The post-vacation one! Did you miss me terribly? Think of me often? :)
I am thrilled to report that I gained .4 pounds! That doesn't sound quite right, does it?
Well, this is post-vacation, where I didn't technically work out once, although I did climb Castle Rock, walk Whitefish Point (including climbing the lighthouse), walk Oswald's Bear Ranch, and walk all over Mackinac Island. Among several other things! It was a fantastic vacation!
It made me realize how inactive I am in my daily life. Not that I sit around and am a sloth, but I don't get OUT and DO like that. For a long time I was taking the children out to some tourist place at least once a week. That was when we had moved and were getting familiar with the area. Since we've been here over a year now, I had stopped without even realizing it. I'm thinking I ought to get back to it.
While I'm pleased that I didn't gain a lot on vacation, I'm back in the groove and hoping to be down at least a pound by next week!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Weighing in
YES! Today's weigh in showed a 1 pound loss! FINALLY! It's a new low, and it puts my total lost at 44 pounds.
Not quite where I wanted to be at this point, but I'll take it! I'm still stuck right around the same number, I've kicked the pace up a little bit on my exercise, so maybe that has helped push through. Of course, I'll be traveling again over the next week -- which NEVER helps! -- so I'm a little anxious over what might happen then.
I am being proactive, taking two of my most important tools: my measuring cup and measuring spoon. I'm not confident enough that I can measure out a tablespoon of creamer or 4 oz of milk without them, so I'll just have to look a little odd at the breakfast. The hotel has an exercise room, so I also plan to use that treadmill!
Not quite where I wanted to be at this point, but I'll take it! I'm still stuck right around the same number, I've kicked the pace up a little bit on my exercise, so maybe that has helped push through. Of course, I'll be traveling again over the next week -- which NEVER helps! -- so I'm a little anxious over what might happen then.
I am being proactive, taking two of my most important tools: my measuring cup and measuring spoon. I'm not confident enough that I can measure out a tablespoon of creamer or 4 oz of milk without them, so I'll just have to look a little odd at the breakfast. The hotel has an exercise room, so I also plan to use that treadmill!
Monday, August 15, 2011
12-Week Sprint: Week 12
Week 12! EEK! I honestly can't believe how fast the summer has gone by. It was 59 degrees here this morning. Hello, fall! Dropping by a bit early, eh?
Fitness: I've added 2.5 pound ankle weights as well as 2 pound hand weights to my walk, and I can tell that those little additions have made it much more challenging. After the first walk with them, I was questioning whether I should use them again because I was wiped out! And then I realized that at one time I didn't have a CHOICE on whether to put down that extra 9 pounds. And now I am thinking about putting them down just because it's harder? What kind of crazy logic is that?! ::smack::
Nutrition: I'm finding that getting at least 75% of the calcium requirement isn't difficult to manage if I plan it in, but the problem is that I don't always WANT the foods that will get me there. Selfish? Yes. But truthful. I'm going to experiment with coffee/almond milk/yogurt smoothies to see if I can make a tasty snack that will help. I do love my coffee.
Motivation: No books this week, but I have been taking motivation from all around me, whether it is a church marquee, a friend's comment that I look better, or the "reward" pants in my closet that fit but need a bit more work from me to look good.
This week: Keep on keepin' on! We'll be traveling this weekend and part of next week, so I want to get in extra an extra exercise time every day this week. Since I've got so much to do before we leave, I don't know how possible that is, but I'm going to try. I already did my morning walk, and this afternoon I'm taking my two urchins + two friends to the Museum of Science & Industry. I'm guessing I'll be chasing the two youngest at least. Maybe that will count for my extra walk today? :)
Fitness: I've added 2.5 pound ankle weights as well as 2 pound hand weights to my walk, and I can tell that those little additions have made it much more challenging. After the first walk with them, I was questioning whether I should use them again because I was wiped out! And then I realized that at one time I didn't have a CHOICE on whether to put down that extra 9 pounds. And now I am thinking about putting them down just because it's harder? What kind of crazy logic is that?! ::smack::
Nutrition: I'm finding that getting at least 75% of the calcium requirement isn't difficult to manage if I plan it in, but the problem is that I don't always WANT the foods that will get me there. Selfish? Yes. But truthful. I'm going to experiment with coffee/almond milk/yogurt smoothies to see if I can make a tasty snack that will help. I do love my coffee.
Motivation: No books this week, but I have been taking motivation from all around me, whether it is a church marquee, a friend's comment that I look better, or the "reward" pants in my closet that fit but need a bit more work from me to look good.
This week: Keep on keepin' on! We'll be traveling this weekend and part of next week, so I want to get in extra an extra exercise time every day this week. Since I've got so much to do before we leave, I don't know how possible that is, but I'm going to try. I already did my morning walk, and this afternoon I'm taking my two urchins + two friends to the Museum of Science & Industry. I'm guessing I'll be chasing the two youngest at least. Maybe that will count for my extra walk today? :)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Quote
"Cultivate good habits. Bad ones will grow wild."
I saw this on a church marquee this week, and boy-howdy, isn't it the truth?! It really is important, so important, to cultivate those things that we WANT around because we always have our old (sinful, slothful, gluttonous ... choose an adjective) nature that WILL take over if we aren't watchful.
Old cemeteries beautiful to me, and I always find it a little sad when one is overgrown. The visual reminder is striking though. When we don't actively trim back those bad habits, they will grow and quite possibly overtake something we see as dear.
What a reminder of how important it is to be a active caretakers of our bodies as well as our souls.
I saw this on a church marquee this week, and boy-howdy, isn't it the truth?! It really is important, so important, to cultivate those things that we WANT around because we always have our old (sinful, slothful, gluttonous ... choose an adjective) nature that WILL take over if we aren't watchful.
Old cemeteries beautiful to me, and I always find it a little sad when one is overgrown. The visual reminder is striking though. When we don't actively trim back those bad habits, they will grow and quite possibly overtake something we see as dear.
What a reminder of how important it is to be a active caretakers of our bodies as well as our souls.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Moving forward
Yesterday's weigh-in stunk, but I've got nothing to blame but my own lack of motivation.
When the urchins and I were out shopping, I came across some small hand weights at Five Below. I probably looked like a fool, standing there trying out the 1 pound vs. the 2 pound! I decided on the 2 pound, got two of them, and used them today. I did my usual 4-mile walk -- which has become sort of my standard -- and I really liked them. It felt more challenging, and I changed up a couple of the moves to incorporate the weights a little better.
It was a challenge getting in a workout at all because of scheduling, and every time I tried I was thwarted in some way. In fact, I had actually started around 3:30 and 7 minutes into it, I remembered that my son had art class, and we were already 5 minutes late leaving! We dropped everything and rushed off. By the time we got back, I really should have started dinner, but the children wanted to play outside anyway. I let them and used that time.
Yesterday's exercise epiphany is what made me FIND the time. I think on a "normal" day, I would have just let it go. This determination needs to be the new normal.
When the urchins and I were out shopping, I came across some small hand weights at Five Below. I probably looked like a fool, standing there trying out the 1 pound vs. the 2 pound! I decided on the 2 pound, got two of them, and used them today. I did my usual 4-mile walk -- which has become sort of my standard -- and I really liked them. It felt more challenging, and I changed up a couple of the moves to incorporate the weights a little better.
It was a challenge getting in a workout at all because of scheduling, and every time I tried I was thwarted in some way. In fact, I had actually started around 3:30 and 7 minutes into it, I remembered that my son had art class, and we were already 5 minutes late leaving! We dropped everything and rushed off. By the time we got back, I really should have started dinner, but the children wanted to play outside anyway. I let them and used that time.
Yesterday's exercise epiphany is what made me FIND the time. I think on a "normal" day, I would have just let it go. This determination needs to be the new normal.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Weighing in
Oh lawzy. Well, it could have been worse! This week's weigh in showed me at exactly the same weight as last week.
As I mentioned, I do get on the scale daily and write it on my calendar. I wasn't expecting much, although there was the hint that I might have lost at least the half-pound gain from last week. But this morning ... nope.
I've been musing over it all day. I could attribute it to a couple of different things, but to be perfectly honest ... I think it's because I didn't exercise as much. I looked back over my week, then my exercise diary, and sure enough, only ONE day in the last week did I put in what I consider a full workout. I did two half-workouts, one 3/4-workout, one full workout and three nothing days.
Yeah. Three days where I didn't do a workout at all! I wasn't sitting on the couch or anything. In fact, one day we walked all over the Museum of Science & Industry, and that is not a small building! But I didn't make myself WORK with it; it didn't make me all sweaty and gross (the other museum-goers appreciate that ...), and it certainly didn't get my heart rate up (except maybe the explosion experiments in the rotunda).
My calorie counts were consistently at or below my target. The only difference was my exercise commitment! That's a wake-up call for sure. How many times to I have to be taught this lesson? I guess until I learn it!
So today I added an extra 20 minutes to the 60 minutes I normally do. I don't know how often I can do that since school has started again and I have significantly more time constraints, but I'm going to shoot for three times a week. If I can do it, it will be the equivalent of an extra workout, which might help me push through to the next level.
As I mentioned, I do get on the scale daily and write it on my calendar. I wasn't expecting much, although there was the hint that I might have lost at least the half-pound gain from last week. But this morning ... nope.
I've been musing over it all day. I could attribute it to a couple of different things, but to be perfectly honest ... I think it's because I didn't exercise as much. I looked back over my week, then my exercise diary, and sure enough, only ONE day in the last week did I put in what I consider a full workout. I did two half-workouts, one 3/4-workout, one full workout and three nothing days.
Yeah. Three days where I didn't do a workout at all! I wasn't sitting on the couch or anything. In fact, one day we walked all over the Museum of Science & Industry, and that is not a small building! But I didn't make myself WORK with it; it didn't make me all sweaty and gross (the other museum-goers appreciate that ...), and it certainly didn't get my heart rate up (except maybe the explosion experiments in the rotunda).
My calorie counts were consistently at or below my target. The only difference was my exercise commitment! That's a wake-up call for sure. How many times to I have to be taught this lesson? I guess until I learn it!
So today I added an extra 20 minutes to the 60 minutes I normally do. I don't know how often I can do that since school has started again and I have significantly more time constraints, but I'm going to shoot for three times a week. If I can do it, it will be the equivalent of an extra workout, which might help me push through to the next level.
Monday, August 8, 2011
12-Week Sprint: Week 11
Almost at the end, the last week push-through!
Fitness: Not as consistent as in past weeks. Part of that is due to obligations, but not all of it. I think I'm getting bored with doing nothing but walking. I'd like to move some strength exercises in, but to be honest, I don't have a clue how or what to do. Tomorrow is a library day, so I am going to look for a book on strength exercises.
Nutrition: Nothing new to report on foods. I do think that logging my intake has really helped me recognize the calorie cost for various foods. At first I changed what I was eating because of the calories. Now I think my tastes are changing. I'm more accustomed to fresher, lighter foods, and the heavy fare isn't really as appetizing. But it has the added bonus of being healthier! Also, I've noticed that I never reach the daily recommended amount for calcium. The most I have even gotten is 70%, and that was with actively trying. Usually it's closer to 40%. Not good considering that I am a ::gulp:: middle-aged woman! I'll be trying to get that number up to 75% -- consistently.
Motivation: Haven't read anything health-and-fitness related this week. (Or at least if I DID, it didn't stick with me and isn't worth mentioning.) My motivation this week has come from recognizing -- and enjoying! -- the new-found freedom I have. Do I really have more freedom? Probably not, but it FEELS like it. I am willing to do more, and even push myself a bit in the process.
This week: You know it. Just keep on keepin' on. Just with more calcium!
Fitness: Not as consistent as in past weeks. Part of that is due to obligations, but not all of it. I think I'm getting bored with doing nothing but walking. I'd like to move some strength exercises in, but to be honest, I don't have a clue how or what to do. Tomorrow is a library day, so I am going to look for a book on strength exercises.
Nutrition: Nothing new to report on foods. I do think that logging my intake has really helped me recognize the calorie cost for various foods. At first I changed what I was eating because of the calories. Now I think my tastes are changing. I'm more accustomed to fresher, lighter foods, and the heavy fare isn't really as appetizing. But it has the added bonus of being healthier! Also, I've noticed that I never reach the daily recommended amount for calcium. The most I have even gotten is 70%, and that was with actively trying. Usually it's closer to 40%. Not good considering that I am a ::gulp:: middle-aged woman! I'll be trying to get that number up to 75% -- consistently.
Motivation: Haven't read anything health-and-fitness related this week. (Or at least if I DID, it didn't stick with me and isn't worth mentioning.) My motivation this week has come from recognizing -- and enjoying! -- the new-found freedom I have. Do I really have more freedom? Probably not, but it FEELS like it. I am willing to do more, and even push myself a bit in the process.
This week: You know it. Just keep on keepin' on. Just with more calcium!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Stepping on the scale
There is a huge debate in the weight-loss circles over something as simple as how often to weigh. It both annoys and amuses me. I don't see it as One True Answer For Everyone.
Some people can stress and obsess over it and have it become a distraction. For me, it is just the opposite. I find it motivating and helpful.
I weigh myself daily -- same time, same place, same type of clothing. The daily weight gets logged on the "personal stuff" calendar I have in my closet. For "official" weigh-in purposes, I only count Wednesday's weigh-in, but I log it daily.
How does this help?
-- I learned how much sodium DOES affect me. I can "gain" up to 2 pounds literally overnight after a high-sodium day. Even if I drink a significant amount of water.
-- I learned that my monthly cycle can affect me up to a week and a half before it actually begins.
-- I learned about normal fluctuations in weight by looking back and seeing patterns.
-- I learned that the number on the scale is JUST a number.
I log more than my weight. I log my mood and my schedule, so it gives me good idea of how everything fits together. Maybe it comes from my tendency to make lists, but a daily log keeps me focused in a way that weekly doesn't.
Several weeks ago I decided to listen to The Experts who say that daily weigh-ins are ridiculous. I actually did this on two different, non-consecutive weeks. During one week I stayed almost the same. I lost less than half a pound. During the other week I gained. I really think that the two minutes that it takes me to weigh, log, and jot notes is not just about a number on the scale; it's a two-minute time for me to evaluate and focus.
The Experts aren't always right, and I should learn not to second-guess myself.
Some people can stress and obsess over it and have it become a distraction. For me, it is just the opposite. I find it motivating and helpful.
I weigh myself daily -- same time, same place, same type of clothing. The daily weight gets logged on the "personal stuff" calendar I have in my closet. For "official" weigh-in purposes, I only count Wednesday's weigh-in, but I log it daily.
How does this help?
-- I learned how much sodium DOES affect me. I can "gain" up to 2 pounds literally overnight after a high-sodium day. Even if I drink a significant amount of water.
-- I learned that my monthly cycle can affect me up to a week and a half before it actually begins.
-- I learned about normal fluctuations in weight by looking back and seeing patterns.
-- I learned that the number on the scale is JUST a number.
I log more than my weight. I log my mood and my schedule, so it gives me good idea of how everything fits together. Maybe it comes from my tendency to make lists, but a daily log keeps me focused in a way that weekly doesn't.
Several weeks ago I decided to listen to The Experts who say that daily weigh-ins are ridiculous. I actually did this on two different, non-consecutive weeks. During one week I stayed almost the same. I lost less than half a pound. During the other week I gained. I really think that the two minutes that it takes me to weigh, log, and jot notes is not just about a number on the scale; it's a two-minute time for me to evaluate and focus.
The Experts aren't always right, and I should learn not to second-guess myself.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Weighing in
Subtitled RAWR! and ARGH!
This week I had a .6 pound gain! Is this what a plateau is like? I've been hovering right around this weight for about two weeks. Well, actually a month if I consider the weigh in before the trip to see my family. ME NO LIKEY!
This has happened before, but I really thought it was just that I wasn't logging my food intake properly or not exercising as much. That isn't it this time because I HAVE been weighing and logging my meals, and I have been under my calorie goals all but two days (I went over by a total of 400 calories). My exercise level has been consistent as well. ARGH!
If this is like the other times, I'll probably move past it in about a week or so, which is great, but it sure won't get me any closer to my 12-Week Sprint goal.
RAWR.
This week I had a .6 pound gain! Is this what a plateau is like? I've been hovering right around this weight for about two weeks. Well, actually a month if I consider the weigh in before the trip to see my family. ME NO LIKEY!
This has happened before, but I really thought it was just that I wasn't logging my food intake properly or not exercising as much. That isn't it this time because I HAVE been weighing and logging my meals, and I have been under my calorie goals all but two days (I went over by a total of 400 calories). My exercise level has been consistent as well. ARGH!
If this is like the other times, I'll probably move past it in about a week or so, which is great, but it sure won't get me any closer to my 12-Week Sprint goal.
RAWR.
Monday, August 1, 2011
12-Week Sprint: Week 10
YIKES. Week 10 already! This summer has gone by too quickly.
Fitness: Not bad, not bad. Continuing with walking an average of 26 miles a week. I also did a "cardio dance" DVD, but I didn't really care for it. That surprised me because I love to dance. But alas, maybe I'll just keep dancing on my own. :) This week I'm adding something a little different -- roller skating. I am wondering if I ought to be a little worried about this.
Nutrition: Mostly the same, although I did splurge on a few things (namely Mexican food and barbecue). I've been adding more fish into my diet. As always, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Yesterday at a birthday party, I found I was craving the watermelon, not the pizza. VICTORY!
Motivation: This probably ought to be a separate post. I've been reading, reading, reading. Most recently, this one:
In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a fan of Huckabee. I liked the title. The book doesn't really say more than any other "get healthy" book out there, but there are a few really good nuggets that I took from it. The two biggies are how my healthier outlook affects others (both positively and a perceived negative) and how certain actions can provide a "reason" for failure. All things I've heard before, but those really stood out in this presentation.
This week: Keep on keepin' on. To meet my goal for the Sprint, I'll need to lose 12 pounds in 3 weeks. Eh, it might be possible, but I don't see it as probable OR healthy, so I won't be doing anything drastic just to reach it. Going like things have been, I might be able to do half of it though. I'll just keep at it and see how far I get!
Fitness: Not bad, not bad. Continuing with walking an average of 26 miles a week. I also did a "cardio dance" DVD, but I didn't really care for it. That surprised me because I love to dance. But alas, maybe I'll just keep dancing on my own. :) This week I'm adding something a little different -- roller skating. I am wondering if I ought to be a little worried about this.
Nutrition: Mostly the same, although I did splurge on a few things (namely Mexican food and barbecue). I've been adding more fish into my diet. As always, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Yesterday at a birthday party, I found I was craving the watermelon, not the pizza. VICTORY!
Motivation: This probably ought to be a separate post. I've been reading, reading, reading. Most recently, this one:
In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a fan of Huckabee. I liked the title. The book doesn't really say more than any other "get healthy" book out there, but there are a few really good nuggets that I took from it. The two biggies are how my healthier outlook affects others (both positively and a perceived negative) and how certain actions can provide a "reason" for failure. All things I've heard before, but those really stood out in this presentation.
This week: Keep on keepin' on. To meet my goal for the Sprint, I'll need to lose 12 pounds in 3 weeks. Eh, it might be possible, but I don't see it as probable OR healthy, so I won't be doing anything drastic just to reach it. Going like things have been, I might be able to do half of it though. I'll just keep at it and see how far I get!
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