As you may have noticed, I tweaked the layout of my blog over the weekend!
I really like the horizontal navigation bar I added to the top of the page.
It should make it much easier to get around my site!!!!
Health Update!
I have been consistently working out, 5 times a week on my elliptical trainer. (Mondays and Fridays are my rest days.) I also have been keeping tight track on my calories.
So far this January I have lost 3 pounds! :) Yea!!!
How is your January going?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Knowing is Never Enough
I used to use food as my panacea.
Anger, stress, grief, boredom, loneliness… I filled up the holes in my soul with food. I lived in a world where chocolate “cured” everything.
Eating gave me the sensation of satisfaction that I was lacking elsewhere in my life - even though it was temporary…
It took me years to realize that my troubles can’t be fixed with food, and even longer to stop rushing to the fridge when ever life got tough.
There are many “non-food” alternatives to cure moods, it is just so hard to get yourself to do them when you have been “programmed” to eat! You see, our brains are “WIRED” to act in certain ways. This is your gut reaction. It is what you have always done before. We are creatures of habit.
We all KNOW we should eat better and exercise. You can KNOW every weight loss tip in the world, but they are all useless until you actually DO them! Knowing you need to change is not enough by itself!
You learn by doing, not by knowing. You need to preform a new habit over and over again before you really “get it.” I have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, but it can take even longer if you are trying to correct (unlearn) a bad habit you have had for the last 20+ years.
Along the way you might slip-up and "regress" to your old ways, but this does not mean you are a failure. You are still learning. Would you be mad at a baby trying to take her first steps but then falls? Of course not!
Be forgiving to yourself like you would to a little baby doing her best. Nurture your new lifestyle and soon you won't have to "suffer through it." It will become your everyday routine!
You must really commit to the change, and do it consistently if you truly want to change! You need to DO it, not just KNOW it. Knowing is never enough.
Anger, stress, grief, boredom, loneliness… I filled up the holes in my soul with food. I lived in a world where chocolate “cured” everything.
Eating gave me the sensation of satisfaction that I was lacking elsewhere in my life - even though it was temporary…
It took me years to realize that my troubles can’t be fixed with food, and even longer to stop rushing to the fridge when ever life got tough.
There are many “non-food” alternatives to cure moods, it is just so hard to get yourself to do them when you have been “programmed” to eat! You see, our brains are “WIRED” to act in certain ways. This is your gut reaction. It is what you have always done before. We are creatures of habit.
We all KNOW we should eat better and exercise. You can KNOW every weight loss tip in the world, but they are all useless until you actually DO them! Knowing you need to change is not enough by itself!
You learn by doing, not by knowing. You need to preform a new habit over and over again before you really “get it.” I have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, but it can take even longer if you are trying to correct (unlearn) a bad habit you have had for the last 20+ years.
Along the way you might slip-up and "regress" to your old ways, but this does not mean you are a failure. You are still learning. Would you be mad at a baby trying to take her first steps but then falls? Of course not!
Be forgiving to yourself like you would to a little baby doing her best. Nurture your new lifestyle and soon you won't have to "suffer through it." It will become your everyday routine!
You must really commit to the change, and do it consistently if you truly want to change! You need to DO it, not just KNOW it. Knowing is never enough.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Getting over your "X"
I hear from so many people who are desperate to lose weight - but "just can't" because of "X."
"X" can be many things - bad back, bad knees (been there, done that) or "fat genes."
"X" could also be lack of support.
It is hard enough to live a healthy life, but to have everyone around saying, "You are fine the way you are, why bother?" makes getting healthy seem even more impossible!
"X" is that seemingly immovable boulder that blocks you from getting where you want to go.
Fourth - Plan your milestones and rewards
In order to stick with your new goals you need to have a "dangling carrot" to help lure yourself around that boulder!
Just like the story of "The Little Engine That Could" you must believe that you can do it in order to accomplish your goals!
"I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can!"
Keep track of your progress and reward yourself at set intervals. You need to reward yourself enough to stick with your healthy lifestyle, even though you will not notice the physical results until much later! You can do it!
"X" can be many things - bad back, bad knees (been there, done that) or "fat genes."
"X" could also be lack of support.
It is hard enough to live a healthy life, but to have everyone around saying, "You are fine the way you are, why bother?" makes getting healthy seem even more impossible!
"X" is that seemingly immovable boulder that blocks you from getting where you want to go.
Do you have an "X"? Maybe you have a few "X's" that hold you back from your weight loss success.
So how do you get over your "X"?
Here are the steps that really help you really think about your weight loss goals and how you will achieve them. :)
First - Make a list of the things that are "holding you back."
Get out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil and write down your "X's". You really need to write them with your own hand in order for this to work best.
Your "X's" should come to mind instantly, like:
- I can't say 'no' to mom's cooking
- I have fat genes
- I have bad knees
- I can't afford a gym membership
- I can't give up my junk food
- I don't have the support I need
- I can't stick with a diet
etc.....
Second - Sort your X's
Are there any "X's" that you truly just can't deal with? Go ahead and cross them out, leaving only the ones are you are willing to work at to make your life healthier! If you are unable to deal with an "X" because of your current living or financial situation - do not cross it off. If you will be able to deal with your "X"at any point in the future - leave it on your list!
Third - Making goals out of your "X's"
I am not sure what your list looks like at this point, but by now you know the things that are holding you back from a healthier life. You also know what you are willing to change in order to reach that ultimate goal of a healthy you! Think about how you can overcome these "X's" and turn those plans into goals!
Example:
- When at my mom's I will focus on my family and not the food. I can still eat her cooking, but I will not overeat or take seconds. (No matter how hard she tries.)
- Even though I have a genetic predisposition to store fat, I can still be the healthiest I can be with this body. I will not let my "fat genes" keep me in fat jeans!
- I can learn activities that do not aggravate my knees or back. I will use the Internet to find exercises I can try, and bookmark or print out the ones that work for me.
- I do not need to be in a gym in order to exercise. I can be active at home, or walking around my neighborhood. I will make an effort to find time when I can be active at home.
- I will limit my junk food and count the calories so I do not gain weight.
- I will find support on the Internet, at my church or workplace. I will find someone who will support and encourage me to be successful!
- I do not need to "diet." I just need to eat better. I will use a food journal to track my meals.
Fourth - Plan your milestones and rewards
In order to stick with your new goals you need to have a "dangling carrot" to help lure yourself around that boulder!
Just like the story of "The Little Engine That Could" you must believe that you can do it in order to accomplish your goals!
"I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can!"
Keep track of your progress and reward yourself at set intervals. You need to reward yourself enough to stick with your healthy lifestyle, even though you will not notice the physical results until much later! You can do it!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Now that the Novocain has worn off...
Over lunch today I had some oral surgery. Now that the Novocain is wearing off I am cursing myself for not reading the post-op paper that said "Take your pain med before it wears off."
Drat!
To make it even more fun my body suprised me with a "Diva Day" 2 days early! (Are you kidding me?!?! )
880 total calories before my "soft supper. "
I've done yoga or walked 7 of the last 8 days.
If I can be active 4 more times before Sunday (1/11) my reward will be:
Ouran High School Host Club Season 1, Part 2
SQUEEEEEEEEEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE this series! I own part 01, season one, and all the manga
released in English (1 through 11).
It's a romantic comedy set in a uber-posh high school.
Haruhi breaks a vase worth 8 million yen and becomes indebted to the Host Club.
The Host Club then does a "make-over" to turn Haruhi into a posh host as well.
What most of them don't realize is Haruhi is actually a girl! Members of the club figure it out her secret along the way, and some fall for her. But she must keep up the act in order to pay back the debt she owes! It is very cute! Love it!
Drat!
To make it even more fun my body suprised me with a "Diva Day" 2 days early! (Are you kidding me?!?! )
Ensure Plus - Creamy Chocolate | |
Quaker Simple Harvest Multigrain Hot Cereal - Maple brown sugar and pecans. | |
Hummus | |
Cottage Cheese | |
Cinnamon Apple Sauce |
880 total calories before my "soft supper. "
I've done yoga or walked 7 of the last 8 days.
If I can be active 4 more times before Sunday (1/11) my reward will be:
SQUEEEEEEEEEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE this series! I own part 01, season one, and all the manga
released in English (1 through 11).It's a romantic comedy set in a uber-posh high school.
Haruhi breaks a vase worth 8 million yen and becomes indebted to the Host Club.
The Host Club then does a "make-over" to turn Haruhi into a posh host as well.
What most of them don't realize is Haruhi is actually a girl! Members of the club figure it out her secret along the way, and some fall for her. But she must keep up the act in order to pay back the debt she owes! It is very cute! Love it!
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Drink of Success
There are lots of diet shakes, diet teas, and diet juices on the market, but if you really want to drink something that will really help your body get healthier... drink water. Pure and simple.
Water helps you feel full.
Have you ever felt hungry even though you just ate? Many times when you think you are hungry, you are actually thirsty. The signal for thirst is often mistaken for hunger, which leads to eating unnecessary calories! By the time your body sends out a signal that you are "thirsty" you have already starting to dehydrate!! Water is needed by the body to metabolise fat and flush toxins. To make sure your body is running at it's best, keep your tank "topped off." If you do not have enough water your body cannot lose weight as fast.
So grab a glass and shrink your ass!
Water helps you feel full.
Water makes your body work.
So grab a glass and shrink your ass!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
Year after year people make commitments on New Year's to lose weight, but very few people actually reach their goals.
It starts with unrealistic beliefs about exercise and weight loss. Then when they don't meet those ideals - they quit completely.
They take the "ALL or NOTHING" approach to weight loss. They either workout everyday and eat from a restricted menu, or they are back to their old ways.
Real weight loss is about sticking with it and making it a lifestyle, not just a "diet."
Diet's don't work.
Gimmicks don't work!
The only way to get healthy and stay healthy is to eat better and move more.
There will be rough days along the way, but that doesn't mean you have failed.
Just keep trying to be healthy and eventually you will get there!!
Wishing you the healthiest and happiest 2009!!
Jess
It starts with unrealistic beliefs about exercise and weight loss. Then when they don't meet those ideals - they quit completely.
They take the "ALL or NOTHING" approach to weight loss. They either workout everyday and eat from a restricted menu, or they are back to their old ways.
Real weight loss is about sticking with it and making it a lifestyle, not just a "diet."
Diet's don't work.
Gimmicks don't work!
The only way to get healthy and stay healthy is to eat better and move more.
There will be rough days along the way, but that doesn't mean you have failed.
Just keep trying to be healthy and eventually you will get there!!
Wishing you the healthiest and happiest 2009!!
Jess
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Temporomandibular Disorder
My jaw has not been able to close for over a week. The right side very painful. I can't chew.
So I finally went to the doctor yesterday, and was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder.
Basically the little disc between my jawbone to my skull is inflamed.
I have to take 600 mg of ibuprofen with every meal. (1800 mg a day!) for the next 2 weeks and eat only "soft foods." Then I go back in for a check-up.
Soft foods?! Over Christmas?! This sucks!!!!!
This is going to be hard because "the old fat me" in my head instantly cheers, "Ice cream is soft! Fudge is soft! Mashed potatoes and gravy are soft!! Stuffing is soft!"
I am a worried about suddenlying binging because something is "soft."
I am keeping my food journal, but I feel like I have walked into a landmine!
Can you think of any healthy, filling soft foods?
So I finally went to the doctor yesterday, and was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder.
Basically the little disc between my jawbone to my skull is inflamed.
I have to take 600 mg of ibuprofen with every meal. (1800 mg a day!) for the next 2 weeks and eat only "soft foods." Then I go back in for a check-up.
Soft foods?! Over Christmas?! This sucks!!!!!
This is going to be hard because "the old fat me" in my head instantly cheers, "Ice cream is soft! Fudge is soft! Mashed potatoes and gravy are soft!! Stuffing is soft!"
I am a worried about suddenlying binging because something is "soft."
I am keeping my food journal, but I feel like I have walked into a landmine!
Can you think of any healthy, filling soft foods?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I told you this years ago!
Yesterday an article was published to WebMD about "Cash Diets." And that is Cash - as in money - not "crash diets" which are unhealthy.
Basically the article was about researchers who bribed people with money to lose weight and the surprising success rate they had.
This was no surprise to me since I have used bribery for years to reach my weight loss goals!
Here is the link to the full article if interested.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20081209/dieters-lose-weight-when-reward-is-cash?src=RSS_PUBLIC&print=true
Basically the article was about researchers who bribed people with money to lose weight and the surprising success rate they had.
This was no surprise to me since I have used bribery for years to reach my weight loss goals!
Here is the link to the full article if interested.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20081209/dieters-lose-weight-when-reward-is-cash?src=RSS_PUBLIC&print=true
Monday, December 8, 2008
November Success
November was another successful month for my weight loss! I started the month at 196, and finished at 194. Two pounds gone! This is really amazing considering I went on Vacation to San Francisco for Thanksgiving. (Sorry for the long break)
My knees are doing well. However the last day we were in San Francisco they started to bother me. My host then drew me a hot bath with salts to soak in. He even lit candles around the tub, and on the sink. It was fantastic!!
We did a lot of walking and I was very careful to actually write down my meals.
I had such wonderful meals and ate until I was satisfied. We had a grand Thanksgiving dinner and finished it off with pumpkin cheesecake! YUM!!! We also bought lots of chocolates.
I was really surprised to see I had not gained weight when we got home. What a Triumph!
This was the FIRST trip I have ever gone on where I did not gain weight!
I was 193.50 this morning, so that is another 1/2 pound lost in December so far! :-D I worked out on Saturday night: 30:19, 2.09 miles , 203.2 calories, 2328 strides.
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