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

[lulu201]

Thanks for that, Doreen. That's just what I needed to hear!

 

[septbride2002]

Morning Erin! I think we all faced challenges this weekend. What I wouldn't give for a 3+ hour nap. Ooohhhhh....I hope you got some rest in for me!

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Erin!

I hope you have a wonderful day today! Your exercise plan for the week and your food plan for today look great! Taking it step by step will help you accomplish your goals! I know you CAN do it, Erin!

 

[lulu201]

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

I still haven't updated my stats now, have I? I'll try to do this later. Right now, though, I'm celebrating my ! Yesterday I stayed on plan from morning to night! YAY!

Today was weigh-in and I lost a total of 2 lbs. this week, moving my "official"
weight from 183 to 181. HOWEVER, within one week my weight ranged from a high of 184 to a low of 177. What does that kind of yo-yoing to do my body???? This week I'm striving for more consistency (my theme for life ).

I joined the Summer Challenge II this morning and pledged to lose 15 lbs. by Sept. 22nd. I figure if I have total losses of 5 lbs. each in June, July, and August, I should reach my goal by the beginning of fall. That means, though, that I actually have to walk the healthy living walk and not dance on and off the path as I've been doing this past week. I am happy, though, that I had a loss and that I'm feeling more committed to making good health a priority.

The plan for today:

1. Devotions: I read the Upper Room devotional and two Guideposts devotions; all were food for my spirit.
2. Vitamins Took them AND laid out my vitamins for the next week.
3. Water: Have had 10 of 64 oz.
4. Exercise: Walked Mickey. Will walk 2.5 at the park later this morning.
5. Food: 1/2 english muffin w/pb, coffee=3.5/a.m. snack will be yogurt=2/lunch will be something at Taco Bell (I have to research this)/p.m. snack will be veggies/dinner--not sure yet, but DH and I are supposed to go to a choir picnic/dessert will be s.f. jello w/lite whipped topping. As you can see, lots of details to work out.
6. Scale: Official weight of the week: 181

I can feel the stress in my body--details for our music theater camp, my mother-in-law's upcoming surgery, TOM due on Friday--but I know that eating right, exercising, and looking for the positive will make the difference. I'm not walking this walk alone: God is up above and my WISH friends are all around!

Off and into the day:

Erin

Edit #1: Just figured these out for the month of June thus far:

1. Devotions 18/30
2. Vitamins 16/30
3. Water 13/30
4. Exercise 9/30
5. Food 9/30
6. Scale 15/30

Ehh, what can I say? My %s are so good right now, but hey, I can still work on 'em. June's not over yet!

Edit #2: Walked for 30 minutes (about 1.8 miles) , have had 32 oz. of water, and have a plan for lunch and dinner. Lunch will be a chicken burrito supreme at 8.5, and dinner will be a chicken strip salad at 12. Total for day:
26-27 points. 24T + 2AP +and maybe 1 flex.

Edit #3: I've made it through the day on plan. I drank all my water. I'm going to the cookout, though, and I'm a little nervous; I hope by writing my plan to drink only diet soda, I'll be able to stick to it. If any of my WISH friends read this, please send some good vibes for extra strength my way. . .I really want to stay on program! As a reward, if I manage to stay on track, I'll stop by the grocery store on my way home and pick up some lite whipped topping so I can have it with my jello. Wish me luck!

 

[DoeWDW]

GO ERIN! GO ERIN!

6 smilies for you - way to go!!! You sound so positive and sunny today! I just bet you'll have another 6 smilie day!

Your summer challenge goals look good and I'll be cheering you on!

Have a wonderful day today!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Congratulations Erin!!! Another 6 day!!!!! Woohoo! :thewave:

I hope your day is filled with God's blessings!

 

[septbride2002]

6 dancing banana's for Erin!


6 bouncing balls for Erin!



You had such a great day yesterday! I'm proud of you!

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Hey, everybody: it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I'm sorry to say, though , that I flunked last night's challenge. I had all good intent, but after rehearsing for 2 hours with the sweat running down my back and not getting to the cookout 'til 9 p.m. (I was up at 5 yesterday)--I had no will power at all. I ate a cookie, a small slice of pie, a hotdog, and some chips. Yikes!

Still the scale smiled on me this a.m., and I'm holding steady. I'm not tempting fate two days in a row--I'm determined to make this a 6 day.

Here's the plan:

1. Devotions God has the plan laid out. When things don't go like I want them to go, I should be open to the Master's plan (not mine!)
2. Vitamins--today I'm taking them later. They made me nauseaus yesterday.
3. Water--have had one glass
4. Exercise--walked Mickey and did my 2.5 miles.
5. Food--1/2 english muffin (.5), 1 tbsp. homemade strawberry cream cheese (1.5),, and coffee (1). Snack will be yogurt (2). Lunch will be tuna salad and crackers (5.5), p.m. snack will be veggies, apple, and cheese (4). Dinner will be small chicken strip salad (have to figure this one out).
6. Scale-- I was tempted to ignore it this morning, but I'm glad I didn't.

I've got to go pick up Mickey from the Beauty Parlor. I'll try to check back in later and update.

Erin

Edit #1: Funny how a day can turn around on you (see devotions above!). While picking up the dog, I began to have a migraine aura. I came home and took some meds, but I'm feeling kinda yucky. At least I got my walk in.
I've had 3 glasses of water so far and had my small chicken salad w/lite dressing. It was good and only cost me 4.5 points! My a.m. snack was vanilla yogurt with some more strawberries (2.5), so I'm at 10.5 so far today. I still have 13.5 points and 2 AP for the rest of the day. I'll go to work soon--it'll get my mind off my head and the queasiness out of my stomach, I think.

Edit #2: Am up to 4 glasses of water; only 2 more to go. Didn't feel my best today, but then, some days are like that! I had a 4 point snack and 2 mints, so I've got 9 points to spend on dinner when I get home. I'll have my tuna (3), olives (1), lite mayo (.5), 2 slices of wheat bread (2), and some s.f. jello, whipped topping, and skim milk. Should finish out just right!

 

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

am so glad that the scale held steady for you. The important thing is to let go of last night and stick with it today. You have a plan and you can stick with it. for the summer challenge.

Have a great day,
Beth

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, everyone. Today I'm celebrating yesterday's 6 day! I took good care of myself on Wednesday!

Stats updated for the month of June:

1. I've read my devotions 20 out of 22 days.
2. I've taken my vitamins 18 out of 22 days.
3. I've had 6-8 glasses of water 15 out of 22 days.
4. I've exercised 11 out of 22 days.
5. I've eaten in a healthy way 10 out of 22 days.
6. I've faced the scale on 18 out of 22 days.

Here's the plan for Thursday:

1. Devotions: Never be afraid to ask God (in a grand way) for what we think we need. The answer might be "no," but it never hurts to ask!
2. Vitamins: later
3. Water: 64 oz.
4. Exercise: 2 miles and Mickey's stroll
5. Food: Breakfast will be out this morning with DD. Something simple (like raisin bran) so I can stay on plan, 6 pts. tops. Lunch will be a tuna sandwich at 6. Afternoon snack will be an apple with cheese (4). Dinner will be a McDonald's salad at 10. A.M. snack will be a glass of skim milk. Maybe some celery with cream cheese. (3). Total for day: 29/24 T, 2 AP, 3 F.
6. Scale: 179 this a.m.

The ole body's getting ready for the TOM ride. Even with my headaches, I'm hoping to on through.

Today's a day packed with work and fun. DD and I will have a "breakfast meeting" and then head down to the studio early to work on the musical. At 11:30 I have an appointment with a new prospective adult student--a wonderful gentleman from our church. At 12:30 I begin my teaching afternoon and will finish around 7:30-8:00. I have a break in there near dinner, so I'll be able to run out and get my salad. My housework is falling all behind, but that's the way it's got to be right now. It's either fold laundry or take a walk this morning and you know what's gonna win, don't you? Taking care of ME! I do have to say, though, DD and DH have been pulling their weight (except for the folding! And I do appreciate it).

I've made some serious decisions re:work and the career path I'm going to continue to take, and I've decided that 2005-2006 is going to be a transition year. I'm going to "give" my early childhood studio music program to one of our other teacher's on staff by Fall of 2006, and I'm going to focus on keyboard/piano education and marketing. I feel like I was brought to my knees this past spring with headaches, fatigue, stress--after years of trying to do it all and be it all--and it's time for me to carve out a more manageable lifestyle for myself, particularly as I approach mid-life (ahem). DH is totally in support of this, and we both believe that the teacher we've chosen (and who is excited about all this) will bring a creative energy to the project. I, in turn, feel like I'm embarking on a new professional journey and have room to grow. I have an orchid that was given to me by a student--an incredibly beautiful flower. It's just occured to me that that flower has been dormant for the last few months--just a bare stick in a pot. The last month or so it's begun to grow and now has buds on it; that's how I feel now. . .like there is growth and beauty ahead.

Oh man, I'm waxing poetic on a flower and I haven't even finished my coffee yet? Someone tell me to lighten up! Still, I feel like I'm in a good place. . .like there's some green little shoot coming up through the ashes of my burn-out. Uh-oh, there I go again. . .

Time to walk the dog and get into the day. I'll try to get around and visit a few journals. . . to all,

Erin

Edit #1 3:50 p.m.: OK, I'm beginning to feel a little tired here, so I'm going to take a minute and refocus my healthy living goals for this very full day. I forgot my vitamins at home, so I'll have to take them tonight. My walk (which was 30 minutes) was a slow 1.25 mile with my boy Mickey. While it wasn't a fast clip, it was out in the sunshine and it was exercise, so I'll count that for my smilie. I've had about half my water; I'll drink another 32 oz. before I complete my day. The food has been a little iffy, but I haven't lost control. I had 2 blueberry pancakes for breakfast w/some decaf while out with DD. While it wasn't raisin bran, I don't feel like it was unreasonable for a restaurant breakfast. Lunch was 2 mini soft pretzels from the pretzel place next door. Definitely not a healthy choice, but it was only 6 points. I'm leaving to get my salad for dinner, and I'll have some jello w/lite topping when I get home around 8. I'm not sure of the points for the pancakes, but I'm still feeling "on plan" and as long as I stick with my plan for the rest of the day, I'll give myself my food smilie. If I eat candy and binge, though. . .

DD and I got the first chunk of the musical's choreography knocked out today. Hopefully we'll get some more done tomorrow. We're headed to the beach for a "day off," but it's awfully fun to do, so maybe we'll get some time in the a.m. before we hit the road?

Off to McDonalds--
E.

Edit--the last: Oh boy, am I pooped. Carbs are calling my name and I'm wanting to listen, but I'm going to try to be strong. Will I be happy tomorrow morning when I get on the scale if I have a latenight carbfest tonight? No. Will I get closer to my size 10 capri pants if I eat a humungo bowl of cereal? No. Will I get the satisfaction of my 6 day if I eat off plan? No. Will I feel weak and sorry for myself if I give in? Yes. Will I want to continue to eat until I fall asleep? Yes. So, eating when I'm not hungry will not do anything good for me.

SO: I'm going to go take the vitamins I forgot to take this morning, put on my pajamas, and curl up with my puppy-boy.

Score for tonight: Erin=1, Carbs=0

 

[DoeWDW]

You know I love it when you "wax poetic" even if it's before 8 AM. I love the analogy of the orchid. You sound so very hopeful, like you're headed in a new and exciting direction. You've planned the transition wisely, taking time to mentor your other teacher so you both feel confident. You are a wise woman to take stock of what has gone well, what gives you joy, what is reasonable in the way of workload. I'll pray daily that God will guide your steps toward a life that is balanced and fulfilling, a life that energizes you instead of draining you. That's what it's all about, Erin - living a life that is energizing and filled with love and joy.

YAY FOR 6 SMILIES!!!!

You're walking down that healthy living road with confidence, in spite of impending TOM! Bravo!!! Keep on going, step by step, day by day!

With love and wishes for your continued success!!
Your WISH-sis

 

[septbride2002]

Morning Erin! Your post this morning was so uplifiting. I especially like your devotion today. You are doing such a great job both here on the WISH and professionally. Let me know if you would like some help with the marketing stuff - My degree is in business management and I took TONS of marketing and advertising classes. I never get to use this stuff so it would be fun for me!

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Erin!

You sound sooo positive and today! I think it's great that you are re-focusing some of your time at work. You saw a need for change and you're going for it! Doing what is best for you and your family is a part of our healthy living lifestyles too! Erin, I am so proud of you!

Congratulations on another 6 day!!!! You are doing an awesome job, Erin!!!! Keep up the good work!

Have a wonderful day today!

 

[lulu201]

for yesterday! Coming to my journal to "talk it out" really helped me avoid a binge. I'm going to try to remember to do that more often.

Thanks Doreen, Amanda, and Tracy for stopping by yesterday and giving me your support. Amanda, I appreciate your offer for help. . .I'll keep that in mind as I take on more of those marketing chores.

Today is a beautiful, warm day, but if I'm completely truthful, I'd have to admit that I'd like to stay in my bathrobe for the morning. You know, sit outside and have a cup of coffee and read the paper. . .but we've decided to go to the beach today and if we're going to the shore, I've got to get myself walkin' and get my exercise before the day gets away from me!

Here's the plan, everyone:

1. Devotions: "And because you were created by God to bear His image, no one but you can reflect that part of God’s image that only you bear. Therein lies the purpose of your existence: the picture isn’t complete without you. By merely existing we bring glory to God because we were created for this purpose." From the Purpose Driven life devotion. I like this thought.

2. Vitamins: Done and out of the way.

3. Water: 12 oz/64 done.

4. Exercise: Being realistic here, I think I'm just going to take another short 1.25 mile stroll. I know this isn't a lot, but it's SOMETHING, and it is my 5th day of exercise in a row!

5. Food: Had my raisin bran w/skim milk and coffee (5) for breakfast this morning. I have to admit that I'm scared about losing my focus at the shore and boardwalk. . .I'm going to bring some fruit and cheese for a snack. Maybe that will help to stay strong and avoid temptation?

6. Scale: Holding at 179. Sure glad I didn't fatigue-eat last night.

Here are my stats for the month:

1. I've read my devotions 21 out of 23 days.
2. I've taken my vitamins 19 out of 23 days.
3. I've had 6-8 glasses of water 16 out of 23 days.
4. I've exercised 12 out of 23 days.
5. I've eaten in a healthy way 11 out of 23 days.
6. I've faced the scale on 19 out of 23 days.

I'm really going to try to keep it together today. It's not going to be easy: DZONE + shore + Fridays=BIG CHALLENGE, but I'm going to go for it. NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS!

Erin

Edit #1: Water--32 oz., exercise .
Edit #2: Apple and glass of skim milk (4). Total so far is 9.

 

[septbride2002]

Sometimes you just have to talk it out. I know I've come to my journal to bring myself focus when I felt the call of carbohydrates. Funny how I never hear the call of broccoli or asparagus

You have a good plan there for the shore. Take 5 minutes to cut up veggies and cheese. I know it seems like you need to run out to the beach but in reality those 5 minutes are not going to make a big difference in your time. I have to remind myself of that lately.

Have a great day basking in the sun while I'm stuck in my grey cubicle. Try to send me some beach vibes okay?

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

I bet you'll get LOTS MORE exercise walking at the beach today!!

You should have great weather, lots of and a nice breeze from the ocean to keep you cool. Enjoy your day off, sweetie!!

and

 

[lulu201]

Recap from yesterday: devotions, vitamins, exercise, scale. No food or water.

What can I say?!? I caved in a major way! I was counting my points in the a.m., even had veggies on the ride to the beach, but when the pizza and cheese fries came to our table, that was the end of me.
Still, it was a glorious summer day and lying on the beach with the hot sun and cool breeze. . .well, that was just .

TOM is here (maybe this was part of yesterday's carbfest?), so I slept in this morning. It's my rest day, so only a .5 mile for the dog. If I go bike riding with DD, though, I'll give myself a . I'm determined not to fall apart like I did last weekend (no vitamins, water, etc.) and to rally back after yesterday's food splurge.

Here's the plan:

1. Devotions: From today's dailyguideposts.com:

Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
The rainbows of life follow the storms. -Anonymous
To Act:
Never think of failing. (I liked this a lot!)
To Pray:
Dear God, thank You for giving me a fresh start each and every day. (I liked this even more!)

2. Vitamins: Will have them after my a.m. apple and skim milk
3. Water: after coffee
4. Exercise: rest day, but may ride bikes for some fun and for my smilie.
5. Food: woke up at 7:30 (well, actually Mickey needed me) and had my lite english muffin w/pb and a little drink of coffee (4), will have an apple for snack and skim milk for snack (4). Lunch will be a small salad. Dinner will be 1 cup of baked ziti. Dessert will be jello and whipped topping. I'll make sure points stay within my target of 24. Certainly no flex points left after yesterday!
6. Scale: My eyes almost popped out after seeing the number this morning, but I'm hoping that lots of water and some from the whoosh fairy will help my weigh-in on Tuesday.

I've got some housework to do (laundry, bed, kitchen floor, etc.) and then DD and I will head down to the studio to work on some more choreography. She's a lot of fun to work with!

OK, off to embrace my chores and another day of healthy living!

Erin

Edit: I'm not sure exactly how this happened but DH, DD, and I ended up at the Cheesecake Factory this evening to celebrate DD's awesome report card. Amazingly enough,though, I STAYED ON PROGRAM! I had 1/2 a grilled chicken tostada salad and a nonfat, decaf caramel machiato royale (a coffee drink) for dessert. I earned my food smilie!

I'm going to take my smilie and go to bed now.

 

[lulu201]

Oh, I forgot:

Here are my updated stats. Maybe if I stay on top of them this weekend, I won't forget about healthy living.

1. I've read my devotions 22 out of 24 days.
2. I've taken my vitamins 20 out of 24 days.
3. I've had 6-8 glasses of water 16 out of 24 days.
4. I've exercised 13 out of 24 days.
5. I've eaten in a healthy way 11 out of 24 days.
6. I've faced the scale on 20 out of 24 days.

 

[DoeWDW]

Bravo for holding onto that food smilie yesterday!!! You did awesome!!!!

Take good care of you this week - you're worth it, dear WISH-sis!

&

 

[lulu201]

Oooh, I'm kinda sleepy this morning. I went to bed late, but was up at my regular time (5:50). Go figure. Maybe that means a nap this afternoon?

Let's see: Yesterday I finished with ; everything except exercise (it was my rest day).

Here's today's plan:

1. Devotions "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Upper Room.
2. Vitamins--set out and ready to take.
3. Water--will drink lots today.
4. Exercise--officially it's another rest day, but I hope to get out and walk this evening.
5. Food--raisin bran, skim milk, and coffee=5. Snack will be fruit and skim milk this a.m., lunch will be tuna salad or a small chicken salad.
6. Scale--Moving back down.

So far this month:

1. I've read my devotions 23 out of 25 days.
2. I've taken my vitamins 21 out of 25 days.
3. I've had 6-8 glasses of water 17 out of 25 days.
4. I've exercised 13 out of 25 days.
5. I've eaten in a healthy way 12 out of 25 days.
6. I've faced the scale on 21 out of 25 days.

Today will be all about laundry and the musical. Lots of stuff to do. Right now I've got to get dressed and ready for church.

Later ,
Erin

Edit: I should be working on my musical, but here I am on the DIS . How'd I get here? I had my vitamins , 32 oz. of water (half way done for today), and a LARGE chicken salad for lunch. I'm not in the mood for dinner. . .maybe just some fruit salad?