Lulu201's Healthy Living Log (comments welcome!)

[DoeWDW]

Here's an extra large for you this morning, Erin! I feel your pain - all you have to do is read my journal.

We both know that this is a long-term journey. I think we've hit another bump, girlfriend!

However, today is a new day, a new beginning. I have to believe that we'll have more good days than bad days in the future, as long as we're still trying to live healthy.

Onward we go, Erin! I'm glad we're on this journey together :happy1: It's times like this when I feel like throwing in the towel but then I have you, my WISH-sis, to lean on. We'll support each other and keep each other going, right?

Day by day, step by step, onward we go, occasionally getting sidetracked or detoured but always striving to be the best we can be.

 

[lulu201]

12/20 Oy-vay, things are not going well today. I'm munching up any yummy chocolate goodie that crosses my line of vision. I'm going to have to get going and give it all away. I'll start tomorrow at church.

Monday is weigh-in and I'm going to face it whether it's good or not. I have to accept some responsibility for being off program.

I'm waiting for a WISH-sis response. . .

 

[septbride2002]

HI Lulu,
Weigh in days are the worst after you have been off program - but sometimes they help us to see the error in our ways and help us to get back on program with some reinforced attitudes!

Now I want you to stop making yourself feel so bad about this. We are all human and we all sway of our path. The important thing is that you get back on it. That shows you are a survivor

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!!

It's "Healthy Living Day" - are you ready?? I am!!

I'm already in my workout clothes and will be getting that exercise in early so I can cross it off my "to-do" list.

We can do this!

Your WISH-sis,
Doreen

 

[lulu201]

You bet I'm ready, Doreen! I'm off to get my WW journal--I'm keeping track of everything that l eat. Then I'm going to make sugar free jello for DH and I for our late night snack.

You're inspiring me with your exercise clothes, but I'm going to wait until I get home from church. I promise, though, that I'll be on that treadie before I have lunch. How's that?

We're doing this, Princess Doe-Doe. We're breaking the cycle of holiday eating and excess by treating ourselves right JUST FOR TODAY!

Sisters Helping Sisters--or better yet: Sisters Offering Support (SOS!). That's us!:happy1:

Erin

Edit: b--1 egg, 1 slice of twelve grain toast, 1 tsp. butter, coffee with 1 shot of half and half=6
l--4 oz. chicken w/small amount of cheese, 1 tsp. mayo, 10 small olives plus 6 crackers=9
s--yellow pepper=0
exercise--30 minutes on the treadmill=2 activity points
oops, almost forgot, extra coffee at church=1

I'm having some pretty intense sugar cravings, but I know that I'm going to ride them out. Tonight DD is making a sugar free jello
pudding pie; that will satisfy my cravings and be gentle as far as points go.

Doreen, it is helping me so much to know that you're somewhere going through this, too. Together we're strong!

Edit, again:

d--baked ziti, broccoli w/a little cheese sauce, and sugar free pudding pie. DD made the complete dinner tonight, so I happily enjoyed what she dished up. Probably my portion sizes were a little off, but compared to what I've been eating the last week--today was a total success! No grazing through boxes of chocolates plus I did half an hour of exercise! Tomorrow my sweets cravings should be even less; I'm going to make it another healthy living day. I WILL NOT, however, commit further ahead than that.

I lived in a healthy way today. I'll live in a healthy way tomorrow. That's all I have to say about that!

Also, I'll face the scale and change my siggie to reflect the painful truth. Accepting responsibility for my actions is the first step toward rectifying the situation, right?

Off to work on Christmas cards,
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

OK, Erin! My exercise is finished! I'm counting on you, girlfriend - TRED-DEE! TRED-DEE! TRED-DEE!! Can ya hear me cheering you on??

I haven't taken meds or vitamins yet today. I'm off to eat a healthy breakfast and take those meds! Thanks for the vitamin reminder - I'm going to pack some up for work tomorrow, since I ran out of them at work and I usually take them with lunch.

Onward we go!!

Edit: 11:20 PM
Exercise finished, meds taken, healthy breakfast eaten - so far, so good!

I'm off to find a healthy nibble for lunch and then we have tickets for the noon showing of the new Lord of the Rings movie. If I'm full when I go and I take an emergency protein bar, I'll be just fine.

I hope your day is going just as well, Erin!!

Edit: 4 PM
Great movie! I'm back now and checking in on you! Do you need some extra to banish that Munchie Monster??!! You can make it, Erin! We're in this together! :happy1:

Edit: 8 PM
Erin, it sounds like we're gonna make it!! YAY!!

Thanks for this challenge today! Without you, I'm afraid I would have continued my bad habits. Instead I have picked up my good habits again. I think I'll join you in making tomorrow another healthy day. One more day....after that, who knows?


Doreen

 

[DoeWDW]

Hi, Erin!! Your WISH-sis is up bright and early this AM! I've done my 20 minute Pilates workout already!

I'm feeling better - less bloated today. Could it be because I took better care of me yesterday? I hope you're feeling better too, Erin.

Here we go, for one day of healthy living. I was up at 5 AM and bedtime is around 9 PM - so I figure that's only 16 hours. We can make it 16 hours!

I'm working hard to center myself in the joy of the season. We have so much in our lives that brings us joy. Our healthy living is just one aspect of that. I hope the scale brings you some joy this morning, but if it doesn't, please don't worry. You've come so far already - you're a success no matter what number the scale shows.

Christmas can be about surprises. Do you like surprises??

Onward into our healthy day!
Doreen, your SOS WISH-sis

Edit: 8:15 AM
Dear WISH-sis Erin, I'm sending you an extra to help you out this morning. I saw the numbers in your siggie - I can imagine it was hard for you to see the scale this morning.

It's a temporary thing, WISH-sis! Don't worry about the silly numbers. If we live the healthy life, the scale will take care of itself AND we'll feel better, which is way more important that a silly number!

Hang in there, girlfriend - it's gonna get better!

P.S. I need to know.....do you like surprises??

 

[lulu201]

Surprises?? I LOVE surprises!

Uhh, well, most of them that is. I wasn't jumping up and down when I got on the scale this a.m. and saw the surprise the scale had for me--up 4 pounds since Thursday! Could this be humanly possible???? Today I'm going to be drinking that water like crazy and counting every point--no wonder I feel so enormous!

Still, there's no pity party going on over here (please, Doreen, please, no tough love! )--I ate way too much salt and sugar and I did it in a bold, careless way. I wasn't treating myself right at all! I'm happy, though, to be back on track, and while I'm tired (I was up 'til midnight finishing the laundry!!!), I'm feeling free of the spell of Lady Godiva and her other chocolate meanie friends (like Mr. Hershey Pot-of-Gold). Let me be specific, however: I'm feeling free at this MOMENT. I may not feel that way in an hour. . .and I certainly can't tell how I'll feel in a day. I'm living in the here and now. Nothing more.

A year ago, I could NEVER have gotten back on track three days before Christmas. I wouldn't have even WANTED to be back on track until after the new year. Redirecting myself back to healthy living--with the help of my WISH-sis--is a HUGE, HUGE step for me. I'm breaking free of eating cues and habits (can you tell I've been reading Dr. Phil again? ) that I've had most of my adult life and charting a new healthy course. Yay!

So, onward into the day.

Goals:
1. Vitamins--check.
2. One coffee--check. Any more will have to be decaf.
3. Water--one down, 7 more to go!
4. Exercise--half hour on the treadie, later in the day.
5. Points--this one will be tough, but I'm shooting for a target of 26 (including my activity points).

B--1/2 small bagel w/ lite cream cheese, 1 tsp. homemade blueberry jelly, coffee w/ cream=3.5

So, now I'm going to wrap some gifts and finish those Christmas cards! They're going out in the mail today NO MATTER WHAT!!!! I'll be going to work around 2:30, so I have some quiet time to myself to catch up.

Onward and DOWNWARD!!!
E.

Edit #1, 12:00 p.m.

L--1 cup baked ziti=6

I've been wrapping gifts and watching the "Bishop's Wife" (the original with Cary Grant and Loretta Young). It's my favorite holiday movie. I'm almost done with DD's stuff. My Christmas cards are all finished and on the way to the post office with DH.
I'm starting to feel my lack of sleep from last night and would REALLY like some chocolate, but I'm just going to go back to my wrapping and forget about it. I know, I'll go make some jello for later.

Edit #2, 2:00 p.m.

I finished DDs wrapping, but here's where things get a little dicey. It was 1 p.m. and I had a choice to make--exercise or. . .
take a nap. And you know what I picked? Yep, I'm not too proud-- I grabbed the zzzzzz's. Wait--before I look too lazy, hear me out! Today my RealAge message was about fighting holiday cravings and it said that a lot of people get tired and stressed and reach for chocolate and goodies and then they pick up the pounds! Rather than eat, the message said, try taking a nap and getting enough rest. So, I took the advice of the experts!

Since I didn't exercise, I had to lower my target point range to 24 (no activity points). I could always grab a couple from the bank, I guess, but I'm not going to. Just want to stick to 24. That seems fair, doesn't it?

I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit more energized. Maybe a walk would've done the same thing, but my tired body really appreciated the TLC, and now I'm ready to face the excited smiles of my students.

More later--

 

[DoeWDW]

You are doing well today, Erin! You're getting all this stuff done for the holiday and checking it off your list! I've never heard of "The Bishop's Wife" - is it a good movie??

No tough love from me today - just an extra with a little pixie dust sprinkled around for good measure!

I almost forgot....here's some to scare away that Munchie Monster!! He is NOT the kind of buddy you want hanging around!!

Edit: 9 PM
Did you make it, Erin?? Did you meet your goals today?? I made it but it certainly wasn't an easy day. I was ready to give in more than once but I stuck it out.

Thanks for the challenge! I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to anything for tomorrow - I'll wait and see how I feel in the morning.

Good night, WISH-sis!

 

[littleducksmom]

i am really proud of you for getting back on track during the holidays........that says alot about your conviction this time to lose and be healthy.

wonder what you will be doing tomorrow for exercise......since i am sure you will be less tired to get it done.........

deb

 

[lulu201]

I've been surprised by my WISH-SIS!

What a wonderful, thoughtful WISH-SIS I have! She's made me smile and cry all at the same time! I'm kinda thinking she's really Santa Claus!

I came home to Doreen's fantastic surprise--a box filled with WISH goodies--and it made me feel so blessed! Blessed to have Doreen as a friend, blessed to have found the WISH boards, blessed to be trying to walk the walk! Today's road was tough, though, and filled with temptations--homemade deluxe chocolate covered pretzels and Belgian chocolates just to name a few. I gave most of it away, and the two small pieces of candy I did have I'll count in my point journal tomorrow.

As I said earlier, I felt tired most of the day. I had a little pick me up after my nap, but I felt like I just needed to be at home instead of at work. One of our teachers was telling me she felt just the same. Thank goodness we see some delightful children and families to help us find joy in our work. It was just like Doreen said though, this healthy living feels like so much work right now! I know from experience that things will eventually swing the other way and I'll feel on top of it again, but right now I'm just plodding along fighting my cravings and what people are offering me on a minute by minute basis!

So, that said, I'm with you, Doe-Doe. I can't think about committing to tomorrow yet. Of course, my Princess pantyhose and ultra-neato-cool pedometer may make me reconsider. . .
Maybe I won't commit to the whole day. Maybe I'll just see if I can make it 'til lunch. And then 'til supper. Baby steps, you know?

Well, I'm going to call it a day. Actually, I'm going to call it a Happy Day because of all the smiles my WISH-sis sent my way.

 

[DoeWDW]

Yes, Erin, it was a long day yesterday....but we made it!! I'm so glad you enjoyed your surprise!!

Today??? Who knows! I'm taking baby steps today - one decision at a time. I got up early and exercised, so there's one good choice!

Here's some for a bright and beautiful day today! Let's make it a good one, one decision at a time!

Your WISH-sis,
Doreen

 

[lulu201]

Ed12/23 OK, here's what I know about today:

1. I'm going to take my vitamins.
2. I'm going to drink a cup of coffee--but no more than that.
3. I'm going to figure out how my pedometer works and start wearing it; I'm also going to get my big behind on that treadmill!
No excuses today, Deb!
4. I'm going to make some more s.f. jello.
5. I'm going to write down everything I eat in my WW journal; oh, I'm going to figure out yesterday's points, too. (My chocolates were worth 4 points--I found it in the book.)
6. I'm going to have a low points, healthy breakfast. I can't see much beyond that at this point.

I shed 2 lbs. of my water weight, so that has inspired me somewhat.

I'm off to get DD out the door to school.
Erin

Edit #1:
1. Haven't taken the vitamins yet.
2. Drank my coffee--and a second at Starbucks with a friend.
3. and 4. Haven't been out on the treadie yet, nor have I made the jello.
5. I wrote down yesterday's points and today's so far.
6. I had a healthy breakfast, 3.5 points.

I'm hanging in there. On to wrapping and walking--

 

[DoeWDW]

Two pounds banished!!! YAY!

OK, now I've REALLY gotta get ready for work - no more DIS until 8 AM!!

Make good decisions until then, OK??

Edit: 1 PM

So far, so good, Erin! Did you get that exercise time in? I hope so! I bet you had a healthy low-point lunch, too! Step by step....

Edit: 4 PM
I'm sending good thoughts your way, Erin! I think Tuesday is your long day, right? I hope you have something on hand to eat when you get in the door late this evening!

Edit: 9 PM
So how did you do today, WISH-sis?? I hope you feel like you did good enough, given the circumstances. We don't have to be perfect, just more healthy than unhealthy.


Doreen

 

[Castillo Mom]

Woohoo, two pounds gone, they're outta here! Thanks again for asking about situation out here what with the earthquake. Unfortunately 2 people lost their lives. They worked in a building called "pre-33", built prior to 1933. Buildings built prior to that time were not retrofitted.

Erin, have a great day and keep up the work!

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!

It's a brand new day and it's Christmas Eve! Since you have such a musical family, I bet you are all involved in Christmas Eve services at church, aren't you? This year we're not going to DH's dad's house - DH wanted to go to Christmas Eve service instead - YAY!! Sometimes it's hard to get my family to attend church with me but tonight we'll all be together for a change. Hopefully they will all find the service very meaningful. Enough about me!

I wish you a sense of peace today, a feeling of joyful anticipation, a sense of being centered in God's love and grace.


Doreen

 

[lulu201]

Wow! Today has been a whirlwind. As soon as we were up and dressed we headed to the Mall to search for the lost cell phone. After that we came home and cleaned and got a few last minute presents ready. I still have wrapping to do for family that we'll visit tomorrow, but it will have to wait until we're all in for the night. I head out for our early 5:30 service at 4:30 so that I can be there to rehearse before we begin. Our family dinner will be around 7:15 or so, then we head back to church as a family as DD sings at our church's 3rd service at 9:30. After the service we'll drive around and look at lights, then come home and get ready for bed. After DD is in bed I'll wrap some last minute things and then see if I can sleep! I ALWAYS have a hard time on Christmas Eve--I'm just like a kid!

I would like to say that I'm watching what I eat and being good to myself, but I'm not. I exercised yesterday, but I haven't even looked at the treadie today, and I had such good intentions! There are moments when I feel blue and ashamed of myself--particularly when I read of successes other people are having ("Why are they so strong and I'm not?")--but I'm trying to just accept where I'm at and move forward. I still care, I'm still in the game, but I'm not playing too well at the moment. I'll never give up, though.

So right now, I'm doing my best to center myself in all that is good and meaningful about this season. I'm going to shower and change and get to church and surround myself in the immense joy of the birth of Christ.

Merry Christmas!

 

[DoeWDW]

Dearest Erin, you are not weak. I've been with you practically from the beginning and I think you are incredibly strong. Enjoy the season and the important things - the joy of Christ's birth, God's immense and unchanging love for each of us, the time spent with family and dear friends.

We'll talk about healthy living on Friday morning, OK? Until then, here's a warm from me. Enjoy it all, guilt-free!! Consider it your present to yourself!

Your WISH-sis,
Doreen

 

[lulu201]

OK, it's a new day, and I'm ready to get back into the healthy living game. I'm moving onward without looking back. We had a nice family day yesterday and now I'm looking forward to getting back to some kind of a routine!

So, goals:

1. 24 points plus activity points. That's it.
2. I can't leave for the mall until I've exercised.
3. Vitamins--have had them already.
4. Water--first glass is down the hatch.
5. Steps--I'll be wearing my pedometer . I'm aiming for 10,000!
6. This is a toughie--one cup of coffee. That's it.
7. This is an extra toughie--no chocolate today. I've got to break the cycle!
8. I'm getting that cheat free bear, even if it's just for today.

Tomorrow I'm leaving for my mom's; I don't know how long I'll stay. DD and I are supposed to be there until Monday, but may come home on Sunday. I'll be missing DH!

Yep, I'm heading back to the mall to get some cards and gift wrap for next year! It's never too early to get ready, right?

Onward and definitely downward,
Erin

Edit:
1. Am staying in the point range. Hope to earn some extra with a long walk. Santa brought me a Weight Watchers point calculator; very cool and fun to use. Motivating!
2. OK, so I went to the mall without exercising--the sales were calling me! Now I'm home and dressed in some new exercise clothes I bought and ready to go!
3.
4. Still drinking.
5. I've walked over 6000 steps so far today. I LOVE MY PEDOMETER, DOREEN!!!!
6. What can I say? I have a Starbucks gift card! At the mall, DD and I stopped in. She had water. I had a peppermint mocha w/skim milk and no whipped cream. A good choice and within the points!
7. No chocolate candy and it's already 2:30!
8. I'm going to wear that bear again if it's the last thing I do today!

I'm on my way to the treadie! Also checked the walking sight at about.com and pulled up the half-marathon training schedule. They send you a weekly training schedule and tips! You gotta love it!

I'm extremely tired, but feeling happy inside. It feels good to say "no" to all the things still here in the house. Yesterday DH and I made a chocolate raspberry sour cream cake to take to Christmas dinner (definitely in the stratosphere as far as points are concerned!) and brought a huge, beautiful cookie tray which also had homemade chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate-dipped biscotti, etc. I'm happy to report we left it all at my in-laws. . .we didn't bring home a single leftover!

I still haven't gotten on the scale for the challenge. I just couldn't face it. I'll deal with it eventually--maybe after I have some success.

Edit, 4:15 p.m.

Still drinking water. I walked 4.09 miles in 60.04 minutes. There were a few times there I wanted to stop, but kept plodding along. Now I'm glad I did. I earned 3 more points for myself!

Edit, 7:15 p.m.

We just finished dinner, and I'm done eating for the day. Total was 25 points (I have 2 AP left that I didn't use--it's just easier to stop eating than to figure out something to eat just to burn the points).

I'm filled with a sense of relief! I DID IT! I MADE IT THROUGH A CHEAT FREE DAY! I'M STILL IN THE GAME! I've been filled with frustration and self-doubt the last few days (OK, a week), but today I was on track.

I'm going to strategize for how I'm going to manage while I travel. I usually give myself a chance to loosen up when I'm visiting my mom, but I don't really want to--I've been loose enough! I'm going to try to steal a few minutes on the hotel treadmill on Saturday and Sunday both; exercise really helps to focus. I'm going to try to go toward soups, salads, fruits and veggies instead of chocolate peanut butter brownies. One planned indulgence: Chex snack mix from the hotel vending machine. DD and I usually make an evening raid after we go swimming. It's kind of like a tradition!

Total steps for 12/26: 15,201 (Four mile walk+the mall+target!)

I'm going to turn over my clippie now.

I'll check in here tomorrow before I go.
E.

 

[DoeWDW]

Happy Day, Erin!!

You go, girl!! You are back into the groove with your goals.

I can't wait to hear how many steps you take today - all that mall-walking will count as exercise!! You are a brave woman to head into the stores today!

I hope you have a lovely time with your mom! I know what you mean, though, about missing DH when you travel without him. I always feel like a piece of me is missing.... I'm not overly dependent on DH - I just really love the guy and enjoy being with him!

Glad to see you're back in the game, even if it's just for today! Take the advice you gave me and DRINK, DRINK, DRINK (water, that is.... )!

Edit: 7:45 PM
WOW! I'm so impressed that you are right back on the wagon! I'm also impressed with your 15,000+ steps!!!

Erin, you are inspiring me! Tomorrow will be a better day for me. If you can jump back on the wagon, then I can at least try to jump on tomorrow.

You should have great travelling weather. Have a safe and happy trip!