Here We Go Again

I did not stay healthy over my vacation. But then again, I didn't over-indulge either. I enjoyed ice cream after a brief hike through the heat and mosquitoes on an island. (Aside: We visited an anthropological site on the FL coast that was home to Native Americans who lived there over 12000 years ago -- that's pre-dating Mesopotamian civilization, my friends! There was something extremely sacred about ancient civilization on American soil.) I swam some laps in the pool. But I also enjoyed a few meals that were extremely tasty and high in calories. All in all, I enjoyed myself. But alas, I must return to the world of health. And to do that, I purchased my running shoes. Following your recommendations, I found a sale on Saucony and purchased a pair of shoes that were quite comfortable. I also bought myself a running bra and some nice, light-weight running shorts/shirt. I'm just hoping to get down the road the first day I try this. Tomorrow I return to work and early rising and routine, but I am also going to try to run. Mornings are still nice here . . . not too hot . . . so we'll see. So water, water, here I come. I've got some pounds to shed in the next month and a half!

Day One: Still Ticking

I spent my first day of "eating right" on the road. Truly, not a good combination. But I did pretty well. Yesterday I left for Orlando and didn't get ANY snacks on the road. I was really proud of myself. I arrived at my friend's house . . . she wasn't there so I needed to go get myself some dinner. I went to the grocery store (!) and bought some chicken (not fried) and vegetables. I drank water with dinner. This morning my friend served egg beaters, a slice of whole wheat bread and some fresh fruit. I was grateful. I drank my coffee with SOY milk. For lunch, I was at the mercies of the host church for our presbytery meeting. They served 4 different kinds of salads and yes, I ate them all . . . even the "not so good" ones. There was a green salad, a shrimp salad that was to die for, a jello salad, and a pasta salad. I drank water with the lunch. And then I made the mistake of eating the dessert that was set at my place -- a nice chocolate pudding pie piece (not too big . . . but definitely not good for me). Within a few minutes I was feeling sloshy and tired and I knew it was the sugar. SO, we were still on break so I walked the block around the church and it felt good -- it wasn't a half hour of exercise but it was something AND I was out of my own town. I had a three hour drive home and didn't stop for ANY snacks again. I drank water in the car. And then arrived home where my babysitter had cooked up spaghetti with homemade sauce. I didn't overeat that either and again I drank water. Considering all of the challenges of the day, I think I handled things well. So tomorrow I'll try in my own setting. Thanks for cheering me on!

Needed: Weight Loss Cheerleaders

So I've decided it's time to stop waiting for myself to be stress free before starting to eat healthy and exercise and lose some weight. The scales put me at the heaviest I've ever been and my "fat clothes" are getting tight. My goal is to lose 10 pounds by the time I see my clergy friends in August. That's do-able. I may be able to shed more than that, but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment.

How am I going to do this? 1) I am going to begin by eating at least 3 servings of vegetables a day (this is something I avoid at all costs . . . stems from childhood where I was required to eat vegetables with every meal and I abhorred them. I now enjoy fresh vegetables but rarely cook them for myself. I'd like to change that.) I also enjoy eating fresh vegetables because it reminds me of what God has created for my health -- not something out of a box but something that began, like me, as a seed. In the fall we are going to plant some of our own vegetables, but given FL's climate we have to wait until fall to plant and spring to harvest. The veggies will also be my main course instead of the side dish that always gets pushed to the side.

2) I'm going to drink only water and tea throughout the day -- no diet drinks, no juice or sodas, not even any milk (which I love, but the sugars in there wear me down quickly). I will allow myself one cup of coffee in the morning with skim milk, but that's it.

3) I am going to exercise for 30 minutes 3 times/week. I haven't figured this part out. My daughter's friend got the Wii Fit and it's really fun and it did raise my heartrate so I might hang out there until I can afford one myself. Eventually I'd like to join the gym again, but until I can prove to myself that I will spend 3 months exercising 3 times/week, I won't make that commitment. I would walk, but it's too hot in FL to walk everyday. I may use my neighbor's pool once it warms up a bit more. This is what I'm thinking about.

4) No fast food. This is where I turn when I'm in a hurry and stressed. Beef and Cheddars are my favorite.

5) I will allow myself to eat out ONE TIME during each week with my family and I will enjoy myself, but I will not eat everything on my plate. Also, the veggies rule will still apply.

6) Snacks? this is where I'll need to turn to "sweet" veggies like carrots and bell peppers or tomatoes and celery. Oh, and peanut butter is allowed.

7) I've gotta lay off bread and carbs for awhile, until I can rebalance my body's cravings, etc. Even whole grains are off the list for awhile (sorry, food pyramid, my body can't handle all of those yummy delights)

8) Lean meats and no casseroles.

9) Putting forth a goal of feeling better long term instead of shedding pounds temporarily. I'm trying to adjust my lifestyle here.

It all sounds really rigorous but until I can cross that hump of eating because I'm stressed and allowing myself "treats" for whatever I rationalize in my head it's going to have to be this way. During my trip in August I'll see how far I have or haven't come. In the meantime, I need lots of cheerleaders. Health is my goal. Wellness is my goal. I'll be able to handle the stress of everything else a lot better when I'm caring for myself this way.