Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[lulu201]

Go, Doreen! Posting to your journal at 5:49 and exercising for 40 minutes! YAY!

I'm sitting here all dressed to go walk, but haven't made it out the door yet. Your enthusiasm is pushing me out there! Thanks!

Have a good day, Doreen, and make healthy food choices, you hear me? YOU DESERVE IT--BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

, WISH-sis--
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doe!!! Have a great day today!

Tracy

 

[septbride2002]

Way to go Doe

That is awesome that you got up early to workout! That is something that I can never seem to accomplish. I like your goals for the day. Doesn't it seem like we are all finally getting back on track?

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

I replied to a post in Erin's journal and I wanted to save the thoughts here as well:

"I think you described me perfectly when you talked about defining oneself as a "struggler" or as a "healthy eater" and "exerciser". Our self talk and self image so often dictate our actions, especially those unconscious actions (like my mindless grazing through the kitchen yesterday afternoon).

When I feel most at ease, it is because there is a harmony between my words, my actions and my internal self-image. I think I need to hold a picture in my mind of me as a person who delights in treating her body well with healthy food and exercise. I feel like I've been saying the words and sometimes even following them up with actions, but I'm not sure I've ever really changed my self-image from "struggler" to "healthy eater" and "exerciser". When will I feel, all the way down to my soul, that those words truly describe me? Will it take training and finishing the half marathon? Will it take a year of maintaining healthy eating habits? I don't know the answer but I thought I'd add my ponderings to your journal. I think I'll copy them in my journal as well."

Even when I was at my lowest weight, I didn't feel like those labels described me - "healthy eater" and "exerciser" desribed other people I knew but I never really believed they described me.

Could this be why my words and, more often, my actions cause me to veer off the healthy living path? If you tether a baby elephant's foot so he cannot move, then even when he is an adult and could easily escape, he often won't even TRY, because he BELIEVES he can't. Am I the same way? I can muster up the energy to TRY for a while, but maybe I don't truly BELIEVE in my goal so I sabotage myself or just give up for a time when I get tired.

I don't have the answers yet but I'm intrigued with this concept and will be giving it more thought.

 

[lulu201]

Just stopped by to ask:

Are you drinking your water? Go have some right now!


About our deep thinking: remember when we were in Starbucks on Saturday and we were saying that some people have a certain stick-to-it-iveness? It seems to me that they just say, "This is how I eat now" or "This is who I am now" (like Lisa Z. and her total commitment to her way of eating). They step off the platform and just go for it! Well, that's what I haven't done lately. I've tried to walk both roads--I want to be healthy yet I want to eat whatever I want whenever I want it . Even though it seems like sometimes it takes an incredible amount of effort to walk the narrow healthy living road, it's actually much easier than trying to walk two roads at the same time. I think Dr. Phil talks about willpower and energy (that you can't rely on having them to succeed) and sometimes I think I place too much emphasis on needing to "feel" like I want to eat right or having the strength to say no to a Butterfinger instead of making myself "just do it." I don't know if you see yourself in any of these musings, Doreen, but sometimes I think we emotional eaters have to remember that maybe we DON'T have to muster up a certain amount of energy or willpower, we just have to remember what we want.

And that brings up the question: do we really want it? Do we really want to live a life that has clearly defined boundaries of what we can and can't eat to stay healthy and well? Do we want to have guidelines that we aspire to adhere to when it comes to vitamins, water, and exercise? I think we do. . .that's why we're here day after day. We're Inspired to Stay Healthy, for the long haul.

Now go drink your water.

Talk to you later.
Erin

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Well, I guess we all have been doing some deep thinking. I would like to make some observations that I have had about you. Doe, you are an incredibly strong woman. You have struggled to overcome depression, and you are faithful to your medical regime. That isone of your priorities. You have been struggling lately with vertigo, tummy problems, etc. It is hard to focus on staying OP when your world is literally spinning. Yet, even while that is occurring, you were posting about when you could get back ontrack. You have many committments:family, work, your friends here at wish, etc... You have made yourself a commitment as well, and it is hard to put htat 1st, but you are doing it. Some days you may only be able to make one or two goals, but it is better than what you were doing before you made this committment. You are doing a great job, and I am proud of you. I know that you will succeed because you keep coming back. It is a struggle at times, but you are still in it everyday. Thank you for helping me everyday with your support and your example.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

You are one of the most inspirational people I know - and I haven't even really met you...It's not that I don't have inspirational people around me in my life - I do. But you are incredible! Don't ever forget the lives you touch on a daily basis.

The "Struggler" to "Healthy Eater" and "Exerciser" concept. A good one to consider but please don't beat yourself up over it. What is that quote from Harry Potter my mother's always saying...something like "Its our choices in life that define who we are."

What is emotional eating? Comforting ourselves through food? I'm guilty, but I'm trying really hard to make better choices of what foods I choose for comfort. Popcorn has been medicinal. I chose coffee to get my day started. I now choose a LC ice cream instead of the real stuff and find I only need a little bit.

Grazing the kitchen...be prepared for it, 'cause its going to happen. Chocolate is going to win over string cheese so hide the chocolate. I find that the kitchen grazing goes with the time issue...I'm hungry now, so what can I eat? Nothing to do with emotional eating.

Exercise - I had the toughest time getting started and now if I don't get it, I feel terribly physically and emotionally. It has to be a priority.

It's just one day at a time - you get me through my tough ones. We're all here for you too!

-Laurie

 

[DoeWDW]

I got on the scale this morning and wanted to cry. I know my unhealthy eating is the cause - I have no excuses. I weighed in at 142 - it's painful to even type it. This is what I weighed when I started the WISH challenge almost a year ago.

So many thoughts and feelings have been going through my mind. Part of me contemplated giving up but I realized very quickly that I just can't do that. I'm not happy with my weight or the condition that my body is in. Erin, you asked the question - do we really want it? I realized that the answer for me is a resounding YES!

I could throw myself a pity party - I admit that I've been doing some of that this morning. But the scale and the fit of my clothes don't lie. I'm not where I want to be. Dwelling on the past will not change my future.

I'm really glad now that I've started the August exercise challenge and have a few good days under my belt. I'm proud of myself for going back to the health club and for being brave enough to have a trainer show me around the weight circuit. The health club and I are going to become best buddies in my quest to get the physical me in shape. I WILL be there 3 times a week to do the weight circuit. I will also continue training for the half marathon - doing my walking and my eliptical trainer.

I feel like the exercise thing is a real positive in my life right now. I'm not so confident about my low-carb eating plan. I've really struggled with my choices lately. I'm afraid to commit to being perfectly low-carb because I'm so focused on the exercise that I'm afraid I'll feel overwhelmed if I add in strict rules about my food too. And yet if I want the scale to move downward......

I started out thinking that I've just wasted a whole year and I'm right back where I started, but that isn't true. I'm wiser now. I know more about myself than I ever have.

Then I came to post the truth of my weigh-in to my journal, feeling ashamed and sad. Thank you to my WISH-friends who have posted here. I have tears in my eyes reading your posts. The kind words and encouragement you left for me truly mattered to me this morning. Throughout this past year I have made some wonderful friends here and I am so grateful that you share your lives and your love with me.

Tracy, your sunshine and enthusiasm brighten many of my days.

Amanda, you are always there with an understanding heart and a word of encouragement. Yes, I truly think we are getting back on track and we will have so much to celebrate in January at WDW.

Erin, you have been more than a friend - I truly think we were meant to be sisters on this journey. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me. Thanks for helping me see that I do really want this healthy living path. It isn't a burden that is imposed upon me but a series of choices that help me.

Beth, your support and encouragement have been so helpful to me. I needed to hear your words this morning. I do keep coming back, regardless of what the "struggle du jour" is. I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. A lot has happened in this past year and more struggles lie ahead, but my commitment to myself will remain.

Laurie, your words have touched me this morning. Your quote from Harry Potter is so appropriate - "It's our choices in life that define who we are." Maybe all my choices in the past haven't been the best, but I've got so many more choices ahead of me - always a fresh start. Your observations about emotional eating and grazing are very insightful - it comes back to choices and I am making better choices than I was a year ago - not perfect, but better.

There are so many others who have helped me and continue to help me along this journey. I'd post all your names but I'm afraid I'd miss someone. Know that each one of you, in your own special way, have helped me and inspired me to keep going, to keep striving, and to stay in the game.

So I'm ready to end the pity party and take on the new day. Let's get on with the choices!!

Today:
1. I choose to take my meds & vitamins with breakfast.
2. I choose to drink 60 oz of water at work.
3. I choose to eat in a way that will bless my body.
4. I choose to exercise and stay active.

Thank you, WISH-friends, for helping me through a bump in the road.

EDIT: 10:30 AM
1. Meds & vitamins taken.
2. 12 oz down - more to follow.
3. B = 2 scrambled eggs, 4 small sausage links

EDIT: 3:40 PM
2. only 32 oz down - too many meetings I'll be drinking more tonight to make up for it.
3. L = string cheese (1g) - I just wasn't very hungry. I promise I'll eat a healthy dinner.

I'm on track for a really good day as far as my goals and I'm feeling much better! I'm sure it's due to all the wonderful support I've gotten here today. You all are the best!!

EDIT: Thurs. 7:40 AM
1.
2. Not enough water - probably only 45 oz.
3. D = ham & green beans (a couple carbs) and an lc ice cream bar (another couple carbs). I had a true low-carb day!!!
4. No exercise - just no time, but I needed a rest after my 80 minutes total the day before.

All in all, a very good day in the end!

 

[toystoryduo]

Doe,
I am sending major and prayers your way today. You are an amazing woman. You do so much for the people in your life, including your WISH friends. I have been blessed by your words not only in my journal, but in the journals of others as well. You have supported me and encouraged me and I really appreciate you.

I think that a lot of us are struggling right now. I know that I have really been thinking about my journey too and I know that I need to make changes, but it is hard.

I know that the numbers on the scale disappointed you this morning, but think about how far you have come. You have overcome so many different things in the past year. You have been making healthier food choices and you are on an exercise program. You are a strong woman, Doe! Hang in there because you CAN do this!!!!! I know you can!!!!

Doe, I want to send extra your way today. Remember, we are all here for you cheering you on to VICTORY!!!!

God bless you!
Tracy

P.S. Sending you a PM.

 

[septbride2002]

Oh Sweetie! I'm sorry that you are sad this morning. But you are right in that this is no time to give up! You know what to, you've committed to exercising, those extra pounds will drop off in no time - I know they will. If anything this bad news gives you the incentive you need to get back on the horse and to ride full out!

We are all struggling but think how much better you will feel when you drop those pounds and you are back to healthy living! You can do it - I know you can!

~Amanda

 

[wilderness01]

I am sorry that the scale did not cooperate. Sometimes that darn little machine is such a pain.......or really most times it is. The scale is not the only measure of your success in life. You sound like you have such a positive attitude reflecting the last year that you should really be proud of yourself. You have learned some very valuable insights about yourself/others here. We will all get there, some of us will just get there a little slower but that is ok. I have been really struggling with everything lately and my weight is a reflection. I could really get down about it but won't. I know where I have been falling down but can only fix one thing at a time. You sound the same way and I think that is one of the most important things to happen......to recognize what needs to be changed and change it one step at a time. You will get there, so will I, just be patient and recognize all the success you do have in your life. I heard from a trainer once that if you try to change too many behaviors at once you are sure to fail. Slow and steady wins the race that is for sure. Have a good day.

 

[lulu201]

Dear Doreen,

First of all, WISH-sis, here's a hug. And another. and one just for good measurel. If I could be by your side today, I'd look you square in the eye and say these things, but since I can't, know that they're from a deep, sincere place inside of me.

Doreen, you're a special woman. The light that you bring to me and to all of us on the WISH is something that's widely recognized. You may not know it, but even on your down days, you radiate an inner glow that helps lift us all. Now take a minute and shine some of that on yourself.

It's been quite a year for you. . .take a minute and look at all of the challenges you've faced. You've made strides in dealing with your depression. You've handled significant stress at work while raising two teenagers! You've also taken on a major physical task--completing a half marathon! Through it all you've stayed faithful to your quest for healthy living, never giving up, always coming to the boards to acknowledge what's happening in your life and in your quest. You face both your successes and your weaker moments bravely and honestly--you're an example to me; I respect you a great deal.

So now you're going to look forward, past the dumb scale. You know that the number on the scale is not a measure of all that you've accomplished--you are so much more than that! To focus on the number and not see all that you've achieved overall is negating your success. You're not letting yourself do that, and obviously, we WISHers aren't going to let you do that either. Nope, your circle of support is going to encourage you to be strong in the healthy choices that you're seeking to make. We're going to stand firmly behind you and help you stand when you fall. We're all going to be here for you on this long, long journey--because that's what it is. A marathon of choices and struggles that we can endure together.

Today when I was out walking, I thought again of how this half marathon is a metaphor for the healthy living journey. Sometimes the walk is easy and sometimes the walk is hard, but you know what? We don't stop walking. We keep on going; "keeping on" is the measure of our success. And you're doing it. You know what you want and your desire for a healthy life is clear. Congratulations on choosing this walk, Doreen, and as always, I'm blessed we're on the road together.

I love you, WISH-sis,
Erin

Edit: Just a few more thoughts

Did you ever stop to give yourself a pat on the back for making it through that whole scale challenge anyway? Maybe you can look back and decide what you learned. . .maybe you like being without the scale sometimes (like not getting weighed every day), but maybe a month or six weeks without it is too long? Maybe the scale can be a friend?

Also, and I know this is COMPLETELY radical--no flames from you lo carbers out there--maybe you want to look into WWs? That way you could keep track of what you eat, but you wouldn't have
"cheated" if you had a higher carb day. Or maybe you want to just build in higher carb days in a plan that's custom designed by you?

Try to think of today, Doreen, as a day full of hope and opportunity--one where you spend some time thinking about a plan that will work just right for YOU!

That's all for now (but I may be back later ).

 

[disneygoof]

"Thanks for checking in Doe! Way to wake me up!

I've been a bit off program, but am working hard to at least watch what I'm eating during the week, and not so much on the weekend. I've still got a few pounds to go to get to my ultimate goal, and this is where I ALWAYS stall. At least I'm aware of it this time.

I've joined two of the current challenges. Labor Day, with my five below the doctor's order goal as my challenge goal. I've also jumped on the 1000 minutes bandwagon. I'm working on 45 minutes 5 days a week, which I'm hoping will put exercise more on the forefront of my psyche, more than C2%#&*'n5K has. Three days a week wasn't enough, because I kept saying "I'll skip today and make it up tomorrow instead" and I kept getting too far behind and abandoning the program. I still want to get running eventually, though."

I posted the above in my journal and then wanted to check-in and see how you were feeling...sounds like you're feeling better physically and working on the emotional...well, I'm here to tell ya, bumps in the road are good things. If you trip, don't let yourself fall flat on your face. Take it as an reminder to pay attention to where you are walking. Consciousness is helpful along the way.

Also, I'd recommend you go back and read where you started, if you haven't already. I find it helpful to go back to the beginning to remind myself of what my motivations were when I was enjoying great successes. I checked the beginning of your thread, and you have measurements there from the early days. Maybe you're back at the same weight, but is the weight in the same places? Is it more muscle now than it was fat then? I bet from all the exercise you've made part of your days that if you measured, you'll find you've lost inches.

Finally, I'll add my voice to all the others that sang your praises as an inspiration to all of us.

Have a magical day!

 

[CheapMom]

Doe- you sound like you need a hug
I hate to hear you sounding so discouraged. You are going to achieve anything you set your mind to. Sometimes things in life get in the way but just push past it and keep going. You have had a crazy episode with the vertigo and the bedrest. You did what you had to do- you had to rest and eat if you wanted to recover.
Now the scale is being a bugger about the whole thing. You just need to commit (which it sounds like you already have) and keep pluggin' away.
You know I am just getting back on track after a weight loss platteau discouraged me right off plan. I haven't lost anything in 7 weeks (my own fault) Now I am doing well and it is in large part to your advice---
2 words...baby steps.
You are the best!

 

[jodistar]

Originally posted by DoeWDW
I got on the scale this morning and wanted to cry. I know my unhealthy eating is the cause - I have no excuses. I weighed in at 142 - it's painful to even type it. This is what I weighed when I started the WISH challenge almost a year ago.

I'm really glad now that I've started the August exercise challenge and have a few good days under my belt. I'm proud of myself for going back to the health club and for being brave enough to have a trainer show me around the weight circuit. The health club and I are going to become best buddies in my quest to get the physical me in shape. I WILL be there 3 times a week to do the weight circuit. I will also continue training for the half marathon - doing my walking and my eliptical trainer.

Doe,

Don't let that scale get you down. I definetely know what you feel like....at least you have the courage to step on that scale....I don't even do that, I alwasy judge by the way I look in the mirror or the way the clothes fit, not a very healthy thing to do as far as I'm concerned. I don't do a lot of positive self talk and I think that is a lot of the battle- so remember positive self talk (and I will try and remember it too!).

I am so glad for you that you are working with a trainer- they are such great motivators...I love my personal trainer- she knows when to be tough and when to be supportive....I wish you as much luck with yours.

I will be checking on you Good luck!

 

[LAinSEA]

Doe: Here's a great big ! Don't let the scale get you down - you've had so much to deal with this month.

I was really hoping that when I got back on mine this morning it would register a loss (after all my clothes are fitting a little looser). But alas it was not to be - no gain, but no loss either. I've got to better too - I'm in plateau land big time.

Give yourself a chance to get into your exercise program without cutting too many carbs or calories. You don't want to scare your body into hanging onto every little crumb. Your big goal is the marathon, put that in your sights and go for it.

I didn't know about the exercise challenge - but I'll commit to it for the rest of the month too!

Tomorrow, after all, is another day.

-Laurie

 

[DoeWDW]

Thank you to everyone who has posted such encouragement to my journal. WISHers are truly the best!!! Before WISH, I would have let that bump in the road turn into a week or two of bad eating. Looking back on yesterday, I felt awful in the morning but by evening I was feeling so much better because of all the support here!

This morning I'm ready to face the challenges again. I'm CHOOSING to eat healthy and exercise today and I'm doing it with a happy heart and a sunny attitude. I know I've got lots of company on this healthy living road and today I feel like we're not only walking the walk but dancing too! Can you hear the upbeat music and feel the party atmosphere??? I can!!

Today:
1. Meds & vitamins with breakfast.
2. 60 oz water at work + more at home.
3. Food - good choices. B = 2 string cheese and some cashews. L = Subway lc wrap or a burger. D?? Another hectic night at home so I'll make the best choices I can.
4. Exercise - do the weight circuit and some cardio at the health club after we visit the chiropractor tonight - heck, they're in the same building so I have no excuse, right??

The scale was down a pound this morning. I'm going to convince myself that it was because I had an on-plan day yesterday and NOT because I got my hair trimmed last evening.

Wish I could feel this motivated ALL THE TIME!!

EDIT: 9:30 PM
1.
2. - way more than 60 oz!
3. B as planned. L = Subway lc wrap. S = apple w/ peanut butter and a handful of cashews. D = bowl of Total protein cereal and blueberries - all good choices based on what was available!
4. 15 minutes on the recumbent bike, 25 minutes for the weight circuit, 20 minutes on this weird machine that's like an eliptical trainer and a stair climber combined, 12 minute brisk walk with the puppy to cool down = 72 minutes total.....WHEW!! I feel GREAT!

 

[lulu201]

Good sunny morning, Doreen! I don't know if it's sunny where you are, but really it doesn't matter. . .you're bringing your own this morning.

It sounds like you have a great day all planned out. Nothing will take you off track, but if you feel yourself getting into a tough spot, think of all of us WISHers steering you back into place. Oh, and a prayer can sure help, too!

Have a good one, WISH-sis! ,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Doe you sound so much this morning. And I just want to say a huge big fat DITTO to everything Erin said to you yesterday! Listen to the girl Doe - she is wise beyond reason!

Lets all walk the healthy living walk today!

~Amanda

 

[Strings]

Did I hear there was a party!?! I'm here with the low carb margaritas and cabana boy. Let's dance.

Seriously Doe,

You sound very today, and I am so happy that you are having a better day. You are a special woman who has touched many hearts on this board. We will be here to listen ans support you, but today lets have fun and have a healthy living party.
Beth