I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to New Year's!
This morning I decided to step on my scale and was delighted to learn that my weight is still going down even with all the holiday celebrations and goodies. My weight today is 174.5, which is down another three pounds since my last weigh-in.
The other good news to share is that I'm now officially wearing my size 10 jeans.
I'm doing the happy dance... again... !
How are you doing with your goals? The holidays can be tough for those trying to maintain or lose weight so don't get discouraged... just keep your goals in mind every time you lift some food to your mouth!
Happy New Year!
K
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Another Great Milestone
The holidays are upon us and, already, the goodies are making their way into my home no matter how diligently I keep watch over the front door. The latest entry was home baked persimmon fruit cake. I have a Persimmon tree in my yard and usually give most of them away. In return, I always receive Persimmon baked goodies. This bread is sooooo delicious... I polished the entire thing off myself in less than a week. Oh my goodness......
Thinking about the wonderful bread I finished off last night, I was feeling a little guilty walking passed my scale this morning. I've been avoiding it and that's been on purpose. I don't mind gaining a few pounds during the holidays as long as I don't go overboard. Five pounds, tops.
With this new thought in mind, I stepped on my scale. I might as well know where I'm at so come January 1st, the damages will be clearly identifiable.
All of this worry for nothing as when I stepped on the scale, I almost fell off as I couldn't believe what I saw. My last weigh-in on November 4th I was 186.0. Today.... well, a picture is worth a thousand words!
That's 8 1/2 pounds in little over a month.... a great rate for losing unwanted FAT! I'm thinking I could be wearing my size 10's for Christmas!
How are you doing with your goals? I would love to hear from you and offer you some encouragement. Do drop me a note or leave a comment to let me know.
K
Thinking about the wonderful bread I finished off last night, I was feeling a little guilty walking passed my scale this morning. I've been avoiding it and that's been on purpose. I don't mind gaining a few pounds during the holidays as long as I don't go overboard. Five pounds, tops.
With this new thought in mind, I stepped on my scale. I might as well know where I'm at so come January 1st, the damages will be clearly identifiable.
All of this worry for nothing as when I stepped on the scale, I almost fell off as I couldn't believe what I saw. My last weigh-in on November 4th I was 186.0. Today.... well, a picture is worth a thousand words!
 |
| I almost fell off the scale when I saw this! Happy dance time... |
That's 8 1/2 pounds in little over a month.... a great rate for losing unwanted FAT! I'm thinking I could be wearing my size 10's for Christmas!
How are you doing with your goals? I would love to hear from you and offer you some encouragement. Do drop me a note or leave a comment to let me know.
K
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Long Haul
I've been thinking a lot about what it takes to truly stick with something for the long haul. Whether its a career, marriage, civic involvement or something else, what drives a person to keep working at it over the years?
Of course, this question translates into one relevant for this blog: what drives a person to stick with changes they have made regarding lifestyle, especially after they have managed to take off a significant amount of weight?
This blog has documented my ability to achieve weight loss, no question about that, but this blog has also documented my inability to keep the weight off, which in my mind is the real victory. So what's going on?
For me, it all boils down to choices, but what drives those choices?
By far these days, my budget drives my food choices more than anything else. Currently unemployed, I find my trips to the grocery store to be strategically planned and executed. Trust me when I say, with limited funds, there is no junk food coming into my house these days simply because I refuse to spend my money on "junk." I'd rather buy a symphony ticket instead. When I'm working, though, I find that I do tend to purchase the junk and bring it into my home. I consider it a "treat" to have such things around, but is that really the right way to think about it? Instead of it being a treat, I should think of it as poison.
Time available and my current schedule also factor in. What have I committed myself to? Who has expectations of me? Where do I need to go and what do I need to get done? Have you ever asked yourself these questions at the beginning of a busy day? Do you remember also asking yourself when you'll get to take time for you? What will you have time to eat and when will you be able to get some activity into your day?
Finally, priorities is a consideration and, frankly, probably the most important as it applies to both budget and time, as well as many other aspects of our lives. What is your priority? Do you have a "big" priority for your life? Does it translate into your daily priorities? For myself, I find that I do have "big" priorities, but somehow they get lost in the daily needs of everyday life. Budget, time and the needs of others often crowd out what is a priority for me and my world.
I think this is an important realization and one that you may find in your life, too. Getting back to the original question, what drives our choices?, the bottom line becomes priority and what we give our time to each and every day.
Where are you on your priority list today?
K
Of course, this question translates into one relevant for this blog: what drives a person to stick with changes they have made regarding lifestyle, especially after they have managed to take off a significant amount of weight?
This blog has documented my ability to achieve weight loss, no question about that, but this blog has also documented my inability to keep the weight off, which in my mind is the real victory. So what's going on?
For me, it all boils down to choices, but what drives those choices?
By far these days, my budget drives my food choices more than anything else. Currently unemployed, I find my trips to the grocery store to be strategically planned and executed. Trust me when I say, with limited funds, there is no junk food coming into my house these days simply because I refuse to spend my money on "junk." I'd rather buy a symphony ticket instead. When I'm working, though, I find that I do tend to purchase the junk and bring it into my home. I consider it a "treat" to have such things around, but is that really the right way to think about it? Instead of it being a treat, I should think of it as poison.
Time available and my current schedule also factor in. What have I committed myself to? Who has expectations of me? Where do I need to go and what do I need to get done? Have you ever asked yourself these questions at the beginning of a busy day? Do you remember also asking yourself when you'll get to take time for you? What will you have time to eat and when will you be able to get some activity into your day?
Finally, priorities is a consideration and, frankly, probably the most important as it applies to both budget and time, as well as many other aspects of our lives. What is your priority? Do you have a "big" priority for your life? Does it translate into your daily priorities? For myself, I find that I do have "big" priorities, but somehow they get lost in the daily needs of everyday life. Budget, time and the needs of others often crowd out what is a priority for me and my world.
I think this is an important realization and one that you may find in your life, too. Getting back to the original question, what drives our choices?, the bottom line becomes priority and what we give our time to each and every day.
Where are you on your priority list today?
K
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Size 12
Nothing feels better when you're losing than walking into a trendy store and finding a pair of jeans that fit perfectly and are of a size that feels good to purchase.
This happened to me last week when I purchased a new pair of size 12 jeans at The Gap. I know, I know... some of you hate The Gap. I hate their prices, but their jeans fit me better than any other brand so I paid the money and came home happy.
As I enjoy my new jeans, I am already thinking about my next goal, size 10, which I previously achieved in January of 2010. I have a stack of size 10 jeans purchased throughout 2010 that I haven't been able to wear in months. As much as I like my new jeans, I cannot wait to wear all those size 10's again.
Also, I'll point something out here. Notice how I'm focusing on my "size" and not so much on my weight? I do step on the scale from time to time, but it is my size that matters to me. I know from previous "dunk" tests that I have a LOT of muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so if I only focus on my weight, I could get discouraged. Using my clothes to gauge my size is a much better way to determine if my body is actually getting smaller and isn't that the goal? You can accomplish the same thing by regularly taking your measurements, but I find it easier just to use clothes for this... no numbers to track!
I'll end by giving myself yet another pat on the back for this achievement. Have you given yourself a pat on the back lately for something? If not, I encourage you to find something about yourself to be happy with - something real you can acknowledge and truly feel good about. I'm sure you'll think of something and when you do, give yourself the love and encouragement you deserve. Feeling good about yourself and your life will help you no matter what your size.
This happened to me last week when I purchased a new pair of size 12 jeans at The Gap. I know, I know... some of you hate The Gap. I hate their prices, but their jeans fit me better than any other brand so I paid the money and came home happy.
As I enjoy my new jeans, I am already thinking about my next goal, size 10, which I previously achieved in January of 2010. I have a stack of size 10 jeans purchased throughout 2010 that I haven't been able to wear in months. As much as I like my new jeans, I cannot wait to wear all those size 10's again.
Also, I'll point something out here. Notice how I'm focusing on my "size" and not so much on my weight? I do step on the scale from time to time, but it is my size that matters to me. I know from previous "dunk" tests that I have a LOT of muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so if I only focus on my weight, I could get discouraged. Using my clothes to gauge my size is a much better way to determine if my body is actually getting smaller and isn't that the goal? You can accomplish the same thing by regularly taking your measurements, but I find it easier just to use clothes for this... no numbers to track!
I'll end by giving myself yet another pat on the back for this achievement. Have you given yourself a pat on the back lately for something? If not, I encourage you to find something about yourself to be happy with - something real you can acknowledge and truly feel good about. I'm sure you'll think of something and when you do, give yourself the love and encouragement you deserve. Feeling good about yourself and your life will help you no matter what your size.
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Scale Moves
I've moved my scale upstairs and out of the dungeon of my son's downstairs bathroom. It will now reside upstairs where I'll see it more often.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating stepping on the scale every day, but by placing it where I will see it more often, I'll remind myself that I'm focused on losing at the moment, hopefully helping me to be more conscious of my choices.
Choices - this is the bottom line. What I choose to put in my mouth and how I choose to live (actively or sedately). I wrote a short poem entitled Choices to help me remember that I alone control the choices I make each and every day.
After relocating the scale, I stepped on for a quick check-in - it's been more than two weeks since I last weighed myself. The scale settled at 186.0 - down 3.5 pounds - and that includes my thick socks (it's cold this morning!), yoga pants and tank top. I'm delighted as this indicates I'm losing at an optimal rate, just under 2 pounds a week, which hopefully means the weight I'm losing is FAT and not lean tissue. I'll take that and a pat on the back, too.
I'll stop here to ask how you are doing with working towards your weight (fat) loss goals? Check in - I'd love to hear from you!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating stepping on the scale every day, but by placing it where I will see it more often, I'll remind myself that I'm focused on losing at the moment, hopefully helping me to be more conscious of my choices.
Choices - this is the bottom line. What I choose to put in my mouth and how I choose to live (actively or sedately). I wrote a short poem entitled Choices to help me remember that I alone control the choices I make each and every day.
After relocating the scale, I stepped on for a quick check-in - it's been more than two weeks since I last weighed myself. The scale settled at 186.0 - down 3.5 pounds - and that includes my thick socks (it's cold this morning!), yoga pants and tank top. I'm delighted as this indicates I'm losing at an optimal rate, just under 2 pounds a week, which hopefully means the weight I'm losing is FAT and not lean tissue. I'll take that and a pat on the back, too.
I'll stop here to ask how you are doing with working towards your weight (fat) loss goals? Check in - I'd love to hear from you!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Weigh In
This morning I decided to hop on my scale to see how I'm doing. The scale read 189.5, down another three pounds since my last weigh in.
Of course, this is too much weight lost in too short a period of time and completely due to unrelenting stress within my current circumstances. The hardest part of each day is simply finding the appetite to eat anything. I wake up with a stomach ache and go to bed with my stomach tied in knots. All I can do is try to get enough in me to maintain my energy and that's it.
Everyone reacts to stress differently. Some people eat there way through stressful situations, others drink and/or do drugs. Certainly there are many activities we can do as a result of stress in our lives, some being healthier choices than others. I'm trying to stay calm by starting each day with meditation and prayer, envisioning for myself a peaceful existence and calm surroundings. Throughout the day, I remind myself of this mental picture I've created for my life, praying that as time goes by, I will move closer to that reality. This method is not foolproof, but it is helping me at the moment.
What do you do to combat stress? I'd love to hear from you, but in the meantime, remember to take care of yourself regardless of the circumstances you're living in.
Of course, this is too much weight lost in too short a period of time and completely due to unrelenting stress within my current circumstances. The hardest part of each day is simply finding the appetite to eat anything. I wake up with a stomach ache and go to bed with my stomach tied in knots. All I can do is try to get enough in me to maintain my energy and that's it.
Everyone reacts to stress differently. Some people eat there way through stressful situations, others drink and/or do drugs. Certainly there are many activities we can do as a result of stress in our lives, some being healthier choices than others. I'm trying to stay calm by starting each day with meditation and prayer, envisioning for myself a peaceful existence and calm surroundings. Throughout the day, I remind myself of this mental picture I've created for my life, praying that as time goes by, I will move closer to that reality. This method is not foolproof, but it is helping me at the moment.
What do you do to combat stress? I'd love to hear from you, but in the meantime, remember to take care of yourself regardless of the circumstances you're living in.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Back to the Couch
It's been eight days since my outpatient surgery. I feel fine, though still a little tired. Nonetheless, I needed to speak to my doctor yesterday due to symptoms that have persisted since the procedure.
After a brief conversation with my doctor's nurse's assistant, I've been instructed to go "back to the couch" for a much needed reduction in activity.
Insert heavy sigh here.
I have a list of things that need to be done. I'm also in-between job contracts, which means back to searching for a new one. I could sit here and wring my hands with worry, but instead I'll enjoy the comfort of my couch and the company of my Netflix membership.
What's the point?
Each of us as individuals must be responsible for caring for ourself. Actually, that's better written as "caring for our Self." This means making decisions each day that indicate YOU are a priority.
Today I'm giving my Self this gift by lounging on my couch and watching movies. This is what my body needs today and probably for another 3-4 days to completely heal, but what about after that?
My physical body needs care every day. Yours does, too. Eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, stretching and exercising and getting plenty of rest - these are the daily activities that keep our bodies running well, but we can't stop there. We must consider the "Whole Self" - our minds and our emotions must also be cared for.
Having a healthy physical body can give us a great foundation to feed the other pieces of our Whole Self, but again, it is our duty as individuals to know what nourishes the person within.
I have much in my life that nourishes my inner Self and with each day, I discover new things that bring joy and light into my world. I hope you can say the same and if not, I hope you will start discovering today all that nourishes you, both inside and out!
After a brief conversation with my doctor's nurse's assistant, I've been instructed to go "back to the couch" for a much needed reduction in activity.
Insert heavy sigh here.
I have a list of things that need to be done. I'm also in-between job contracts, which means back to searching for a new one. I could sit here and wring my hands with worry, but instead I'll enjoy the comfort of my couch and the company of my Netflix membership.
What's the point?
Each of us as individuals must be responsible for caring for ourself. Actually, that's better written as "caring for our Self." This means making decisions each day that indicate YOU are a priority.
Today I'm giving my Self this gift by lounging on my couch and watching movies. This is what my body needs today and probably for another 3-4 days to completely heal, but what about after that?
My physical body needs care every day. Yours does, too. Eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, stretching and exercising and getting plenty of rest - these are the daily activities that keep our bodies running well, but we can't stop there. We must consider the "Whole Self" - our minds and our emotions must also be cared for.
Having a healthy physical body can give us a great foundation to feed the other pieces of our Whole Self, but again, it is our duty as individuals to know what nourishes the person within.
I have much in my life that nourishes my inner Self and with each day, I discover new things that bring joy and light into my world. I hope you can say the same and if not, I hope you will start discovering today all that nourishes you, both inside and out!
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