Sharon Shapes Up

Super Bowl - Super Temptations Sunday

2009-02-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Walked 2.5 miles this morning after waking up with absolutely no intention of walking at all. Just rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth and put my walking clothes on. Is a habit forming here? We'll see.

Anyway, the Arizona Cardinals are going to beat the Steelers this afternoon - I wonder if I can beat down the temptation of over-eating. We'll see.

Down another pound this morning.

GO CARDS!!!

GO BIG RED!!!

Walking through the pain

2009-01-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I only walked about 2.5 miles - shins were killing me.
This morning I got in 3.5 mile with KNEE pain! What?
Anyway, about halfway into the walk I refocused and kept going and the pain was forgotten...mostly.

Went to brunch with my son and consumed breakfast and lunch calories. But it was oatmeal so it will stay with me until dinner. Maybe a piece of fruit mid-afternoon.

Still at a 2lb loss for the week.

How I see it...

2009-01-29T06:53:00.001-08:00

By the way, I've lost two pounds this week!
Yeah!

OK, OK, OK!

2009-01-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

New shoes, no shin splints. Eating has been my biggest problem, or should I say snacking.
The office was overrun with more temptations than usual during the holidays and I got into the habit of grabbing a piece of this and a piece of that while walking through the reception area.

This is a difficult habit to break. Then today I find a Girl Scout cookie order form on my desk. But lo' and behold! There is a new twist to the cookie buying experience this year. You can order the cookies and not have them delivered to you, but to a food collection facility for distribution to the needy. So, I do a coworker a favor and don't have to see those darn things!

I love Girl Scout cookies. Why are they so much better than others?
Anyway, checking that box for donation was a good first step to stopping the snacking addiction.

Now, I just have to avoid the little darlings when I go to the market, the movies, the anyplace...they've got their tables of delights set up everywhere. I think they should provide you with a big button to wear. It should say "I BOUGHT AT THE OFFICE" or "COOKIE ADDICT, PLEASE STEP AWAY"

Traded Shoes in

2009-01-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

I had to return the Spring Boost walking shoes.
After six very unsuccessful walks - no more than 2.5 miles due to shin splints - I was too discouraged and in too much pain.

I went back to Brooks - same model I've worn for the past year. Just did this exchange last night so haven't taken the new shoes for a road test yet. Hopefully, I will be able to get a real walk in tomorrow night.

Eating hasn't been great so not getting a good walk in has been a losing game this week.

Still not feelin' it

2009-01-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I walked again in my new Spring Boost shoes. This time I managed 2.5 miles but didn't enjoy any of it. It was a struggle with the shin splints.

Today, I'm thinking of a bike ride instead of a walk. Try to give the shins a rest.
Sure hope this pain isn't the beginning of a trend.

Only positive so far is that my muscles do feel worked out.

NEW SHOES!!!

2009-01-09T16:36:00.001-08:00

I got these new Spring Boost walking shoes that are supposed to give you a better work-out for your legs and butt, and improve your posture. You get extra insoles to work your way up to more of an incline. You start with a zero degree insert. The shoe's basic construction is on a slight incline.

Yesterday, my first with these shoes, I hardly made it one mile to a bench in the park. Aside from my typical shin splint pain, my legs were definitely getting a workout. After a few minutes I was ready to go again. Just another 1.1 miles and I had enough.

This morning I felt that walk in my legs.

Repeated the same exact walk today after work.
I'm hoping that tomorrow morning when I get up my legs will be ready to go further than two dinky miles.

Sunday walk

2009-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Walked: 3.5 miles

No big plans for anything else today. It's raining and I've got plans to lay around, watch some football, read a book, take a nap. Oh yeah, pay some bills. ugh.

Tomorrow I will go buy a new pair of walking shoes.

Another day in the life...

2009-01-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Walked this morning: 3.3 miles
Today I will be taking down all Christmas decorations and cleaning.

THEN it's the Cardinals first ever post-season game in Arizona!
I'll be sitting in front of the television...hoping not to be disappointed...that's the way football is in Arizona.

Go Cards!

New Year, New Effort

2009-01-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

So far this year, and it's only January 2nd, this is what I've done to try to get back in the groove:

01/01/09: walked 2.4 miles, golfed 18 holes (cart path only), lots of hilly walking
01/02/09: walked 2.6 miles

Eating hasn't been great but I'm working on it.

Oh yeah, to keep it real, I should mention that I've gained 14.5 lbs. since July. ugh.

Took Rick for a walk today

2008-12-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

I've been walking 2.5 to 3 miles every Saturday and Sunday morning since the weather cooled off. This morning it was only 47 degrees when I woke up so I waited until noon to leave the house. My manorexic husband walked with me.

Rick has an addiction...he loves to workout. He goes to the gym at 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and 6:30 a.m. on weekends. I wish I had this addiction, but I don't. I dread the gym any day. Today he had already been to the gym and the driving range but couldn't resist going for another three miles. How did he get this addiction and why can't I have it?

Enough about him.
I'll walk again tomorrow and really really push myself to get into an after work routine.

I hope someone is reading my posts now that I'm back into the blogging.
If you're out there let me know how you've been doing.
I check my Google Reader everyday to see if any F.A.T. Coalition people have posted - miss it.

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

2008-12-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Alright, I have been waiting and watching all of your blogs through my Google Reader and have seen very few postings in months. Are you not posting because a.) you have reached your goal and don't need support any longer? b.) you've been way too busy at the gym? or c.) you've lost your resolve and failed miserably?

I have to go with "c"

Last January I participated in the Rock n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix. I was so proud of my accomplishment and felt better than I had in years.

Today, I sit here at my desk, post-lunch, and feel like I'm going to explode. No, I didn't overeat. I had a salad. The problem is the Boston Market dinner (three sides) I had last night and the cookie I had for breakfast this morning. This is pretty typical behavior lately.

All the complaining I did during the summer regarding the heat was legitimate. But what is my excuse now? I don't have one. I lack motivation to get my ass outside and enjoy winter in the desert. I swore a year ago that I would never ever go back.

My confession: I've gone back. Not all the way, but if I don't stop now it could happen.
My proposal: That we all start posting after the new year no matter what we've done, good or bad.

Are you with me?
Anyone?

That's all I have to say.
Merry Christmas (It's a HoliDAY, not a HoliMONTH!)

SUMMER IN PHOENIX - UGH!

2008-07-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

After 15 years in the desert I am really, really tired of the summer heat. It never used to bother me so much but now that I've become a "walker" it is unbearable. The only walking I do now is to the bus stop and back, which is about five city blocks each way. The mornings are not too bad - only in the high 90's (so far) but the afternoon...forget about it! I have to prepare to leave my office by slathering on the sun screen because the sun seers the skin in five blocks to the bus and the 10 minutes or more waiting in the sun for the bus. By the time I get on the bus I am radiating heat - really.

You might ask...what about the gym? Yeah, you're right. The problem I have is getting off the bus into a hot car at the Park n Ride. I just want to go home and stay there. Blinds closed and all.
I really miss the outdoors.

We were in San Diego for five days a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful! Golfed twice and spent as much time outside as possible. That's about the most exercise I've had lately.

Oh, my weight? Not good...179.5 this morning. Eating isn't awful - just not moving enough.

Well, that's what's going on with me. It will only be 108 today - not kidding - this is like a cold front compared to last week. UGH!

STOP AND BACK UP

2008-05-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Weight: 174

Four and a half pounds in six weeks. Wow, what an accomplishment.

Ok, I don't feel all that bad about it. I have to admit the exercise plan during the week has been lacking. I'm just going through a home-body phase and just want to come straight home from work every day. Sometimes it feel like I'm homesick. Don't know why, just a phase like I said.
I have been doing things around the house and marking off items on my list of things I've wanted to get done and been putting off. This I feel good about.

Anyway four lbs isn't terrible - this is a lifelong thing, right? I let my guard down before and gained back 12 lbs. Now I've learned to stop and back up, not stop and give up.

I do walk on the weekends. 3.5 miles/1hr Saturday and Sunday. This is a good exercise pace for my short legs. I've tried to throw in some jogging but before long my shins start to hurt and I'm afraid of having those splints slow me down again.

Today is Mother's Day and I was in the mindset that I could "take the day off" eating wise. I didn't though. Just didn't do it. Turns out it wasn't that exciting to think about getting on that scale tomorrow after "rewarding" myself. The reward will come from not indulging.

I plan on having a good week, hope you all do too.

16.5. Just 16.5 little pounds

2008-03-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

That's my current goal.
I've done some backsliding - not terrible - but I promised myself I wouldn't and I did.
Now I'm trying to get back on track.

Today's weight: 178.5
Goal: 162
(16.5 lbs.)

03/26: Yoga
03/27: 3.3 miles/hour on treadmill
03/29: 3.4 miles/walk outside
03/30: 2.5 miles/walk outside

I got up this morning with little intention of exercising. I ate breakfast at 8:30, checked my e-mail, through stuff in the wash, turned on the shower...turned off shower and got dressed for a walk.

Took off at 10:30 - it was already warm out and the pollen was blowing around. Not great conditions but I just kept thinking about those 16.5 pounds.

My community center added a few more pieces of equipment and some bands and weights. Now I will figure out this stuff and hope to move forward a bit faster.

I know a lot of you have been struggling like me. Let's give ourselves a little nudge and get back to work. I've even been thinking about another 1/2 marathon (walk). I thought I'd "been there, done that" but it seems appealing again.

I HATE exercise!

2008-02-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

But I do it anyway. I complain about it but I know it is essential to a healthy body.
I haven't posted in awhile and I really haven't got but a few minutes today but I wanted to share something with all of you.

When you think you can't push yourself any further remember this video...

http://www.komando.com/videos/

p.s.
I'm still walking (11 miles yesterday). Eating could be better but I'm trying.

Seeking Trainer

2008-01-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

My friends at work know that I am looking to hire a personal trainer. One of them sent this to me today and I couldn't resist sharing. It seems long but it's pretty funny.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess -- with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Veryinspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whines that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the Hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.

THURSDAY: Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny bitch to find me . Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY: I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damned barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY: Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY: I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little shit) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

NO TIME FOR POSTING TODAY but...

2008-01-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

At the finish line with my niece, D'Ann and my brother Ralph.

Please see previous post if you haven't already.

GO ME!

2008-01-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

I did it. I really did it.
Yesterday was the P.F. Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon I've been talking about for weeks. My brother from Michigan and niece from Vegas joined me here in Phoenix and we all walked the 1/2 marathon. I was the last of us to cross the finish line but it felt good to just finish.

I started with some shin pain so I had to slow down early on. I was so worried that everyone was going to pass me (hundreds) and I'd be alone in the street. Didn't happen. Walked it off - took some Tylenol at the first water station and another at the second. My time wasn't great, 3:51 (one frustrating potty stop took 10 minutes standing in line), but who cares? Did I mention that I finished?

My hips were killing me after mile eight but I kept distracting myself with other thoughts. FAT Coalition was one of them of course. I also played this game of "who to pass next." I would choose someone out of the crowd ahead of me and make them the target. Then I motored past them and chose my next target. It was tough but I didn't want to disappoint myself or anyone else.

I'll have pictures to share soon but until then...
http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/commphotos/show.php?colid=4481&slide_nbr=1&HTTP_REFERER=http://www.cox.net/

Yes, No, Maybe, We'll See

2007-12-29T18:00:00.001-08:00

I've been "waffling" about the 1/2 marathon I'm supposed to walk with my brother January 13th.

Shin splints have been the reason. Last night I couldn't even manage 10 minutes on the treadmill. I started with a 25 minute warm-up on the elliptical and ended up back on the elliptical for another 25 minutes just to get a workout in.

I was so discouraged during this workout that I decided to forget the marathon and refocus on the getting fit and losing weight...until I spoke to my brother. He called to say he had registered on line and told me all the details of the event. I got excited about it again.

This morning I did my pre-walk stretches as outlined in "Pain Free" and set out for a nine mile walk. NO PAIN! I completed the nine miles in three hours (3 pit stops to use the bathroom and get water). The only discomfort was at about the seven mile mark - my hips started to get tired. I could've gone faster, and maybe even further, if the hips weren't tired. I wonder if Aleve or Motrin would help if I took it well into the walk?

Tomorrow morning I'll go to the yoga studio for a 1.5 hour session.
I'm back in.

p.s.
I used the least appealing picture of a waffle I could find;)

FINALLY!

2007-12-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today's weight: 172.0

I received the book "Pain Free" that Swanky recommended. Yesterday a.m. I did the stretches it recommended for shin splints. The stretches actually brought on the pain but the cool part is that once I stopped the pain subsided and I headed to the gym for a good 5.0 mile walk on the treadmill. Minimal pain at the 15 minute mark but I was able to continue through it.

I could've gone longer but it is SO boring indoors even with my Sirius Stiletto, the televisions, and the people watching (I'd really like to have a personal trainer to teach me the perfect workout). If I win the PowerBall I'll have one! Until then I'll figure it out myself.

Weight was down today but it will be a struggle the next couple of days as you all know. The last three days at the office I had to use my Superpowers to make it through the land mines of candy, cookies, etc. that came as gifts. I wasn't perfect before then but gave myself the Superpowers talk. It really worked!

Merry Christmas to all!

Still going to Register

2007-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Frustrating trip to the gym last night.
Managed 20 minutes on the treadmill - 5 minutes on the elliptical - back to the treadmill for 35 minutes.

I used to like walking, now it's just frustrating and discouraging. I ordered the "Pain Free" book Swanky recommended and hope it has some helpful info in it.

I'm still going to register for the half-marathon walk January 13th. I'll start and if I have to stop to calm my shins I will do that and then go on. Hope to finish but if I don't it won't be from lack of trying.

For you Michiganders consider this walk in May http://www.cctakesteps.org/chapter/mi.htm.
It's a very worthwhile cause. Registration is free but if you want to ask people to sponsor your walk you can. I won't be in Michigan at that time but you can call on me if you need donations.

That's enough for tonight.

Off to the gym

2007-12-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

I had my "free" appointment with a trainer last night at LAF. It consisted of 40 minutes of hard sell for signing up for regular training sessions and 15 minutes of shoulder/arm machines. It was basically a waste of my workout time. Fortunately I arrived early and got 20 minutes in on the treadmill.

Now I know which shoulder/arm machines to use but I'm on my own for legs, abs, back, etc. The one thing I really hate about going to a gym like LAF is looking lost and stupid. I always feel like "those people" equate my weight with lazy slob loser. I know this is just a mental thing but it's still there.

I'll be there tonight anyway.

Also, thanks for the book suggestion Swanky. I ordered it already.

Signed up

2007-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

I walked over to my husband's gym (LA Fitness - ugh) this morning. It is 1.3 miles. My shins were fighting me but I got there. After the usual "negotiations", which are much like sitting in the car dealer's office, I signed up. Can you believe they didn't have a bottle of water for me? Pointed out the "juice bar" if I needed anything! Hence, the ugh.

Walked home, no shin pain, and now I'm enjoying my coffee and starting the laundry and the rest of Saturday's exciting to-do's.

Tonight is the annual Christmas party with my husband's co-w0rkers. It's a tough one foodwise but I'll try not to snack on the garbage and stick to the turkey and veggies. Fortunately, we are carpooling with someone else who's lost a lot of weight. There is strength in numbers.

LAF tomorrow.

The Pain and the Plan

2007-12-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday workout:
20 minutes on bike (warming up)
stretches
10 minutes on treadmill (stopped four minutes because of shin splints)
10 more minutes on treadmill (stopped again due to shin splints)
Just couldn't get a good walk in.
Moved to elliptical for 20 minutes.

The Plan:
I'm determined to walk the half-marathon in four weeks.
I will join my husband's gym this weekend and get some personal training time.
Lose 16 pounds by March 1, 2008.

Shin Splints Bringing Me Down

2007-12-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today's weight: 172.0

Monday: Yoga - 80 minutes
Tuesday: Treadmill - 3.25 miles (had to stop four times with shin splint pain)
Wednesday: Walking - 4.0 miles (shin splints first half)

These shins are slowing me down and I just don't know what to do about them.
Saturday I did two hours (6.75 miles) with NO pain. I never know if I'm going to have a good workout or bad. It's starting to really discourage me. I'm still hoping to walk the half-marathon January 13th and I'd really like to finish it.

ANY ideas or suggestions will be appreciated.
I'm really worried about the marathon.
Help:

Just checking in

2007-12-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Weight: 172.5

I need to drink more water - I can tell when I look at my hands and ankles that I'm retaining. I don't like water but today I'm going to force myself to get 64 ounces down.

Eating hasn't been super great but not horrible. The office Christmas dinner Friday night kept me from working out. The meal was five small portioned courses. No creamy sauces. No buffet. Just bites of delicious foods. One coconut shrimp, one short rib, small salad, one lobster tail with rice, one small tort for desert. Kept earlier meals during the day light. Oh yeah, one glass of wine.

Thursday night I went for a 6.2 mile walk, which included killer shin splints for the first 3.5 miles! I stopped at a gas station for more water and a bathroom stop. Those four minutes made the difference and I motored the rest of the way feeling pretty good.

Yesterday I tried a different stretch for the shins and spent two hours (6.75 miles) on the treadmill feeling like I could've done more except that I really can't stand the boredom. Also, my fitness center doesn't open until 10am on Saturday and I other things to get done.

Yoga session Monday night was one-on-one and it was very challenging. At one point I got knocked down by a sudden vice-grip of a headache. I'm not sure what caused it. The pose was tough but I was holding it and breathing good. The headache receeded some so we continued. That was the most sudden, painful headache I've ever had but just like the shin-splints I don't want to stop. I can't.

I'm hoping for a decent weigh-in tomorrow for the challenge but not sure it will be a loss maybe just a maintaining.

On Your Mark!

2007-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

Today's the day! I'm participating in the December Challenge...my first. I'm feeling very enthusiastic this morning - really need this for motivation this month.

I hope a lot of you are going to join in.
Yesterday's weight: 170.5
Walked 8 miles

Today's weigh-in: 171.5

Let's go!

Bumped it up!

2007-11-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

Walked seven miles this morning. I could've gone another mile but I missed the turn I needed to reach a park with restrooms so had to call it quits. I'll go the eight next Saturday morning. Meanwhile I'll stick to my Yoga and shorter walks after work during the week.

No weigh-in yesterday or today.

Eating hasn't been good. I will weigh-in tomorrow morning to get back into a routine again.

Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Attention! Attention!

2007-11-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Retraction:

I did NOT walk nine miles. I walked six. But I WILL walk a half marathon in January with my brother. He's training on a treadmill in Michigan - I have the good fortune to be able to train outdoors in Phoenix.

Check this out: http://www.rnraz.com/home.html

There will be a live band every mile along the way.

My niece is training to run a full marathon in Vegas in December and will be participating in the Rock 'n' Roll marathon in January.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks and more

2007-11-22T11:06:00.001-08:00

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words regarding the loss of our dog, Cybil.
It's been pretty quiet around here but today my son came in from San Diego and the Lions are on so all is feeling much better.

Also...I walked 9.8 miles this morning. I didn't set out to go more than 7.5 but felt good so kept going.
It took me 1.9 hours.

Turkey's in the oven, men are on the sofa, all is well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Just sad

2007-11-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Keeping this post short and simple.

We lost our little Cybil Thursday.

She was a big part of our family for more than 14 years.

It's been difficult coming home to an empty house after work.

She is no longer underfoot in the kitchen;

No more waking Rick up in the morning to go for a walk;

No more sitting in the front window barking at anyone or anything;

In short, her passing has pretty much sucked the life out of our home.

I know that time will lessen our grief but right now we're just sad.

54 vs. 53

2007-11-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 54th birthday. It caused me to think about where I am now and where I was when I celebrated my 53rd birthday. This is what I came up with:

Typical week at 53rd birthday
M: Jenny Craig food / couch
T: Jenny Craig food / couch
W: Jenny Craig food / couch
Th: Jenny Craig food / sofa (mixing it up a bit)
F: Jenny Craig food / couch
S: Jenny Craig food / couch
S: Jenny Craig food / couch
Weight: 206

This past week:
M: Thoughtful eating / Yoga - 80 minutes
T: Thoughtful eating / Walk - 4 miles
W: Thoughtful eating / Walk - 5.5 miles
Th:Thoughtful eating / shopping - no exercise
F: Thoughtful eating / Yoga - 80 minutes
S: Thoughtful eating / Walk - 7.5 miles (easier on the weekend mornings to get distance)
S: Thoughtful eating / Walk - 7.5 miles
Weight: 169.5

Sure, I didn't make my goal of losing 50lbs by my 54th birthday but I'm not ashamed.
Everyday is a new day and I'm feeling pretty damn good.
In fact, I feel like I'm just starting this journey every day.

Two more things:
1) I truly believe FAT has made a huge difference in my progress. Sharing my stuff and hearing yours has kept me from teetering too far off the path.
2) Yoga has made a difference in my walks. I feel stronger and haven't had shin splints or hamstring pain since my very first session. They aren't easy sessions but I feel so good when I leave the studio. It's good to break up the week of walking too.

My thanks to all of you.

Houseguests = Bad, bad choices

2007-10-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Having company is the toughest test for my willpower. Yesterday I actually skipped lunch and dinner but ate pumpkin hotcakes, 4 slices of bacon, potato chips, frozen yogurt with carmel/pecan sauce, 5 mini candy bars...what the hell - Halloween candy purchased Friday finally got to me. I'm sure the following weigh-ins would be much worse without the exercise, which I did not let myself miss.

After all is said and done...I have so much fun with my family here that a few-day setback isn't depressing me.

Weigh-ins:

Saturday: 170.5 (-.5)
Exercise: 6.8 miles / 1.15 hours

Sunday: 169.0 (-.5)
Exercise: 4 miles / 40 mins + a heartpumping hill climb

Monday: 170.0 (+.5)

I will be in Tampa Wednesday thru Saturday for a conference and hope that the travel days will be good food choices. I don't usually eat much on travel days and all meals in between I will try to make good choices so I will be back on track when I return. I will be taking my exercise clothes.

Entertaining Food

2007-10-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 171 (+2.5!)

Yesterday:

This is an estimate because I went to the Scottsdale Culinary Institute for dinner and had a large variety of foods but not in huge quantities. If my estimate is off it isn't by much. I used Calorie Counter and put every little thing I could think of including the butter, sauces, whipped cream.

Calories: 1872
Fat: 54g / 26.3%
Protein: 133g / 28.5%
Carbs: 194g / 41.7%
Sodium: 3,857mg (YIKES!)
Fiber: 13g

I really appreciate the posts regarding grams / percentages, etc. I'll work this out.

Exercise: 3.5 miles / 40 mins.

Because my office still doesn't have a restroom on our floor I will be downing my gallon of water tonight. The over-the-top weight gain has got to be water! Even with my dinner last night I shouldn't have gained 2.5 pounds overnight!

Once again...not enough H2O

2007-10-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 168.5 (+.5)

Yesterday:

Calories: 1553

Fat: 24g / 13.4%

Protein: 125g / 31.3%

Carbs: 220g / 55.3%

Sodium: 3,643

Fiber: 17g

Exercise: 6.5 miles/1hr 22min - evening

Exercise: After weigh-in this morning - 3.25 miles / 40min

I regret this morning's walk. My right leg is so sore - I don't know what I did but it is bad enough that I had to take an Advil just now. Maybe I should've waited until this evening for my walk but I had extra time this morning.

Question: Besides the obvious need to lessen the sodium content of my diet how many grams or percentages of Fat, Carbs, Fiber, etc. is the ideal for weight loss?

No Exercise, Good Food Choices until...

2007-10-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 168.0 (EVEN)

Yesterday:

Calories: 1758
Fat: 37g
Protein: 107g
Carbs: 251g
Sodium: 3,969
Fiber: 18g

No exercise. I had an appointment after work plus my manorexic needed a new pair of jeans for a trip this morning and didn't want to choose them without me.

BAD: Whole Wheat with Honey Pretzel sticks (manorexic bought them but I could not STOP eating them!) AND I was eating them while watching The Biggest Loser! Now who's the loser!?

I'll be walking after work tonight and doing a lot of housework (guests arriving tomorrow).

Still on the downward

2007-10-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just checking in.

Today's weight: 168.00 (-.5)

Yesterday: 3.5 miles/40 min.

Calories: 1425
Fat: 35g
Protein: 100g
Carbs: 176g
Sodium: 2,482mg
Fiber: 14g

Water, Water, and more Water!

2007-10-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 168.5 (-2.0)

Yesterday I drank more than a gallon of water after a 6.5 mile walk. I guess the water helped.

This morning I had a dentist appointment so I had time for a walk at 6am. Only 3.5 miles but felt good to get it in before work.

My plan was to drink a gallon of water today but there's a problem...I work on the 6th floor of a 9 floor building. Our bathrooms are closed today (see pic!) for repair from a flood upstairs. I have to go to floors 2, 3, or 4 to use the restroom. No water but I'm using the stairway rather than the elevator. I'll get the water in after work.

Bumming

2007-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 170.5 (+1.5)

Five day average: 169.4

Not enough water? I'll deluge myself with H20 today in hopes of a lower weigh in tomorrow morning.

Eating was good with the exception of dinner last night. We went to the Coyote's/Red Wings game but had dinner with friends before hand. We couldn't get into the restaurant I was hoping for (healthier choices on the menu) and ending up at a mexican restaurant. Starving would've been the only non-gross choice. Anyway, after the game we stopped for a non-fat yogurt but of course I had to have a chocolate topping. No will power on that.

On a better note...I walked five days...three of which were 5mi/1hr and two 6.5mi/1.15hr.

The weight is disappointing but I'm not giving up. Today is another day.

By the way I've revised my ticker to show a more realistic short-term goal weight. It also reflects my weight gain of 4.5lbs since I last updated it. Keepin' it real.

Just the Facts M'am

2007-10-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 169.0 (-1)

Yesterday:

Calories: 1338
Fat: 27g
Protein: 87g
Carbs: 198g
Sodium: 2,841mg
Fiber: 23g

Exercise: 5 miles/65 min - stretched, did a warm up walk but still had pain in ankles/shins for first part of walk. After sitting on a park bench for approx. three minutes the pain was gone and the remainder of the walk was good.

Any tips on pre-walk warm-up welcome.

Supershoes?

2007-10-18T13:09:00.001-07:00

The Ariel® has long served as a motion control superhero, coming to the rescue of runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. Now, a new full-length MoGo midsole extends the shoe's list of superpowers...

I can't wait to take my new Supershoes out for a spin. I found the above description on Brooks' web site. It just kind of made me laugh so I thought I'd share.

Shocked and Dismayed

2007-10-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 170 (+2!) This was such a disappointment - I was really expecting a loss.

Yesterday: not the greatest, but 2lbs?

Calories: 1,546
Fat: 22g
Protein: 77g
Carbs: 270g
Sodium: 2,022mg
Fiber: 30g

No exercise. I went to Foot Solutions after work to get fitted for good walking shoes. They had to order the correct size from another location so I'm hoping to have them tonight for my walk. If not, I will still walk in my old shoes.

I'll be drinking a lot of water today hoping the high weight is from not enough H2O.

Reporting in!

2007-10-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 168.0

Yesterday:

Calories: 1360
Fat: 31g/20.5%
Protein: 107g/31.8%
Carbs: 160g/47.6%
Fiber: 18g
Any advice on the numbers above would be appreciated. Don't know why my weight is up this morning but not letting it deter me.

Walked: 5 miles/hour (I know this is slow compared to some of my F.A.T. friends but it's fast for me.
Taking tonight off to shop for new shoes. Maybe this will help me increase my speed.
Plan to up the miles Saturday morning.

Thanks to All

2007-10-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the encouraging comments to my last post. Re-focusing is my priority right now.
Yesterday my eating was very good. It was a struggle last night though. I don't know if any of you have been smokers but I was a smoker and quit cold turkey 17 years, 8 months, 19 days, and 6 hours ago today (after 19 years!). No kidding. I remember because it was that hard to do.

Quitting food is so much harder. Food is everywhere. It's on tv, it's on the radio, it's on the reception desk at my office, it's in the break room, it's handed to me by smiling faces, and it's acceptable. Furthermore, I don't have to leave my desk to go eat, I don't have to go downstairs to the garage to eat.

Being FAT is not acceptable but people don't avoid you when you open a bag of chips like they do when you light one up.

Now that I've said that...I struggled last night but won. Food kept creeping into my mind but I held it off by distracting myself.

And more...I checked out my walking route on Google mapping and discovered that I haven't been walking 3.5 miles, I've been walking FIVE! This really made me feel good and believe that I can do more than I thought.

Today's weight: 167.5

Thanks again. I think of all of you when I'm struggling and it really helps.

True Confessions

2007-10-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, here it is...I haven't lost one pound in the last four weeks.
I've been walking and using the elliptical four times a week but my eating has been pretty bad.
I can't make any excuses. I've just indulged in too many restaurant meals, and snacking in the evenings.

Maybe I was just feeling too good and got complacent and arrogant.

I'm hoping this confession will be the beginning of another start.

Weight: 168.5
Thank goodness I've been exercising or this would be much worse. I don't want to backslide into the 170's that would be so depressing.

I'm such a loser.

No Super Powers Last Night

2007-10-12T09:47:00.001-07:00

Just when I could've used my Super Powers for good they failed me. My husband got a last minute invitation to the first game of the DBacks vs Rockies series. Normally I would've had some Kettle Corn and maybe a little frozen yogurt - that would be dinner of course. BUT we were in a suite that had many other offerings...hot dogs, pasta salad, chocolate chip cookies and bars, nachos, fruit with yogurt, popcorn, shrimp cocktail and all that crap.

I was starving because I went from my office to the ballpark. I guess it could've been much worse. You probably think I ate everthing listed above but no. I ate a hotdog, some fruit, a tad of pasta salad and...wait for it...here it comes...two chocolate chip cookies! They were displayed so artfully and smelled so good, I was powerless {:

No Friday night out tonight - going to the gym. Walking and more walking this weekend - maybe even venture to the mountain for a hike. I must pay for my transgressions.

And NO, I did not throw a water bottle onto the field! And YES, GO DBacks!

Eight down, Four to go.

2007-10-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

I walked into a mine field this morning. One dozen assorted donuts between me and the coffee pot. Did I turn back and make a run for it? No! I faced them down and made a grab for the coffee pot.

Did I think about them all day? Once or twice. Did I partake. No!

I haven't been eating perfectly or exercising like I should this week but I thought of all of you and especially Swanky's tip about using "Super Powers" to defeat these temptations and it worked! I'll be leaving the office and those four remaining demons behind in about twenty minutes. Thanks everybody.

p.s.
my new assistant caught me conducting this photo shoot and slowly backed out of the room.
She must think I have a thing for donuts;) Not me, I've got "powers"

NO STOPPING

2007-09-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up at 5am thinking about how much I did NOT want to get up and go walking. I decided to get up and weigh in - if I had a high weight I would go walking. Turns out my weight was down THREE pounds from yesterday! So...I went walking!

I came across this sign toward the end of my walk. It spoke to me;)

Have a good week everyone. And don't stop.

The Great Outdoors

2007-09-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I hit the trails, ok sidewalks, before sunrise. It was in the 60's and just right for my first walk of the season. I intended to try a walk/jog but after the first short jog my knee and ankle ached so I decided to not risk cutting the walk short and pushed on with a fast-paced walk.

I had pre-set the mileage with my car last week so I could compare my outdoor time with my treadmill time. I think the outdoors is a better workout...and much more interesting.

Anyway, 1 hour+ later and some stretches I was feeling pretty good and really can't wait to do it again tomorrow. I love early morning walks. I took a picture with my cell phone of the sun coming up over a hill with tall Saguaro cacti but the picture sucks so I'll try again tomorrow with a real camera. It really is quite beautiful here when the weather cools down.

The walk plus a couple hours of housework (ugh) counted for a pretty good morning workout.
Fat Free yogurt and 1 cup Special K for breakfast. Banana for snack. Lean Cuisine pizza for lunch. So far, so good.

Frustrated

2007-09-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

My scale is frustrating me!
Gained two lbs overnight earlier in the week...lost 1.5 of those overnight...gained them back last night!

Workout: 1 hour walk/jog on treadmill - increased speed.

Water: 40 ounces

Calories: Pretty good, with the exception of a muffin and too much Asian salad dressing at lunch.

I've posted a before pic and a current pic - that was difficult because I hate any picture of myself. A co-worker needed a current photo for my new press pass so there it is.

Up Two Pounds!

2007-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't work out last night. I had dinner with a friend I haven't seen in weeks.
This morning my scale was up two lbs!

I admit I didn't make perfect choices but they were far from pigging out... Tomato Soup, Chicken Salad sandwich on WW and a non-fat yogurt. Only had hummus and veggies for lunch.

I'm in a mood this morning because of this gain. I know, boohoo, get over it and get on with it.

I'll be extra careful today even though I have company arriving from Michigan. And I fully intend to get my workout in this afternoon.

I'm Starving!

2007-09-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just another quick note.

Workout: 1 hour on treadmill
It's getting cooler in the a.m. and evenings so I checked the mileage on a good route in my area.
I'll try it early this Saturday morning. Really enjoy outdoor walking more than treadmill.

Water: 64 ounces and still thirsty so there will be more.

Calories: Exceptionally good day. Wanted to snack but managed to distract myself.

I'd really like to hit my last two listed goals. There will be more after those are completed.

Dinnertime!

Hi P & V (ghost readers)!

Just a simple post

2007-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Workout: 1 hour walk/jog on treadmill
(won't state how far or how fast because it seems so wimpie)

Water: 64 ounces (ugh)

Food: Not perfect but not outrageous

That's it for today.

Forgot to mention

2007-09-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today is my son's birthday. I was 9 months pregnant 29 years ago and weighed 176 lbs.

Today, I weigh 166.5

Could I still be carrying that baby fat?

Compliments and Carmel Corn

2007-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

I was in Michigan for my niece's wedding this past weekend. Lots of fun, lots of compliments, and unfortunately lots of carmel corn.

The wedding was on Mackinaw Island, which is famous for it's fudge. Walking down the main thouroughfare you pass one fudge store after the other. You cannot avoid them without leaving the island. For the record...I didn't taste one bit of it!

In fact, I was pretty good regarding the sweets until we walked past one sweet shop that was making carmel corn in the window. That was all it took! The group I was strolling with all headed in for boxes of warm, fresh carmel corn. Oh my GAWD! It was SO good I was out of control.

The corn is gone. I've had one travel day, which I kept the calories very low. Had a great workout last night after another good, low calorie day. Decided to up my water intake from here on. I'm miraculously at my pre-wedding weight.

Compliments and Carmel Corn - which is more satisfying? The compliments of course.

Fat Loss Comparison

2007-09-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

After reading Kevin's blog regarding his losing the equivalent of a 37" LCD Flat Screen (75lbs) I decided to post what I have lost...160 sticks of butter.

On another subject: Have any of you seen Mad Men? It's a really good show on TNT about an advertising agency in 1960. Everyone should watch it to see how women in the workforce and at home were treated, and I should add, how they accepted being second class citizens. Anyway, I digress. My point of mentioning Mad Men is the complete difference in what was an acceptable body shape for women back in the day.

I'm sure a woman with an athletic build was probably considered vulgar, and waif-like thin was not considered attractive at all. "Health" didn't seem to be a consideration at all for men or women. We've all come a long way, thankfully.

Enough rambling. Tomorrow I'm back to the gym, which I'm sure was just for boxers in 1960.

100% and Back to Work

2007-09-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

Weight: 167.5
Pre-Op: 168.5

Feeling 100% today. I went back to work yesterday and already caught up and starting a new project. I have an awesome assistant who kept everything running smoothly while I was out.

I haven't been eating too badly except my brother's birthday dinner last night (ribs and mashed potatoes...b'day cake). My coworkers wanted to go out to lunch yesterday but I made really good choices. Had my follow-up visit with the surgeon today and I'm cleared to start my workouts next Monday. I must say that I've gotten pretty lazy these past 10 days so getting back to the gym might be difficult - but that's typical for me. The fact that my weight is still down gives me the motivation I need.

I'm still working towards optimum health.

A Fleeting Low

2007-09-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

I was right not to trust my "new low" because today I'm back to 166.5.
Still keeping busy with company and household projects. No snacking, which is remarkable when I have guests.

I'm so anxious to get 1) back to work and 2) back to working out.

New Low

2007-08-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today's weight: 165.5 - new low
Yesterday: 167
Total Lost: 40.5

Not sure if I trust this new low number because it is so new and sudden.
I have been keeping myself pretty busy at home so no boredom eating.
We'll see what happens when I'm back in full gear.

Today has been very good.

Back on Track

2007-08-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Weight: 167.0
Post Op: 176.5
Pre Op: 168.5
Total Lost: 39

Felt almost back to normal this morning. Little discomfort, but no pain.
Rick drove me to JoAnn Fabrics last night (he was really excited - NOT). Got some walking in there and it felt good to get out and move around. Tonight I'll try Target. It's just too hot to walk outdoors.

Rick went to get fish tacos while I wandered around the store. I wasn't bored and I wasn't hungry so I skipped dinner. Came home and watched the final episode of "The Bronx is Burning" and didn't even snack! I guess I really needed to get out of the house.

I miss working out (who said that?). ME!

Is Anybody Out There?

2007-08-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

That's how I feel today...like I'm in a B movie. I'm the last person left on the planet (accept the people producing and starring in HGTV programming). I wish I lived on a busy street so I could feel more assured that I'm not.

I've learned that I am a boredom eater. As bad as I feel, I have had to keep watch on myself for snacking. My post op 8lb weight gain was 1/2 gone this morning when I weighed in. Bloating remains. I need to go for a walk this evening. Maybe wander around Target or something just to get out of the house.

This sucks.

Post Op notes

2007-08-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Surgery went fine. Recovery room sucked. I couldn't fully wake up and my oxygen levels were too low. I just wanted sleep but they kept waking me up to take deep breaths. The stupid shakes happened too. I wasn't cold just shaking like an old chihuahua.

I was admitted for the night but didn't get a room until 8pm. Poor Ricky just sat there freezing from 10am - 8:30. I told him to go home but he wouldn't.

They released me this morning at 10am after a delicious breakfast of bland cream of wheat and plain yogurt. I'm about to take a pill and lay down on the couch again. I've been sleeping since getting home.

I did ask the doctor how much a gallbladder weighed and he said about the same as a small hamster(?)!

Since Thursday evening's "last meal" I have only had the cream of wheat and yogurt. I just stupidly stood on my scale (Saturday, 3:45pm) and have gained eight pounds - what's up with that?!!

Just a Pre-Op thought

2007-08-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

My coworkers suggested that I write the type of surgery I'm having on my abdomen so the surgeon doesn't perform the wrong operation by accident. I'm considering writing liposuction.

WHY, WHY, WHY?

2007-08-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have never ever shared my weight with anyone but here goes:

September 1, 2006: 206
August 20, 2007: 168.5
August 21, 2007: 167.5
August 22, 2007: 167.5
August 23, 2007: 168.5 !!!

I've worked out every night this week and I've been eating properly.
Why am I going backwards?!

Tomorrow is my gallbladder surgery and I wanted to weigh 166, which would be the 40 lbs lost mark. A new low.

I know I'll feel crappy tomorrow morning if there isn't at least a downward trend on the scale before my surgery.

Still wondering what that gallbladder weighs;)

One down.

2007-08-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

I had a good workout last night and this morning the scale showed one less pound.

Feeling pretty good and very motivated to meet my new low by Friday.

111 degrees today but I still love the desert. Just wish it would rain...hey, I think there's a song here.

Up and Down

2007-08-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

I'm getting off the teeter totter!

For far too long I've been losing and gaining the same two pounds. Things are changing today!

My plan is to lose 2.5 lbs by Friday morning. This will get me to a new low. That's all I'm shooting for is a new low this week.

The reason I want to do this by Friday is because I'm having my gallbladder removed (Hey, I wonder how much it weighs?) Friday afternoon.

I might lose some weight just by having a limited diet for a few days. The real problem is I won't be able to workout either! SO, I need to be very diligent this week.

I'll be heading for the gym after work for the next four days.

Have any of you had this surgery or know anyone who has? I'm trying to be really cool about it but I'm a little anxious about what to expect dietwise afterwards.

Out of Control!

2007-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not eating too much or couching too much.

Yesterday I arrived for a dentist apointment early (no, I wasn't excited to be there). Anyway, I was sitting in my car listening to the radio, killing time, when my body just wanted to walk. I couldn't get that feeling out of my mind so I got out of the car and walked around the building.

I had another appointment right after the first and had the same "problem" so I had to walk around that building too!

What's happening to me?! I'm out of control!

Caribbean Cole Slaw - Escape the Salad Doldrums

2007-08-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

I hate to cook!
Try this out for a cool and refreshing change from salad.

1 20oz can of pineapple chunks - no sugar added
1 16oz bag of pre-shredded cabbage & carrots
5 tbsps of lime juice
2 tbsps packed brown sugar
2 tbsps olive oil
1 tsp salt
2 tsp grated fresh lime peel (I skip this because I buy the bottled lime juice)
Mix it all together.
Makes six servings.

My calculations tell me that each serving is about 115 calories.
Mix it all together and enjoy!

Days of Wine and Chocolate

2007-08-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Four days in California wine country felt really good.
No weight gain - no loss (have I written this before?).

The weather was beautiful if you like misty, cold days. I do. Being from Phoenix these days are like gold. I managed a couple of walks - not what I'd call going for it but not sitting around too much.

We went to dinner one night with three other couples. We all ordered one dessert per couple - baked apple pie alamode. Everyone received theirs except my husband and me. We were both glad it never arrived. Last year I would've been tackling the server to get me my dessert!! This time I just sat there quietly hoping it would never come. What a change in attitude!

Rick and I took a trip into Monterey one day. It was cold and too touristy for us. I turned down the clam chowder, which I love, on the pier but had a piece of bread. Then, what do you always find in a tourist area? Purveyors of chocolate! Instead of getting one piece to taste, I bought six pieces. Forced my manorexic to eat some but I finished the rest. I have to say this was my worst moment on the trip.
***********
Back to reality. I've been to the gym or walked every day since returning from the trip. Yesterday I got up at 5:30 to walk the park. It was so hot and humid but I actually added more distance. Feeling pretty good today.

Note: this might sound kind of dumb but I noticed when I sit on the floor to do stretches I have less cushion. It's a good thing.

I really need to start some upper body weight training. Any suggestions for beginner free weights?
***********
Another trip to California next week. This time San Diego. No big plans, no big dinners, no tourist spots. Just hanging out with my manorexic and my son who lives there.

28 Days - 5 lbs.

2007-07-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

I started using calorie-counter.com 28 days ago and even though I wasn't perfect, I lost five pounds. I've said before that I am in no hurry to lose my weight, just moving in that direction makes me feel better, and successful.

Had an appointment with one of my doctors yesterday and all is going very well. My kidney function has improved immensely, my cholesterol is perfect, my blood sugar is perfect. I would strike those "goals" out on my blog but I don't know how.

Also, I'm very close to weighing less than my husband. In fact, I can fit into his pants! Don't laugh! I had to see for myself so I just slipped them on and off quickly. Please understand that my husband is thin and works out everyday. Before I started my journey to better health I would get mad at him if I caught him watching FIT TV. I would accuse him of being overly obsessed with working out. I call him manorexic because sometimes he really looks too thin. NOW, I catch myself surfing to the same channel. I'm actually glad that he takes good care of himself. His dad started having strokes and heart attacks in his 50's. I know this is his motivation.

Meanwhile, I've been to the gym 4-5 days every week. My favorite part of the workout is the end. I'd much rather go home after work and sit on the sofa watching tv. Every time I leave the gym I feel more energetic. The stretching makes me feel taller too!

I'll be going to California this Sunday. Four days in beautiful weather - I'm hoping to get some outdoor walks in. My plan is to stick to fresh fish, fruits and vegetable.

Gotta get to work.

B+

2007-07-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

After 22 days of using calorie-count.com I have a B+ in nutrition.
This is a good thing except for the fact that some days I got an A or a B eating too many calories of good nutritious foods.

Meanwhile, there was a time when I was gaining and losing the same two pounds. I'm doing that again but with a lower two pounds on the scale ;) I'm not in a rush to lose my weight - just want to lose it and be healthy so I guess things aren't going too badly. I've lost 38 pounds since last September and can't see myself backsliding, which as we all know happens to dieters. That's why I don't like "diets" or the word "diet". It just sends your mind the signal that there is a beginning and an end to the process. Getting healthy and staying healthy is my mindset. I could've lost more weight but I would have had to deprive myself of things I like - that would be the kiss of death on a "diet".

Question:

1) Yoga (as an addition to workouts)? Have you tried it? How does it measure up for a good workout?

Happy Feet...NOT!

2007-07-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

I tried out my new shoes last night and don't have much good to tell. After 30 minutes on the elliptical both my feet were numb...tingling...asleep. Pushed myself to finish those 30 minutes anyway. Then I moved to the treadmill and had a good workout but felt less energy than usual. Knee was hurting, front and back. This was new so I have to think it was the shoes.

I'll return them and try another shoe. All in all I still got a decent workout in - just not what I hoped for. Meanwhile, I lost 1.5 lbs the past week - even with the high fat dinner Saturday.

Slippery Slope

2007-07-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

I was doing great until last night. My weight was at a new low Saturday morning - Saturday evening we went out for dinner with friends. I don't know what it is about social eating that makes me act like it's ok to forget my new healthy eating habits. The seafood ravioli, in CREAM sauce! was delicious. I will say that when I ordered it I didn't realize it would be in a cream sauce - no excuse - I didn't send it back. I should've asked more about this special. Anyway, I didn't eat all of it...until I finished it today! Now I'm worried about getting on the scale tomorrow.

Another week.

Bought a new pair of running shoes today and I actually can't wait to take them out on a test drive after work tomorrow. I've always used cross trainers but these are for swift walk and running. They feel lighter and actually lower to the ground if that makes sense. I hope I'm not disappointed but the only way to know is to try.

Hope you all had a good, healthy weekend.

Shoe Shopping

2007-07-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ok. I stopped at a Sporting Goods store on my way home tonight. My intention was to buy a good pair of walking/running shoes. The only person in the shoe area was a bored teenager who pointed to the women's shoe section and disappeared.

I would really like some advise on a good shoe. You are my experts so how about some suggestions?

Off the Dubble Bubble

2007-07-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

I looked at that bubble gum today but only once did my hand automatically reach for a piece.
But what I realized about myself is this...I dislike exercise so much that when I consider a food I don't so much think about it's calories or nutrition...I think "How much time exercising is this going to cost me" - am I the only one who thinks this way?

I guess if it was cool enough to exercise outside it wouldn't be so bad but when I get home from work it is really difficult for me to leave the house again. I do though - and it feels good when I'm finished.

Just thoughts.

More Useless Calories Revealed

2007-07-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

I work in an office where the receptionist insists on keeping a bowl full of miniature candy bars and a bowl of Dubble Bubble gum sitting on the front counter. I have tried to convince her that we don't need these (she doesn't eat them) but she goes into this story about how the UPS guy claims she saved his life because he chews the bubble gum instead of smoking (I wonder what his dentist says).

Anyway, I have gotten into the bad habit of grabbing a piece of BGum when passing through her area. Today I took a look at the tub, yes tub, of gum under her desk to see the calorie content. I figure if during an eight hour day I chew five pcs of this gum X 20 workdays in a month, I've chewed 1500 calories! Empty, sugary calories.

How long do I have to do a moderate workout on the elliptical to burn those calories? You do the math. I'm striking bubble gum off my menu. And don't think sugarless is much better - <5 calories per pc. - 450 calories in the same time period.

Ok. Enough. Buh-bye.

2007-07-10T18:22:00.001-07:00

Went to the gym tonight but didn't "feel" it, you know what I mean? Legs felt sluggish, and my mind didn't feel very enthused to be there. So I did a half-workout. I don't feel bad about it - I simply couldn't do it.

I can't make it to the gym tomorrow night so I'm hoping that by Thursday I'll really have that motivation to get back there and sweat. I think I will. Meanwhile, my eating has been pretty much under control although the scale is a little sluggish - not going up, not going down - tomorrow is another day.

Also, your comments regarding my running were good. I'll probably go out and purchase a good pair of running shoes this weekend. I don't know what it is about running I've just always wanted to do it. Thanks.

2007-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

I did pretty good last night - Home Alone. I gave in to my need for something crunchy and ate a couple, ok 4, rice cakes.

Worked out tonight - feeling good right now but it's late and I haven't had dinner yet. Sometimes it is good to stall the meal so I'll go to bed before getting too bored and start hearing that kitchen calling me again.

A question for you runners: I feel like I don't know how to run. This sounds pretty stupid but I see other people jump on the treadmill and take off like their being chased. When I speed up the treadmill and go into a jog I feel so clumsy and my shins start to hurt a little. What's wrong with me?!

2007-07-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Rick, my husband, left this morning for Tucson. He won't be back until Tuesday night. It's just me and Cybil, the dog....and the kitchen, which keeps calling to me... "Shaaarronn...Shaaarronn...I've got something for you." My usual M.O. when my husband is away is that I eat anything I want and not feel embarrassed by my gluttony. Now I'm just trying to be strong - for me.

It's 3pm and I've only had a healthy breakfast and a healthy lunch. Two goods may be a recipe (what a word to use) for a bad.

The day seems long and I considered going out to window shop but I know that will just lead to food so I've stayed in reading and watching HGTV's Design to Sell. It makes me want to sew new drapes and put a For Sale sign out front to see if I've increased the value of our home. Rick might get upset though - he rather likes having a house to live in.

Wish the Fitness Room at the Community Center was open (how's that for crazy?). I really feel like a good workout. I could go for a swim - the pool is only about 20' from where I'm sitting - but I read in the paper this morning that a man woke up from his nap to find his wife floating face down in the pool. I've always told Rick that I don't like him swimming when I'm not home and when I'm home I need to hear him kicking. Swimming doesn't seem like exercise to me because I'm not an athletic swimmer - just frog through the water.

I'm rambling now - killing time really. I guess I'll go drink another glass of water and pick up my book again.

Hope everyone is having a great, healthy weekend.

My New Favorite Video

2007-07-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

4th of July Blues

2007-07-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's 116 degrees outside. I'm stuck inside and bored to tears.
Trying to avoid foraging for food and wishing my gym was open (I can't believe this wish - so not like me).

My husband is floating around in the pool, in the direct sunlight. This does not appeal to me at all. Maybe later when the pool is shaded I'll get in just because I'm bored. I don't really enjoy swimming.

No plans for a big 4th of July picnic. We're just grilling steaks and baking potatoes - just the two of us.

Daytime TV sucks.

Another Day

2007-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've moved on from my popcorn disappointment.
Today was a good day for me. Even though I went to lunch to celebrate a coworkers birthday I made good choices.

Tonight I stuck to my plan and the only salty snack I had was 1 cup of edamame. Much better choice.

My workout tonight was amazing. I really pushed myself (think popcorn) and it felt great!

Bummed Out

2007-07-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend foodwise and exercisewise...until last night!
Almost made it to bedtime with a great eating day behind me THEN I had a craving for something salty. Instead of doing what I should've done...go to bed or eat some edamame, I popped up some popcorn and added too much margarine on top.

I could just kick myself! But instead I will add time on the machines tonight - I'm pretty confident this won't happen again.

In the Zone

2007-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

I went above and beyond in my first Saturday at the gym. I pushed myself to do more and more. It made me feel strong. I like that feeling.

Last night my husband made baked spaghetti. He adds mushrooms and spinach to the sauce, pours it over the spaghetti, tops with mozz and broils it until the cheese is bubbly. He said "I didn't put as much on your plate." Being thoughtful. He only "filled" the plate rather than piling it up!

Here's the good part... I sliced the serving in half. tada! I kept looking at that other half and thinking to myself that normally I would just plow through it mindlessly but now I'm thinking about what I really need. It's not about the food it's about the control.

I am woman, hear me roar.

No gym AND No appetizers!

2007-06-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

After work last night I went with a friend to test drive a SmartCar. We had to wait in line for 1.5 hours! It was fun but I was starving and didn't make it to the gym.

My husband really wanted to go to our favorite Italian restaurant for a glass of wine and a super delicious meal. I planted some other ideas in his head and we ended up at our new favorite health-food restaurant. Instead of the most delicious eggplant parm at the Italian place I got an unbelievable salman pita sandwich and baked sweet potato fries - kept the fat on the down-low.
I was full and feeling pretty energized. We then went grocery shopping and I talked him out of the 1/2 gallon of Rocky Road - just had to point out the difference in fat from the skinny cow ice cream sandwiches - I felt like a health smartie!

To the gym today and I'm looking forward to it.

One step forward...two steps...

2007-06-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

I did not work out last night - went to dinner with a friend and ended up eating a Cobb Salad and a muffin. Not low anything! Ate less during the day to offset what I knew was going to be a step-backward dinner. No dessert or snack in the evening either.

Trading Happy Hour tonight for a trip to the gym. I'll miss my end-of-the-week glass of wine and appetizers but I'll feel much better after working out.

Headed in the right direction

2007-06-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back on track.
Lost 2.5 lbs since returning from CA last week.
Last three nights I went to the gym and it really felt like three good workouts.
Did a quick swim and then a light dinner.

Favorite snack: edamame

Meeting a friend for dinner tonight but I'm prepared to get a petite salad and a whole grain muffin.

Feeling pretty good.

Too hot (and I mean the weather)

2007-06-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm so over the heat already and it's only June! Saturday morning I got up at 5am so I could get my walk in before the day really heated up. It was already in the low 80's. ugh. I did my usual time and distance but really felt like I was dragging. Remember, my community center gym doesn't open until 10am on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. My real workout was cleaning my house and I really felt energized so went all out.

Sunday I set my alarm for 5am again but couldn't drag my butt out of bed. At 9am my husband and I went out for breakfast. Tried a new health-focused restaurant. Its menu reports all the nutrition info on ever meal. The omelette, ww toast and turkey bacon was really good and filling for about 7 gram of fat. Loved being able to go out for Sunday breakfast and not feel like I was over indulging.

Weighed myself this morning and it seems I'm still fighting those same stupid 2 lbs!
Brought bottled water to work today - it seems like I drink more water this way.

I'd really like to lose 8lbs by July 29th - another trip to CA. Gym tonight.

4-Day Vacation

2007-06-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've been on a mini-vacation in California.
I didn't lose the 5lbs I wanted before the trip but I did lose three. YAY.
My intention was to do some walking each morning in the cool Carmel weather but drank too much wine in the evenings and slept in late.
I'm back now and ready for the gym tonight after work.

Thanks for the supportive comments.
It really helps to have other people with the same struggles tell me that it's ok to slip once in awhile and that it's not the end of the world...or the journey to good health.

I'm really looking forward to the gym tonight!

Sugar Drink Set Back

2007-06-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe what I did!
Last week I bought a 24-pack of Lipton Green Tea. This stuff is really good.
While working out Monday night I happened to look at the ingredients and saw that I had purchased non-diet! Oh MY GAWD!

I was so upset. I went home to count how many were left...only 9!

All together I had consumed 2400 calories of sugary drink. That's two days worth of calories and who knows how many workouts only counted toward those meaningless calories.

My husband said he wondered why I was drinking it! Of course I told him that now it was HIS fault for not saying anything.

I've decided that now I have to drink water (which I have a real problem doing).

Setting a Mini Goal

2007-06-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have been hovering at the same weight for far too long. I'm working out and trying to stick to my better food choices but have been weak lately.

I'm setting a very short term goal this morning...5lb loss in the next 10 days. My husband and I are going to California for four days and I want to feel extra good about the way I look. Also want to do some clothes shopping before the trip. We'll be seeing a lot of people that I haven't seen since I began my new healthy lifestyle. I'll feel good about the way I look for a change. AND more confident!

Mother's Day Weekend

2007-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

I knew the weekend was going to be filled with eating opportunities but tried to stay ahead of the game by putting more effort and time into exercising. I finally got up to 25 minutes on the elliptical (started at 8 min 10 days ago), and pushed myself on the treadmill for another 25 minutes of uphill speedwalking. My gym opens late on Saturday and not at all on Sunday so I got up at dawn and did my two mile walk through the park. Added a climb on Sunday a.m.

BBQ on Saturday night and Brunch at my favorite breakfast restaurant on Sunday. This morning I weighed in and hadn't gained or lost.

It's Monday morning and I'm back on track. Will drink a gallon of water today.

Feeling pretty good.

Elliptical Challenge

2007-05-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

I started using the elliptical last week and struggled to reach eight minutes. Yesterday I made it to 22 minutes. Probably could've done a little more but was bored and wanted to change machines for the rest of my workout. Felt good.

Meanwhile, I'm still 8.5 lbs from my goal of weighing less than my husband. It seems like the closer I get the lighter he gets! I'll get there.

No Loss - No Gain

2007-05-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like I'm at that place where the weight stops dropping. Although I feel great at this weight (36lb loss), I really want to get to my 50lb goal. I keep losing and gaining the same two pounds! Frustrating.

Anyway, I tried the elliptical last night but couldn't even get to 10 minutes. I switched to the treadmill to finish my workout. I feel challenged by the elliptical so I'll continue to work on it until I get to at least 45 minutes.

Am I the only person who finds this machine difficult?

Newly motivated

2007-04-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

For the past month I have had house guests. I really thought this would be a difficult time to stay motivated. In the past, spending time with friends and family often meant a license to binge. However, it turns out all of my guests were willing to walk with me and prepared basically good meals. Of course there was snack food laying around the entire month but I'm proud to say that I didn't really feel like eating any of it.

I didn't lose any weight but managed to maintain. I feel pretty good about that.

Now that it is heating up here in Phoenix my outdoor walking is coming to an end so I signed up to use the fitness room at our brand new community center. The center has premium equipment and I like getting a good work out on the treadmill. I'll try the elliptical soon - I know it will be a challenge.

Staying the course.

My first posting

2007-04-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I was visiting my home state of Michigan and saw my niece's dramatic weight loss. She was so energized and feeling so good. She inspired me to get back on track with my own goal to become healthy.

I had gained 78lbs since my wedding day 29.5 years ago!

My husband lives a healthier lifestyle than I do and it shows! I had to ask myself what the future held for us. He is looking forward to retirement in a few years. Will I ruin his plans with my unhealthy lifestyle? While he is counting the days, I am scheduling doctor appointments!

Although I don't expect ever to weigh the same at 53 as I did at 23 I realize that it really isn't about the weight as much as it is about simply being healthy. Losing weight is the first step.

I've lost 35lbs since September 1, 2006 and although there have been "moments" of back tracking I don't let them become more than just that.