Lesli's Live Long and Strong WISH Journal

[Lesli54]

Yes, it is amazing what sleep deprivation can do to a person. But most of us go around not even realizing it.

Yesterday went fairly well even though my food wasn't completely according to plan. Again, I worked through the AM snack. You think I would learn. For lunch I had 1 brat w/ bun, but didn't grab a salad before I went. I really thought about eating two brats, but I wasn't overly hungry and I was afraid that if I don't learn to control myself at the cookout then all will be lost for the summer. I can do this, right? I had a couple of Pringles.....I know.....bad......but thank God the Pringles company has saved me! They changed the formula and the chips taste horrible, they are really bad. It wasn't just me, we had other people try them. Now if all chip companys did the same, we would all be thin.

When I got home, I had 3 sm slices of hard cheese and 6 baby carrots. I needed to save myself from the snacks at the workshop. The stamping workshop was fun, a great get away for a few hours. I did eat 2 crackers with a little cheese spread. Fortunately, I didn't care for the spread. But I did remember to grab the banana and ate it on the way home. So far, so good. Then I was having trouble figuring out supper (gotta make those plans) and it's always late on Sat so I ate 6 crackers with hard cheese & 2 slices ham.....then a handful of cheetos, which are now out of the house. DH decided he wanted to get Subway. I had a 6" chicken tereyaki (yes, with the sweet onion sauce ), but loaded cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes on, so all was not lost. Did fine after we got home until DH made popcorn that made the whole house smell buttery. Didn't eat the popcorn, but ate 2 GS cookies, of which my favorite is almost gone, thank you!

Who knew there was so many feelings associated with food? Then to top it off, I have figured out my major problem.......well let's say, it was one of those signs that slap you upside the head. The "okay God, I got the message" signs. The problem? I am a perfectionist (which I knew), sometimes to the point that I procrastinate because I want everything to be just right (didn't know that). Sounds strange. And it's not that lady on Desperate Housewives thing, that would drive me nuts. But I am researching how to get better organized with my genealogy paperwork (so much paper and so much cross referencing that it can be mind boggling). When up pops the signs of procratination caused by perfectionism! Yes, I have always wanted things just right and fortunately do most things really well. I never procrastinated when I was younger, but I find that as I get older and have more to do (taking care of a family, work, etc.), I tend to put more off. Why is that? Well here is my answer:

Signs of perfectionist tendencies:
1. If you don't think you have enough time to finish a project, you won't start it. (I do this alot. Look at the big picture and hopeful end result, amout of time it will take. Don't look at it in small steps.)
2. If you don't have ALL necessarey supplies, you won't start a project. (True. I am now buying stamps so that WHEN I get the chance to scrapbook my many pictures, I have everyting I need. My genealogy filing system needs help, but I think I need to get ALL the supplies before helping it.)
3. You thoroughly research every possible way to accomplish a project before starting. (Oh how true. Guess I am always looking for ways to get the results I want, without trial and error. Looking for ways to cut down the project time. See #1)

All of these things lead to procrastination over time. Of course, the key here is to just get in and break up everything into small steps. Just get the projects started and remember that I don't always have to have it done ASAP. The work will still be there in the morning if I don't finish. Over time the project load will be smaller if I just start working on things a little at a time now.

So I was thinking, this is a big key in my problem with losing weight. I want it to happen quickly, even though I know better. If I am not getting results fast enough, I figure I don't have time to see it to the end. I have read things about losing weight and you would think that I would know they all say the same thing......eat right and exercise. If my kitchen isn't well stocked, I figure it is a license to nibble on other things as long as I don't over do it. I think I need all the equipment to exercise, if there isn't time to exercise I don't........The list goes on. I wonder how many others have this problem?

So today, I am going to begin rethinking and trying to retrain myself. After all, I am building a new lifestyle, one that will support my healthy habits. It is more than time to just start doing and look at everything as a small step in the master plan.

Self awareness sure can be painful .........but this will keep me busy and away from the food.

 

[Lesli54]

I must bore people with what I write. It is always so long. But I started the journal to learn more about my habits so I guess it doesn't matter.

Breakfast: 1 slice 7 grain toast w/ smidge butter (just to soften) & 2 thin slices ham (made a sandwich, very tasty), 1 yogurt, 1/2 c. grapefruit juice (ran out)
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: ? (I will be out and about, but will look for nutrition and sm portion)
PM snack: strawberry & banana smoothie
Supper: ? (I will plan when I get back home, need a good meal, it's DH's incentive not to munch all day at work)

Between DH and I we have lost about 13-14 lbs! I actually feel closer to him when we hug. How great is that?

Goals for day:
1. Exercise for minimum of 45 minutes
2. Shopping for prom shoes & accessories (may be lots of walking)
3. Plan the weeks menu
4. Get to bed by 10:30 (I did last night and I feel much better)

Later I will post my month's accomplishments. I have been at this for 1 month now! Doesn't seem like it. Anyway, I liked how Pearlieq posted her month's progress and I think I will do something similar to remind myself why I need to keep going.

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

I, for one, don't find your journal boring. It's very interesting and insightful!

I think you've hit upon the perfect solution--let's contact the Girl Scout bakers, the Ruffles people, and the Ho-hos people and have them all reformulate thier products so they taste icky. We'd be supermodels in no time!! The same thing actually happened to me with Cheddar Cheese Chex Mix--it used to be I couldn't get enough of the stuff, but since they "improved" it, I can't stand the taste. Yay for us, I guess!

Very interesting thoughts on perfectionism and procrastinating. I agree that it's really hard to take the long view for weight loss--it's so much easier when our efforts are reinforced with immediate, big losses. Still, despite the "growing pains" it sounds like you're becoming more accepting of yourself and what your new lifestyle is going to be.

Congrats to you and DH on your losses!!! That's awesome! I can't wait to read your reflections and accomplishments for the months!

Yay to you for sticking with it!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Today, it has been one month since I decided to take the WISH challenge and begin journaling. (Actually took the challenge on the 9th, but it was late, so the 10th is when journaling and breaking old habits began.)

There have been times when I thought I wasn't doing so well, but looking back, I have done better than I realized.

What I know now:
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 exercise in the morning before everyone gets up or I reduce my chance of exercising for the day.
5. I gained most of the weight that I started this program with through pregnancies, but kept it on through procrastination. (Not that I am lazy, but I have ignored alot.)
6. I need a support group to help get me through to the end. (Glad I am here at WISH!)

Things I have learned:
1. I love to eat healthy great tasting food more than I love the taste of the junk foods.
2. I should always take my water with me.
3. I need to move more to get the scale to move.
4. I need to take weight loss and all other pending projects in stages to reduce procrastination and to control the perfectionist tendencies.
5. It really is possible to drink almost 90oz. of water a day, enjoy it, AND NOT FEEL LIKE A CAMEL!
6. I don't have to feel guilty when I slip, I just have to move on.

Things that changed:
1. I am more rested.
2. I am less overwhelmed and therefore calmer.
3. I take vitamins everyday.
4. My clothes are getting looser.
5. My feet don't hurt constantly.
6. I eat very little junk, now.
7. I don't eat all day and my portions are well controled.
8. I have some great new friends.
9. I need to keep a positive attitude for this to work well.

Things I still need to work on:
1. EXERCISE. I need more of it, this has been lacking.
2. I need to prepare some meals and freeze for nights when I don't have time to cook (or don't want to).
3. I need to take time to plan an actual menu.
4. I need to keep my fridge and cupboards better stocked.

So today is the start of my second month. I started at 230lbs. and now weigh 222.5 lbs. for a total of 7.5 lbs gone. It's not a HUGE loss, but it is a good one and I have changed and learned much on the way.

I have revised my original goals to reflect my weight loss (It looks better, now)
1. 12.5lbs lost by DD17 HS graduation and trip to England (mid May)
3. 22.5lbs lost by trip to WDW (early June)
4. 42.5lbs lost by anniversary (mid Aug)
5. 57.5lbs lost by trip to Atlanta (early Oct)
6. 72.5lbs lost by Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hit the goal!!!!!!!!!!!

I have set little "rewards" for each 5 lbs. lost. The first 5 was a new hair cut and the next five is teeth whitening (already scheduled and will happen when I have lost a lot more, but it's still a reward). I am not sure what I will do for the third 5, but I will work on it.

I have had a great time at WISH and am looking forward to writing my revelations again in another month.

 

[pearlieq]

Awesome! You've worked so hard and come so far!!! It sounds like you've learned a lot and have really embraced this as your new lifestyle.

Keep up the great work! I know you can do it!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Another 1 bites the dust! I am down 1 more lb. so you can change all my new goals to 1 lb less! This week, I just know I will get that 10 lb clippie. It sure does sound much better to say that I want to lose 11.5 lbs by the time DD17 graduates than the original 20. Looking at smaller goals sure does go along way in succeeding.

Yesterday was a good day. Amazingly enough, DD17 and I were able to find shoes and accessories to match her prom dress. Did she go with an easy to find color? No, not her. We had to match to a sheer gold (not bright) laid over a cream color. It is very elegant and definitely Red Carpet. We were in luck (after many stores) to find shoes & a purse that almost match exactly. She modeled last night and it was gorgeous. Ahhhhh, my oldest is growing up.

Lunch ended up at home since we hadn't left yet. I had a 4" ham sandwich with lettuce and mustard. Needless to say we were gone during the PM snack and I treated us to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Yes, it is not healthy and I did eat two, but I have been so good with candy. It was much better than the ice cream treat I was comtemplating. Supper was salad, grilled veggies (potatoe, carrots, & oninon) and a sm T-bone steak. I ate a little too much steak, but it was so good. After supper DH, the two youngest, and I went on a 25 minute walk. I am hoping we can do this on most nights.

Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg, 1 slice 7 grain w/ jelly, 1 banana, 1 c. milk, 1 c. tea.
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: salad, 2.5 oz steak (leftovers), 1 serving grilled veggies
PM snack: smoothie
Supper: ? I have to think of something that I can eat before everyone else, as I have 1 meeting and 1 training to check in on. 3 hrs out the door.

Today's Goals:
1. Exercise. I did 10 minutes of a new Taebo session and that was tough, it will take time to get that one done. Am shooting for another 50 minutes today.
2. To do list. I figure if I break up all my projects into small tasks with deadlines, then I will be caught up in no time. A great way to stay busy.
3. Work on tomorrow's menu.

It is a very beautiful morning and I think it is time to go enjoy it!

 

[pettyone]

Another 1 bites the dust! I am down 1 more lb. so you can change all my new goals to 1 lb less! This week, I just know I will get that 10 lb clippie. It sure does sound much better to say that I want to lose 11.5 lbs by the time DD17 graduates than the original 20. Looking at smaller goals sure does go along way in succeeding.

I'm so tickled for you!! You are on fire!! I think that the 10lb. clippie will be quite happy in it's new home!!

I'm glad that you & DD were able to successfully accessorize for the prom! I'm looking forward to those challenges with DD, who is 4...right now, she isn't a clothes shopper (loves to shop for toys)...actually, I have so much fun buying her clothes that I will probably be devastated when she won't allow it anymore...

Have a great week!!

Have a super week!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Check it out!! I have a new clippie! 10 lbs. is gone and I make this solemn oath that I will never weigh over 220 again.

I can hardly believe it, but it is true. I just want to shout it out to everyone! After I get about 3 more lbs. off, I will pack up these pants and ship them out. I might have to buy another pair, but that's okay, since they will only be temporary and a smaller size. Thankfully, the weather is getting nicer so I should be able to fit back into my shorts......or at least I am close. But that too is temporary.

Yesterday was a good day. I stayed busy all day and got quite a few things done. Everything was according to my food plan except, I missed the PM snack altogether. Just got so busy working on things that I lost track of time. Also, the Cheetos managed to get back in the house (just a small bag that DH brought home for DS) and I had a handful. I mad taco salad for supper, but unfortunately, I had to go check in on a training that I set up so I didn't eat with the family. I didn't get a chance to eat until 9:30pm. That concerned me a little since it was after 7, but given the fact that I was good all day, it obviously didn't hurt me as much as it would have in the "before".

Exercising didn't really happen, but I was on a constant move so hopefully that helped some. I really need to buckle down and get some exercising done. Everything else is coming along, but this still needs work.

Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg, 1 slcie 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c. milk, 1 c. watermelon, 1 c. hot tea
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: taco salad
PM snack: smoothie (I will try not to work through this snack)
Supper: Rotisserie chicken, asparagus, corn on cob

Goals for day:
1. Exercise (make the time)
2. stay busy and OP
3. See if I can get a jump start on tomorrow's work (would be great)

I can't help being excited today! I only have 10 lbs. until I reach my goal for DD17's graduation. You know what? I already know how to lose 10 lbs. so I think that I will actually reach my goal! My shirts are hanging the way they should and I am not constantly pulling them down. I have a feeling, that I will like being another 10 lighter. Ooh, I better figure out what my reward is for the next 5 gone. Hmmmm.

Well, time to get busy and conquer the day!

 

[pearlieq]

Oh my goodness! That's awesome!!! Your new clippie looks great on you!!!

Congrats to you! You've worked so hard! Great job!

Isn't it great to have the "shirt problem" fixed? It is so annoying to constantly be pulling down/fixing/rearranging your shirt! It's so nice when that's done! It will be time for your own packing party so soon!

You should definitely come up with a cool reward for this 5lbs. You earned it!

Enjoy this rainy, rainy day!

 

[pettyone]

Check it out!! I have a new clippie! 10 lbs. is gone and I make this solemn oath that I will never weigh over 220 again.

I am envious of that clippie...mighty nice, indeed!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Here's to a packing party soon ...........as long as I don't keep doing what I did yesterday.

It started out good, but low and behold, I missed that AM snack. You think I would learn. It was okay until sometime after lunch when I saw the cinnamon Life cereal and took a handful to see if I liked it. Then I ate 6 crackers and 6 sm slices hard cheese. Not bad, but not better than the smoothie I had planned. Then no one was really hungry for supper so I made breakfast, thinking that it was lighter than chicken and 2 veggies. Now how stupid is that? I ate 2 sm pancakes dipped in syrup (I don't like tons of syrup), 1 scrambled egg, and 2 1/2 slices of bacon. Could have been much worse, but this was not at all what I had planned. Then for some reason (must have been all the popcorn DH keeps insisting on making), I had a sm bowl of that Life cereal at 9:30 at night! It was fine until the crunch left in 30 seconds and I should have thrown it out, but didn't. Needless to say, I slept horribly last night.........this is why I gave up late night eating. Also, when I went to bed, my stomach was full and I kind of felt sick lying there with a full stomach. That is not happening again.

Part of my problem yesterday, I think, was the fact that I was at the computer for too long. I spent alot of time researching our upcoming trip to London so that I can work out final plans. I did very little of the work I had planned. Working on travel plans is not so bad, but I need to remember to get up and away from the computer on those days. I need to remember to throw in some other small tasks in order to break up the monotony. Maybe it was the icky, cold day we had yesterday. Kind of zapped the mood of moving around. Of course, I will let this go and move on. However, that means today I have a lot more to get done. Too many year end GS things happening this week, but after Sunday, much of the GS work that I am doing now will slow down a little.

Breakfast: 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 2 slices lean ham, 1 yogurt, 1 c. grapefruit juice, 1 c. hot tea
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: salad
PM snack: smoothie
Suppper: The chicken and veggies I had planned last night

Goals for day:
1. stick with "to do" list and stay focused
2. exercise
3. stick with the food plan, don't let my family derail
4. take scheduled breaks to dance and move and work on other small tasks.

Why do we have to constantly remind ourselves of the things we already know?

Here's to a better day.

 

[goldcupmom]

Sounds like today will be a better day for you. Hopefully for me, too! Once you break the pattern, it's hard to get back.

Have a good day!

London sounds wonderful! My Brother & wife just got back from a long weekend there.

 

[pearlieq]

At least we have a much more cheerful day today!

Sorry to hear yesterday got off track, but it doesn't sound like it was too bad. Today is another day...

Sounds like that AM snack is really critical for you. Make sure you get a good one today!

Sending for a great day!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Lesli

I am finding that AM snack really helps me, too. I hope today is better Your trip to London sounds wonderful

Sunny

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks guys for the support. You are all AWESOME!

This has to be quick today (everyone is probably thinking, Thank God!).

Yesterday was a great day. I managed to get quite a bit knocked off my list and am almost back on track. Lunch was taco salad, but I didn't finish it all, had that full feeling coming on. Oh yeah, I did get the AM snack and threw in a small piece of cheese with the veggies. I did get my smoothie! Supper..........well.....the older DD's went out to eat before church youth night and so it was just DH, myself and the two little ones. DH brought home KFC. But I did good. I ate a chicken breast, got rid of most the skin, and had a very small helping of potatoes and gravy. It was enough to fill me so I quit. No munchies, no late nights, nothing overly bad. See it is all in the AM snack. Some exercise, not enough.

Lot's to do today. We have a GS ceremony tonight and I have a lot to get ready. DD17 is being recognized for her Gold Award and she is flying up to Adult. DD15 is bridging to her last 3 yrs. and being recognized for her 10 yr award. Then there are all the leaders I have to thank, etc. Busy, Busy, Busy.

Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg, 1 slice whole wheat toast w/ jelly, 1 c. milk, 1 c. grapefruit juice, 1/2 c. hot tea.
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: salad w/ maybe a 1/2 sandwich
PM snack: yogurt
Supper: supposed to be pizza night, but with the other going on, I will have to think about it.

Goals for day:
1. More exercise. Did some this morning.
2. Stay OP and stay moving.
3. Relax after the ceremony and enjoy all that was accomplished. (It's been a long GS year and this is the official end for most in town.)

Gotta go. Have to get DD15 to an ortho appt. Will catch up with everyone later. Have a great day!

 

[Clare]

Lesli,
I have really enjoyed reading your journal. I am amazed at how detailed you are.....you are really, really dedicated! I'm very impressed. Being as busy as you are makes it even more impressive!

Keep up the good work!

 

[pearlieq]

Congrats to you DD on her Gold award--that's so impressive! So few girls make it that far! You must be so proud!!!

Sounds like you had a great day yesterday--and you finally got your smoothie!

Hope you enjoy the today--I hear it's supposed to warm up for the weekend.

 

[Michelle2]

I had to come and check out your journal Lesli, since you are so kind and post on mine! I think you are doing a great job!
And have a great trip in London, I went there when I was 13, and absolutely fell in love with the place. Hoping someday to be able to take DH maybe even kids there...really educational! And I know what you mean about trip planning mode....I get in those and am at the computer researching and planning ALL day! LOL

 

[Lesli54]

Just trying to relax and enjoy some peace and quite. I have been running all day! But you know it really felt good to be busy, although I wouldn't want this busy every day. My house looks like it threw up on itself. Everything was good until about 3:00pm. The kids came home and threw everything in the kitchen which was a bit neglected as I ran out the door early this morning. DD17 took over my office to finish up her display board for the GS ceremony and that was already getting too cluttered this week. I was in the dining room trying to finish sewing on patches when I got a whole carload of GS stuff dropped off. My town chair is quiting and all the stuff she had is now sitting in my foyer. I don't know where to put it. Then I had a leader drop stuff off. Oh yeah! My dining room table is filled with pictures, because I was trying to sort through and pull out some of DD17 over her 13 yrs in GS. DD15 then made a display board out of those (in my office). This wouldn't be so bad if my sister wasn't coming tomorrow. If it rains she won't be here, but I don't think it will. Her DH is doing some roof work for the store.

So can you tell what I am doing tomorrow? At least cleaning is good exercise.

The ceremony went well and I almost made it through without a problem. I was giving a speech about DD17's 13 yrs in GS and almost made it to the end, but then I choked. I made the other leader's cry. But I recompossed and was able to finish the last two lines. It is hard to be your daughter's leader at times, but I wouldn't have changed it for the world and I am really proud of her.

I did well with my meals until the afternoon. For lunch I had a sm bowl of salad and a 1/2 turkey sandwich. I missed the PM snack, too busy. Kids ate hotdogs before we left and I just didn't get a chance to grab anything to eat. I didn't have any ice cream and really it wasn't all that appealing, but I did eat one cookie. Got home late and had 1 mozzerella stick (fried) and 3 bites of pizza. I just wasn't hungry, but thought I better have something, because I ate very little today, so I had a sm bowl of Kix cereal.

I will probably pay for it with some weight gain that isn't real, but what do you do? At least this isn't a norm.

I better get some sleep.

 

[pearlieq]

Wow! What a day! Sounds like you did a good job keeping your head above water and looking out for yourself.

Happy Friday!!! Don't spend the whole day cleaning! Get out and enjoy the !!