Lesli's Changing Life at 40 Journal

[goldcupmom]

Hey, Lesli! How are things going???

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesli,

How are you doing? I hope things are going well for you!

Hope to hear from you soon!

 

[Lesli54]

Yes, I have been down this road before, but I am back AGAIN! Thanks Traci and Julie for checking in on me.

Where to begin? The summer was very busy and I was getting alot of stuff done, but going through alot of mental anguish over what I should be doing with extra activities and what I really wanted to pursue. To this date, it has caused my weight to flucutate, driving me nuts.

Vacations continued to abounded for the summer. At the end of July, DD11 and DS6 (yes, they had birthdays) went with me to AR on Amtrak to visit a friend of mine for a few days. It was an interesting trip for all of us and alot of fun. With the cost of gas at the time, it was definitely an inexpensive trip. We are thinking of taking another train trip somewhere next year. Then about the middle of August DH and I went away by ourselves. Something we have never done, not even for a honeymoon, since when we were married we had a ready made family and it was literally weeks before school started and we had a lot do with the move. Needless to say, getting away was wonderful in many ways. We went down to Bonita Springs, FL and stayed in villa at a country club which was really nice. The villa was a charity auction bid that I won. The only downside to the trip was that our planned day trip to Key West was canceled due to Fay coming in, but it was interesting to see tropical storm clouds.

As for GS, we took the girls on two final trips of things they wanted to do. One was to the American Girl store for lunch and the theater, the other was to a pottery place and the movies. That pretty much took care of everything they had earned. It was hard to tell them that I definitely would not continue on as a leader, but it has been the best choice, especially since there really hasn't been anyone to step up and help. I still feel bad about it at times, not being there for the girls since they no longer have a troop, but not having the mental anguish has been a plus for me. There are a few things that I still do for GS, but those are just occasional things and may go by the wayside after this year is over.

Unfortunately, taking the place of GS has been running DD11 to more activities, as she tries out new things and is realizing that she needs to pick what she likes best and only do a few. Also, DH and I have been working on a Park District committee to get a community center in town. We spent the entire month of Oct politicing to get the formation of the district passed, which it didn't, but there is hope for the April ballot. It has taken so much time, it is unreal. Now I am about to take on a family project to help produce a new and updated family book. Thankfully, in conjunction with other family members. I am still trying to figure out how I ended up with 5 new things to do when I only got rid of one thing.

On the dejunk update, yes, still working on that. I went through DH's office space at the store with the hopes of helping him more and moving more of my office up there. It would be nice to put more of my bookwork up there so that I can relax at home more. Also, I no longer have children at home during the day, so it would be good to get out and interact. My office is having issues again, HOWEVER, I am for the most part caught up with my bookwork and am staying on top of that, which is a huge plus. I have also begun scheduling my bill paying to be done weekly rather than just writing everything for the month in one sitting. It accomplishes the same thing, but the clutter from bills and the amount of time spent is better streamlined. Also, I have been trying to stay on top of new information (flyers, notes, appts, permission slips, etc) coming into the house as soon as it comes through the door which help elimate that clutter. Oh, did I forget to mention that I organized the picture closet? I finally broke down and bought picture boxes and get everything "sorted". I think I estimated about 10,000 pictures. The good thing is that I can now take this winter, one box at a time and better sort out the duplicates or those that need to be copied and passed on. We dejunked a little over a third of the garage and took down an old shed in the yard. Unfortunately, I have not had a lot of time to finish dejunking the basement or my room. But it is a work in progress and at least we are still working on it.

I have lots to do around the house, like paint the new doors which look great, finish painting walls, and finish our "new" bathroom. Then there is the trip reports that I would like to still get done and are sitting on my desk.

On the plus side, I have been more proactive....not neccessarily more active. I have tried to stay concious of my weight, but with everything going on, I have been eating horribly, horribly, horribly. Unfortunately, it is too easy to just grab things to eat when you are in a hurry and not truly think about what you are doing. If I am tired, I eat, if I am overwhelmed, I eat. Not that it would be bad all the time, but if the food isn't quality, then it is bad. DH and DD11 also seem to be gaining as well. So now I am here to refocus and I have realized that I need alot of support.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese (probably too much cheese), fresh pineapple, yogurt
AM snack - fruit & nut bar
Lunch - potato soup
PM snack - PB crackers
Supper - Not sure, I have a GS dinner/meeting to go to, but will eat responsibly

Today's goals:
1. Order rugs, I need some for a couple of rooms but have been waffling on my choices, just need to get it done and stopp making it more work than it is.
2. Bookwork
3. tackle one "project" on my desk to get finished.

My weight at the present is 222.5. I would like to change that significantly by year end, regardless of the holidays.

 

[Lesli54]

Ok, it has been 3 1/2 years since I took the WISH challenge. I did a wonderful job in the beginning, getting down 42 lbs. (started at 230), but things changed. Yes, the accident took it's toll and I gained back most of the weight, I realize that, but it is no longer good enought to use that as a excuse for keeping the weight on and not taking it off again. Fortunately, I am not back to my heaviest, but I do have a lot of work ahead of me.

I have looked back at various parts of my first journal to see what worked and what didn't. You can know these things, but implementing is not the same.

What I know from the past and need to implement:
1. I need to go to bed by 10:30 to stop the late night eating and keep myself from making poor food choices the next day.
2. I need to eat my AM snack to keep the afternoon munchies away.
3. I need to plan my meals in advance in order to keep the "quick fix, processed, high salt" meals from occuring.
4. I need to add milk to my diet and more water. (both have been lacking)
5. I need to exercise in the morning before everyone gets up or I reduce my chance of exercising for the day.
6. I need the support of my WISH friends to help get me through to the end.

Things I need to remember:
1. I love to eat healthy great tasting food more than I love the taste of the junk foods. (It also makes me feel better mentally)
2. Moving more makes the scales move.
3. Weight loss is a project taken in stages.
4. I don't have to feel guilty when I slip, I just have to move on.

Things I would like to see change:
1. Feel more rested.
2. Feel less overwhelmed and therefore calmer.
3. Being able to fit into my winter clothes and look decent.
4. Fewer aches and pains.
5. Better portion control.
6. Staying upbeat, not hard, but not easy with the daily news of the economy.

Things I will work on this month:
1. EXERCISE. It has been lacking.
2. Planning meals and preparing some to freeze for nights when I don't have time to cook (or don't want to).

So today is the start of my first month with new determination, we will let go how many times I have tried this in the last year. I am starting at 222.5lbs. My overall goal is to get to 150lbs, that's 72.5 lbs to lose, but I am willing to do it slowly and in steps.

These are the goals that I would like to meet at various landmarks. I will look at them and adjust them as needed, but consider them as small projects instead of one large goal.
1. 4.5lbs lost by Thanksgiving (very doable in two weeks)
2. 12.5lbs lost by Christmas
3. 27.5lbs lost by Valentine's Day
4. 42.5lbs lost by Easter (beginning of April)
5. 52.5lbs lost by my 42nd Birthday (beginning May, would love to see 170!)
6. 72.5lbs lost by Vacation (late June, don't know where)!!! Hit the goal!!!

I have set little "rewards" for each 5 lbs. lost. The first 5 is an appt for a lasik eye consult for possible surgery (It would be great to ditch the glasses). The next 5, is facial, which I have never had.

Although life is very busy right now, I know that if I don't make weight loss a priority, I will not reach my goal and will continue on with many problems that I know I can change. So onward to a more vibrant me!

 

[Lesli54]

Well, I can say that I am more aware of what I am eating, but it will still be a work in progress to make the changes.

Yesterday's food plan was on track with a few indulgences. I had 8 Frito Scoops after lunch, then the PM snack was replaced with a Twix (1 pkg). Supper was really simple which was great. I had a small salad, ham & turkey (1 slice each) on wheat w/ cheese mayo & tomato, and a 3/4 bowl of cheese and broccoli soup. Then I did eat 1 bite size Milky Way and a few chex snack mix. However, when I came home, I was a bit frustrated and ate a few more fritos. After that, I had a hot cocoa and 5 nilla wafers. Could have been better, but at least I am more aware.

I did get some bookwork done, but didn't get to the rest of my activities for the day. DH needed me to help with some stuff at the store and that led to a few other things needing to be done. The meeting went alright, but I was frustrated by a few people who are trying just to get me out of GS altogether. It's silly, I am a lifetime member, and just because I don't have a troop at this time doesn't mean I don't have things to offer. There are many ways that I can still help or things I can sponsor. Oh well, I am past that now.

Today, I was up about 40 min earlier (to take DD11 to the eye doc), but it did feel great. So, I think I will try this daily. Ran an errand after the eye doc, then came home did minimal bookwork, and spent a portion of the afternoon on the phone. About the time I was thinking that I wouldn't be productive, I found myself in the middle of cleaning out the back closet with DS6. It worked out well and didn't take much time, but am glad that I got that job done. To think it all started with looking for gloves. But at least all the winter stuff is moved to an easy to reach location and the summer stuff is put away. Not to mention that it was a chance to dejunk what has come through in the last 5 months.

Food for the day was as follows:
Breakfast - sausage biscuit, hashbrown and OJ (didn't make time before we left)
AM snack - none
Lunch - potato soup & a few fritos, I think
PM snack - 6 chocolate mini donuts (yes, could have been better)
Supper - LC Seasame Chicken & noodles
I am trying not to snack later this evening, so we will see how that goes
Water has been 24 oz at least, needs more work.

On the plus side, my family is aware of what I am trying to do again, but not sure if DH really paid attention, but he will. So later, DS6 found the exercise mat (in the newly organized closet) and he started exercising. Then DD11 started exercising and practicing her tumbling. Later, DD11 told me that she want to make a schedule so that she eliminates some tv time and replaces it with activities including practicing dance, band, etc. It's definitely a start to making some positive changes.

Tomorrow is a busy day, so I better get going. Hoping everyone has a evening.

 

[pearlieq]

Hi Lesli!

It's nice to see you and I'm glad you're full of motivation!

Sounds like you're full of ideas and inspriation right now--I hope you enjoy dejunking and getting things sorted, both literally and figuratively.

It must be so different now without kids at home during the day. I hope that will give you a bit of a breather.

Sorry to hear about the GS stress. I'm sure they're disappointed that you're not leading a troop anymore, but you're darn right you still have something to offer. They're lucky to have you!

It's nice to hear your family is into your plans. DD11 sounds like she's on the right track.

Have a nice day!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for stopping by today, Pearlieq! It sure is nice to "hear" from you again. I will get over to your journal in the next day or two, but in the meantime am praying for your mother and all you are doing for her.

I did not snack last night, but did have a cup of hot tea, which was nice. Oh wait, I might have had 3 nilla wafers with that tea.

Today was very, very productive and I really enjoyed it. I took care of a lot of loose ends this morning, ordered my rugs (too many to chose from and too many differnces in quality, but I went with wool since it is so durable), then ran to the next town to run various errands, such as banking, dropping things off, picking up an Rx for DBIL, sweat pants for DD11 since they are still going outside for PE, and hats, boots, and gloves for DD6. Shopped for a few groceries, made a dessert for tonight's GS banquet, did a little business, and managed to find time to sew on about 30 patches. I am still trying to figure out where I found all the time.

Tonight DD11, DD19, and I went to a GS banquet and there were pros and cons. Unfortunately, it was poorly run and part, but I did find out that there were a large number of girls in our town without a troop, so I am beginning to see where I could help out. I think I will be the Q&A for these girls and parents as well as get info about various events out to them. That will not require a huge commitment of time and would help alot.

Food for the day was as follows:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/ cheese, fresh pineapple, yogurt, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - missed, too busy
Lunch - Qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, iced tea
PM snack - skipped, I was actually too full from lunch still
Supper - 3/4 hot dog on bun, 2 1/2 bites of chili (not good....isn't chili supposed to have chili powder or some spice??), fresh veggies, fresh fruit, sm portion of pasta salad, sm portion of taco salad, very sm piece of a cream puff dessert. Water to drink. I actually didn't eat everything because I was full.
Water for the day was not great.

Tomorrow is another busy day and I have to make another cream puff desert. I promised DS6 that I would make one for him if there wasn't anything left over from tonight and what do you know, there wasn't. I probably should have pulled a piece for him, but I guess I will just cut my recipe in half. Don't need the extra temptation.

WISHing everyone a great day tomorrow!!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, everyone!

Thursday night, I did finish the night with a cup of tea.

Yesterday......busy, busy. I was very tired from staying up much too late the night before while I worked on genealogy for a family project that I have been asked to help with. There is a short time frame on it, so I am trying to get as much in the database now to reduce time. Later, it will be easier to edit anything we print out. Anyway, I resisted the urge to veg out and managed to get quite a few things picked up, helped DH with some business stuff, put about 1/2 of my office in order, input the last of the family info that I know, made a dessert since DS6 didn't get any the other night, packed up stuff for charity and had DD19 drop it off, and got together with family members to help plan this new project they want to do. Needless to say, I was very tired this morning. But at least I am being productive and positive.

Food for yesterday:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, yogurt, fresh pineapple, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - missed
Lunch - potato soup w/cheese (next time, I will not eat as much since I was feeling a bit full), some fruit
PM snack - 3 crackers w/ spread port wine cheese
Supper - 1 slice of cheese pizza (thick crust) on the way out the door. When I returned home later, I had a 1/2 slice of dessert, 4 slices of supreme pizza (thin crust) and about 16 oz pepsi, and then another full piece of dessert. (Yes, I ate too much and I know it was because I was tired and my dinner was split up, so I will work on that for the future)
Water was at least 24-30 oz, but may have been more, can't remember.

Today -
At least the extra food choices last night didn't do any damage. No weight lost, but at least I didn't gain.

I am not sure what I plan to do. Originally, I had plans to paint the ceiling in the living room and put second coat on the walls, but being this tired, I am not sure. I do need to get it done before the rugs come. However, without enough energy, I can see where that project would take much longer than it should. Maybe, I will just work on tying up some more loose ends on my desk.....or I could sit down with pictures and start sorting out the duplicates. Either way, I am going to try staying productive. If I need to take a nap this afternoon, I will limit it to 15-20 min.

Food plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/ mush & moz, 3 oz grapefruit juice
AM snack - fresh pineapple
Lunch - chili dogs or nachos - both sound good (probably because I am tired, but I will watch portions)
PM snack - banana
Supper - ??? .........I think I will thaw out some tilapia and put a light batter on it served with a bit of melted butter (it was wonderful at Cape May's so here's hoping this works), rice, veggies.

I almost left supper up in the air, but from now on if I am not sure what to fix I wll go to my book of recipes to try. At least they are healthy and I can see if we like them our not.

Time to get going. After all, it is another day to lose a lb!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesli,

Welcome Back!! It's great to see you!

I like how you have re-evaluated your healthy living journey. That is something I need to do in the new year. Great job!

I hope you have a great week ahead!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, everyone! Thanks for stopping by Tracy.

Yes, I have not done well with posting the last few days, but I have staying busy.

Saturday: I had the chili dog and a few chips for lunch, then later a few more chips. Skipped the PM snack as planned, but I think I ate more chips. Supper was as planned however making the fish was an interesting experience. It tasted good, but fell apart during cooking and really didn't come out at all the way I had hoped. Guess that is why I go to Cape May's. I know I ate later, but don't remember what. Most of the day was spent working on the family project.

Sunday: I think I had an egg omelet w/mush & cheese and a cup of tea for breakfast. Not sure what was for lunch, possibly soup. Supper was a taco salad. Then there were too many oreos and I am not sure what else. I spent most of the day working on the family project. Did some light cleaning.

Monday: Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/mush & moz and a cup of tea. Lunch was potato soup w/ cheese. A few oreos, a few chips. Supper was lazagna, garlic bread, salad, & a piece of Texas sheet cake. I know there were other things in there, but can't remember what. In the morning, I did the bills and afterwards spent the day getting the family project emailed to everyone. Now I don't have to do much on that front for awhile. I love doing the genealogy, but the crunch to get it all out was tiring. Later I went to a meeting.

Today: Needless to say, I am tired. I know my food choices have been horrendous......well, the snacking at least. My conclusion (aside from TOM) is the fact that I have not allowed for proper sleep, I have not given myself plenty of breaks from the project at hand, and grabbing quick foods because they are easy. This will not get me too my goal. Did I mention that not journaling makes it easy to go downhill quicker. However, water has been alright over the past few days.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - fresh pineapple
Lunch - LC or the last of the soup
PM snack - banana smoothie
Supper - something in the crockpot, but not sure.

Goals for the day:
1. stay with my food plan, if feel like snacking, then I will evaluate why
2. Take a nap, I can already feel myself dragging
3. paint the living room ceiling

I better get going. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Where, oh, where did the week go?

For some reason, I was really dragging last week and had very little energy. Monday, I didn't get around to painting partly because the lack of energy and the rest was due to the fact that the rugs came. They are gorgeous and I really couldn't wait to roll them out. However, now I am really wanting to finish the odd and ends of those rooms. Unfortunately, with a few things here and there that I had to do last week, I was zapped. By the end of the week, I actually laid down for a nap after the kids were off to school and that really seemed to help alot. Thankfully. Food for the week was hit and miss, but not always bad. I am beginning to think that I need to check out a new scale or at least the battery. It goes up after I had great days, but then if I am back on it to double check, sometimes it reads different.

Another thing I have noticed over the weekend is the fact that I just need fix my hair nice and spend a few extra minutes each morning putting on a bit of makeup and taking care of myself even if I am staying home. Now, I have known this for awhile, but it is so easy to brush the hair and teeth and then run off to take care of kids. By the time you sit down, going back to fix the hair and makeup seems like a waste and unfortunately can change the mood for the day. If I take those few extra moments to myself in the morning before getting the kids taken care of, I seem to be more upbeat for the day and more productive. Basically, I think it just sets the right positive message in my brain. So this week, I am going to try it and see how it goes.

Yesterday was a good day, but I really wasn't hungry, which was a plus. Unfortunately, my food choices were not so great when I did eat, but I am working on it.

Today's menu:
Breakfast - 1/2 c. grapefruit juice, 1 egg, english muffin w/butter
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - salad w/turkey, craisins, almonds, little moz, and little ceaser dressing
PM snack - banana smoothie
Supper - Chicken broccoli ring, salad
Lots of water

Goals for the day:
1. No eating after 7:30pm
2. In bed by 10:30

Guess, I better keep things simple as it seems to work easier. Time to go get things done. Talk you later.

 

[Lesli54]

Food, Sunday was so so. I started out well, but then it didn't end well. I cleaned and worked on rearranging the living room which took awhile since it is large and I had to either get rid of furniture or repurpose it. It looked so nice and inviting when I was done because I had finally figured out how to create a larger conversation area and some more open floor space. One of the "repurpose" things that I did was to take a cedar chest and put it along the wall, then I added pillows for bench seating. The kids love it. The new rug really pulls the room together and just makes it feel like home instead of just a house. Needless to say, I focused on that task and not anything else. I didn't snack, but when I did eat, I ate too much.

Yesterday, I tackled the living room ceiling, of course after I moved everthing again. Seeing my living room pull together really motivated me to get the rest of the room finished. I have almost 2/3 of the ceiling done, so hopefully, I can get the rest finished today. While the furniture is moved out of the way, I plan to put the 2nd coat of paint on the walls. Sometimes, I just don't get time to finish projects and it drives me nuts. I am also hoping to get the trim painted before I have to put the furniture back for Thanksgiving. DH is wondering why I start these things with the holidays close at hand. But I spend so much time with "planned" days going by the wayside as I help with various things, that I figure if I have time now, just take advantage of it and use it. I didn't really snack yesterday which was good, but I did eat a few too many mini donuts.

Breakfast yesterday was cream of wheat and tea. Lunch was a LC chicken panini, and supper was spaghetti and garlic cheese bread. I tried a salad at supper, but the dressing I had put on it was not good, so out it went. Water was not great for the day.

Today, I plan to keep working on the house.

Food for the day.
Breakfast - cream of wheat, tea
Lunch - Maybe some nachos
Supper - can't think that far out right now.

Just trying to stay busy and make my home comfortable so that I can reduce stress and take time to work on my family's health. Everyone have a great day.

 

[toystoryduo]

Sounds like everything is coming together nicely, Lesli!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

Sounds like things are coming together for you. I'm right there with you with the house....trying to do the same thing....slowly, VERY slowly!!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

[toystoryduo]

Happy New Year, Lesli!

I hope you and your family have a healthy and Happy New Year!

 

[goldcupmom]

Happy New Year, Lesli! Hope all is well with you & your family!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the well wishes Traci and Julie.

Well, I didn't make it through the holidays very well. In fact, I gained weight, so today, I have reset my starting weight and will work from there. December was so busy, not only with the holidays but with the store as we got a new cash register system so it took much of my time to help the transition go smoothly. There is still much work that I need to do to get all the reports I need but it will all work out. Also, I finished painting the living room except for one wall (needs 2nd coat) and the trim. I had to quit and decorate for Christmas, which normally would have bothered me but I figured I have to reduce the stress that I put on myself at times. So the painting needs finishing......my living room still cleaned up well for Christmas, was very comfortable and we still enjoyed it, which is what really matters.

DH and I did manage to get the pantry and my office closet repaired, painted, old shelving torn down, and a new shelving systems put up. It took most of a week as I didn't have a lot of help with some of it, that normally would have bothered me, but I just focused on getting it done. Having those closets done has worked wonders for organization around here and my office is feeling more comfortable everyday which has boost my mood considerably. I can finally have all the storage off the floor in my office and easily see the projects that I need to finish. Also, I have been working hard to reorganize where and how I do my work for the store. I am currently not far behind (amazing) and am trying to get more of it done up at the store for a couple of reasons: 1) it gets me out of the house and communicating with people which is good since I no longer have children home during the day, 2) it keeps more paperwork at the store which keeps my home office more managaeable, 3) it has allowed me to take on other responsiblities in the business which is great for staying productive.

Overall, my stress is much reduced, I am getting more help from the family to do certain tasks. Partly because things are more organized, I think. Hey, whatever works. Also, I am trying to focus on making my family healthier. So now I am asking myself AGAIN why I am not making myself a priority as far as my health goes. I have not been sleeping well and believe that it is mainly due to the extra lbs and poor food choices.

So today, I started entering my food on Fitday.com which was successful for me when I had lost so much weight before. It just helps me keep in mind what I am eating and how much protein vs fat that I am getting. I love the fact that the site has really updated and there is so much more that you can track and see with just a free account. Now I don't have to track my measurements on another program, which I had to do in the past. Which reminds me that I better take those today and input them.

Yes, I keep thinking that I don't have time to focus on this, but then if I just keep delaying it, when will I ever have time? Besides, if I am reducing stress and putting a big focus on better organizing my home or getting it finished so that it is comfortable, then I truly do and will have more time to fit in weight loss. It's a lifestyle change, right? Also, I have proven to myself that I will have more time to get things done since I am already ahead on some things (ie. taxes) and am getting more things done as they come through the door (ie. valentines cards ready to go for DS6 which have been done for a week, permission slips, etc.). I am starting to recognize myself again mentally, now I need to recognize myself again physically. In a few months, I will be 42, so I think it is time to get to know myself again before I can't remember who I am or who I was.

Food plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/mushrooms & cheese, 1 c milk, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - small bannana (almost forgot to eat it)
Lunch - salad w/turkey, craisins, almonds, and ceaser dressing (light on the dressing)
PM snack - 3-4 saltines w/pb
Supper - homemade pizza, very thin crust w/ peppers, onions, ham, pepperoni and 6oz can of orange pop

Goals for the day:
1. drink milk
2. 60 oz water (already on a good start)
3. exercise for 30 minutes (15 minute breaks x 2)
4. No eating after 8pm

Looks like a good start. Next to update my goals. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Well, since I wrote back in November, I am almost back to my heaviest and it scares me that I can cross the line. The other thing that scares me to death is what I am doing to my health, such as putting myself at risk for diabetes or permanently disabling myself because the extra weight on my bad knee is taking its toll. Somedays the knee is fine, but others I have more problems and I can't help but think that it could be greatly alleviated through weight loss and exercise.

After reveiwing my November evaluation, I have found that I still need to address these issues.

What I know from the past and need to implement:
1. I need to go to bed by 10:30 to stop the late night eating and keep myself from making poor food choices the next day.
2. I need to eat my AM snack to keep the afternoon munchies away.
3. I need to plan my meals in advance in order to keep the "quick fix, processed, high salt" meals from occuring.
4. I need to add milk to my diet and more water. (both have been lacking)
5. I need to exercise in the morning before everyone gets up or I reduce my chance of exercising for the day.
6. I need the support of my WISH friends to help get me through to the end.

Things I need to remember:
1. I love to eat healthy great tasting food more than I love the taste of the junk foods. (It also makes me feel better mentally)
2. Moving more makes the scales move.
3. Weight loss is a project taken in stages.
4. I don't have to feel guilty when I slip, I just have to move on.

Things I would like to see change:
1. Feel more rested.
2. Feel less overwhelmed and therefore calmer.
3. Being able to fit into my winter clothes and look decent.
4. Fewer aches and pains.
5. Better portion control.
6. Staying upbeat, not hard, but not easy with the daily news of the economy.

Things I will work on this month:
1. EXERCISE. It has been lacking.
2. Planning meals and preparing some to freeze for nights when I don't have time to cook (or don't want to).

So today I will begin changing my lifestyle. I am starting at 227lbs. My overall goal is to get to 150lbs, that's 77 lbs to lose, but I am willing to do it slowly and in steps.

These are the goals that I would like to meet at various landmarks. I will look at them and adjust them as needed, but consider them as small projects instead of one large goal.
1. 2.5lbs lost by Valentine's Day
2. 17.5lbs lost by Easter (beginning of April)
3. 30 lbs lost by my 42nd Birthday (beginning May, under 200!)
4. 50 lbs lost by Vacation (late June, don't know where)
5. 55 lbs lost by my DD21s Birthday (mid July)
6. 65 lbs lost by my Anniversary (mid Aug, low 160's, ooh la la!)
7. 77 lbs lost by DD11's Birthday (end of Sept) Hit the goal!

I have set little "rewards" for each 5 lbs. lost. The first 5 is an appt for a lasik eye consult for possible surgery (It would be great to ditch the glasses). The next 5, is facial, which I have never had.

I can do this. I have done been half way to my goal before and I can make it to the end this time. There is no reason why I have to carry on some of the same problems that face some family members in my family. On to a better me that will last a lifetime!

 

[Lesli54]

2 lbs down! I think most of that is from all the water that I drank yesterday, but I will take it.

Yesterday went pretty well and for the most part, I did stay on track with my food plan. Lunch ended up being mashed potaotes, 1/2 a minute steak and mushroom gravy since I had that left over and didn't get up to the store sooner to pick up some dressing for my planned salad. It wasn't a planned choice, but at least it was homemade, which is healthier than other things that I could have chosen. Also, I did have chips (finished off what was left in the bag, about 1 1/2 cups). That got me off track big time and I struggled to get myself back on track. After I popped about 5 cashews into my mouth, I realized that I had to stop grazing and needed to stop myself before I allowed myself to be defeated. I swear we are our own worst enemies at times. The rest of the food plan was as planned (cut down the crackers and pb to 2) and in the evening, I felt like snacking so I grabbed 2 large strawberries. Fortunately, that solved the problem and at least was healthy. Water was at 64 oz.! That is the best I have had in months.

I didn't get in the dedicated exercise but I did move at a brisk pace when I was up and a few times danced around on my way somewhere in the house. It at least got me moving more and helps to keep up the good mood. The strawberries, I had were shortly after 8pm, but all of my other goals were met. The best part was that I felt very tired at 11pm and shortly there after I decided to go to bed which is much earlier than I have been doing. I really feel more rested today. Oh, I also ended up taking a about a 20 minute nap in the afternoon since I really was tired. Hopefully, I can get all of this turned around.

So even though I had a few more calories than planned yesterday, I rejoice in the fact that I managed to get back on track. I was tempted to take the easy way out and pop in frozen pizzas, but I didn't. It was not only healthier to make them but the kids had fun helping me and that was very good for the spirit as well.

Today's food plan:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/ mushrooms, gr peppers, onions, and little cheese; 4 strawberries, 1 c 1% milk, 1/2 c grapefruit juice, and 1 c tea (allot of liquid but I really wanted the grapefruit juice)
AM snack - 4 saltines & pb
Lunch - tuna rollup, carrots, celery
PM snack - banana
Supper - Lazagna & salad

Today's goals:
1. water = 60 oz
2. Exercise = 15 min (dedicated, maybe some dancing to Billy Joel, have to start somewhere)
3. No eating after 8pm

Last night when I made pizza, I cut a few extra gr peppers & onions and put them in the fridge which made it easier to fix a very tasty breakfast this morning. I will have to keep in mind some of these little tricks.

Most of the day will be filled with bookwork and catching up on a few more things here and there. DD11 is having a sleepover tonight so I am sure to hear girls giggling all night. Soon it will be time for DS6 to start having sleepovers, they sure do grow up fast. Well, off to start my day! Everyone have a wonderful weekend!

 

[goldcupmom]

Hope you got a little sleep last night! giggling girls!!!

Glad you are back & in control again. It is such a hard journey!!

for a good weekend!!