365 days of healthy choices... Year #3 starts with post 356, comments welcome!

[jimmduck]

Wow, can it really be 101 days? Time really does fly by fast. It is weird how 1 day, 1 hour can DRAG on, but yet looking back 101 days flew by in the blink of an eye. It was a lot of fun to reread the posts, relive some of the fun days from summer. makes me want to buckle down and get the trip report written as well.

So as I reread the days I actually tabulated how many days I was "on" versus struggling. I was only "on" about 34 days total, mostly all of those were also in the beginning. I know I can't be perfect, but I CAN and WILL do better than that. I am challenging myself to be "on" at least twice as much, if not more. So that would be at least 68 days. As I write this, I think I can do more than that, so I will be "on" at least 75 days. I'll put a at the end of each day to make my counting of the days easier, and I'll be honest if I really earned that smilie or not.

I also sensed that on the days that I really got a good workout in I felt much better. And often used those words in the log. Exercise is an integral part of this and the rewards are there.

I also want to really refocus on the healthy choices, and the reasons that I should be getting healthy, many reasons out there so I need to keep those in the forefront to help keep me motivated.

so in order to be "on" for those days I need something in place...
For the next 100 days I want to:

1. Track my calories on a daily basis ( I need an awareness of what I am actually eating, and how much, I plan on tracking in sparkpeople)
2. Exercise 1/2 hour of aerobics each day (some days walks are OK substitions depending on what is going on in my day, and some leeway also depending on work hours)
3. avoid snacking at night after dinner
4. Brush my teeth to signal I am done eating for the night.
5. Eat at least 1 fruit and 1 veggie daily (I know the recommended amount is more than that, but I need to start somewhere and make it a doable item. I can always have more, but this is the minimum.

So I want to challenge myself and see what I can accomplish in the next 100 days!

What matters is that you are sticking with this and have been "on" 34 days! Wow, I am still working on that - good for you

Tracking in Spark people is terrific and so are all your other goals. Starting with concrete, doable, small tasks, is very important in my opinion.

That is why I like my physiotherapist - she kind of balked when I told her that I was "banning" chocolate bars for the 30 days - she says she believes in having a little of everything.

Well, so do I and she and I will thus get along just fine I am only banning them for 30 days so they won't derail me, then I will take them back and portion control And it is only bars.

Anyway, you stick with it girl, we are going to do it this time.

You and me, together

Have a magical day.

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I ended up having off of work, but on call starting at noon. So this morning I went to walk the dog and as I came out of my house there was this girl crying. I went over and asked what was wrong and how I could help. Turns out she lost her cell phone and was very upset. I walked with her to try and find it, couldn't find it. Called the school for her, she called her mom on my phone. The school sent someone to pick her up and I offered to retrace her steps to see if I could find it. Found the phone, called and left message for her mom, who then called back and was so grateful. She said she was a single mom and was worried because her DD did not call her during their prearranged "safety spot" call, and DD wouldn't answer her phone. So I told her what all transpired and I walked the phone to the school so her DD would have the phone for her walk home. I feel so good for helping out this girl and the mom is very thankful. A feel good morning for me!

As far as healthy choices and my new healthy changes (that's what I am calling my second 100 day goals)

Got up and exercised to a Tae Bo Cardio DVD
Walked the dog/looked for phone for 40 minutes
Did not snack so far after dinner
Ate a veggie, but did not get the fruit in
logged my foods yesterday and will do so today

In addition since I was home I did ALL the laundry, washed, folded and put away!
Cleaned up the 2 table tops in my scrapbook area
(As I was cleaning I found my minnie ears and put them on as I cleaned. Helped remind me that I am working towards getting fit for our cruise next year as well as the 1/2 marathon in 2013)
Put away 2006 photos in their albums (yes, I am that far behind) and started organizing my 2007 photos.
read the DIS a bit!
cleaned up in the kitchen
and now helped DD with homework
logged on quickly so I can go watch survivor
WILL get my foods logged too.

THIS IS A GREAT DAY! ANd I do feel so much better after exercising. That I think is going to be the key to my success.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

What matters is that you are sticking with this and have been "on" 34 days! Wow, I am still working on that - good for you

Tracking in Spark people is terrific and so are all your other goals. Starting with concrete, doable, small tasks, is very important in my opinion.

That is why I like my physiotherapist - she kind of balked when I told her that I was "banning" chocolate bars for the 30 days - she says she believes in having a little of everything.

Well, so do I and she and I will thus get along just fine I am only banning them for 30 days so they won't derail me, then I will take them back and portion control And it is only bars.

Anyway, you stick with it girl, we are going to do it this time.

You and me, together

Have a magical day.

Linda

Oooh, you posted as I was typing and missed this...

I agree with the physiotherapist about the banning of foods. I've tried that so many times. I was contemplating on banning chips and McDonalds but I found myself craving them and wanting the "last time before I can't party". as soon as I decided that I wouldn't ban it, the cravings lessoned. So I can still have them, I just have to plan it in and be smart about it. You are being smart in limiting them for 30 days, and then easing back into having them. That is a very doable goal.

You know what? I do think that you and I are on to something this time, we are really working through our issues and finding things that will work for the long run. We are both commited to making this work, and we will be celebrating our success together!

 

[ohMom]

Vija -- you sound so upbeat and ready to rock!

 

[BabyTigger99]

Oooh, you posted as I was typing and missed this...

I agree with the physiotherapist about the banning of foods. I've tried that so many times. I was contemplating on banning chips and McDonalds but I found myself craving them and wanting the "last time before I can't party". as soon as I decided that I wouldn't ban it, the cravings lessoned. So I can still have them, I just have to plan it in and be smart about it. You are being smart in limiting them for 30 days, and then easing back into having them. That is a very doable goal.

You know what? I do think that you and I are on to something this time, we are really working through our issues and finding things that will work for the long run. We are both commited to making this work, and we will be celebrating our success together!

What I have found is that I didn't ban bad food, but I really wanted to concentrate on eating good stuff. It almost became like a game to me, to try and go all day with eating good. And I find that now, after being on my WW for 4 months, I don't want the bad foods at all! Yeah, we do eat out once a week, or so, and I don't stress about what I eat then, and it still all works!

 

[jimmduck]

Oooh, you posted as I was typing and missed this...

I agree with the physiotherapist about the banning of foods. I've tried that so many times. I was contemplating on banning chips and McDonalds but I found myself craving them and wanting the "last time before I can't party". as soon as I decided that I wouldn't ban it, the cravings lessoned. So I can still have them, I just have to plan it in and be smart about it. You are being smart in limiting them for 30 days, and then easing back into having them. That is a very doable goal.

You know what? I do think that you and I are on to something this time, we are really working through our issues and finding things that will work for the long run. We are both commited to making this work, and we will be celebrating our success together!

I agree my friend - logging off to go train now and will be blogging on my own journal later - but I read this after I posted my response to the Qotd on the BL fall thread. Go read it if you have the time - eerie or what?

What I have found is that I didn't ban bad food, but I really wanted to concentrate on eating good stuff. It almost became like a game to me, to try and go all day with eating good. And I find that now, after being on my WW for 4 months, I don't want the bad foods at all! Yeah, we do eat out once a week, or so, and I don't stress about what I eat then, and it still all works!

That is starting to work for me too, bit by bit. But banning foods does not work for me at all, I feel like the seven year old being threatened a "starvation diet" if I didn't stop eating my treats.

So just one day at at time.

Have a magical day folks.

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Vija -- you sound so upbeat and ready to rock!

Oh, I am so glad to "see" you on here!!!! How are you feeling??? I sent you an email and I hadn't heard back so I was getting worried. Hope you are OK!

What I have found is that I didn't ban bad food, but I really wanted to concentrate on eating good stuff. It almost became like a game to me, to try and go all day with eating good. And I find that now, after being on my WW for 4 months, I don't want the bad foods at all! Yeah, we do eat out once a week, or so, and I don't stress about what I eat then, and it still all works!

Way to go! 4 months on WW and not wanted the "bad" foods is great! I sure hope to get there soon, you give me hope.

I agree my friend - logging off to go train now and will be blogging on my own journal later - but I read this after I posted my response to the Qotd on the BL fall thread. Go read it if you have the time - eerie or what?

That is starting to work for me too, bit by bit. But banning foods does not work for me at all, I feel like the seven year old being threatened a "starvation diet" if I didn't stop eating my treats.

So just one day at at time.

Have a magical day folks.

Linda

That is weird that we posted similar thoughts! One day at a time... That makes me think of that TV show back in the 70's! the theme song is fun to reminisce. And then I found anothe one as I was searching for the lyrics. I like both lyrics. Here's to making each day count!


This is it. This is it.

This is life, the one you get

So go and have a ball.



This is it. This is it
Straight ahead and rest assured
You can't be sure at all.
So while you're here enjoy the view
Keep on doing what you do
So hold on tight we'll muddle through
One day at a time, One day at a time.
So up on your feet. Up on your feet
Somewhere there's music playing.
Don't you worry none
We'll just take it like it comes.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
One day at a time, one day at a time.





ONE DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS
(Marijohn Wilkins / Kris Kristofferson)

I'm only human, I'm just a woman.
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am.
Show me the stairway, I have to climb.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

Chorus:
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.

Do you remember, when you walked among men?
Well Jesus you know if you're looking below
It's worse now, than then.
Cheating and stealing, violence and crime
So for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

(Chorus)

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Today after work I watched DD's first volleyball scrimage, it was fun to watch. Reminds me of those days when you were young and you could just move your body freely, no aches and pains, no struggle... you just ran around and it felt free and great. I long for that kind of feeling again.

Today I did pretty good, especially tonight I am pretty proud. Ran out of time to do an aerobic activity, did a short walk, but that is about it. And we did go shopping, I felt like snacking tonight so badly. And then I thought about it... If I did snack then I didn't feel like I would earn my smilie. If I held on and didn't snack then I felt like I did good and would earn my smilie. It really wasn't even a struggle after that, I am proud to say that I get to award myself that smilie!!!

 

[jimmduck]

Today after work I watched DD's first volleyball scrimage, it was fun to watch. Reminds me of those days when you were young and you could just move your body freely, no aches and pains, no struggle... you just ran around and it felt free and great. I long for that kind of feeling again.

Today I did pretty good, especially tonight I am pretty proud. Ran out of time to do an aerobic activity, did a short walk, but that is about it. And we did go shopping, I felt like snacking tonight so badly. And then I thought about it... If I did snack then I didn't feel like I would earn my smilie. If I held on and didn't snack then I felt like I did good and would earn my smilie. It really wasn't even a struggle after that, I am proud to say that I get to award myself that smilie!!!

Keep smiling girl - you earned that smilie - and some cheers -

Baby steps Vija, just baby steps and if you eat a slice it doesn't mean you have blown it and have to eat the whole pie (figuratively speaking) - its what I am saying to myself tonight.

You can steady the course and do this, I know you can. Look how far you have come already. That is what you do in a race, you look at how far you have come and put one foot in front of the other.

Looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Keep smiling girl - you earned that smilie - and some cheers -

Baby steps Vija, just baby steps and if you eat a slice it doesn't mean you have blown it and have to eat the whole pie (figuratively speaking) - its what I am saying to myself tonight.

You can steady the course and do this, I know you can. Look how far you have come already. That is what you do in a race, you look at how far you have come and put one foot in front of the other.

Looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Linda

you are so right about the baby steps...Must continue to keep looking forward....

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

sort of got depressed today. hard to explain why, but I'll try. growing up I had a strong sense of my heritage. I am latvian, born here but grew up in a 3 generational home and my grandparents and parents instilled a strong sense of being latvian. Went to school on Saturdays (think Big Fat Greek Wedding Greek School - remember how "greek" their family was, well that is the way it was in our family but with latvian heritage), danced in the folk dance group, sang in the choir, girls scouts, and even went to summer camp for 6 years through my teens, LOVED that time. Today I read the church bulletin and I just got sad because the community has dwindled a lot, I don't really participate in anything, tried to teach the kids the language but it really is hard if both parents don't speak it at home. Life gets in the way and I have very little to do with my heritage now. It just made me sad. (Also, my parents are vacationing in Latvia right now and I am sad that I don't have the money to take the kids there to show them where their ancestors came from, AND I am worried about my parents' safety during air travel). That got me to thinking about my childhood which was a GOLDEN childhood, and that got me to thinking I wish I was happy again. I am usually VERY UPBEAT, VERY HAPPY, but it is amazing how much weight you carry correlates with how much it "weighs you down". so many things I can't do because of my weight and that makes me sad. So much I have lost out on in this world because of it. It all kind of snowballed and just weighed heavy on my today. I know, I should just dust myself off and make the change and just loose the weight. I GET IT, it just isn't always that easy. So needless to say I tried to feed that sadness today, and the sadder I got. I have to learn that food isn't a friend that I should lean on. It is just nourishment for my body, not something that will make me feel better. I'll get out of this slump, the smile will come back to my face, I just don't have it today.

Sure didn't earn ANY smilie today except the sad ones....

I could use a hug...

 

[jimmduck]

sort of got depressed today. hard to explain why, but I'll try. growing up I had a strong sense of my heritage. I am latvian, born here but grew up in a 3 generational home and my grandparents and parents instilled a strong sense of being latvian. Went to school on Saturdays (think Big Fat Greek Wedding Greek School - remember how "greek" their family was, well that is the way it was in our family but with latvian heritage), danced in the folk dance group, sang in the choir, girls scouts, and even went to summer camp for 6 years through my teens, LOVED that time. Today I read the church bulletin and I just got sad because the community has dwindled a lot, I don't really participate in anything, tried to teach the kids the language but it really is hard if both parents don't speak it at home. Life gets in the way and I have very little to do with my heritage now. It just made me sad. (Also, my parents are vacationing in Latvia right now and I am sad that I don't have the money to take the kids there to show them where their ancestors came from, AND I am worried about my parents' safety during air travel). That got me to thinking about my childhood which was a GOLDEN childhood, and that got me to thinking I wish I was happy again. I am usually VERY UPBEAT, VERY HAPPY, but it is amazing how much weight you carry correlates with how much it "weighs you down". so many things I can't do because of my weight and that makes me sad. So much I have lost out on in this world because of it. It all kind of snowballed and just weighed heavy on my today. I know, I should just dust myself off and make the change and just loose the weight. I GET IT, it just isn't always that easy. So needless to say I tried to feed that sadness today, and the sadder I got. I have to learn that food isn't a friend that I should lean on. It is just nourishment for my body, not something that will make me feel better. I'll get out of this slump, the smile will come back to my face, I just don't have it today.

Sure didn't earn ANY smilie today except the sad ones....

I could use a hug...

Lets start off with this -

You are doing great. You are strong, determined, hard working and a great role model for your kids (who are so cute you continue to get chosen by Disney to open parks ) Your heritage is in your heart, and you pass it on with wonderful experiences and sharing.

You know it's like Oprah says, there is no easy answer. She said that if there was an easy way out, she would have paid someone to go to the land, get the pill/shake, etc. but there isn't. She said she would have taken every dime she had (and she has a lot of dimes) to find the simple solution but there just is not one to be found.

It is a journey, take each day as an opportunity and forget yesterday.

Tell me what you did today that is positive.

And trust me, you deserve a smilie by your very presence.

I am struggling today too and don't know why - see my blog for more details.

In the meantime, hang in there and write!

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Lets start off with this -

You are doing great. You are strong, determined, hard working and a great role model for your kids (who are so cute you continue to get chosen by Disney to open parks ) Your heritage is in your heart, and you pass it on with wonderful experiences and sharing.

You know it's like Oprah says, there is no easy answer. She said that if there was an easy way out, she would have paid someone to go to the land, get the pill/shake, etc. but there isn't. She said she would have taken every dime she had (and she has a lot of dimes) to find the simple solution but there just is not one to be found.

It is a journey, take each day as an opportunity and forget yesterday.

Tell me what you did today that is positive.

And trust me, you deserve a smilie by your very presence.

I am struggling today too and don't know why - see my blog for more details.

In the meantime, hang in there and write!

Linda

Thank you so much for your words of friendship and support. And especially the part of Disney parks choosing us to open the parks... sure put a smile on my face!!!!!

I did talk with DH about the heritage part. You are right about passing it on. We do some traditions and my kids want to go to latvia some day, so that is good. I will start to go to church again (latvian church) and from there ease in to a part of a group.

As far as good things for today... I had many, it was a good day and brought me out of my slump... day 105 is a better day.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

So yesterday is gone and I enjoyed the gift of the present today. We went to help one of DH's friend put up a deer stand today. It was so beautiful, and spending time outdoors was just what the doctor ordered. It really lightened my mood considerably. Lunch was a GREAT pizza place, it is a pizza buffet and will make the pizza you want, including sweet pizzas. OMG it was so good. WAY over calories, but it was a fun time. We dropped off the kids and then DH and I went to look at cars. I really want a SUV, and I had a lot of fun dreaming about a new car. We kept going, doing some shopping and DH and I had a great time talking, connecting, talking about everything, and just being together was great. Ever have those days??? We then decided spur of the moment for the 2 of us to go out for dinner. We went to Chili's and I know it wasn't the best food choice, but it was right for us to go out on a date. We decided to plan in a date night every month. I am so excited about that, I've missed doing special things with just me and hubby and this is going to be great. We talked and talked and talked. Dreamed, planned, and just had a great time. We talked about the heritage and he helped me see what I can do. We also talked about me going back to Tae Kwon Do. It is such a family to me, and I like that feeling of belonging to a group. I am excited to go back because I see it as more than just exercise, or something I have to do, but I also see it as a family of friends.

Oh my, it just feels right today. I really didn't have great food choices, didn't exercise, but I feel GOOD!

I didn't earn the good vibe smilie, but I sure did earn other ones...

 

[jimmduck]

So yesterday is gone and I enjoyed the gift of the present today.

didn't earn the good vibe smilie, but I sure did earn other ones...

Limited time tonight so two things:

a) Yes it is and yes you do

b) Your very life is a good vibe lady and don't you forget it!

Have a magical day

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I did better with food today, but not with exercise or logging in. We spent lots of time away today doing shopping and stuff. It was a fun day. I decided that I want to sew some Disney scrubs for work. I am looking forward to personalizing my scrub attire. I enjoy wearing my Disney scrubs, but don't have many of them. This will be fun to add in new ones. I have lots of projects to do, and not much time. Tomorrow too will be a busy one, but I guess that is good as it keeps me out of the cupboards.

Off to bed for an early night. Tired today.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Today I did OK. I was determined to use my time wisely, but when I got home from work, all I wanted to do was relax. I need to get out of that rut.

At night however I went over to visit the mom of one of my DD's friends. Now I count the mom as my friend too! She showed me a lot of her scrapbook supplies. It was so cool! I didn't know how to use the cricut or the sizix or stamping things with water color pencils. I have really expanded my horizons with all of those wonderful things. I can't wait to add those things to my repertoir. And the great thing about tonight is that my hands were busy and I was out of the house. I know I would have eaten a bunch, but this made it so much better. I'm motivated to get my pictures and scrapbook plans going. And the best part is that it will keep my hands busy and keep me out of the kitchen!

Healthy choices
Ate apple for lunch
passed on some of the chocolate at work
no snacking at night

 

[jimmduck]

Today I did OK. I was determined to use my time wisely, but when I got home from work, all I wanted to do was relax. I need to get out of that rut.

At night however I went over to visit the mom of one of my DD's friends. Now I count the mom as my friend too! She showed me a lot of her scrapbook supplies. It was so cool! I didn't know how to use the cricut or the sizix or stamping things with water color pencils. I have really expanded my horizons with all of those wonderful things. I can't wait to add those things to my repertoir. And the great thing about tonight is that my hands were busy and I was out of the house. I know I would have eaten a bunch, but this made it so much better. I'm motivated to get my pictures and scrapbook plans going. And the best part is that it will keep my hands busy and keep me out of the kitchen!

Healthy choices
Ate apple for lunch
passed on some of the chocolate at work
no snacking at night

Scrapbooking sounds cool - wish I was that creative - Sadly, I am not. But its a great place to put newspaper articles, clippings, pictures, etc.

Congrats on the great choices today, and I look forward to seeing how today went.

Another one of the BL trainers says to a contestant that he has to believe in himself and find the guy that is inside him.

So do we, we need to believe that we can do this because we can.

Have a magical day.

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Another one of the BL trainers says to a contestant that he has to believe in himself and find the guy that is inside him.

So do we, we need to believe that we can do this because we can.

Have a magical day.

Linda

Wow, those 2 bolded sections really spoke to me, gave me hope. I need to find the hope in me and find the girl, the successful girl I know is hiding in here somewhere

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

ughhh, how come this is so hard? I look back now and think what in the heck did I eat on day 35, day 63, day 72, days 80-90. I don't know. If I had eaten within a decent calorie range I would show more progress. Would I today, on day 108, care how hungry I might have been on day 63? weeks, and months can fly by in an instant, so why does it seem that a day can drag on, and that it is hard to control the hunger beast daily, minute by minute? I just don't get it. I need to get this figured out soon, or else my 365 days will fly by and I will still be sitting at the computer wondering where the time went.

I the end, I guess I am admitting to myself that I do need to draw that line in the sand, have the courage to cross it, and just make those changes that I am resisting.

Banning foods isn't working, but neither is trying to eat them in moderation either because moderation is allowing me the option to keep eating the junk.

Ughhh, NEED TO FIND A SOLUTION!