Jean's return to healthy living plan ( friends welcome anytime )

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Well, first off got a visit from Uncle TOM. No more premenstrual bloating and breast soreness. I feel GRAMS lighter!!(haha) By the way gals, the first day of your period is the ideal time to do your self breast exam; your breasts are less dense then.

Secondly, I was feeling down because even though I've been doing pretty well with eating healthier and walking now for several weeks, the scale didn't budge and I was embarrassed to post a zero loss on the Independence Day Challenge. So the last time I walked I got blisters. So now what could I do for cardio??? Well, that hated Nordic Track is sitting in the corner of my dining room..out of the way. I guess I'll have to try it since going to the gym is not financially in the cards right now. So last night I got on it, adjusted the upper and lower tensions to "wussy" level and did it for about 15 minutes total. Actually 10 neverending boring minutes, 3 minutes to slow down my heart rate, and 5 more "I hate this so much" minutes.

Pitiful, huh? I wouldn't even bother posting that on the daily exercise thread...

But today, I got a new idea...I tried it out tonight...I call it "Curves at Home". I would do one set of 10 reps of a lower body exercise, such as squats or calf raises, then do the Nordic Track for a count of 100 slides or whatever they are. Then right back to an upper body move such as lateral raises or biceps curls. Then back to the machine. I did this back and forth and did one set of each of my lower and upper exercises. I even did a set of crunches. It took me about 45 minutes to do the whole circuit, which I think is about how long a Curves session is. I certainly worked up a good sweat. Sucked down a whole jug of water too!

Well, after my shower the scale still reads 160...maybe I'll lose a few ounces overnight, hmm??? I'm sitting here enjoying some calcium fortified OJ in my refillable mug and I wanted to share my success today with my WISH buds.

I hope everyone had a good day today...Hopefully, I can try this again tomorrow if I'm not too sore. (That's why I only did one set this time.)

 

[wilderness01]

That at home curves session sounds good. My scale barely moves either but my clothes are getting bigger. Give it time and hang in there!

 

[Strings]

Hi Jean,

I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job. If you are interested the Curves diet book has an official workout at home plan. I have the book,and I'll pm you tomorrow with all exercises.
Keep up the great work,
Beth

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Thanks Wilderness for the encouragement about the dreaded scale. I was actually down 2 pounds this morning, but with Aunt Flo visiting, that could be why. We will see...

Thanks Beth for the visit and well wishes. Looking foward to your PM.

Today was busy in work, I couldn't space out my food that well, so I ended up eating quite a bit at supper, but no junk...

B: Half cup or so bran cereal with a little skim milk and coffee
S: Sugarfree yogurt
L: 3 oz. tuna in water, sugarfree jello
S: low carb English muffin with small amount fruit spread
D: grilled skinless boneless terriyaki chicken breast, corn on cob, about one half cup peas (leftovers!) skim milk

A little low on water today, I can tell, but am going to do my new exercise routine now so I will drink at least a bottle now...see ya later!

 

[LAinSEA]

Jean:

Thanks for all your kind words in my journal. It is amazing how much better one feels when you see a note of encouragement.

From your journal it looks like you are doing great so far on your journey. It helps if your DH is making a commitment to eating healthier too - less junk around the house to temp you. It also helps if they will at least go for a walk with you once in a while...my DH and I have great conversations when we walk together.

I want to congratulate you on giving up smoking - no matter how long ago. My cousin, who's tried everything (I pulled him out of a crack house 18 years ago) says that quitting cigarettes is the hardest addiction to break.

I'm glad another Tuxedo cat has found a home. Mine are my "children" - we haven't been able to have kids of our own but haven't decided to adopt either. We are enjoying our two right now and waiting to add another so Niko can be the kitten a little while longer.

-Laurie

 

[wilderness01]

Just checking in to see how you are doing. Congrats on the weight loss.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Jean,
It sounds like you are doing a great job! I like how you came up with an exercise routine that you enjoy. Curves at home sounds great! Have a wonderful weekend!

Tracy

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Friday was pretty stressful. Spent all day ironing and packing my son up for his trip to Washington DC. All those Ziploc bags came in handy again. He has to wear dress clothes, so hopefully the stuff won't be too wrinkled.
Saturday I got up at 5:45 am to get DS off to the Amtrak station for his 6:45 train. Of course, he wouldn't hug or kiss me in front of the other passengers.... I felt like Mrs. Weasley watching her little ones go off to Hogwarts...
I'm sure DS will have a blast this week. All the kids are supervised and the day is filled from morning to night with activities and it's political stuff, right up his alley.
After I got home from the station, I took my DD to the New England Aquarium and to see HP3 at the Imax cinema. I was good at lunch. I did have a hotdog, but I also had a fruit cup and yogurt, skipped the fries.
I napped for awhile when I got home...then my body was possessed by the junk food demon. I ate too many fries at supper, as well as mint candies and Cheese Nips!!!! Yikes...
Ohwell, Jean, now you've had your fun, back to business here..
I exercised today, and have been OP for food. A little binge here and there does not make me a BAD person! This I now understand.
Weigh in tomorrow...hopefully I can finally post a real loss on the Challenge.

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

By the way, thank you Laurie, Wilderness and Tracie for encouraging me by contributing to my journal. I try to get to other journals too, but I have to strongarm my kids/DH off of the two computers to do it and sometimes it's late and I'm just too pooped.

 

[wilderness01]

Hope your weigh-in goes well.

 

[DoeWDW]

Jean, I've finally read your journal! You're making great progress already!! I've found this journey is all about developing healthy habits that will carry you through. Your smoking was a habit that was triggered by certain events or times of the day - well, now you have to train yourself to drink water at certain times or make certain food choices or exercise out of habit. After a while it all becomes second nature. That doesn't mean we don't slip up, but for the most part, it gets easier.

I love your at-home Curves workout! Good for you for using the equipment you have and finding a way to make it fun! Beth mentioned it before but I'll repeat it - take your measurements!! With the weightlifting, you will gain muscle and the scale will look like it's staying the same. If you can see that you're losing inches, it will help you stay motivated.

I'm glad you've decided to join us on the road to healthy living!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Jean!
It sounds like you had a good weekend. Sending you for weigh-in. Keep on keeping on! You can do it Jean!!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Tracy

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Thanks Doreen, Tracy and Wilderness for visiting me! I try to post in other people's journals when I get a chance...I'm trying to get to know you guys and keep everyone straight! Sorry to anyone I haven't posted to yet...I'll get to you someday. And I've read a lot of journals too, that I haven't posted in yet, due to tiredness or lack of time...doesn't mean I'm not rooting for everyone here!

It is much quieter around here without DS17

They had a brunch in work today for one of the surgeons who is retiring. People brought in all sorts of stuff, homemade and store bought....and.....I RESISTED!!! I could have eaten it, and I would have about a month ago, but I said to myself, "What need is this fulfilling??? After all, you brought your nice lunch of tuna, yogurt, sugar free jello and a pear. So I faced away from the temptation and isolated myself by eating lunch at the computer (on the WISH board of course!) Sometimes you have to be antisocial to be strong, especially in the beginning. It was like that when I quit smoking too. Also I remember I could not drink alcohol for a long time after quitting smoking...it wreaks havoc with my willpower, and who needs that? So I probably will stick to unsweetened ice tea if we eat out.

My muscles are coming back to life after two years....I have done just 5 of my "Curves at Home" workouts, and already I have increased the arm and leg resistance on the Nordic Track and am able to lift more weight on most of my exercises...progress is definitely being made. I am feeling stronger. I no longer make that grunting noise when I get out of my car...stairs and inclines are easier...this is all very encouraging...baby steps, baby steps!!

Hope you all are having a healthy day!

 

[wilderness01]

Baby steps is my motto. Good for you for resisting the treats. We always have junk food at work. Sometimes it is hard to resist and other times a breeze. One day at a time is another one of my mottos. Have a great day.

 

[Strings]

Hi Jean,

Sorry I didn't PM you. My Mom had borrowed my book. I get it back on Wednseday. You did an awesome job resisting the potluck. You seem to have done some soul searching. You know what you need to do to keep yourself OP. That is huge. I am so impressed. Keep up the great work.
Beth

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Jean!

I just had to catch up with you before I went to bed tonight. I can get so caught up in the "drama" that is my life and take for granted the support I get here on WISH. Sometimes I feel so greedy and selfish always taking encouragement and support and sometimes not having the time to give it. I'm going to get better at it, I promise!

Good for you for resisting the brunch stuff, that takes willpower. I hope you don't mind if I borrow your phrase What need is this fulfilling? That is such a powerful question. I will definitely be asking myself that when I'm tempted to eat something off plan just because. I'll ask what am I really eating this for? If I can't come up with a good enough reason, then I won't eat it!

You are such a big inspiration and source of encouragement to me and others on WISH.

WTG with your exercise too!!!! I'm just so proud. And yes, I can't wait for that stay off the evil scale because it's evil challenge to start!!!! Have a great Monday night and a terrific Tuesday!

 

[jodistar]

Hi Jean,

I thought for a change I would check out your journal. That is such a good idea Curves at home....I don't have the space and I tend to not have the disipline at home- so for the most part it's off to the gym.

Tonight I am going walking with a friend on the beach (I live near one) and then tomorrow back to the gym. The key is to get out of the house and get away from the food- at least for me.

What makes it really hard is those damn Italian men My DF always tries to talk me into overeating! but so far I am staying strong. I can't wait to start to see results.

Jodi

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hello,

I ate too much at supper tonight...but it wasn't because I was angry or depressed or my usual food as comfort foolishness. After careful analysis I have figured out , I was really hungry!
Here's what I had eaten today:
B: bran flakes with skim milk-maybe 150 calories
S: pear-100 calories? (I'm guesstimating these calorie amounts)
L: 3 oz. can of tuna and a cup of lite yogurt -about 200 calories

So at best, I had about 500 calories all day and no food between my 12:15 lunch and getting home around 4:30. No wonder I pigged out...well, I figured I chowed about 800-1000 calories at supper....silly me. Tomorrow I will bring a Luna bar 180 calories and eat it at the end of my shift before the drive home...that should help.

I did my exercise later tonight after I got my hair done. I increased the resistance again on the Nordic Track and worked through my reps slowly. I know when I start to daydream during my workout that it's time to make it a little tougher to keep me focused...

Thanks for visiting me Wilderness, Beth, Lisa and Jodi. I appreciate your continued encouragement. I used to get great results at the gym, Jodi, but getting up at 4am to get to the gym by 5am, rush through my workout, shower and get to work by 6-6:15 just got to be too much...I was falling asleep on the drive home and had no energy at the day's end!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Jean!
It sounds like you are really enjoying the exercise program that you set up at home. Keep up the good work and you will see results! Have a great Wednesday!

Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

Jean, it's great that you're feeling results so quickly with your "Curves at home" workout!! Sounds like you've found something you can easily fit into your busy schedule! Good for you!

Hope your day is filled with !