Alright, I know I skipped a day but this weekend has been a little busy. Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the wagon but for those of you who don't know, my grandfather has not been feeling well as of late. About a year ago, he had a major heart episode and ever since then, he just hasn't been himself. Yesterday, he was feeling a little weak so he was sent to the hospital to get it checked out. Well, as our lives go, my grandmother was started a seminar where she had 450 women registered and my dad was out of town, so I was in the game. My family was also packed up to go on a camper trip as well. So, my kids and husband head to the woods with our 5th wheel in tow and I head to the hospital behind the ambulance.
As it turned out, Pop just had some imbalances in his electrolytes and after some insulin and some fluids, we were able to go home. So, I got him back home and then headed to the camp site to meet my family. Well, I hadn't eaten all day long so I drove through and got a Ruben Sandwich and yes I did, some french fries. I didn't go over my calorie count because I hadn't had the chance to eat really anything because of the events of the day that had unfolded however, I do know that french fries is far from healthy. Yesterday's lesson was a good one: Sometimes life makes you need to eat french fries and if you are going to eat them, then by all means, enjoy every bite!
I did meet up with my family and we have had a splendid weekend in our camper which I love so very much. Campbell caught her first fish, we made smores over an open fire, my kids have played non stop with each other and Mike and I have been able to watch 2 uninterrupted movies! This is a miracle in and of itself. We don't get great cell phone reception up here so our phones have been pretty quiet which is a very nice change of pace.
I did start my day with my bowl of oatmeal, had my soup and salad for lunch and finished it off at Cracker Barrel with some grilled chicken, lima beans, green beans and a small bowl of vegetable soup. It was a great day! I didn't get any exercise in but I'm still recovering from last week to tell you the truth. Life is so busy and we are always pulled in 100 different directions, being together in our camper forces us to slow down. If we aren't forced to slow down, then sometimes we just don't. I know that these times of rest are just as important to my health as eating right and exercising. So, this weekend, I have spent time recharging my batteries and getting fueled up to tackle week #2 of this 2 week challenge.
As always, it is my prayer that you find the time to gain the strength to continue in whatever it is that you need to continue in. No matter how you deviate from your goals, enjoy the ride. From all of us in the sticks to wherever you find yourself this evening: Goodnight!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Day 4 of the 2 Week Challenge
My lesson today: Doing the Plyometrics Video of the P90X series renders one unable to move the lower extremities for days after the actual partaking of the video.
The second lesson: Get rid of guilt. I have been on a very regimented eating program. Oatmeal for breakfast, (Which I do not like! Breakfast food, of any kind, is not my favorite) soup and salad for lunch, dinner with my family. I do throw in a few snacks, popcorn, almonds but really nothing more. These 2 weeks, I am trying to push through this plateau I have hit. Today, however, I didn't follow that eating plan and I didn't get in a full hour of a good workout. Mostly because I barely had enough energy to put in the DVD without falling on the floor in pain from the soreness I'm dealing with from yesterday. Never the less, I found myself, at dinner tonight, feeling guilty about my day. I didn't get off, I just didn't follow that eating plan.
The truth is, I can't do that to myself. I have to do the best I can and let go of the rest. I can't beat my self up over the small things I mess up on. This is life, it happens. The important part here is that tomorrow, I get back on track. And, at the end of these 2 weeks, my good days have out weighed my bad. The good choices out weigh the bad choices.
I want to live a balanced life and there will come a time when I need to maintain. I can do that! I know how to maintain. Right now, though, I need a break through. I hope that whatever it is in your life that you are maintaining, that it is something that needs maintaining and not something that you need to break through.
The second lesson: Get rid of guilt. I have been on a very regimented eating program. Oatmeal for breakfast, (Which I do not like! Breakfast food, of any kind, is not my favorite) soup and salad for lunch, dinner with my family. I do throw in a few snacks, popcorn, almonds but really nothing more. These 2 weeks, I am trying to push through this plateau I have hit. Today, however, I didn't follow that eating plan and I didn't get in a full hour of a good workout. Mostly because I barely had enough energy to put in the DVD without falling on the floor in pain from the soreness I'm dealing with from yesterday. Never the less, I found myself, at dinner tonight, feeling guilty about my day. I didn't get off, I just didn't follow that eating plan.
The truth is, I can't do that to myself. I have to do the best I can and let go of the rest. I can't beat my self up over the small things I mess up on. This is life, it happens. The important part here is that tomorrow, I get back on track. And, at the end of these 2 weeks, my good days have out weighed my bad. The good choices out weigh the bad choices.
I want to live a balanced life and there will come a time when I need to maintain. I can do that! I know how to maintain. Right now, though, I need a break through. I hope that whatever it is in your life that you are maintaining, that it is something that needs maintaining and not something that you need to break through.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Day 3 of the 2 Week Challenge
Lesson I learned today, I do not like the Plyometrics video of P90X. I also learned that I can do more than I thought I could do. It's amazing what one is capable of when pushed and determined not to stop.
I often wonder how much more I could do if I was committed to finish it. It seems like justification is the way I most often find. There is always a reason why I didn't get that load of laundry folded or the bathroom cleaned or those dishes done. In this case, exercise and healthy eating. There seems to always be an excuse: We went out, we are feeding the LA students, we are having the Brookhill Staff over for dinner, my grandmother cooked lunch for us, I didn't get enough sleep last night, etc... And the "Excuse List" goes on and on.
If I can finish the Plyometric Video of P90X, I can do anything! This week, see what you can do if you just don't quit...
I often wonder how much more I could do if I was committed to finish it. It seems like justification is the way I most often find. There is always a reason why I didn't get that load of laundry folded or the bathroom cleaned or those dishes done. In this case, exercise and healthy eating. There seems to always be an excuse: We went out, we are feeding the LA students, we are having the Brookhill Staff over for dinner, my grandmother cooked lunch for us, I didn't get enough sleep last night, etc... And the "Excuse List" goes on and on.
If I can finish the Plyometric Video of P90X, I can do anything! This week, see what you can do if you just don't quit...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Day 2 of the 2 Week Challenge
What I learned from Day 2 of this 2 week challenge: That I don't have to eat every time I'm hungry. I also learned that I am a picker... Meaning, I pick of my kids plates all the time! I've been watching it the last 2 days. How many times I would have eaten something off the kids plates if I hadn't been in on this challenge. This is crazy. I don't want to be out of control of my life and what goes into my mouth. I can change this dependency I have on food. I don't have to eat every time I feel like I need a snack. More often than not, I'm just fine!
Second thing I have learned on my 2nd day of this challenge: I do not care for the P90X guy or the videos he has made! I was in major pain last night and this morning! NOT FUN! I better see some results.
In a completely unrelated topic, we took the kids fishing after a delectable dinner. It was such a peaceful evening. Then, my ASL class was tonight. I am taking an American Sign Language class on Tues nights. I LOVE IT! I wake up on Tuesdays so happy because of the events of the night. I am picking it up so fast and I'm so glad that I am taking this class and not still wanting to take this class!!! What do you want to do? Well, just go right ahead!
Second thing I have learned on my 2nd day of this challenge: I do not care for the P90X guy or the videos he has made! I was in major pain last night and this morning! NOT FUN! I better see some results.
In a completely unrelated topic, we took the kids fishing after a delectable dinner. It was such a peaceful evening. Then, my ASL class was tonight. I am taking an American Sign Language class on Tues nights. I LOVE IT! I wake up on Tuesdays so happy because of the events of the night. I am picking it up so fast and I'm so glad that I am taking this class and not still wanting to take this class!!! What do you want to do? Well, just go right ahead!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Day 1 of the 2 Week Challenge
Today my friends and I began our 2 week challenge. We upped our exercise and are paying close attention to what we are eating. All 3 of us weighed in, (which just like Christmas morning every time I get the scale), then, in 2 weeks, we will weight again and see where we stand. We have set small goals in hopes to not become disappointed.
Today, we pulled out the P90X. This guy is CRAZY!!! We did the kick boxing video. 58 minutes of kick boxing. Lord Almighty! As one point, I distinctly remember telling my friend to brace herself because I was either going to vomit or start crying. As it turns out, I didn't do either and we finished the whole video! We had 3 kids with us so it took us and hour and half to do an hour long video but the point here is that we finished.
After the hour long video was over, we decided to put in the Ab Ripper. I thought, for some reason, that it was only an 8 minute video. We thought we might could add it to whatever video we do that day in hopes of moving along our progress along. THAT WAS STUPID! As it turns out, the video is not 8 minutes, it's 16. That doesn't really matter considering we made it through the first 13 seconds before we decided we should wait on the Ab Ripper. I mean when you think about it, I kinda enjoy the abs I have now, they are evidence of carrying 2 babies. What could be better? (Insert Sarcasm Here).
Anyway, here we are, 1 day down, 13 to go.
Today, we pulled out the P90X. This guy is CRAZY!!! We did the kick boxing video. 58 minutes of kick boxing. Lord Almighty! As one point, I distinctly remember telling my friend to brace herself because I was either going to vomit or start crying. As it turns out, I didn't do either and we finished the whole video! We had 3 kids with us so it took us and hour and half to do an hour long video but the point here is that we finished.
After the hour long video was over, we decided to put in the Ab Ripper. I thought, for some reason, that it was only an 8 minute video. We thought we might could add it to whatever video we do that day in hopes of moving along our progress along. THAT WAS STUPID! As it turns out, the video is not 8 minutes, it's 16. That doesn't really matter considering we made it through the first 13 seconds before we decided we should wait on the Ab Ripper. I mean when you think about it, I kinda enjoy the abs I have now, they are evidence of carrying 2 babies. What could be better? (Insert Sarcasm Here).
Anyway, here we are, 1 day down, 13 to go.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Insanity
Insanity, by definition, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Unfortunately, this is where I have found myself and where I begin this blog...
For the past several months I have been doing the same work out videos, eating the same number of calories and have not seen any results. Over the past year, I have gone from a very curvy size 22 to a slightly curvy 16. (My goal is be just plain curvy!) There I have stayed... at slightly curvy. The thought dawned on my today, that I was doing the EXACT same thing and expecting different results. I was a Vegan for a year and did the same exercise videos and some of the inches came off but with those results, I didn't up my work outs. I have stayed the same. Doing the same thing, the same videos, eating the same things every single day and expecting something different to happen... therefore, I have been insane!
This changes, now. I need different results. For my health, for my peace of mind, for my longevity, for my kids, for my husband, I need different results. So, here we go. A couple of my friends and I are starting a Biggest Loser. Small time frames, upping the workouts, cutting out some more unhealthy foods and rewards for our efforts. For example, tomorrow morning, I begin my first 2 week challenge. I am starting the P90X videos again. Mike and I did these a couple of years ago and enjoyed them the same way one may enjoy a colonoscopy. However, we both saw results. Now, neither one of us looked like we were ready to shoot an infomercial for them but still, it was clear that the video produced for us. So, I'm pulling it out from behind the entertainment center where it has been wedged against the wall collecting dust for the past couple of years, dusting it off and giving it my best. I'm not actually sure how many minutes I will be able to make it before I collapse but I'm ready for the change. So here is the game plan: We will do as much of the P90X videos as we can 3 days a week then exercise on our own the other 2 days and will stick to a 1200 calorie diet. We are going to weigh tomorrow morning then again in 2 weeks. Our first reward for losing the first 5 lbs is going to be a new work out outfit. Both of us need one and this will be a great incentive to work hard.
So, there it is. My plan to get out of insanity. Who knows if this is the avenue I need to be taking but it's the one I'm going to travel next. The thing I am most proud of is that I haven't given up. I don't know if this is the path that will lead to change but at least I am doing what I can to bring change in my life. I want what I'm doing to be enough. Just like I want a juicy burger to be good for my heart. What I'm doing isn't enough and a juicy burger won't ever be good for my heart. Some things just aren't because they simply aren't. I think it has become painfully obvious that I'm not doing enough to bring about the change I am looking for to happen. So, I must do something different.
Who knows if this will work... One thing you can know for sure, I will keep you posted
For the past several months I have been doing the same work out videos, eating the same number of calories and have not seen any results. Over the past year, I have gone from a very curvy size 22 to a slightly curvy 16. (My goal is be just plain curvy!) There I have stayed... at slightly curvy. The thought dawned on my today, that I was doing the EXACT same thing and expecting different results. I was a Vegan for a year and did the same exercise videos and some of the inches came off but with those results, I didn't up my work outs. I have stayed the same. Doing the same thing, the same videos, eating the same things every single day and expecting something different to happen... therefore, I have been insane!
This changes, now. I need different results. For my health, for my peace of mind, for my longevity, for my kids, for my husband, I need different results. So, here we go. A couple of my friends and I are starting a Biggest Loser. Small time frames, upping the workouts, cutting out some more unhealthy foods and rewards for our efforts. For example, tomorrow morning, I begin my first 2 week challenge. I am starting the P90X videos again. Mike and I did these a couple of years ago and enjoyed them the same way one may enjoy a colonoscopy. However, we both saw results. Now, neither one of us looked like we were ready to shoot an infomercial for them but still, it was clear that the video produced for us. So, I'm pulling it out from behind the entertainment center where it has been wedged against the wall collecting dust for the past couple of years, dusting it off and giving it my best. I'm not actually sure how many minutes I will be able to make it before I collapse but I'm ready for the change. So here is the game plan: We will do as much of the P90X videos as we can 3 days a week then exercise on our own the other 2 days and will stick to a 1200 calorie diet. We are going to weigh tomorrow morning then again in 2 weeks. Our first reward for losing the first 5 lbs is going to be a new work out outfit. Both of us need one and this will be a great incentive to work hard.
So, there it is. My plan to get out of insanity. Who knows if this is the avenue I need to be taking but it's the one I'm going to travel next. The thing I am most proud of is that I haven't given up. I don't know if this is the path that will lead to change but at least I am doing what I can to bring change in my life. I want what I'm doing to be enough. Just like I want a juicy burger to be good for my heart. What I'm doing isn't enough and a juicy burger won't ever be good for my heart. Some things just aren't because they simply aren't. I think it has become painfully obvious that I'm not doing enough to bring about the change I am looking for to happen. So, I must do something different.
Who knows if this will work... One thing you can know for sure, I will keep you posted
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
See you on the other side?
So, here is the update. The last time I talked to you, I had been a Vegan for one year and had decided to add fish and some chicken into my diet. Well, here is how that has been going:
NOT GREAT! Man! This journey has taught me so very much about myself as a person. Whereas I can say I am not a shadow of the person I once was, I still have so far to go. Once I decided to start adding in fish and chicken, for some reason, I started taking bites of every other kind of meat I found in my path. Now, I haven't had a burger or steak but I did cook ground beef for my husband and I haven't cooked ground beef in a year. When I was draining it, I found myself taking bites of it. For some reason, these things became " an option" for me. I have no idea why! So, what is the lastest lesson I have learned from this journey? That I must have clearly defined lines for my eating habits. I am an extremely disciplined person. Once I make up my mind to do something, I do it. With All My Heart! I'm all in. When left to myself, I don't make good, healthy choices.
In addition to adding some meat, I have also been counting calories with my doctors supervision, to lower my cholesterol. He feels that if I get some weight off, my cholesterol will come down. Whereas I did have to be put on a pill to assist in this, it is still my goal to get off of it once I get it under control with my diet. I believe that the right foods can heal the body. I am striving to find this balance. I have not stepped on the scale and I don't want to. I am disappointed every single time I step on the scale so I have made a commitment to stay off of it until my follow up Dr appointment in a few weeks. I have raised my calorie intake, stepped up my exercise, added some fish and little chicken to my diet and been faithful with my vitamins. I am praying that I will be rewarded with a good report on the scale. If I may back track just a moment, I am doing an amazing job at exercising! Walking, Pilates, Zumba, Kettle Bell, weights, I'm doing it all! Even though I still have areas where I struggle, I am proud to say that I have gotten this one down!
Another lesson that is one I, apparently, must continue to be taught. I AM ALLERGIC TO DAIRY!!! Why can't I get that in my head? For the love!!! I was sick for years of my life with chronic sinus issues. Then, I got off dairy and BAM! Gone! Just like that. I had some pasta in a cream sauce in February and just like that, I got sick. Back on medication! Then, 2 weeks ago, we had a shower for a girl in our family and my mom made this amazing spaghetti casserole but alas, it was covered in cheese... I lost ALL control, which is why I'm in this whole situation in the first place, and ate 2 pieces! Not only did I blow past my calorie count for the day, I consumed close to a half of cup of cheddar cheese. So, as I sit on my couch writing this blog, I am on steroids, antibiotics, Chloraseptic and everything that brand makes, Mucinex, I've made my way through a roll of toilet paper and have supported the Vicks Vapor company in numerous way! Not my finest moment. I just wonder how many more times I'm going to have to learn this lesson. In fact, I told a friend of mine that I was sick and the first thing she asked me, "Did you have dairy?". If my friends have learned this lesson, surely I can get it.
I know I'm not the only one that has to learn hard lessons over and over. What lesson does life keep teaching you? How long will it take for us both to learn it? Eating habits, financial difficulties, family problems, controlling the tongue issues, what is it? Just like consuming dairy costs me a Dr visit, money for meds and several nights of no rest, all of these other things may be costing you. I promise to count the cost this time and learn this lesson. At some point, I just can't keep going around and around this same mountain. As soon as I have one mountain in my rearview, it seems like I get stuck going in a circle around another. I guess I will just have to find the straight path out of here. I want to see what is past these mountains! Will it be health for my whole life? Will it be the weight I'm meant to be at? Will it be no cholesterol pill? I'm not sure? I don't know what is actually on the other side of these mountains, but give me a little bit longer, and I will be able to tell you.
NOT GREAT! Man! This journey has taught me so very much about myself as a person. Whereas I can say I am not a shadow of the person I once was, I still have so far to go. Once I decided to start adding in fish and chicken, for some reason, I started taking bites of every other kind of meat I found in my path. Now, I haven't had a burger or steak but I did cook ground beef for my husband and I haven't cooked ground beef in a year. When I was draining it, I found myself taking bites of it. For some reason, these things became " an option" for me. I have no idea why! So, what is the lastest lesson I have learned from this journey? That I must have clearly defined lines for my eating habits. I am an extremely disciplined person. Once I make up my mind to do something, I do it. With All My Heart! I'm all in. When left to myself, I don't make good, healthy choices.
In addition to adding some meat, I have also been counting calories with my doctors supervision, to lower my cholesterol. He feels that if I get some weight off, my cholesterol will come down. Whereas I did have to be put on a pill to assist in this, it is still my goal to get off of it once I get it under control with my diet. I believe that the right foods can heal the body. I am striving to find this balance. I have not stepped on the scale and I don't want to. I am disappointed every single time I step on the scale so I have made a commitment to stay off of it until my follow up Dr appointment in a few weeks. I have raised my calorie intake, stepped up my exercise, added some fish and little chicken to my diet and been faithful with my vitamins. I am praying that I will be rewarded with a good report on the scale. If I may back track just a moment, I am doing an amazing job at exercising! Walking, Pilates, Zumba, Kettle Bell, weights, I'm doing it all! Even though I still have areas where I struggle, I am proud to say that I have gotten this one down!
Another lesson that is one I, apparently, must continue to be taught. I AM ALLERGIC TO DAIRY!!! Why can't I get that in my head? For the love!!! I was sick for years of my life with chronic sinus issues. Then, I got off dairy and BAM! Gone! Just like that. I had some pasta in a cream sauce in February and just like that, I got sick. Back on medication! Then, 2 weeks ago, we had a shower for a girl in our family and my mom made this amazing spaghetti casserole but alas, it was covered in cheese... I lost ALL control, which is why I'm in this whole situation in the first place, and ate 2 pieces! Not only did I blow past my calorie count for the day, I consumed close to a half of cup of cheddar cheese. So, as I sit on my couch writing this blog, I am on steroids, antibiotics, Chloraseptic and everything that brand makes, Mucinex, I've made my way through a roll of toilet paper and have supported the Vicks Vapor company in numerous way! Not my finest moment. I just wonder how many more times I'm going to have to learn this lesson. In fact, I told a friend of mine that I was sick and the first thing she asked me, "Did you have dairy?". If my friends have learned this lesson, surely I can get it.
I know I'm not the only one that has to learn hard lessons over and over. What lesson does life keep teaching you? How long will it take for us both to learn it? Eating habits, financial difficulties, family problems, controlling the tongue issues, what is it? Just like consuming dairy costs me a Dr visit, money for meds and several nights of no rest, all of these other things may be costing you. I promise to count the cost this time and learn this lesson. At some point, I just can't keep going around and around this same mountain. As soon as I have one mountain in my rearview, it seems like I get stuck going in a circle around another. I guess I will just have to find the straight path out of here. I want to see what is past these mountains! Will it be health for my whole life? Will it be the weight I'm meant to be at? Will it be no cholesterol pill? I'm not sure? I don't know what is actually on the other side of these mountains, but give me a little bit longer, and I will be able to tell you.
See you on the other side?
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