This first week in September always feels like January to me. I think it's because our sleepy campus wakes up after the summer and everything gets moving again.
I'm included in the things that get moving right now. The past week has been touch and go. I've definitely eaten "well" more often than not over the past week but not as well as I will next week. Each week that passes sees a definite improvement in the choices I'm making at meal time.
Partly because we're trying to be less impulsive with our meals and partly because we're pretty broke this month, we're trying to plan out our weekly meals. So far, we've not planned more than a couple of days in advance but that's a good start I think. A huge challenge to our clean eating regime is the weather. We've both been suffering with bad weather-related headaches and that throws the eating thing way off. On headache days, one of several things can happen: either we eat and are sick, or don't eat, or eventually eat but eat too much and eat not good things because we're treating ourselves after the headache.
Not ideal is it? It's also the reason for the not so good days for yours truly. However, despite that, I'm moving more, walking more and that feels good. I've not stepped on the scale but I feel like I'm not retaining water like I was so that's kind of nice. Baby steps, right? Like I said earlier, as long as I improve what I'm doing each week, that's what is most important.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
looking forward
Being back on track feels, well, weird I suppose. At the end of the day yesterday, logically, I felt great about what I’d consumed and the walk I’d taken at the end of the day (even if I wasn’t able to go as far as I’d hoped). Physically though, I’m feeling tired and beaten up. This morning particularly, I had a really tough time getting going.
This will shift, I know that. I’m still flushing toxins out of my system I think. I know that I’m drinking more fluids and as a result am peeing more. My skin is sort of wonky at the moment as some of the nasty stuff that’s been in system works its way out. In a few weeks, I’ll feel less bloated and my skin will improve.
I think that this shitty feeling is good though. It’s reminding me why I’m doing this. Crap meals and laying around have made me feel like a slug and I know for a fact that I’m way over that. If I eat better and move more, eventually, I’ll feel terrific. I’m looking forward to that!
This will shift, I know that. I’m still flushing toxins out of my system I think. I know that I’m drinking more fluids and as a result am peeing more. My skin is sort of wonky at the moment as some of the nasty stuff that’s been in system works its way out. In a few weeks, I’ll feel less bloated and my skin will improve.
I think that this shitty feeling is good though. It’s reminding me why I’m doing this. Crap meals and laying around have made me feel like a slug and I know for a fact that I’m way over that. If I eat better and move more, eventually, I’ll feel terrific. I’m looking forward to that!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
new shoes & ice cream cones
I can report that I’m definitely being more thoughtful in my food choices. I really think about each meal and what I’m consuming before I do it. Over the past week, I feel that I’ve done well overall on cutting back on my portions, on reducing the amount of salt and fat I’m ingesting and on increasing the amount of water I’m drinking.
I cannot say that I’ve been completely “good” last week, well over the weekend anyway. On the weekend, I had some chips, some dip, an ice cream cone and a couple of hot dogs. Honestly though, I did think about what I was doing – it was not mindless eating. I also tried to offset the extra calories with either a little more exercise or a by eating less later on. This isn’t ideal, I understand this, it is what it is though. It’s life for now. I keep talking to myself about small changes and I think that is what is going to work for me in the long run.
This week is going pretty well so far. I’ve realized that it’s time for me to buy some new shoes. I’ve been wearing flip flops and sandals all summer. This past week, I was doing some extra walking and realized that I really need a new pair of walking shoes. It’s been a long time since I have splurged on my feet and I want to invest in something that will be comfortable and make me want to keep walking. The dog park we go to has a large track and I’d really like to start walking that. We go there pretty much every night so it’s a good opportunity for me to get some serious walking in, rather than the meandering stuff I do when I’m playing with the dog.
So that may be this weekend’s project, get new shoes. If you all have any suggestions for a good walking shoe I’d love to hear them. I have a wide foot and am pretty heavy right now so I’ll need something that is pretty sturdy. I know that it’s not going to be easy, walking that track, because I’m really out of shape. At the moment, I’m so sick of being this out of shape that I’m actually excited about exercising regularly again. Feeling like a giant slug is not a good thing. I can actually remember how good it felt to get into the habit of exercising almost every day (like I did way back at the beginning of this whole thing) and I want to have that in my life again!
I cannot say that I’ve been completely “good” last week, well over the weekend anyway. On the weekend, I had some chips, some dip, an ice cream cone and a couple of hot dogs. Honestly though, I did think about what I was doing – it was not mindless eating. I also tried to offset the extra calories with either a little more exercise or a by eating less later on. This isn’t ideal, I understand this, it is what it is though. It’s life for now. I keep talking to myself about small changes and I think that is what is going to work for me in the long run.
This week is going pretty well so far. I’ve realized that it’s time for me to buy some new shoes. I’ve been wearing flip flops and sandals all summer. This past week, I was doing some extra walking and realized that I really need a new pair of walking shoes. It’s been a long time since I have splurged on my feet and I want to invest in something that will be comfortable and make me want to keep walking. The dog park we go to has a large track and I’d really like to start walking that. We go there pretty much every night so it’s a good opportunity for me to get some serious walking in, rather than the meandering stuff I do when I’m playing with the dog.
So that may be this weekend’s project, get new shoes. If you all have any suggestions for a good walking shoe I’d love to hear them. I have a wide foot and am pretty heavy right now so I’ll need something that is pretty sturdy. I know that it’s not going to be easy, walking that track, because I’m really out of shape. At the moment, I’m so sick of being this out of shape that I’m actually excited about exercising regularly again. Feeling like a giant slug is not a good thing. I can actually remember how good it felt to get into the habit of exercising almost every day (like I did way back at the beginning of this whole thing) and I want to have that in my life again!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
empty
This week has been tough at times, at other times, not so much.
I do have a couple of things to report, good stuff I suppose, things that will help me out in the long run.
1. I cleaned out our treat cupboard. Now, the thing isn't a whole cupboard, it's more like a shelf. It also has all of our herbal teas, and crystal light and stuff. It was a mess, I threw out crusty old Werther's and cookie bits and it's now tidy, and free of starchy snacks. I will say this, recently, it's been storing digestive biscuits and licorice. Neither of these things are as bad as, let's say, delicious kit kat bars, but if you have enough of them, they aren't really smart either.
2. Fewer meals out this week. We've fallen into a bad spiral over the past month or so, of either eating out, ordering take out or making sandwiches. All of these things are not good and honestly, are pretty boring. We did grab a hot dog at Costco on Monday night because we hadn't eaten dinner and we wanted to get groceries (not on an empty stomach!). Had it with some fresca and it was good. Otherwise though, we've been preparing meals at home and have been eating all of the good produce we picked up at Costco when we shopped on a full tummy.
3. moving it. I've had, at times, crippling cramps this week but I've tried to keep moving. I didn't get walking as much as I'd have liked but I have definitely been outside, doing more than I normally would, despite the being doubled over (literally - it's very strange) with lovely TOM cramps.
I do have a couple of things to report, good stuff I suppose, things that will help me out in the long run.
1. I cleaned out our treat cupboard. Now, the thing isn't a whole cupboard, it's more like a shelf. It also has all of our herbal teas, and crystal light and stuff. It was a mess, I threw out crusty old Werther's and cookie bits and it's now tidy, and free of starchy snacks. I will say this, recently, it's been storing digestive biscuits and licorice. Neither of these things are as bad as, let's say, delicious kit kat bars, but if you have enough of them, they aren't really smart either.
2. Fewer meals out this week. We've fallen into a bad spiral over the past month or so, of either eating out, ordering take out or making sandwiches. All of these things are not good and honestly, are pretty boring. We did grab a hot dog at Costco on Monday night because we hadn't eaten dinner and we wanted to get groceries (not on an empty stomach!). Had it with some fresca and it was good. Otherwise though, we've been preparing meals at home and have been eating all of the good produce we picked up at Costco when we shopped on a full tummy.
3. moving it. I've had, at times, crippling cramps this week but I've tried to keep moving. I didn't get walking as much as I'd have liked but I have definitely been outside, doing more than I normally would, despite the being doubled over (literally - it's very strange) with lovely TOM cramps.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
it's not all about the scale
...I think we've all known this for years but it's nice to see some data backint it up. For me particularly, I have a lot of weight to lose. When I get to my goal, I'll still be considered overweight by insurance chart standards but I know that I'll be healthier than I am at my present weight. Anyway, fyi:
Better to Be Fat and Fit Than Skinny and Unfit
By TARA PARKER-POPE
Published: August 18, 2008
Often, a visit to the doctor’s office starts with a weigh-in. But is a person’s weight really a reliable indicator of overall health?
Increasingly, medical research is showing that it isn’t. Despite concerns about an obesity epidemic, there is growing evidence that our obsession about weight as a primary measure of health may be misguided.
Last week a report in The Archives of Internal Medicine compared weight and cardiovascular risk factors among a representative sample of more than 5,400 adults. The data suggest that half of overweight people and one-third of obese people are “metabolically healthy.” That means that despite their excess pounds, many overweight and obese adults have healthy levels of “good” cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and other risks for heart disease.
At the same time, about one out of four slim people — those who fall into the “healthy” weight range — actually have at least two cardiovascular risk factors typically associated with obesity, the study showed.
To be sure, being overweight or obese is linked with numerous health problems, and even in the most recent research, obese people were more likely to have two or more cardiovascular risk factors than slim people. But researchers say it is the proportion of overweight and obese people who are metabolically healthy that is so surprising.
“We use ‘overweight’ almost indiscriminately sometimes,” said MaryFran Sowers, a co-author of the study and professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan. “But there is lots of individual variation within that, and we need to be cognizant of that as we think about what our health messages should be.”
The data follow a report last fall from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute showing that overweight people appear to have longer life expectancies than so-called normal weight adults.
But many people resist the notion that people who are overweight or obese can be healthy. Several prominent health researchers have criticized the findings from the C.D.C. researchers as misleading, noting that mortality statistics don’t reflect the poor quality of life and suffering obesity can cause. And on the Internet, various blog posters, including readers of the Times’s Well blog, have argued that the data are deceptive, masking the fact that far more overweight and obese people are at higher cardiovascular risk than thin people.
Part of the problem may be our skewed perception of what it means to be overweight. Typically, a person is judged to be of normal weight based on body mass index, or B.M.I., which measures weight relative to height. A normal B.M.I. ranges from 18.5 to 25. Once B.M.I. reaches 25, a person is viewed as overweight. Thirty or higher is considered obese.
“People get confused by the words and the mental image they get,” said Katherine Flegal, senior research scientist at the C.D.C.’s National Center for Health Statistics. “People may think, ‘How could it be that a person who is so huge wouldn’t have health problems?’ But people with B.M.I.’s of 25 are pretty unremarkable.”
Several studies from researchers at the Cooper Institute in Dallas have shown that fitness — determined by how a person performs on a treadmill — is a far better indicator of health than body mass index. In several studies, the researchers have shown that people who are fat but can still keep up on treadmill tests have much lower heart risk than people who are slim and unfit.
In December, a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association looked at death rates among 2,600 adults 60 and older over 12 years. Notably, death rates among the overweight, those with a B.M.I. of 25 to 30, were slightly lower than in normal weight adults. Death rates were highest among those with a B.M.I. of 35 or more.
But the most striking finding was that fitness level, regardless of body mass index, was the strongest predictor of mortality risk. Those with the lowest level of fitness, as measured on treadmill tests, were four times as likely to die during the 12-year study than those with the highest level of fitness. Even those who had just a minimal level of fitness had half the risk of dying compared with those who were least fit.
During the test, the treadmill moved at a brisk walking pace as the grade increased each minute. In the study, it didn’t take much to qualify as fit. For men, it meant staying on the treadmill at least 8 minutes; for women, 5.5 minutes. The people who fell below those levels, whether fat or thin, were at highest risk.
The results were adjusted to control for age, smoking and underlying heart problems and still showed that fitness, not weight, was most important in predicting mortality risk.
Stephen Blair, a co-author of the study and a professor at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, said the lesson he took from the study was that instead of focusing only on weight loss, doctors should be talking to all patients about the value of physical activity, regardless of body size.
“Why is it such a stretch of the imagination,” he said, “to consider that someone overweight or obese might actually be healthy and fit?”
well@nytimes.com
Better to Be Fat and Fit Than Skinny and Unfit
By TARA PARKER-POPE
Published: August 18, 2008
Often, a visit to the doctor’s office starts with a weigh-in. But is a person’s weight really a reliable indicator of overall health?
Increasingly, medical research is showing that it isn’t. Despite concerns about an obesity epidemic, there is growing evidence that our obsession about weight as a primary measure of health may be misguided.
Last week a report in The Archives of Internal Medicine compared weight and cardiovascular risk factors among a representative sample of more than 5,400 adults. The data suggest that half of overweight people and one-third of obese people are “metabolically healthy.” That means that despite their excess pounds, many overweight and obese adults have healthy levels of “good” cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and other risks for heart disease.
At the same time, about one out of four slim people — those who fall into the “healthy” weight range — actually have at least two cardiovascular risk factors typically associated with obesity, the study showed.
To be sure, being overweight or obese is linked with numerous health problems, and even in the most recent research, obese people were more likely to have two or more cardiovascular risk factors than slim people. But researchers say it is the proportion of overweight and obese people who are metabolically healthy that is so surprising.
“We use ‘overweight’ almost indiscriminately sometimes,” said MaryFran Sowers, a co-author of the study and professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan. “But there is lots of individual variation within that, and we need to be cognizant of that as we think about what our health messages should be.”
The data follow a report last fall from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute showing that overweight people appear to have longer life expectancies than so-called normal weight adults.
But many people resist the notion that people who are overweight or obese can be healthy. Several prominent health researchers have criticized the findings from the C.D.C. researchers as misleading, noting that mortality statistics don’t reflect the poor quality of life and suffering obesity can cause. And on the Internet, various blog posters, including readers of the Times’s Well blog, have argued that the data are deceptive, masking the fact that far more overweight and obese people are at higher cardiovascular risk than thin people.
Part of the problem may be our skewed perception of what it means to be overweight. Typically, a person is judged to be of normal weight based on body mass index, or B.M.I., which measures weight relative to height. A normal B.M.I. ranges from 18.5 to 25. Once B.M.I. reaches 25, a person is viewed as overweight. Thirty or higher is considered obese.
“People get confused by the words and the mental image they get,” said Katherine Flegal, senior research scientist at the C.D.C.’s National Center for Health Statistics. “People may think, ‘How could it be that a person who is so huge wouldn’t have health problems?’ But people with B.M.I.’s of 25 are pretty unremarkable.”
Several studies from researchers at the Cooper Institute in Dallas have shown that fitness — determined by how a person performs on a treadmill — is a far better indicator of health than body mass index. In several studies, the researchers have shown that people who are fat but can still keep up on treadmill tests have much lower heart risk than people who are slim and unfit.
In December, a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association looked at death rates among 2,600 adults 60 and older over 12 years. Notably, death rates among the overweight, those with a B.M.I. of 25 to 30, were slightly lower than in normal weight adults. Death rates were highest among those with a B.M.I. of 35 or more.
But the most striking finding was that fitness level, regardless of body mass index, was the strongest predictor of mortality risk. Those with the lowest level of fitness, as measured on treadmill tests, were four times as likely to die during the 12-year study than those with the highest level of fitness. Even those who had just a minimal level of fitness had half the risk of dying compared with those who were least fit.
During the test, the treadmill moved at a brisk walking pace as the grade increased each minute. In the study, it didn’t take much to qualify as fit. For men, it meant staying on the treadmill at least 8 minutes; for women, 5.5 minutes. The people who fell below those levels, whether fat or thin, were at highest risk.
The results were adjusted to control for age, smoking and underlying heart problems and still showed that fitness, not weight, was most important in predicting mortality risk.
Stephen Blair, a co-author of the study and a professor at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, said the lesson he took from the study was that instead of focusing only on weight loss, doctors should be talking to all patients about the value of physical activity, regardless of body size.
“Why is it such a stretch of the imagination,” he said, “to consider that someone overweight or obese might actually be healthy and fit?”
well@nytimes.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
holy crap
Somehow, two months have passed (over two months actually) since I last updated. I wish I could say that I'd been a good, healthy-eating-exercise-doing shrinking gurl but alas, I was not.
I feel lousy too.
It's time for a change, for our entire household actually. We've just finished a two week vacation and we're both determined to get our collective shit together. The dog is going to be in on it too. Less treats for all, more walking, more biking. Generally, just a lot more of being kinder to ourselves.
I was at the funeral of my cousin on the weekend. She was 43 years old and had fought cancer for 14 years. I thought about how lucky I was to not have any major health issues at the age of 41 (although I'm fat - I think I can change that). I hate that it took a family tragedy to kick my ass again but I'll try to make something good come out of this horrible situation.
So yeah, in short, I'm back.
I feel lousy too.
It's time for a change, for our entire household actually. We've just finished a two week vacation and we're both determined to get our collective shit together. The dog is going to be in on it too. Less treats for all, more walking, more biking. Generally, just a lot more of being kinder to ourselves.
I was at the funeral of my cousin on the weekend. She was 43 years old and had fought cancer for 14 years. I thought about how lucky I was to not have any major health issues at the age of 41 (although I'm fat - I think I can change that). I hate that it took a family tragedy to kick my ass again but I'll try to make something good come out of this horrible situation.
So yeah, in short, I'm back.
Monday, June 09, 2008
hot stuff
We're experiencing our first real heat wave of the season as I type this.
On Friday, I was on a day off from work and we were out doing errands and I really felt gross. Moving around in the humid, dirty air, was not fun and really reinforced for me, how important it is to get into better shape this summer. When I am more fit, the heat doesn't bother me as much.
Over the weekend, I must say that heat wave and all, we were more active than we've been in a while. As tempting as it may have been to just sit in front of the television, eating popsicles and enjoying the air conditioning, we got stuff done. On Saturday, I spent four hours (yes FOUR hours!) sorting through clothes. It was finally hot enough to pack the sweaters away and get the summer things out. When I was done, I had 3 bags of stuff (some of it belongs to my hunny) for the Value Village donation bin and 5 bags of stuff for the trash (although I'm trying to find a quilter or textile artist who might want it - it's not good enough for donations but I don't want it to end up in a landfill).
I realized that some stuff I was hanging onto "until I lost weight" was just taking up valueable real estate in my closet and dresser. I kept a few things that I really love which are too small for me (I live in hope!) but for the most part, I realized that when I lose weight and need new stuff, I'll want to buy stuff so there was no sense hanging onto this stuff that someone else could use. Getting that done felt amazing. Having room in my dresser again is such a treat.
In addition to that, we took the puppy out to a park in the country we really like. We were up quite early yesterday and I felt like we owed it to him (and to us) to have some kind of outing that required physical activity. He really enjoyed being near the water and walking around in the park (on his leash) and meeting some other dogs. We enjoyed the walking and the gorgeous lake shore breezes and all felt better for having done it. Every Sunday that it's not raining, we're planning to repeat this activity. We won't necessarily visit the same park each week but it'll be good for all of us to be moving around on the weekends.
So yeah, that's it for me. I think I missed a wrap-up last week but things are going okay. I'll definitely have a wrap-up this week so stay tuned!!
On Friday, I was on a day off from work and we were out doing errands and I really felt gross. Moving around in the humid, dirty air, was not fun and really reinforced for me, how important it is to get into better shape this summer. When I am more fit, the heat doesn't bother me as much.
Over the weekend, I must say that heat wave and all, we were more active than we've been in a while. As tempting as it may have been to just sit in front of the television, eating popsicles and enjoying the air conditioning, we got stuff done. On Saturday, I spent four hours (yes FOUR hours!) sorting through clothes. It was finally hot enough to pack the sweaters away and get the summer things out. When I was done, I had 3 bags of stuff (some of it belongs to my hunny) for the Value Village donation bin and 5 bags of stuff for the trash (although I'm trying to find a quilter or textile artist who might want it - it's not good enough for donations but I don't want it to end up in a landfill).
I realized that some stuff I was hanging onto "until I lost weight" was just taking up valueable real estate in my closet and dresser. I kept a few things that I really love which are too small for me (I live in hope!) but for the most part, I realized that when I lose weight and need new stuff, I'll want to buy stuff so there was no sense hanging onto this stuff that someone else could use. Getting that done felt amazing. Having room in my dresser again is such a treat.
In addition to that, we took the puppy out to a park in the country we really like. We were up quite early yesterday and I felt like we owed it to him (and to us) to have some kind of outing that required physical activity. He really enjoyed being near the water and walking around in the park (on his leash) and meeting some other dogs. We enjoyed the walking and the gorgeous lake shore breezes and all felt better for having done it. Every Sunday that it's not raining, we're planning to repeat this activity. We won't necessarily visit the same park each week but it'll be good for all of us to be moving around on the weekends.
So yeah, that's it for me. I think I missed a wrap-up last week but things are going okay. I'll definitely have a wrap-up this week so stay tuned!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday plus one wrap-up - week 14
Wow, did you think I fell off of the planet?
I did not, I was very much still stuck on earth but just got very bad at posting. Since spring has sprung, I've been spending more time outside and less time in front of the computer.
During my time away, I wish I could say that I was an excellent healthy choice making, weight-dropping shrinking girl. I could say that I suppose but it would be a lie. We went through a 2 week period of really not caring much about our diets. I guess it was the weekend after my last post. It was my hunny's birthday and we just sort of went hog wild. The birthday continued with a weird chip-binge for a couple of weeks. I can't tell you how many chips I ate, it was shocking. Fortunately, I've since gone cold turkey on the chips and haven't touched one in a few weeks. I literally have no will power with chips. I'm okay with microwave popcorn (which I've had) or a handful of baked crackers but chips, I seriously can't stop.
For the past couple of weeks, we've dramatically reduced the number of meals we're eating out of the house. We are grilling dinner more and more often and we're creating some fabulous salads. Overall, I think we're doing well. The way we are tweaking ouy meal plan is making it very sustainable. That's important to me.
I think I'm back on track with the posting thing...I'm going to try anyway, in the meantime, here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending May 28
I did not, I was very much still stuck on earth but just got very bad at posting. Since spring has sprung, I've been spending more time outside and less time in front of the computer.
During my time away, I wish I could say that I was an excellent healthy choice making, weight-dropping shrinking girl. I could say that I suppose but it would be a lie. We went through a 2 week period of really not caring much about our diets. I guess it was the weekend after my last post. It was my hunny's birthday and we just sort of went hog wild. The birthday continued with a weird chip-binge for a couple of weeks. I can't tell you how many chips I ate, it was shocking. Fortunately, I've since gone cold turkey on the chips and haven't touched one in a few weeks. I literally have no will power with chips. I'm okay with microwave popcorn (which I've had) or a handful of baked crackers but chips, I seriously can't stop.
For the past couple of weeks, we've dramatically reduced the number of meals we're eating out of the house. We are grilling dinner more and more often and we're creating some fabulous salads. Overall, I think we're doing well. The way we are tweaking ouy meal plan is making it very sustainable. That's important to me.
I think I'm back on track with the posting thing...I'm going to try anyway, in the meantime, here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending May 28
- continuing to take my vitamins every single day
- water goal was not met this week. Due to cold temperatures in the office, drank more tea than water. Probably had more pop than water in the evenings due to fabulous sale priced Diet Coke
- did not give into fresh baked chocolate chip cookie tempation at the office this week - I let the triatholon runner have my portion!
- exercise has consisted of running with the puppy in the yard, chasing balls and frisbees around, some gardening and walks with puppy
- continue to avoid the scale. I don't feel like I've gained but I don't think I've lost either, maitenance has been determined by the pant-o-metre
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
wednesday wrap-up - week 7
Can I get a high-five? I made it through another week without a visit to the DQ. We did have some rather lovely, new, Breyers ice cream treats which are yummy and lower in calories than a DQ (MUCH lower) so that was a terrific subsititute!
Right now, I'm really jonesing for strawberries of the fresh local variety but I know that they are about 2.5 months away so I'm trying to control that and get a serious grip.
Anyway, I'm perking up a bit and the cold thing I've had for a couple of days seems to be going away so... I'll try to summarize my efforts this week... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending April 8
Right now, I'm really jonesing for strawberries of the fresh local variety but I know that they are about 2.5 months away so I'm trying to control that and get a serious grip.
Anyway, I'm perking up a bit and the cold thing I've had for a couple of days seems to be going away so... I'll try to summarize my efforts this week... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending April 8
- took my new "lady" vitamins every single day this week, even on the weekend
- I think because of my cold, I drank way more water than I normally would (and normally I drink a lot). So yeah, water goals, not an issue - skin is looking good for it
- work is a smallish source of temptation right now. I gave into cookies last week (as reported) and had a few "treats" there this week too. Fortunately, we're heading into a time when folks will be on the road more and I'll be there alone more so there will be less treats to be tempted by. bah
- between work busy stuff and having a cold, I didn't post every working day but I've been consistent with Wednesdays the past few weeks so that's something
- still not stepping on the scale but feeling okay about that. Pants aren't feeling horrible and tight at the moment
- lots of time outside chasing the puppy and some lovely spring time walking was had this week
Monday, April 07, 2008
getting better
One of the reasons that I decided to make a move last fall and apply for my current job was the pace of the old one. In order to keep up with things, I found myself going into the office up to 2 hours early each day, working through lunches and spending chunks of my Saturdays catching up. Of course, the Saturday catchup only happened on weekends when I wasn't already working, either on site or somewhere else between Ottawa and Toronto.
My current job has a much more sane work load and it's only busy (really really busy like I mentioned above) a couple of times during the year. This is one of the times of the year that it's busy. I don't mind having to do this once in a while because I know that it's not an all the time thing. Being away from the insanity for 3 months though, really made me "soft" so to speak. The longer hours I've worked the past week has thrown me for a small bit of a loop.
Looking back at it now, I realize how lucky I was to make that move. I truly like my job again. In my last role, I loved the work and my team but the pace was crazy. At the moment, I'm on a great team, doing work that is really interesting and I'm not exhausted all of the time. I really appreciate this because it is allowing me the time I need to take care of myself.
I'm glad that I kicked myself in the ass last fall and did this for myself. I feel like I have the time again (not maybe this week) to truly devote to taking better care of myself and my family and that is worth more than all of the money in the world.
My current job has a much more sane work load and it's only busy (really really busy like I mentioned above) a couple of times during the year. This is one of the times of the year that it's busy. I don't mind having to do this once in a while because I know that it's not an all the time thing. Being away from the insanity for 3 months though, really made me "soft" so to speak. The longer hours I've worked the past week has thrown me for a small bit of a loop.
Looking back at it now, I realize how lucky I was to make that move. I truly like my job again. In my last role, I loved the work and my team but the pace was crazy. At the moment, I'm on a great team, doing work that is really interesting and I'm not exhausted all of the time. I really appreciate this because it is allowing me the time I need to take care of myself.
I'm glad that I kicked myself in the ass last fall and did this for myself. I feel like I have the time again (not maybe this week) to truly devote to taking better care of myself and my family and that is worth more than all of the money in the world.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
wednesday wrap-up - week 6
Gah! As I mentioned yesterday, it's a really slow process this go-round but I'm not letting little slip ups stop me completely. Happily, I can report that I did not give into my strong urge last night. I really wanted to drive to the DQ but am proud of myself for not doing it!
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending April 1
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending April 1
- bought actual "lady" vitamins on the weekend and began taking them again, immediately. The ones I had been taking didn't have as much calcium and iron and these ones do. I feel better for taking them and I'm just on day 5
- Again, I rock the water. I could be a camel!
- gave into a couple of stupid cravings: some ketchup chips on the weekend, a couple of too-good-to-be-ignored chocolate chip cookies at work yesterda
- Was less than regular with posting on weekdays but I'm getting better
- avoided the scale again this week
- mostly puppy related exercise this week but I did get some walking in too
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
trying
Over the past couple of days, I've been trying to be "good" and it's working for the most part. I'm hormonal as hell and would probably do something really illegal for a Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzard right now if the opportunity presented itself.
The end of last week and the weekend sort of fell away in a blur. We had puppy issues on Thursday, hunny illness on Friday and over the weekend. Admittedly, there was some mindless snacking in amongst the stress but not enough that I feel terrible about it.
I must say that having the puppy in the house has me moving much more than I had been doing prior to his arrival. Leash training continues and when that's done and he's all happy to be walking around on the leash, I plan to walk with him each morning before work. My hunny can do the evening shift or we can do that together but I'm really looking forward to getting outside and walking with our beautiful new dog. Another by-product of the new puppy is more meals at home so that we're actually here with him (because he's awesome) and that's always better for my calorie count.
Overall, I'm really happy at home, good busy at work and getting back into the groove with my food intake. The exercise thing I'm not worrying about too much because I've been running around with the dog and that just plain old feels good.
Question for you all though, have any of you signed up online with Jillian Michaels? I really love her on the Biggest Loser and was looking at her program but was wondering if any of you cool kids had tried it out yet. When I did the absolute best with my weight loss was when Bev still had the Weigh-better forum going so I'm always interested in hearing about new/newish online resources.
The end of last week and the weekend sort of fell away in a blur. We had puppy issues on Thursday, hunny illness on Friday and over the weekend. Admittedly, there was some mindless snacking in amongst the stress but not enough that I feel terrible about it.
I must say that having the puppy in the house has me moving much more than I had been doing prior to his arrival. Leash training continues and when that's done and he's all happy to be walking around on the leash, I plan to walk with him each morning before work. My hunny can do the evening shift or we can do that together but I'm really looking forward to getting outside and walking with our beautiful new dog. Another by-product of the new puppy is more meals at home so that we're actually here with him (because he's awesome) and that's always better for my calorie count.
Overall, I'm really happy at home, good busy at work and getting back into the groove with my food intake. The exercise thing I'm not worrying about too much because I've been running around with the dog and that just plain old feels good.
Question for you all though, have any of you signed up online with Jillian Michaels? I really love her on the Biggest Loser and was looking at her program but was wondering if any of you cool kids had tried it out yet. When I did the absolute best with my weight loss was when Bev still had the Weigh-better forum going so I'm always interested in hearing about new/newish online resources.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
wednesday wrap-up - week 5
Well I haven't been updating much over the past 2 weeks and I did miss two wrap-ups so I should try to get that sorted out now. There isn't much to report but I'll try my best!
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending March 26
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending March 26
- Ran out of vitamins and keep forgetting to get new ones or to take one from my hunny's jar so, no vitatmins this week
- The water goal was easy. I continue to at least meet my daily water intake goals!
- gave into a couple of stupid cravings: little tiny cute lindt chocolate easter eggs on Monday night, a bacon cheeseburger at Wendy's over the weekend (with a fresca)!
- I got back into posting on work days again
- avoided the scale again this week
- was unfortunately, got some walking in and have been chasing after our new puppy so that's fun and movement
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday Observation
You know, when I eat less processed food and more whole foods, a couple of things happen which I need to constantly remind myself about:
1. I feel better and have more energy.
2. My meals are more satisfying and I have fewer crap cravings.
Simple really but incredibly, I forget about these two things very easily. I'm keeping them on little slips of paper and putting them in the kitchen and at my desk to remind myself.
This isn't a complex problem I have, I just need to keep that in mind.
1. I feel better and have more energy.
2. My meals are more satisfying and I have fewer crap cravings.
Simple really but incredibly, I forget about these two things very easily. I'm keeping them on little slips of paper and putting them in the kitchen and at my desk to remind myself.
This isn't a complex problem I have, I just need to keep that in mind.
Monday, March 24, 2008
unclicked
Wow, being sick knocked me out badly. The symptoms were stuck with me for about 8 days. Last week I still felt weak and things sort of unraveled as far as my plan went. Because last week was a short week for me, I can't even remember much of it. I know that we deliberately avoided easter chocolate all of last week. We had one meal out that I recall but the rest of the week was meals at home and sort of sane.
Workouts took a back seat though, I just couldn't get myself going to do them. This week should be better. The eating thing is back to be 100% on plan. Our fridge is full of fresh fruit and veg (leftover from holiday weekend lunch which we hosted yesterday - a benefit of hosting holiday meals at your home is that you control the menu!) and I bought myself some low fat crunchy snacks (PMS is just around the corner and I will need something cruncy and a little salty).
The clicking was unclicked for a little over week but fortunately, it's snapped back into place and I'm over my flu, ready to go again!!
Workouts took a back seat though, I just couldn't get myself going to do them. This week should be better. The eating thing is back to be 100% on plan. Our fridge is full of fresh fruit and veg (leftover from holiday weekend lunch which we hosted yesterday - a benefit of hosting holiday meals at your home is that you control the menu!) and I bought myself some low fat crunchy snacks (PMS is just around the corner and I will need something cruncy and a little salty).
The clicking was unclicked for a little over week but fortunately, it's snapped back into place and I'm over my flu, ready to go again!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
weakened
Or rather, weekend. It's almost here and this week has been a bit of a washout. Today is the first day all week that I have felt close to normal. Getting sick during the week that the time changes is not a smart idea. I can't tell if I'm messed up from the stomach flu or from the time change.
Either way, I've not eaten much this week and what I have eaten has been starchy. Crackers, toast, bread, ginger ale, water. Last night though, I had a normal dinner. I felt a little whoozy afterward but didn't actually get sick so that's progress.
This morning I had a cup of coffee for the first time since Monday and that was delicious. I also feel less cloudy, which is also good.
So yeah, exercise was non-existent this week but I didn't eat much. Next week should be much much better.
Either way, I've not eaten much this week and what I have eaten has been starchy. Crackers, toast, bread, ginger ale, water. Last night though, I had a normal dinner. I felt a little whoozy afterward but didn't actually get sick so that's progress.
This morning I had a cup of coffee for the first time since Monday and that was delicious. I also feel less cloudy, which is also good.
So yeah, exercise was non-existent this week but I didn't eat much. Next week should be much much better.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
shrinking interrupted
sorry for the lack of posts.
the weekly wrap-up is on hiatus this week too.
I've been sick with a stomach bug since Monday night. The only light at the end of the tunnel is that I may actually lose some weight this week. Not holding my breath but am hoping to feel better and be back to posting again tomorrow.
/whine
the weekly wrap-up is on hiatus this week too.
I've been sick with a stomach bug since Monday night. The only light at the end of the tunnel is that I may actually lose some weight this week. Not holding my breath but am hoping to feel better and be back to posting again tomorrow.
/whine
Monday, March 10, 2008
snow more
We need more snow around here like we need to have gigantic holes in the middle of our heads.
It snowed here for about 36 hours over the weekend. Part of that were actually ice pellets and freezing rain but the accumulations were crazy. Aside from shovelling here and there, not much exercise was done. Unless laundry counts. Walking on ice is a bit tricky, that must burn some calories.
Honestly, it’s stormed here every other weekend since Christmas. We end up hibernating in the house until the storm passes. Unfortunately, snacking is often done while waiting for the snow to stop.
As much as I love the break from work, weekends are just my downfall right now. It’s happening because I’m letting it happen, I know this. For whatever reason though, I can’t click it on the weekends like I can Monday to Friday.
It snowed here for about 36 hours over the weekend. Part of that were actually ice pellets and freezing rain but the accumulations were crazy. Aside from shovelling here and there, not much exercise was done. Unless laundry counts. Walking on ice is a bit tricky, that must burn some calories.
Honestly, it’s stormed here every other weekend since Christmas. We end up hibernating in the house until the storm passes. Unfortunately, snacking is often done while waiting for the snow to stop.
As much as I love the break from work, weekends are just my downfall right now. It’s happening because I’m letting it happen, I know this. For whatever reason though, I can’t click it on the weekends like I can Monday to Friday.
Friday, March 07, 2008
sad ride
This will be a good news / bad news post. Really, it's all good so I shouldn't complain but what the hell, it's my journal and I can whine if I want to.
Last night when we got home, even though I'd been feeling like someone was kicking me in the stomach and had been feeling that way all day, I decided to ride the bike. I put my track pants and tshirt on, grabbed up a load of laundry and went downstairs.
I threw the load into the machine, hopped onto the bike and Dr. Phil was on. I decided to limit the ride to 10 minutes and see how I did. It wasn't fantastic, I rode 2.26 miles and while that was a bit of a disappointment, I tried to focus on the fact that I did do 10 minutes on the bike which is better than nothing. It was particularly good considering how shitty I was feeling. Tonight, maybe I'll do 15 minutes. I keep telling myself that anything I do is better than not doing anything at all, I just don't believe myself some of the time.
Last night when we got home, even though I'd been feeling like someone was kicking me in the stomach and had been feeling that way all day, I decided to ride the bike. I put my track pants and tshirt on, grabbed up a load of laundry and went downstairs.
I threw the load into the machine, hopped onto the bike and Dr. Phil was on. I decided to limit the ride to 10 minutes and see how I did. It wasn't fantastic, I rode 2.26 miles and while that was a bit of a disappointment, I tried to focus on the fact that I did do 10 minutes on the bike which is better than nothing. It was particularly good considering how shitty I was feeling. Tonight, maybe I'll do 15 minutes. I keep telling myself that anything I do is better than not doing anything at all, I just don't believe myself some of the time.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
few words
Yesterday, due to the weather, I left work really early. Like, about 2 hours after I'd arrived. It worked out very well that I did because when I got home, I started to feel like hammered crap. I had a weather related headache in combination with TOM arriving.
I didn't exercise like I'd planned to but I didn't eat dinner either (due to feeling too shitty - you know I'm sick when I don't eat because I can usually always eat).
Today I'm back at work but not feeling 100%. I'm feeling a little weak and foggy, neither of these things are good but they are also not bad enough to keep me home.
Anyway, onwards and upwards right?
I didn't exercise like I'd planned to but I didn't eat dinner either (due to feeling too shitty - you know I'm sick when I don't eat because I can usually always eat).
Today I'm back at work but not feeling 100%. I'm feeling a little weak and foggy, neither of these things are good but they are also not bad enough to keep me home.
Anyway, onwards and upwards right?
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
wednesday wrap-up - week 2
Once again, it's storming here and once again, I feel shitty. My head is full of what feels like cold and again, last night, I didn't sleep well. We are currently experiencing a huge freezing rain / snow pellet storm. The snow pellets starting pounding our windows at 2 a.m. or so. I woke up every 15 minutes from then on. It's hard to sleep when it sounds like someone is throwing shovels of sand at the window.
Oh well, better days ahead, right?
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending March 5
Oh well, better days ahead, right?
Let's take a look at what's been happening with me... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending March 5
- Once again, I took my vitamins 7 out of 7 days this week - I even remembered on the weekend!
- I rock the water - this one I actually enjoyed - I met my daily water intake goal all week!
- gave into a couple of stupid cravings: pizza on the weekend, as well as those crappy little easter eggs. TOM seems to be taking its' time arriving this month so I seem to be experiencing an extended PMS situation. Hopefully things will get rolling soon and that will be over for another month. All I could think of yesterday was chocolate!
- I've continued to post here every work-day
- avoided the scale again this week
- was unfortunately, not consistent with my intentional exercise at home but did do a lot more walking than I normally do, this past week
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
moving it around
I think that my exercise plan may require some adjustments. All day yesterday, possibily from lack of sleep, I felt really shitty. I could have sworn I was getting a cold. I could not stop coughing or blowing my nose. When I finally got home, I felt too ill to even think about exercising and ended up going to bed early.
Last night I had a great rest and feel much better today physically but am a little disappointed with myself about the whole exercise thing. Tonight, I plan to get back on the bike but the evenings are not as easy as I thought that they would be. I may have to start dragging myself out of bed earlier and squeeze in a ride before work. That worked for me before, we'll see.
Foodwise, eating has been okay. Last night I ate more broccoli than should be allowed (cuz I love it so!) and my breakfasts and lunches are still really excellent. Much fruit and raw veg. Water intake is awesome. Despite the cold thing yesterday and TOM being just around the corner, all's well really. I definitely feel better now than I did a couple of weeks ago and that's the main thing for me.
Last night I had a great rest and feel much better today physically but am a little disappointed with myself about the whole exercise thing. Tonight, I plan to get back on the bike but the evenings are not as easy as I thought that they would be. I may have to start dragging myself out of bed earlier and squeeze in a ride before work. That worked for me before, we'll see.
Foodwise, eating has been okay. Last night I ate more broccoli than should be allowed (cuz I love it so!) and my breakfasts and lunches are still really excellent. Much fruit and raw veg. Water intake is awesome. Despite the cold thing yesterday and TOM being just around the corner, all's well really. I definitely feel better now than I did a couple of weeks ago and that's the main thing for me.
Monday, March 03, 2008
do it right
Here is a little tip, from me to you: if you are going to treat yourself to a little bit of chocolate, make it worth the splurge. Over the weekend, I was having a hormal rave-up and I bought some of those little chocolate foil wrapped easter eggs. I figured that this would be a good, controlled treat. Unfortunately, I think that they were leftover from last year. They were a little waxy and entirely unsatisfying. Fortunately, I kept my cool and didn't run off and bake brownies or a double-batch of chocolate chip cookies but I could have.
Unfortunately, over the weekend, my ass never touched the recumbent bike. I felt really achey and full of the cold over the weekend. A couple of folks in my office had it bad last week and I felt like I may have picked up a lite-version of it. I still don't feel 100% today, I can't keep warm no matter how much tea I drink or how tightly I hug the rads.
My hunny felt like shit over the weekend too. He found out last week that he has a couple of kidney stones. This absolutely explains his bouts of feeling crappy recently. He was in a lot of discomfort over the weekend so we didn't go too far. We also didn't "crap out" on food like we could have. I mean, we did order pizza at one point over the weekend but there was leftovers for lunch yesterday and I had a slice today for my lunch. It's strange though, ordering a medium and having some leftover, that's real progress for us. I cooked dinner last night (normally my hunny prepares the lion's share of our meals - which is why we had pizza on saturday). I made a casserole with lots of veggies, tuna, some pasta and fat-free cheese. I was a little heavy handed with the black pepper but it turned out okay. Tonight we should be back to normal because I had a call about 90 minutes ago from a very happy camper who had just passed a stone.
So yeah, that was the weekend for me. Nothing exciting, nothing very great to report but nothing too horrible either. Considering how tough I find the weekends, I am pretty happy with this one. Next week will be even better I'm sure.
Unfortunately, over the weekend, my ass never touched the recumbent bike. I felt really achey and full of the cold over the weekend. A couple of folks in my office had it bad last week and I felt like I may have picked up a lite-version of it. I still don't feel 100% today, I can't keep warm no matter how much tea I drink or how tightly I hug the rads.
My hunny felt like shit over the weekend too. He found out last week that he has a couple of kidney stones. This absolutely explains his bouts of feeling crappy recently. He was in a lot of discomfort over the weekend so we didn't go too far. We also didn't "crap out" on food like we could have. I mean, we did order pizza at one point over the weekend but there was leftovers for lunch yesterday and I had a slice today for my lunch. It's strange though, ordering a medium and having some leftover, that's real progress for us. I cooked dinner last night (normally my hunny prepares the lion's share of our meals - which is why we had pizza on saturday). I made a casserole with lots of veggies, tuna, some pasta and fat-free cheese. I was a little heavy handed with the black pepper but it turned out okay. Tonight we should be back to normal because I had a call about 90 minutes ago from a very happy camper who had just passed a stone.
So yeah, that was the weekend for me. Nothing exciting, nothing very great to report but nothing too horrible either. Considering how tough I find the weekends, I am pretty happy with this one. Next week will be even better I'm sure.
Friday, February 29, 2008
invigorated?
This week, on top of the intentional, good stuff I've been doing for myself, I've had to do a lot of outside walking during my work days. I've had meetings here and there so I've had to bundle up and make my way through the frozen tundra (not really tundra but definitely frozen).
I should be embarassed to admit this but, I tell ya, recently, I've become so lazy and out of shape that I'd been very carefully planning these trips so as not to take one extra step than was absolutely necessary. Part of the reason for this strategy was that I have been feeling so slow and bulky and out of shape that it actually was difficult for me to make some of these treks.
This week has been marginally better. I had more treks out into the world. The more little trips I take, the better I feel. I noticed on Wednesday, that on my way back to the office (through a particularly icy patch) my hips were hurting me. This morning, I didn't have that happen. I think I actually felt good when I got back to my desk. My lungs had been filled with some frosty air, my cheeks were a little frost-bitten (again not really but they were really cold) and I felt good. The really kind of cool thing (for me anyway) about this morning was that this particular meeting was about as far away from my office as I would normally have to go, it was uphill, against the wind and it wasn't something that I absolutely had to attend.
Now, again, this all might sound a little silly to a fit person but for an unfit, typically lazy soul like myself, it was an accomplishment that I'm feeling pretty good about. I'm also planning to do my exercise thing when I get home tonight as well so, yeah, yay me. Big frosty walk and exercise. Not bad for a lump huh?
I should be embarassed to admit this but, I tell ya, recently, I've become so lazy and out of shape that I'd been very carefully planning these trips so as not to take one extra step than was absolutely necessary. Part of the reason for this strategy was that I have been feeling so slow and bulky and out of shape that it actually was difficult for me to make some of these treks.
This week has been marginally better. I had more treks out into the world. The more little trips I take, the better I feel. I noticed on Wednesday, that on my way back to the office (through a particularly icy patch) my hips were hurting me. This morning, I didn't have that happen. I think I actually felt good when I got back to my desk. My lungs had been filled with some frosty air, my cheeks were a little frost-bitten (again not really but they were really cold) and I felt good. The really kind of cool thing (for me anyway) about this morning was that this particular meeting was about as far away from my office as I would normally have to go, it was uphill, against the wind and it wasn't something that I absolutely had to attend.
Now, again, this all might sound a little silly to a fit person but for an unfit, typically lazy soul like myself, it was an accomplishment that I'm feeling pretty good about. I'm also planning to do my exercise thing when I get home tonight as well so, yeah, yay me. Big frosty walk and exercise. Not bad for a lump huh?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
grumbly tummy
I've been pretty busy this morning so I didn't realize that it was time for lunch until my stomach told me. I like days like this.
Whatever happened on Monday, the clicking thing is still working. Looking back on last night, I didn't even think about having a snack after dinner. This is odd but not, I guess. I didn't flop out on the sofa last night, like Monday night, I did some chores and some blogging and kept myself pretty busy. The snacking trigger for me, in the evenings, is completely related to boredom. It's so easy to do a little mindless nibbling when you're in a fog in front of the tube.
Anyway, whatever happened, it's still happening and I'm happy about that. As always, the weekend will prove to be the big challenge. I have to say, I'm enjoying this feeling of having more energy so much, I may be inspired to just keep my head together and not oink out all weekend. We'll see.
Whatever happened on Monday, the clicking thing is still working. Looking back on last night, I didn't even think about having a snack after dinner. This is odd but not, I guess. I didn't flop out on the sofa last night, like Monday night, I did some chores and some blogging and kept myself pretty busy. The snacking trigger for me, in the evenings, is completely related to boredom. It's so easy to do a little mindless nibbling when you're in a fog in front of the tube.
Anyway, whatever happened, it's still happening and I'm happy about that. As always, the weekend will prove to be the big challenge. I have to say, I'm enjoying this feeling of having more energy so much, I may be inspired to just keep my head together and not oink out all weekend. We'll see.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
wednesday wrap-up - week 1
Today was day 2 of my deliberate exercise program. Yesterday was one of our "off days." This week that's Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (although I may do something on Saturday and Sunday). I rode just as long tonight but not quite as far. I put 3.51 miles on the old bike this afternoon.
Yesterday, with my hunny being sick, we ended up going for a bowl of soup after work. I ordered wisely I think. On the way home, I needed to pick up a few things at the store and treated myself to some PMS chocolate. It was good, I enjoyed every bite and it's done. Fear not the binge! It was controlled chocolate.
Even though I really didn't get my shit together properly until Monday (and normally I do this Wednesday to Wednesday) I'm doing a weekly wrap-up today. Let's take a look at my progress so far... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending February 27
Yesterday, with my hunny being sick, we ended up going for a bowl of soup after work. I ordered wisely I think. On the way home, I needed to pick up a few things at the store and treated myself to some PMS chocolate. It was good, I enjoyed every bite and it's done. Fear not the binge! It was controlled chocolate.
Even though I really didn't get my shit together properly until Monday (and normally I do this Wednesday to Wednesday) I'm doing a weekly wrap-up today. Let's take a look at my progress so far... here's my weekly wrap-up:
summary - week ending February 27
- I took my vitamins 7 out of 7 days this week - I even remembered on the weekend! At least I did something good for myself this week!!
- once again, this one was not a problem - I met my daily water intake goal all week!
- gave into a couple of stupid cravings: some ketchup chips on the weekend and some cadbury mini rabbit caramilk things last night (PMS is starting)
- so far, have posted here each week day this week (so far)
- kept my ass OFF the scale all week!
- got my butt back on the bike this week. Miles rode this week: 7.10
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
clicked
Something in my head clicked yesterday morning. I wrote about the exercise plan and that was just part of it. For the first time in a really really long time, I feel good about getting healthier.
Last night, as soon as I got home, I put on some track pants and an old t-shirt and went downstairs to ride the recumbent bike while my hunny made dinner. I honestly can't tell you how long it's been since my butt's been on that bike but it's been a while.
I turned the tv on (Oprah had Valerie BertandErnie on) and decided that I'd ride for 15 minutes or 3 miles, whichever came first. That may seem like not a lot but it was my first day back and I really didn't want to hurt myself. I chose the 20 minute program on my bike and started peddalling. I could really feel it in my thighs and behind my knees but I kept going. When I got to 3 miles, I thought, well hell, I am going to keep going until my 15 minutes are up. When I got to 15 minutes I was more than ready to stop and I'd rode 3.59 miles.
After dinner, my hunny went for a ride. He was feeling really crappy last night (and this morning I think he has the flu - he's home from work) but he rode for 10 minutes while I did a bunch of little chores upstairs. I was shocked actually, at how energized that little ride made me. Normally, after dinner, I'd flake out in front of the tv and leave whatever it was I did until the weekend. If this keeps up, I may have no chores to do all weekend!!
As far as eating goes, I've now stopped journalling. That really helped me out but I don't think I need it for now. My basic rule of thumb, and it feels like it's working, is this: as low fat as possible, lots of raw veggies and fruit and water. I've decided to avoid junk food as much as I can but, if I really need something (like a bad hormonal craving), I'm just going to give in and have a small (SMALL) amount of it. This is not a diet I'm on, seriously, I'm just trying to have a healthier life. In the long run, if I meet that one-size-smaller goal, that'll be good but ultimately, I want to have more energy and just feel better.
I think if I post here more often that'll help me. The posts will likely be boring but that's okay. It's my blog and I can be boring if I want to!!
Last night, as soon as I got home, I put on some track pants and an old t-shirt and went downstairs to ride the recumbent bike while my hunny made dinner. I honestly can't tell you how long it's been since my butt's been on that bike but it's been a while.
I turned the tv on (Oprah had Valerie BertandErnie on) and decided that I'd ride for 15 minutes or 3 miles, whichever came first. That may seem like not a lot but it was my first day back and I really didn't want to hurt myself. I chose the 20 minute program on my bike and started peddalling. I could really feel it in my thighs and behind my knees but I kept going. When I got to 3 miles, I thought, well hell, I am going to keep going until my 15 minutes are up. When I got to 15 minutes I was more than ready to stop and I'd rode 3.59 miles.
After dinner, my hunny went for a ride. He was feeling really crappy last night (and this morning I think he has the flu - he's home from work) but he rode for 10 minutes while I did a bunch of little chores upstairs. I was shocked actually, at how energized that little ride made me. Normally, after dinner, I'd flake out in front of the tv and leave whatever it was I did until the weekend. If this keeps up, I may have no chores to do all weekend!!
As far as eating goes, I've now stopped journalling. That really helped me out but I don't think I need it for now. My basic rule of thumb, and it feels like it's working, is this: as low fat as possible, lots of raw veggies and fruit and water. I've decided to avoid junk food as much as I can but, if I really need something (like a bad hormonal craving), I'm just going to give in and have a small (SMALL) amount of it. This is not a diet I'm on, seriously, I'm just trying to have a healthier life. In the long run, if I meet that one-size-smaller goal, that'll be good but ultimately, I want to have more energy and just feel better.
I think if I post here more often that'll help me. The posts will likely be boring but that's okay. It's my blog and I can be boring if I want to!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
plan the work
Okay, so I have devised a simple exercise plan to get us started this week. Up until now, it's been hit and miss with no routine at all to speak of.
Over the weekend, while I scrubbed and scoured the upstairs, my hunny sorted out the basement and got our exercise area set up again in the basement. We're both feeling rather large and sluggish at the moment but I think my plan will help us not feel so much like that. We're going to get our butts back on that recumbent bike and supplement it with some mat exercises. I'll ride the bike while he cooks dinner, he'll ride the bike while I clean up. I figure that if we do this every other day for a week or so, that will gently get us back into the groove of things. The floor exercises (crunches and stretching, etc.) we can do on the off days.
This should get us feeling limber enough that when the ice finally melts, we can get into a walking routine. I feel good about this plan and doing it together means that we'll drag each other along, even on the days when we may not want to do it.
Over the weekend, while I scrubbed and scoured the upstairs, my hunny sorted out the basement and got our exercise area set up again in the basement. We're both feeling rather large and sluggish at the moment but I think my plan will help us not feel so much like that. We're going to get our butts back on that recumbent bike and supplement it with some mat exercises. I'll ride the bike while he cooks dinner, he'll ride the bike while I clean up. I figure that if we do this every other day for a week or so, that will gently get us back into the groove of things. The floor exercises (crunches and stretching, etc.) we can do on the off days.
This should get us feeling limber enough that when the ice finally melts, we can get into a walking routine. I feel good about this plan and doing it together means that we'll drag each other along, even on the days when we may not want to do it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
bok choy joy
We had a really veggie heavy stir fry for dinner last night and it did me a world of good. Today is the first day in about two weeks that I am actually feeling normal.
All day yesterday, I was in terrible pain and ran a bit of a fever. Whatever I had is now gone and I feel so much better. Terrible as it sounds, when I feel normal, it's easier to stick to my guns and eat well than it is when I'm sick. When I'm sick, I should want to eat well and feel better but I don't. I'm a dummy, I know.
I've deliberately avoided weighing myself for a few weeks now and I think I'm going to stay away from the scale for a little longer. I did have a small NSV though. Last fall, I bought this cute black blazer on eBay. I wore it once before the holidays but wasn't able to button it up. Well, I shouldn't say that I couldn't, I could but it looked dreaful, gaped and tight. This morning I put it on and was able to button it up without it looking terrible.
Not bad huh? it's a start. My first short-term goal is to be one size smaller by the time the nice weather arrives. I'd love to buy some new spring / summer pants and capris in a smaller size. This would also mean that stuff I have packed away would fit me much better than it did last summer. I think that this is a reasonable goal and again, should keep me off the scales.
All day yesterday, I was in terrible pain and ran a bit of a fever. Whatever I had is now gone and I feel so much better. Terrible as it sounds, when I feel normal, it's easier to stick to my guns and eat well than it is when I'm sick. When I'm sick, I should want to eat well and feel better but I don't. I'm a dummy, I know.
I've deliberately avoided weighing myself for a few weeks now and I think I'm going to stay away from the scale for a little longer. I did have a small NSV though. Last fall, I bought this cute black blazer on eBay. I wore it once before the holidays but wasn't able to button it up. Well, I shouldn't say that I couldn't, I could but it looked dreaful, gaped and tight. This morning I put it on and was able to button it up without it looking terrible.
Not bad huh? it's a start. My first short-term goal is to be one size smaller by the time the nice weather arrives. I'd love to buy some new spring / summer pants and capris in a smaller size. This would also mean that stuff I have packed away would fit me much better than it did last summer. I think that this is a reasonable goal and again, should keep me off the scales.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
crap
At the moment, I am at my desk, eating my healthy sammich which is on bran bread and munching on carrot sticks. Over the weekend (we had a long weekend here - I'm just back to work today), we didn't eat so "well." I could have, easily. The healthy stuff is in the house, I just chose to ignore it.
Last week, I came down with a weird cold / flu thing. I felt really shitty and did very little in terms in activity. Over the weekend, we made some crap food choices and both of us felt horrible yesterday. Why is it that when you're sick, you can rationalize the bad choices? Well, maybe not everyone does this but I know that we both did it over the weekend and I really wish we hadn't.
Yesterday wasn't so bad, probably because we both felt crappy but honestly, Saturday was a terrible day. We had chips and take out food and brownies. Not smart at all.
I think I'm going to bookmark this post on my desktop at home and make myself read it everytime I start to rationalize a bad food choice to myself. Nothing is worth feeling as lousy as I do right now. I know that only part of it can be blamed on my cold, I take responsibility for the rest of it.
Last week, I came down with a weird cold / flu thing. I felt really shitty and did very little in terms in activity. Over the weekend, we made some crap food choices and both of us felt horrible yesterday. Why is it that when you're sick, you can rationalize the bad choices? Well, maybe not everyone does this but I know that we both did it over the weekend and I really wish we hadn't.
Yesterday wasn't so bad, probably because we both felt crappy but honestly, Saturday was a terrible day. We had chips and take out food and brownies. Not smart at all.
I think I'm going to bookmark this post on my desktop at home and make myself read it everytime I start to rationalize a bad food choice to myself. Nothing is worth feeling as lousy as I do right now. I know that only part of it can be blamed on my cold, I take responsibility for the rest of it.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
kicked
All day today I have felt like a wet dish rag. TOM started today and I feel really crappy, more crappy than last month. Last month though, TOM started on the same day as my new job and the excitement of the new job may have masked things. At the moment, my ass is feeling well and truly kicked.
Right now, I'm operating on way too much ibuprofen. Well, if it was too much I would probably feel better and be asleep so I'm guessing I'm operating on not quite enough but it might be working better soon.
I had forgotten that I was hormonal (yes, it can happen) over the weekend. I had a wicked craving for chocolate all last week and I indulged (just a little) on the weekend. On Thursday evening, I went to the bulk store and bought a small number of little chocolate hearts which were full of caramel, a small number of hershey kisses and a couple of pieces of crispy crunch (the mini kind). I had a few pieces of each, each day of the weekend (I had a long weekend - was off on Friday) and they seemed to satisfy my craving without creating a binge.
One thing that we did this weekend that I wanted to share, was to make pizza at home. I love ordering a pizza on a Friday evening. It's bad though, even when we order the mulit-grain crust, mango, whatever pizza, it's still a lot of fat. When we got groceries on Thursday evening, I picked up a package of these huge pitas. There were 5 in the bag for $1.99 and they made the most awesome, super thing crust, medium sized pizzas. We used salsa for the sauce and fat free cheese and tonnes of veggies and only a little bit of meat. It was delicious and we're definitely going to do that again. It was a huge savings on calories and fat and it was also a bargain.
I know that the best thing I can do is to not deprive myself. We're trying really hard to be creative and modify stuff we like to eat. Fortunately, so far, we're making some progress on that score. I know I'm always saying but it's true, baby steps will get me there a lot faster than giant old leaps that make me fall down!
Right now, I'm operating on way too much ibuprofen. Well, if it was too much I would probably feel better and be asleep so I'm guessing I'm operating on not quite enough but it might be working better soon.
I had forgotten that I was hormonal (yes, it can happen) over the weekend. I had a wicked craving for chocolate all last week and I indulged (just a little) on the weekend. On Thursday evening, I went to the bulk store and bought a small number of little chocolate hearts which were full of caramel, a small number of hershey kisses and a couple of pieces of crispy crunch (the mini kind). I had a few pieces of each, each day of the weekend (I had a long weekend - was off on Friday) and they seemed to satisfy my craving without creating a binge.
One thing that we did this weekend that I wanted to share, was to make pizza at home. I love ordering a pizza on a Friday evening. It's bad though, even when we order the mulit-grain crust, mango, whatever pizza, it's still a lot of fat. When we got groceries on Thursday evening, I picked up a package of these huge pitas. There were 5 in the bag for $1.99 and they made the most awesome, super thing crust, medium sized pizzas. We used salsa for the sauce and fat free cheese and tonnes of veggies and only a little bit of meat. It was delicious and we're definitely going to do that again. It was a huge savings on calories and fat and it was also a bargain.
I know that the best thing I can do is to not deprive myself. We're trying really hard to be creative and modify stuff we like to eat. Fortunately, so far, we're making some progress on that score. I know I'm always saying but it's true, baby steps will get me there a lot faster than giant old leaps that make me fall down!
Monday, February 04, 2008
hits and misses
So the journalling was hit and miss last week. It was good while I was working but not so good over the weekend. I guess that the lack of routine, and the less frequent visits to the computer, both conspired against me.
Exercise over the weekend was pretty good. Not anything structured but good nonetheless. We had a massive snow storm over the weekend so there was much shoveling to do, both on Friday and Saturday. I know that I have said this before but I totally don't hate to shovel. There is something about the lifting and twisting and throwing, in the crisp clean, ice cold air, that is invigorating. If there was a machine which could recreate that particular kind of exercise, I'd be a happy kid.
Exercise over the weekend was pretty good. Not anything structured but good nonetheless. We had a massive snow storm over the weekend so there was much shoveling to do, both on Friday and Saturday. I know that I have said this before but I totally don't hate to shovel. There is something about the lifting and twisting and throwing, in the crisp clean, ice cold air, that is invigorating. If there was a machine which could recreate that particular kind of exercise, I'd be a happy kid.
Friday, January 25, 2008
logging
My logging of foods continues. It's a help. I feel a little more controlled about things right now.
Yesterday was a really good exercise day. I managed to work two semi-longish (for me anyway), brisk walks in arctic like winds. I felt really good by the end of the day (I managed to work the walking around my breaks at work). We went out for dinner last night and I know that I ate a little more than I needed to but I didn't feel terrible about it because afterall, I walked around in the freezing cold.
The weekends are my down fall and I'll see how this weekend goes. I have a few little projects planned which should keep me busy. I really just need to resist the temptation to bake some cookies or brownies. On my list this weekend, really close to the top (after get some rest) is to start back on my recumbent bike.
It's on folks, I feel good about the small progress I've made this week.
Yesterday was a really good exercise day. I managed to work two semi-longish (for me anyway), brisk walks in arctic like winds. I felt really good by the end of the day (I managed to work the walking around my breaks at work). We went out for dinner last night and I know that I ate a little more than I needed to but I didn't feel terrible about it because afterall, I walked around in the freezing cold.
The weekends are my down fall and I'll see how this weekend goes. I have a few little projects planned which should keep me busy. I really just need to resist the temptation to bake some cookies or brownies. On my list this weekend, really close to the top (after get some rest) is to start back on my recumbent bike.
It's on folks, I feel good about the small progress I've made this week.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
what works
Journalling my food works for me. When I say "works" I really mean, keeps me on track. If I'm actually inputting it into fitday, I have think about it and add it up. Thinking about the calories can be a slap in the face. I can lollygag around and think I'm being straight with myself but it's hard to do (for me) if I'm not writing it down.
Just a few moments ago, I input my breakfast and my lunch, and my activities, into fitday. I don't remember when I last did that but I know I'll be updating it later today (for dinner) and again tomorrow. I need to do it and I will.
Just a few moments ago, I input my breakfast and my lunch, and my activities, into fitday. I don't remember when I last did that but I know I'll be updating it later today (for dinner) and again tomorrow. I need to do it and I will.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
grape tomato
Someone, a lovely coworker, left 5 caramel kisses on my desk yesterday. They were still on my desk this morning and I ate them while I had a coffee.
they were really delicious and I thought, hey, these are a good subsitute for a whole caramilk bar.
15 minutes later, all I could think about was a giant caramilk so, that theory doesn't hold up.
Right now, I'm having my lunch break and am eating some grape tomatoes. these are yummy in their own way but they are not as much fun as caramel kisses.
they were really delicious and I thought, hey, these are a good subsitute for a whole caramilk bar.
15 minutes later, all I could think about was a giant caramilk so, that theory doesn't hold up.
Right now, I'm having my lunch break and am eating some grape tomatoes. these are yummy in their own way but they are not as much fun as caramel kisses.
Monday, January 14, 2008
wandering
It's week 2 of my new job. I realize that I did not post at all during week 1. Week 1 was busy and a couple of days last week, I didn't take a proper break (and that's normally when I make the time to write here). So far, so good. I love the building and the people and the work is not bad either. There is a period of adjustment happening at the moment, of me to all three of these things. It'll take me a few more weeks to get my head around everything I'm sure.
There is actually a fitness benefit to this job. In my old job, I was up and down stairs a lot but if I didn't want to, I could easily avoid having to walk much outside of the building. I was in the central office so eventually, most folks/stuff would come to where I was. I'm in an, um, "outpost" I suppose is a good word. It's a small building, set apart from the central administrative buildings, so there is actual outside in the fresh air walking required. It's good. I'm wicked out of shape right now so this is very good for me.
I still haven't gotten into a routine at home yet but I'm working on that this week. As always, I struggle with weekend eating. Weekdays are fine, I've avoided baked goods and candy (that is sitting right on the table in the kitchen) at work for 6 days so far. I drink my water and chew my gum (sugarless minty stuff that really makes you not want to eat anything cuz it's creating the same senstation as brushing one's teeth) and avoid chocolate.
So that's where I am, 2 weeks into our new year. Plugging away, trying to make small changes that I can stick with, hoping for the best.
There is actually a fitness benefit to this job. In my old job, I was up and down stairs a lot but if I didn't want to, I could easily avoid having to walk much outside of the building. I was in the central office so eventually, most folks/stuff would come to where I was. I'm in an, um, "outpost" I suppose is a good word. It's a small building, set apart from the central administrative buildings, so there is actual outside in the fresh air walking required. It's good. I'm wicked out of shape right now so this is very good for me.
I still haven't gotten into a routine at home yet but I'm working on that this week. As always, I struggle with weekend eating. Weekdays are fine, I've avoided baked goods and candy (that is sitting right on the table in the kitchen) at work for 6 days so far. I drink my water and chew my gum (sugarless minty stuff that really makes you not want to eat anything cuz it's creating the same senstation as brushing one's teeth) and avoid chocolate.
So that's where I am, 2 weeks into our new year. Plugging away, trying to make small changes that I can stick with, hoping for the best.
Monday, January 07, 2008
very good news
I saw this story from BBC NEWS and it's very good news for those folks who think that it's too late to start. It's never too late to start feeling good!!
Healthy living 'can add 14 years'
Taking exercise, drinking moderately, eating sufficient fruit and vegetables and not smoking can add as much as 14 years to your life, a study has found.
Research involving 20,000 people over a decade found those who failed on all criteria were four times more likely to have died than those who succeeded.
The findings held true regardless of how overweight or poor they were.
The Public Library of Science Medicine study suggests many could increase their lifespan through simple changes.
The research was carried out by the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council in the English county of Norfolk between 1993 and 2006.
Participants were aged between 45 and 79. They were socially mixed although overwhelmingly white, and as far as they were aware at the time, did not have cancer or any heart problems.
Taking off the years
A point was awarded for each of the following: not currently smoking, consuming between one and 14 units of alcohol per week (the equivalent of between half a glass and seven glasses of wine), eating five servings of fruit and vegetables each day and not being inactive.
This last category was defined as either having a sedentary occupation and taking half an hour of exercise a day, or simply having a non-sedentary job like a nurse or plumber.
Not only did the team find that those with four points were significantly less likely to have died over the period than those with none, they also found that a 60-year-old person with a score of zero had the same risk of dying as a 74-year-old with the full four points.
"We've know that individually, measures such as not smoking and exercising can have an impact upon longevity, but this is the first time we have looked at them altogether," said Professor Kay-Tee Khaw, who led the research.
"And we also found that social class and BMI - body mass index - really did not have a role to play.
"It means a large proportion of the population really could feel health benefits through moderate changes."
Everyone gains
It was in the reduction of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease where the findings were most pronounced, with those scoring zero five times more likely to succumb than those scoring four.
But there was also a relationship between score and cancer deaths.
While the main analysis excluded people with known disease, the researchers found that those with serious conditions fared better the higher they scored than those who scored lower.
Health campaigners welcomed the study.
"This is good news and shows that by living a healthy life, people can reduce their risk of dying from heart and circulatory disease," said Judy O'Sullivan of the British Heart Foundation.
"By not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, taking regular physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, people can improve their chances of living longer."
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Everyone has responsibility for their own health, which was highlighted last year when we kickstarted the Small Change, Big Difference initiative to show people that there are simple changes they can make in their lives that will have a direct impact on their health."
© BBC MMVIII
Healthy living 'can add 14 years'
Taking exercise, drinking moderately, eating sufficient fruit and vegetables and not smoking can add as much as 14 years to your life, a study has found.
Research involving 20,000 people over a decade found those who failed on all criteria were four times more likely to have died than those who succeeded.
The findings held true regardless of how overweight or poor they were.
The Public Library of Science Medicine study suggests many could increase their lifespan through simple changes.
The research was carried out by the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council in the English county of Norfolk between 1993 and 2006.
Participants were aged between 45 and 79. They were socially mixed although overwhelmingly white, and as far as they were aware at the time, did not have cancer or any heart problems.
Taking off the years
A point was awarded for each of the following: not currently smoking, consuming between one and 14 units of alcohol per week (the equivalent of between half a glass and seven glasses of wine), eating five servings of fruit and vegetables each day and not being inactive.
This last category was defined as either having a sedentary occupation and taking half an hour of exercise a day, or simply having a non-sedentary job like a nurse or plumber.
Not only did the team find that those with four points were significantly less likely to have died over the period than those with none, they also found that a 60-year-old person with a score of zero had the same risk of dying as a 74-year-old with the full four points.
"We've know that individually, measures such as not smoking and exercising can have an impact upon longevity, but this is the first time we have looked at them altogether," said Professor Kay-Tee Khaw, who led the research.
"And we also found that social class and BMI - body mass index - really did not have a role to play.
"It means a large proportion of the population really could feel health benefits through moderate changes."
Everyone gains
It was in the reduction of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease where the findings were most pronounced, with those scoring zero five times more likely to succumb than those scoring four.
But there was also a relationship between score and cancer deaths.
While the main analysis excluded people with known disease, the researchers found that those with serious conditions fared better the higher they scored than those who scored lower.
Health campaigners welcomed the study.
"This is good news and shows that by living a healthy life, people can reduce their risk of dying from heart and circulatory disease," said Judy O'Sullivan of the British Heart Foundation.
"By not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, taking regular physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, people can improve their chances of living longer."
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Everyone has responsibility for their own health, which was highlighted last year when we kickstarted the Small Change, Big Difference initiative to show people that there are simple changes they can make in their lives that will have a direct impact on their health."
© BBC MMVIII
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