I just reread today's post and realized it didn't make sense in a couple of places.
1. I've lost 20 pounds only since this time last year. I'm at 50 total over the two year period. That is the reference point for the 53 lost and a little rebound. The rebound was 3 pounds not 33.
2. The first sentence should say - if you have a Wii, jump on it....
3. And yes, I know that 363 days is not a full year, but let's not quibble.
Apparently I should not post while partying...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
A Year in Review
Today was number 363 on the Wii. (I have to tell you, if you have one, be sure to jump on it on your birthday. The animated balance board wears a party hat and confetti falls all over. Very cute. Very festive.)
Anyway, I stopped to think about how far I've come in the last year - aside from the 20 pounds I lost. Almost exactly 20 pounds. Now, for those who follow regularly you'll note that I had actually gotten down to 53 pounds lost but I rebounded a little. The important part about that is to remind you that it happens. It happens to everyone. You will hit plateaus, brick walls and completely go in the wrong direction for a while. Don't worry. Stick with your plan. Understand that it is a part of the process. Don't let it get you down and derail you.
So, what else have I gained besides those 3 pounds? I have a high score of 635 in the soccer ball heading and I can routinely complete the advanced table tilt game. That means my balance has greatly improved. In fact, the Wii no longer asks me if I trip when I walk. That was a big bonus. I can do most of the yoga poses - without falling over. I can fairly easily jog for 30 minutes. Something I wouldn't have considered a year ago. I can do the advanced levels on most of the balance games, but sitting still in the Zen game for 3 minutes still presents a challenge.
I can also play real tennis for about an hour or ninety minutes. And actually play tennis. Not just try to hit a ball against the wall. Not going to join a league any time soon, but I'm so far ahead of where I was this time last year.
Anyway, I see progress. I see a year well spent. I see a person in the mirror that is happy with herself. I also see taking on new challenges. Continuing to push myself just a little more. I see someone who is fit and healthy.
I see me.
Anyway, I stopped to think about how far I've come in the last year - aside from the 20 pounds I lost. Almost exactly 20 pounds. Now, for those who follow regularly you'll note that I had actually gotten down to 53 pounds lost but I rebounded a little. The important part about that is to remind you that it happens. It happens to everyone. You will hit plateaus, brick walls and completely go in the wrong direction for a while. Don't worry. Stick with your plan. Understand that it is a part of the process. Don't let it get you down and derail you.
So, what else have I gained besides those 3 pounds? I have a high score of 635 in the soccer ball heading and I can routinely complete the advanced table tilt game. That means my balance has greatly improved. In fact, the Wii no longer asks me if I trip when I walk. That was a big bonus. I can do most of the yoga poses - without falling over. I can fairly easily jog for 30 minutes. Something I wouldn't have considered a year ago. I can do the advanced levels on most of the balance games, but sitting still in the Zen game for 3 minutes still presents a challenge.
I can also play real tennis for about an hour or ninety minutes. And actually play tennis. Not just try to hit a ball against the wall. Not going to join a league any time soon, but I'm so far ahead of where I was this time last year.
Anyway, I see progress. I see a year well spent. I see a person in the mirror that is happy with herself. I also see taking on new challenges. Continuing to push myself just a little more. I see someone who is fit and healthy.
I see me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Definitions
In my other blog today I talked about labels. I'd like to do the same thing here but in a different context.
For this blog, I want to think about how we can allow labels to define us, or not define us. In my case, there are two important labels that can be attached to me.
I am an asthmatic and I am a diabetic.
Facts, plain and simple. But what I do with those labels, or about those labels, is what makes a difference. As an asthmatic I can qualify for handicap parking. I consider myself very fortunate, though, that I don't have to have it. And why don't I? Because I don't let it define me. Yes, it is a big part of my life and a condition that I can't ignore. The results of that could be fatal. I was very sick growing up. But my parents asked what could be done to improve the situation.
Swimming.
I started improving my lung function. Then I added aerobics (it was the 80s!) and more exercise. I kept trying to improve my lungs so I could do more. Now, will I ever run a marathon - doubtful. Don't know that I could improve to that point. But I did do a 50 mile walk once, over a 3 day period. And I walk quite a bit now as a part of my every day life. And I swim in the summers when I can. So, while I have to be vigilant and watch out for my triggers and keep my inhaler close in case of emergencies, I don't let that one label be an obstacle to my health.
Same thing for diabetes. I use it to my advantage. For years I eliminated just about anything with added sugar. No desserts. No cookies, ice cream, nothing. People looked at me like I was crazy and I heard on more than one occasion - one little bite won't hurt. Maybe not. But if I didn't make some fairly substantial changes in my lifestyle and eating habits then one bite might have been the one bite too many and my pancreas shuts down. Then I become insulin-dependent. Since I'm already insulin-resistant that doesn't sound like a good position to be in. So in that case I used the label to my advantage. Used it almost like a shield against bad eating habits. It took a while, but it has paid off.
Labels are labels. They are statements of fact. But they don't have to define us in a negative way. By themselves they don't possess that power. Only we can grant them the ability to influence our decisions - positively or negatively. Use that power wisely.
For this blog, I want to think about how we can allow labels to define us, or not define us. In my case, there are two important labels that can be attached to me.
I am an asthmatic and I am a diabetic.
Facts, plain and simple. But what I do with those labels, or about those labels, is what makes a difference. As an asthmatic I can qualify for handicap parking. I consider myself very fortunate, though, that I don't have to have it. And why don't I? Because I don't let it define me. Yes, it is a big part of my life and a condition that I can't ignore. The results of that could be fatal. I was very sick growing up. But my parents asked what could be done to improve the situation.
Swimming.
I started improving my lung function. Then I added aerobics (it was the 80s!) and more exercise. I kept trying to improve my lungs so I could do more. Now, will I ever run a marathon - doubtful. Don't know that I could improve to that point. But I did do a 50 mile walk once, over a 3 day period. And I walk quite a bit now as a part of my every day life. And I swim in the summers when I can. So, while I have to be vigilant and watch out for my triggers and keep my inhaler close in case of emergencies, I don't let that one label be an obstacle to my health.
Same thing for diabetes. I use it to my advantage. For years I eliminated just about anything with added sugar. No desserts. No cookies, ice cream, nothing. People looked at me like I was crazy and I heard on more than one occasion - one little bite won't hurt. Maybe not. But if I didn't make some fairly substantial changes in my lifestyle and eating habits then one bite might have been the one bite too many and my pancreas shuts down. Then I become insulin-dependent. Since I'm already insulin-resistant that doesn't sound like a good position to be in. So in that case I used the label to my advantage. Used it almost like a shield against bad eating habits. It took a while, but it has paid off.
Labels are labels. They are statements of fact. But they don't have to define us in a negative way. By themselves they don't possess that power. Only we can grant them the ability to influence our decisions - positively or negatively. Use that power wisely.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Recipe
This was Denise Austin's newsletter this morning. Sounded like some of you might like the wrap recipe so I've included it here.
I'm all for brown-bagging lunches; it's getting it together in the morning that's a challenge. I'd always rather have the girls - and my husband, too - eat something nutritious that I've prepared myself than leave them to buy food that isn't as fresh and tasty as mine. Here's my solution: a quick-to-make, absolutely delicious wrap; you can make the chutney sauce the night before and spend just a few minutes in the morning assembling them. Super easy!
If you happen to be making a roast chicken dinner, consider making a second chicken and saving some of the meat for this terrific wrap. Or use some rotisserie chicken from the market, or even some sliced smoked turkey breast. And if you don't have any chutney in the fridge, treat yourself to a jar of this popular condiment - I like Major Grey's chutney (it's a type, not a brand). The mango and pear flavors are great additions when you're looking to jazz up a chicken dinner.
Chutney Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chutney
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
4 low-fat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
4 large red-lettuce leaves
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, or 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
1 cup finely shredded carrots
Preparation
Mix the chutney and mayonnaise in a small bowl. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Spread a scant 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chutney mixture on each tortilla. Top each with a lettuce leaf, 1/2 cup chicken or 2 ounces turkey, and 1/4 cup carrots. Roll the wraps tightly and cut in half diagonally.
Makes 4 wraps
Per wrap: 269 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g total fat, 53mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 471mg sodium
Now, go have a wonderful day!
I'm all for brown-bagging lunches; it's getting it together in the morning that's a challenge. I'd always rather have the girls - and my husband, too - eat something nutritious that I've prepared myself than leave them to buy food that isn't as fresh and tasty as mine. Here's my solution: a quick-to-make, absolutely delicious wrap; you can make the chutney sauce the night before and spend just a few minutes in the morning assembling them. Super easy!
If you happen to be making a roast chicken dinner, consider making a second chicken and saving some of the meat for this terrific wrap. Or use some rotisserie chicken from the market, or even some sliced smoked turkey breast. And if you don't have any chutney in the fridge, treat yourself to a jar of this popular condiment - I like Major Grey's chutney (it's a type, not a brand). The mango and pear flavors are great additions when you're looking to jazz up a chicken dinner.
Chutney Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chutney
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
4 low-fat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
4 large red-lettuce leaves
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, or 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
1 cup finely shredded carrots
Preparation
Mix the chutney and mayonnaise in a small bowl. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Spread a scant 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chutney mixture on each tortilla. Top each with a lettuce leaf, 1/2 cup chicken or 2 ounces turkey, and 1/4 cup carrots. Roll the wraps tightly and cut in half diagonally.
Makes 4 wraps
Per wrap: 269 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g total fat, 53mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 471mg sodium
Now, go have a wonderful day!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dedication, or Obsession
I've only missed one day on my Wii since Christmas Day. One day since December 25th. I'd gone 17 weeks before I missed the one day. And that was the day I returned home from my cousin's funeral in Texas. I just got home too late and too tired to even turn it on and log the time I did work out that morning.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
announcement! ANNOUNCEMENT!!
It's Darla again. Hijacking my cousins blog which she graciously offered to let me "guest" appear on every now and again.
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sympathizing
I saw a video clip today of Kirstie Alley and I could totally sympathize with her. You see, she's put back on a lot of the weight that she'd lost on Jenny Craig and she's doing an interview with Oprah (to be aired on Thursday I think) and in it she apologizes for all the people that she's let down.
First and foremost, I'm certain she feels she's let herself down.
That is why I harp so much on things like I do. Only improve yourself because YOU want to. The pressure you put on yourself is too much otherwise. And I don't support one program over another because I'm not sure you learn all that you need to about yourself when someone else is dictating what and when you eat.
I'm very proud of myself. Make no mistake. And I'm tickled to death that other people look at me and see something they can do also. But I'm glad for them, not because they want to be like me, but because they want to better themselves and see it as an attainable goal. The whole "if she can do it I can do it" thing.
I've said before that I fully, though incorrectly, thought I could do this and no one would notice. But now that losing 50 pounds is out there, I can see how Kirstie feels she let people down by gaining it back. I'm constantly watching myself and hoping I don't mess this up. Not because anyone else is putting pressure on me, but because I am counting on me. And I'm glad that I can be a positive role model and an example of what can be done if you apply yourself.
But you can see how easily you could slip back into old habits. Roll over in bed a few mornings instead of getting up to exercise. Tell yourself that one little piece of cake won't matter. Have just a little more pasta for dinner.
In her case, a new spokesperson came along. And I've said that Valerie Bertinelli looks fantastic - even though you'll not catch me in a bikini. I'm sure that lead to some of Kirstie's backsliding - she wasn't the one being watched all the time, wasn't the one with an exciting new goal. She'd met her goal and just needed to maintain it. I'm sure that was hard to deal with and the emotions got the better of her.
So I go back to my original statements:
Improve yourself for yourself. If no one is watching, so much the better.
Use your brain. It is the most important weapon you have in the battle for better health. You can think your way through situations instead of making emotional decisions.
Accept and love yourself. Better health is a constant effort that takes time. You have to love yourself at all stages. That doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to what you are - you can be better. But acknowledge that you are a work in process and some phases of construction go more quickly than others.
Follow what works for you. I will probably never run a marathon. But I can walk to work just about every day. I may never play anyone in tennis other than my family. But I can give that match my best effort every time. I'll never, ever be a vegetarian - vegetables are not my thing. But I can watch what I do eat and how much.
Educate yourself. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Surround yourself - with support and knowledge and all the things you need to be a success.
Now, go have a great day!
First and foremost, I'm certain she feels she's let herself down.
That is why I harp so much on things like I do. Only improve yourself because YOU want to. The pressure you put on yourself is too much otherwise. And I don't support one program over another because I'm not sure you learn all that you need to about yourself when someone else is dictating what and when you eat.
I'm very proud of myself. Make no mistake. And I'm tickled to death that other people look at me and see something they can do also. But I'm glad for them, not because they want to be like me, but because they want to better themselves and see it as an attainable goal. The whole "if she can do it I can do it" thing.
I've said before that I fully, though incorrectly, thought I could do this and no one would notice. But now that losing 50 pounds is out there, I can see how Kirstie feels she let people down by gaining it back. I'm constantly watching myself and hoping I don't mess this up. Not because anyone else is putting pressure on me, but because I am counting on me. And I'm glad that I can be a positive role model and an example of what can be done if you apply yourself.
But you can see how easily you could slip back into old habits. Roll over in bed a few mornings instead of getting up to exercise. Tell yourself that one little piece of cake won't matter. Have just a little more pasta for dinner.
In her case, a new spokesperson came along. And I've said that Valerie Bertinelli looks fantastic - even though you'll not catch me in a bikini. I'm sure that lead to some of Kirstie's backsliding - she wasn't the one being watched all the time, wasn't the one with an exciting new goal. She'd met her goal and just needed to maintain it. I'm sure that was hard to deal with and the emotions got the better of her.
So I go back to my original statements:
Improve yourself for yourself. If no one is watching, so much the better.
Use your brain. It is the most important weapon you have in the battle for better health. You can think your way through situations instead of making emotional decisions.
Accept and love yourself. Better health is a constant effort that takes time. You have to love yourself at all stages. That doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to what you are - you can be better. But acknowledge that you are a work in process and some phases of construction go more quickly than others.
Follow what works for you. I will probably never run a marathon. But I can walk to work just about every day. I may never play anyone in tennis other than my family. But I can give that match my best effort every time. I'll never, ever be a vegetarian - vegetables are not my thing. But I can watch what I do eat and how much.
Educate yourself. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Surround yourself - with support and knowledge and all the things you need to be a success.
Now, go have a great day!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Before and After - By Request
OK, I wouldn't do this for just anyone. Someone (who shall remain nameless) really likes the Biggest Loser and thought I should put some before and after pictures up. First, I don't like pictures of myself - at any size. But I did it. I'm kind of hoping I won't be alone in this. Secondly, I do want to emphasize that I've always been OK with myself in the physical sense. I just wanted to make sure that I was living better so I'd live longer. Having a 95 year old grandmother is inspiration for that!
But, this blog is all but trying to help/inspire/support others so if it works, here you go.
But, this blog is all but trying to help/inspire/support others so if it works, here you go.
These first 2 were taken at my 40th birthday. May 2006
This was December 2006 - just before I got serious about the healthy lifestyle in January 2007.
December 2008 - roughly 50 pounds into the process. Naunie still looks good doesn't she! This is the most current that I have.
So, it's done. Hope it helps.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Multitasking
This is today's newsletter from Denise Austin. My contribution is at the bottom.
Can You Work Out on the Phone?
Who doesn't love a long chat on the phone with an old friend or a family member who lives far away? If you're blessed with the gift of gab — as I am! — you can use that time to your fitness advantage.
Turn your next phone call into a workout by pretending to sit down in a chair! How? Instead of sitting on the couch or in a chair, lean your back lightly against a wall, making sure to press your spine flat. Then, as if you are sitting down in a chair, slowly lower your body along the wall until your knees are bent to at least a 45-degree angle (but don't go lower than 90 degrees). Hold the position for as long as you can: Start with 20 seconds and work your way up to 60-second intervals. Repeat the exercise every few minutes during a phone call and you'll really give those thighs a workout!
Makes you wonder what else you can do to get those workouts in. I've heard of people that also do exercises while talking on a cordless phone - walking around the room, plies', dancing while you're dusting, and so forth. Just another reminder that getting your 30 minutes of exercise in doesn't always have to be a set routine at a set time. It doesn't have to be a disruption in you're everyday life. Look for new and creative ways to work your body and pretty soon, like everything else we're doing, these things will become habits and you won't even realize that you're doing it!
Now, go have a great day!
Can You Work Out on the Phone?
Who doesn't love a long chat on the phone with an old friend or a family member who lives far away? If you're blessed with the gift of gab — as I am! — you can use that time to your fitness advantage.
Turn your next phone call into a workout by pretending to sit down in a chair! How? Instead of sitting on the couch or in a chair, lean your back lightly against a wall, making sure to press your spine flat. Then, as if you are sitting down in a chair, slowly lower your body along the wall until your knees are bent to at least a 45-degree angle (but don't go lower than 90 degrees). Hold the position for as long as you can: Start with 20 seconds and work your way up to 60-second intervals. Repeat the exercise every few minutes during a phone call and you'll really give those thighs a workout!
Makes you wonder what else you can do to get those workouts in. I've heard of people that also do exercises while talking on a cordless phone - walking around the room, plies', dancing while you're dusting, and so forth. Just another reminder that getting your 30 minutes of exercise in doesn't always have to be a set routine at a set time. It doesn't have to be a disruption in you're everyday life. Look for new and creative ways to work your body and pretty soon, like everything else we're doing, these things will become habits and you won't even realize that you're doing it!
Now, go have a great day!
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