oh, well, I still had music, just not the usual.
And, of course, I stopped to take pictures while I was running. The view is just breathtaking!
It was a beautiful day, blue sky, nice little breeze, sun shining and warming my face as I started my run. There is no other way to describe it other than to show you. These pictures are from the top of the bridge.
Talk about a runner's high. So beautiful.
So I did it. I ran the bridge, a mile in each direction. Total distance, two miles, but I wasn't finished. At the base of the bridge, there is a big beautiful park. So I entered the park and continued to run. These are a few pictures taken from the park.
When I was all done, I wanted to try out the self-timer on my camera to get a shot of me with the thumbs up sign. Well, I got the camera all set up on the hood of the car, set the timer, stood back and waited and waited. Cars were driving by and looking at me standing there with the thumbs up sign. Probably thought I was nutso. Why was this crazy lady with the pink Peace sign hat giving them the thumbs up sign? Finally, the camera took the picture.
I ran the bridge twice during this trip. The second day, I ran from the beach down to the bridge, over and back, back to the beach. I wanted to run further, down to the condo where Mom used to live, but I started feeling it in my knee so I backed off. And the second day, I didn't really run intervals. I stopped to walk only two times for about a minute each. I ran about 3 miles the first day, and 4 miles the second. And after that second run, I felt it. My body knew that it had a good workout.
So today I'm hopefully headed back to the gym to start working out again. I want to run outdoors, but just too cold this week. So I'll hit the treadmill and get this body moving again. I'll just imagine that I'm running over that beautiful bridge.
Monday, January 3, 2011
From the Start - Replugged
Hi, all, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I know, a little late, but I have been thinking of all my blogging friends over the past few weeks. I have been kind of "unplugged" for a while, took a holiday vacation out of town. It was wonderful. Spent Christmas with my Mom in Sunny Florida. The weather? Well, honestly, it was cold...for Florida...for the beginning of the trip. They even had frost. But, of course, I missed the first BIG SNOW at home AND got to spend Christmas with Mom. So I'm not complaining about weather.
Anyway, I honestly DID not track anything that I ate while I was there. I did track my weight....for most of the trip, but have not gotten on the scale for about the last four days, and I don't intend to now until next Saturday at my meeting and weigh-in. It's on the straight and narrow for me now.
I have lots of pictures to download off the camera and a few that I will blog about. I got to run while I was down there a few times and did something I've wanted to do for the past two years. I'll tell you more once my pictures are downloaded.
So for now, I'm off to do laundry. We left Florida with nothing but bags of clean laundry. However, the "waterproof" bags and "waterproof" cargo carrier didn't quite hold up their end of the deal. Yesterday we drove through rain the entire day. Most of the time, just light rain, drizzle, and lots of road splash, a few spots of heavier rain. Got home, unloaded everything, and ...yep, two big bags of wet clothes! Ugh.
And on top of that, something has happened with hubby's already bad bad. We might be dealing with doctors this week too. All he did was pick up our 20-pound dog to put him back in the car, and something just went, severe pain that brought him to his knees (my husband, not the dog). Now he's having trouble walking (using his cane again) and can't stand straight. Ugh. He dealt with it though the rest of the way home, with pain meds, tens unit, heating pad.
So back to the real world. And let me just say that I am SO INSPIRED by all of you who have been following the program through the holidays. I am excited to get back to the PointsPlus program now and really give the attention to it that I DESERVE!
Oh, and while I was sitting in the car all the way home, I've been pondering my 2011 goals. No resolutions for me, just goals. Have a few of them I'll share in future posts.
Anyway, I honestly DID not track anything that I ate while I was there. I did track my weight....for most of the trip, but have not gotten on the scale for about the last four days, and I don't intend to now until next Saturday at my meeting and weigh-in. It's on the straight and narrow for me now.
I have lots of pictures to download off the camera and a few that I will blog about. I got to run while I was down there a few times and did something I've wanted to do for the past two years. I'll tell you more once my pictures are downloaded.
So for now, I'm off to do laundry. We left Florida with nothing but bags of clean laundry. However, the "waterproof" bags and "waterproof" cargo carrier didn't quite hold up their end of the deal. Yesterday we drove through rain the entire day. Most of the time, just light rain, drizzle, and lots of road splash, a few spots of heavier rain. Got home, unloaded everything, and ...yep, two big bags of wet clothes! Ugh.
And on top of that, something has happened with hubby's already bad bad. We might be dealing with doctors this week too. All he did was pick up our 20-pound dog to put him back in the car, and something just went, severe pain that brought him to his knees (my husband, not the dog). Now he's having trouble walking (using his cane again) and can't stand straight. Ugh. He dealt with it though the rest of the way home, with pain meds, tens unit, heating pad.
So back to the real world. And let me just say that I am SO INSPIRED by all of you who have been following the program through the holidays. I am excited to get back to the PointsPlus program now and really give the attention to it that I DESERVE!
Oh, and while I was sitting in the car all the way home, I've been pondering my 2011 goals. No resolutions for me, just goals. Have a few of them I'll share in future posts.
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