Lulu201's Healthy Living Journal--Just trying my best to walk the walk! Come on by!

[lulu201]

Wow. What a blessing to come to the WISH this morning and to read these visits from MeMe and Doreen. You guys are heaven sent, that's for sure. Oh, and Doreen, thanks to you, I won't cringe in that mirror today.l

It's only 8:45 and already I'm facing challenges! DD and I were up at 5:30 and out the door at 6:30 to make sure we got to her school visit in a timely, nonstressful manner. She's nervous but excited and really seemed happy to be there. . .we'll see how it goes, though. She's got to experience all this knowing that we believe in her ability to choose the situation that's best for her. All I can say as a mom, however, is that the vibe that I got from just my few minutes there was awesome. The girls came us to us and asked if we needed direction, others said "hello," and another complimented DD on her skirt. Trust me when I say that that would never happen in her current school in a million years. So no challenges, there. The real challenge is that I'm showered, dressed, and ready to take on the day and have no desire to change and get on the treadie or walk for an hour. I know I've got to exercise, though, so I think I'm going to exchange my Monday plan for Tuesday's plan and do 30 minutes--2 miles. That allows me to get my smilie, but also takes into account this morning's change of routine. Who knows, though, maybe I'll do the 60 minutes instead, once I get started.

Here's the plan:

1. Devotions--haven't done this yet today, though I have spent some time in prayer. Please know that my WISH buddies are in those prayers. MeMe and Doreen, you're especially in my heart as you deal with the challenges you face.
2. Vitamins--haven't had these yet. Just didn't have time in the morning's excitement.
3. Water--again, I haven't had any yet, but I'm going to in a minute.
4. Exercise--I'll accomplish something.
5. Food--breakfast was as planned, but I did have some extra coffee. Total so far:6.5
6. Scale-- Faced that nasty thing: 182.

My biggest challenge this weekend will be my visit to my mom. I'm going to have to really have the right mindset to pull off healthy eating while traveling. Still, I recognize it as a challenge and am willing to face it head on.

Here I go: Looking Upward, moving onward with the help of my friends.

Erin

Edit #1: had my yogurt and almonds and 1/2 cup skim milk (in a homemade )decaf hazelnut latte. Figured out the points for the almonds wrong yesterday; the whole snack cost me 7. Total so far for today: 13.5
Read my devotions , but still haven't had my vitamins. Had 16 oz. of water. Have to go push that. I'm headed out the door for my two miler!

Edit #2: Found my point calculator and Refigured those almonds and breakfast w/appropriate fiber count and I'm back to 11.5! Have had 3 glasses of water and the vitamins and my 2 miles. Soon DH and I will join DD for school interview and then maybe dinner out afterwards? Uh-oh. . .how will I deal? I forgot to figure this out! Now if I have a piece of fruit for a snack around 2, that'll leave me 11.5 for dinner. Hmmm, that's workable. Not the original plan, but that's the challenge of the game: how do I stay ON when it's easier to go OFF when plans must change?!

I'm going for those 6 guys!

E.

 

[septbride2002]

[I]Guess who's back!
Back Again!
Erin's back!
Tell your friends!
Guess who's back Guess who's back Guess who's back![/I]
Somehow I'm thinking that you are not a Enimen fan, but while I was reading your post today this song popped in my head.

Erin I love that you are recommitting and you sound so strong while doing it. Your exercise program looks fantastic, your menu is making my stomach growl, and your desire is more evident then ever.

I know you are going to succeed and whenever you start feeling down repeat this, "I CAN DO THIS!"

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Thanks, Amanda, for that song. I'm not feeling that strong at the moment, but I do feel "back."

One thing that my friend at church said to me yesterday was that she'd seen a family member who'd lost an incredible amount of weight and then gained it all back and more. (Boy, could I relate to that woman!) Anyway, Laura (my friend) said this cousin or whatever looked her straight in the eye and said, "it's going to happen to you, too. You're not going to notice it much at first. It'll be 5 pounds or 8 pounds--nothing you can't manage--and you'll let it go. Then before you know it, you'll accept another 5 and then another 5 and before you know it, you'll find yourself right back where you started." And that, my friends, IS THE STORY OF MY LIFE!!!! That has happened to me countless times, and as Laura told this story, I thought, "I've got to stop this right now!"

MeMe talked about going back to what worked, so let me think about what worked for me:

1. Journaling morning and night worked. To lose the weight I have to have a high level of focus.

2. Counting points works for me.

3. Exercising 5-6 times a week works for me.

4. Having goals and celebrating those with clippies helps me.

5. Entering WISH challenges SOMETIMES helps me.

6. Keeping track of my stats works for me.

7. Knowing people are watching and holding me accountable helps me.

8. Having an item of clothing I want to wear and hanging at the front of the closet helps me.

9. Drinking that water works for me.

So, with those things in mind, I'll be back before I go to bed tonight. I want to get a clippie in my siggie! I'm going to get my pink capri pants and put them on the front door of our closet! I'm going to keep track of my stats from now until the end of June! I'm going to know that my WISH buddies are checking on me and helping me to succeed! Here I go!

E.

 

[Auntmeme]

Wahoo Erin - 2 miles already I like your points that worked and will write mine as well. I'm copying your hang on item in sight, hmm which one?

Have a marvelous monday! looking for all those smiles!

Maryellen

 

[lulu201]

Uh-huh, I did it, uh-huh, I did it! I earned for my efforts yesterday and I'm ready to try again today!

Today's plan:

1. Devotions
2. Vitamins
3. Water--about 8 oz. done and 56 to go!
4. Exercise--I'm headed out to walk/run 2.3 miles.
5. Food--Breakfast was 1/2 eng. muffin (1), 1 tbsp. pb (2), coffee w/ 1/2 and 1/2 (1), and half a banana (1)=5. Snack will be yogurt and almonds (5). Lunch will be tuna, crackers, and a glass of milk (7). Dinner will be spaghetti (12) or a salad at Saladworks (?).

I hope to pop in and write more later. . .

Erin

Edit #1: OK, I'll admit it. . .I'm not feeling so gung ho right about now. I changed lunch into a buffalo chicken salad , but am still counting the points. I've had more water, so that's good, but I've bagged the exercise for today. I'm tired. I walked Sat., Sun., and Mon., and today I just don't want to do it. That's not good to admit on day TWO of recommitment now, is it? I've been doing tons of laundry, working out DDs new school stuff (looks like she's going to go ), and I just didn't feel like walking on this gray day.
I'm going to be strong and hang on to the other 5 , though. I CAN DO THIS!

Edit #2: You know, Amanda, I did walk Mickey today. That's only .5 mile, but I did make him run with me. I won't count it for my , but I least I did move my bum a little! I didn't have any snacks this afternoon. DD and I went to Saladworks and I had my usual chicken salad, wheat roll, and 1/2 a cookie. OK, I know I said I wasn't going to have any sweets until Sunday, but this 1/2 a cookie was all right. As long as I'm not dipping into my "teacher treat jar" on the piano and other goodies, I'm feeling in control of the situation. No other sweets, though, 'til Sunday; I'm sticking with that.

No other food for today; I'm calling it a night and this a day!

Tomorrow's plan:

1-3 same as always.
4. 2 miles on the treadie
5. Food--meeting a friend for breakfast. I think I'll have two eggs, rye toast, and coffee. Yogurt and almonds for lunch. Apple for snack. Dinner will be my soup and crackers that I missed on Monday night.
6. the usual.

I'll be back tomorrow!
E.

 

[septbride2002]

"I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it! I"m about to lose control and I think I like it!"

Of course - you are not going to lose control are you Erin? You are reclaiming control over your life - doesn't it feel great?

Great job yesterday with your They look so nice in your journal this morning. Your menu today looks yummy. You may want to add a low point snack between lunch and dinner. Maybe some celery sticks or an apple. Something to fill you but not send your blood sugar into overdrive.

Did you walk Mickey this morning?

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Geesh, I'm missing the sun today! We have to have the rain, though, so bring it on. We'll make our own now, won't we, WISH buddies?

I'm here and ready to start a new healthy living day. Today I'm going for those 6 yellow guys!

1. Devotions "And I will thank Him with my song."
2. Vitamins
3. Water--working on my 2nd glass
4. Exercise--will do that treadie walk
5. Food--the plan from last night
6. Scale--holding at 179. Two pounds to my 1st clippie!

Off to get things done!
Erin

Edit #1:
It IS a day! Everyone's stopping by to say hello! I love it! Hi, Jen! Hi, Tracy! Hi, Doreen and Amanda! I'm enjoying my 4th glass of water; it's quite refreshing after my 2 mile treadie walk. I tried to walk outside (like I posted below), but it started to rain again, so I headed inside. Breakfast was a delicious feast of a two egg broccoli and cheese omelette, home fries (not greasy, I promise), rye toast and decaf. It was good to see my friend and share some . Now I'm getting dressed and heading to work. Life is much better balanced when I'm not teaching a.m. classes, I think. I have time to clean, time to exercise, time to see friends. . .too bad I need to make more money! Still, I can't complain. . .my summer schedule is more manageable. Tomorrow's my last morning at the preschool until fall, btw--my last long Thursday!

Tonight DD has her last spring concert. It'll be bittersweet, I'm sure. 9th grade is starting to wind down now.

Time for me to refocus and get to work.
E.

 

[septbride2002]

Erin we need to change the way you think.

Edit #1: OK, I'll admit it. . .I'm not feeling so gung ho right about now. I changed lunch into a buffalo chicken salad , but am still counting the points. I've had more water, so that's good, but I've bagged the exercise for today. I'm tired. I walked Sat., Sun., and Mon., and today I just don't want to do it. That's not good to admit on day TWO of recommitment now, is it? I've been doing tons of laundry, working out DDs new school stuff (looks like she's going to go ), and I just didn't feel like walking on this gray day.
I'm going to be strong and hang on to the other 5 , though. I CAN DO THIS!

Instead of saying you are bagging the exercise say to yourself - I walked Sat, Sun, and Mon, I am going to give myself a rest day. My body is feeling the strain from the exercise and needs to give itself a day to recoup. I walked Mickey this morning for .5 miles and that is more then the average american does. My recommitment is strong and I need to alter the expectations for myself today. I am going to make a plan for tomorrow and stick to it.



I'm sending the sunshine in St. Louis to you so that you'll do your walking today. Your menu looks good, especially the soup. There is nothing better then soup on a rainy day. Keep smiling, keep your head high, and know that you can do this!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Yes, Erin, you CAN do this!! I like Amanda's note to you. You're not "bagging" exercise when you've walked 3 days in a row and your body is needing some rest time. You are honoring your body's needs. You are doing just fine!! Now make sure you get on that treadie for your 2 miles today, OK?

I'm so happy for your DD and her plans for next school year!!! I know this means you have some details to work out, but if you take things one step at a time, you'll figure it all out.

I'll be looking for today's smilies in your journal tomorrow morning!! You go, girl!!

 

[lulu201]

Thanks, you guys. Boy, I'm lucky to have friends like you. There's been a break in the weather, so I'm going outside for my two miles instead. See you soon. . .

 

[joelyfaithsmommy]

Hi Erin Just wanted to say I'm new to WISH, but I know your struggle...just keep going...YOU CAN DO IT! Hope to get to know you better in the future!!!!!

Hugs,
Jen

 

[toystoryduo]

Yeah Erin!!!!

You did it! A 6 day!!!!Woohoo! And guess what? I know that you CAN do it again!

I am sending you some from Ohio today! I don't understand where our Spring has gone. It feels more like March than May, but we know that God will provide and warmth for the months ahead.

Take good care of you, Erin and have a blessed day!

 

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

It dropped down into the low forties here, but guess what? Today is sunny and 75. The great weather is on the way.

Congrats on the mega smilie day. You are doing great.

I am so glad to hear that your DD has found a supportive school for next year. That will be a relief for you both. Yeah! Erin only has one more Killer Thursday. You can make it.

Take care,
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

I'm sending Banana Man your way for extra energy on this last long Thursday.

You can make it, sweetie!!

I finally started (OK, REstarted) "Come Thirsty". I think this book will be my relaxing weekend read, my indulgence, my excuse to curl up with the puppy and have some "me" time to read. I hope you have some relaxing plans for this weekend as well. I know you'll be visiting Mom, but hopefully you'll find time to relax too. Often we have to PLAN our relax time - it doesn't just happen on its own. Oh, and pack some healthy snacks for the trip, OK?

Take good care of you today, dear WISH-sis Erin. You know you're worth it!!

 

[lulu201]

OK, I have one second here to write, but I wanted to check in before work, 'cause I can feel this day is going to be shaky. I want to throw my plans to the wind and just cave to the DZone and a long day, but I know that I have to treat myself right!

Yesterday I earned smilies for devotions, vitamins, water, exercise, food, and the scale. I had to make changes in my food plan, but I didn't binge eat and that was good!

Today:

1. Devotions--same as Doreen
2. Vitamins--will run and get them
3. Water--will drink tons in my WW mug--64 oz!
4. Exercise--scheduled rest day, automatic
5. Food--7 points for breakfast. Snack will be yogurt and almonds, lunch will be a salad, dinner will be the soup I didn't have yesterday.
6. Scale--will hop on now, but won't record as I'm dressed and in my shoes!

I'm dragging after a late night at DDs wonderful concert, but I'm and feeling like I'm going to make it through the day. Why? 'Cause of the help of all my WISH friends! Thanks for stopping by, you guys.

Gotta run--
Erin

 

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

You made it through your Terrible Thursday. How did it go? You did great yesterday. I am proud of you.

Just one more day before a long weekend,
Beth

 

[lulu201]

Hey, Beth! Thanks for coming over. My "terrible Thursday" ended up being a really nice, albeit long, day. The preschool in the a.m. was lots of fun (despite my feeling tired), and my students were delightful. I was pooped, of course, by the time I got home at 8:30, but it was that good kind of tired, you know what I mean?

That said, I did medicate my fatigue with food during the day. I'm not proud of that, but I recognize it for what it is, accept it, and am moving on! Here's what I ate: breakfast was that english muffin w/pb and coffee. Snack was yogurt and almonds. Lunch was a chicken parm sandwich. Snack was a soft pretzel. Another snack was a chocolate covered pretzel (I gave in to the dark side of the DZone ). Dinner was some peanuts and then some chicken and cheese taco-like things from the freezer and some milk. Too much stuff and no food for me.

In fact, it wasn't a good smilie day all around. In my haste out the door in the morning, I forgot both the scale and my vitamins! I drank some water, but not enough, so I earned smilies for only devotions and my rest exercise day!

Today's a new day, though. Could we have a cheer for Friday? I'm going to try again today!

Devotions: will do this soon.
Vitamins: will take 'em in a minute.
Water: will start a glass after this
Exercise: walked Mickey for his .5 miler, but I'll get out there and walk 2.3 at the park as soon as I'm done here.
Food: english muffin, OJ, coffee. Lunch will be that tuna I consistently ignore. I don't know what dinner will be. Probably pizza?
Scale: back where I started the week at--182.

TOM is here with its painful baggage. My walk is going to be slow and leisurely, but I'll be out there, and that's something, right?

I'm SO looking forward to the weekend and getting away a bit. I think even DH is excited about a couple of days away! I'm honestly not going to worry too much about eating; I want to play down the sweets and get some extra walking in and then will regroup when I get back.

Going to take that walk now (oh, and drink some water, take the vitamins, read the devotions, etc., etc.! ).

If I don't get back, I hope everyone has a good Memorial Day weekend.
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

*que heavey breathing* You will never be able to resist the Power of the Dark Side *heavy breathing*

Morning Erin! I like your bright and sunny attitude this morning. And you are right we should all be happy that it is Friday Enjoy your long weekend!

~Amanda

 

[Auntmeme]

Sorry we did not get together for a walk. I so tried last nite to post but it took way too long and I had to hit the sack. Anyhow we are just starting our day and I know you are an am person. Maybe next week????

Stay strong and get in that healthy food - I hear tuna calling your name have a wonderful weekend with lots of

 

[DoeWDW]

Hi dear WISH-sis!

I hope you've spent a wonderful weekend relaxing and visiting with your mom.