Lulu201's Healthy Living Log (comments welcome!)

[littleducksmom]

erin...........what a great day for you today!!!!! kewl that you got a new jogging suit.......amazing amt of walking today.

glad you are feeling more upbeat today..........have a safe trip to your mom's and have fun swimming with your daughter. remain vigilant while you are there..........you can do this!

deb

 

[Castillo Mom]

Wow, 15,000+ steps! Impressive! I'll be out shopping this weekend, but I don't think I'll walk that much. Have a great weekend Erin!

 

[lulu201]

Thanks, girls, for your encouragement. It means a lot! I'm hoping to walk the straight and narrow while I'm away, and knowing that you're pulling for me means a lot!

The scale is down two more of those water weight pounds. Maybe I'll have my 20 lb. clippie back for the new year? Having that as a goal will help me count my points today.

I'm almost ready to leave, but I want to lay out my goals for the day:

1. Vitamins--downstairs ready to go, others packed.
2. Drink tons of water.
3. Eat as close to 24 points as possible. Record everything I eat.
I'll strive to be as honest as you are, Doe-Doe.
4. Walk on the treadmill at the hotel for at least 20 minutes. Swim with DD. I'm already wearing my pedometer!
5. Limit coffee after 12 p.m. Again, DRINK WATER!
6. Stick with my no chocolate rule for today; life is just easier that way.

OK, I'm off and out the door. Thanks again, girls. Deb, one of these days I'm going to find out how you got started in bfl. I went to their website--wow, that's some serious fitness stuff! Good for you!

 

[littleducksmom]

erin...something tells me you are gonna have that clippie back real soon. my brother got me started on body for life and i have had terrific results i think.........i am in better shape now than i have ever been in my life, even tho i have around 20 pounds to go........i posted my pics if you wanna see how much i have changed.......thanks for being interested.........oh and i have been voted poster girl for my local y by the regulars i workout with.......lol.....those silly people...... hope your time away is just wonderful....the pool sounds likes so much fun.

 

[DoeWDW]

Hi Erin! Hope you had a great time at your Mom's!

Once again, to quote my tag "I've been a bit naughty while you were away." I'm trying to get back on track now.

Have a great day!

 

[lulu201]

12/29 Well, Doe-Doe, I've been a little bit naughty, too, but only a LITTLE bit, which is quite an improvement for me when I'm away! I walked and walked--sometimes around town, sometimes at the mall, sometimes on the treadmill--and I really put the steps on the ole pedometer. I kept an honest record of what I ate, tried to drink a lot, and denied myself more than I indulged myself. Overall, I feel good about how things went. Tomorrow I'll get on the scale and see how I'm doing numbers-wise.

While I was gone, I got a new skirt--size 12, pencil straight. I tried on another one, in a 10--it zipped, but I'd need to lose another 5 lbs. for it to really work. Still, that was quite encouraging. I also bought a 3 Mile WATP video for something different to do this week; I may try it this afternoon. Also while I was away, I read over a lot of inspiring stuff--Dr. Phil and a book put out by Prevention magazine for women over 40. It all made me feel like I'm going in the right direction in my life.

While on the road driving I had some quiet time while DD dozed and I thought over my commitment to walk the 2005 half-marathon. I CAN'T WAIT--BRING IT ON! Even though I'm tired from all the holiday fun (DSIL and family are coming tomorrow and I haven't even unpacked yet! ), I'm so excited about this new goal and adventure in my life. By this time next year, I'm going to be an athlete!!

When I look over the path I've traveled in the last few months, I'm amazed at the differences in myself. And I see those differences happening in others on this board, too. The choices
and the changes are tough, but our growth is solid and signficant.

The nitty-gritty for today:

1. Some water, but not enough yet. Got to really push it.
2. Too much coffee. A large in the a.m. and a large in the p.m. I know it's bad, but what can I say?
3. Exercise--drove 4 hours home this morning and panicked about family visiting tomorrow. Did get Mickey out for a nice walk on this beautiful day. Will either do 3 miles on treadmill or WATP tape before dinner.
4. Points--Uhh, 4 left, but I'm going to do some exercise to earn some activity points.
5. Vitamins?

Gee, this looks pretty bad, but the truth is that it could be worse.

Oh, in case anybody's reading this? Does anybody want to try the 100 day cheat free challenge with me beginning January 1st?
Just putting it out there, girls. . .

Erin

 

[littleducksmom]

hi erin......glad you are back and ready to get on track again.......woohoo for the size 12 skirt!!!!!!

i am gonna do the half marathon too...but want to run it.

i may be willing to join ya on the cheat free thing..........i am on a team at the y that is competing in a fitness challenge for 13 weeks beginning next monday........so that's about 100 days or at least gets me close to 100....... ...........i dont wanna let my team mates down and this might help.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Erin!

I'd like to join the cheat free challenge with ya'! I've had 28 cheat free days so far - cheat free from the start of SBD but I recognize that it could change at any point without some real incentive. I'm also joining a FIRM exercise video challenge on the lowcarbfriends board starting January 1 so maybe my goal of being in onederland by July 1 is a possibility.

Keep up the great work Erin. You are an inspiration to me!

 

[lulu201]

Wow! I loved the WATP tape! Has anyone ever tried the 4 mile tape? I'm thinking that'll be my next purchase. Not that I would EVER give up my treadie , but the tape was so much fun! I didn't have those round ball weights, but I did have some soft, flexible wrist weights that I bunched up and could hold. Very cool!

OK, so this is how the day turned out: we had a gift certificate for Bertucci's so out to dinner we went, and instead of my usual chicken piccata (which I love!), DH and I split a roasted veggie antipasta and I had a grilled chicken/portabello mushroom salad with a trace of balsamic vinaigrette (sp). Oh, and I had one small roll, but not the two homemade breadsticks that came with my meal. I felt I made healthy choices and felt great because of it!
I'm not exactly sure about points, but I'm convinced that I picked the lowest point items on the whole entire menu (except for that yummy little roll!).

Still feeling stressed about family visit tomorrow, but I'm letting my standards down considerably. I'm just not going to worry about it. I'll work out tomorrow a.m. and then do what I can. Tonight I'm going to have the sugar free jello I made and do some knitting.

Hey, Doreen, do you knit? Anybody else? I bought some very fun and fuzzy "cha-cha" yarn to make scarves for the teen girls I know. The first one is a belated Christmas gift. If it turns out, I'll get started on making some for next year!

I'm going to nose around journals a bit, then head on downstairs to watch a chick flick or two with DD.

Till tomorrow--
Erin

 

[Castillo Mom]

That dinner you had at the restaurant sounds sooo good. I love antipasto but haven't had any for a while. I've been meaning to ask for the longest. What's WATP? I know it's an exercise tape but I don't know what type of routine it is? Can you please enlighten me? I hope you enjoy the evening watching chick flicks Erin.

 

[lulu201]

12/30 Starting the day a little , but just a little. Scale showed a one pound increase, but considering I was away for a few days and ate out last night, I'm going to just say it's a pound of nasty water weight that is sure to drop off very soon. I'm NOT changing my siggie for it. Unless it's still there on Thursday when I do my final weigh-in for the new year, new you challenge. You know, I'm not going to make my challenge as I've basically fought to just maintain this month, but I'm OK with that. Hey, here's a thought: maybe that pound I gained is MUSCLE! Hee-hee! It's all you look at things. . .

OK, what am I going to do with this new day? First thing I did was devotionals, then I did some journal nosing, and now I have to get a plan going. Here it is:

1. Vitamins. While I'm at it, I'll set tomorrow's out, too.
2. Treadmill--just want to do a mile or two. The schedule has tomorrow as a three mile day, so I'm just going to rev up the metabolism a little and get some steps on the pedometer. Yesterday was 12, 899.
3. Clean up--DSIL and family should be here around 10 a.m.
4. Water--I'm going to start my 6-8 glasses as soon as I'm done here.
5. Coffee--OK, I really mean it today. One cup. In the morning. No more. I don't have green tea here in the house; when I'm out and about with SIL, I'll get some in case I need an afternoon pick-me-up. I'm know, I'm terribly caffeine addicted.
6. Keep track of the points. No withdrawals from the bank. I'm staying at 24 plus activity points. Hey, there's another reason to exercise--I want to eat!

Tonight DH and I are going to see Lord of the Rings. No snacks at the theater--only water if I need a drink.

OK, I'm off and running. Have to go tell Lisa about the WATP tape.

Onward and downward,
Erin

Edit:

Geez, I almost forgot about the 100 Day Challenge. Thanks Deb and Lisa for giving some feedback on that. I just haven't made up my mind what I should do! Lisa, you're well on your way already--you've done a month cheat-free, you amazing girl! I'll let you know by the 1st!

 

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are truly living the healthy life!! You have so many successes that it's hard to count them all - let's see:
- a size 12 skirt!! WOOHOO!! New clothes are FUN!
- a wonderful healthy dinner out with DH - good for you!! I think your choices were great - even with the roll!!
- chick flicks with DD - good mom-daughter bonding time! I'll have to try this with my DD!
- 12,800+ steps in a day!!
- etc. etc.!!!!

You should be so proud of you! In spite of the holiday stress, you are maintaining all those good healthy habits and seeing fabulous results! All I can say is WOW!!!!

That pound will be banished in no time! I'm up for a January cheat-free challenge. I'm not ready to commit to 100 days but I can commit to a month! What do you think?

Have fun with the family today! Remember, they are not coming to see how clean the house is, they're coming because they love you and your family and want to spend time with you! Hope all goes well!

 

[lulu201]

11:15 a.m. check-in:

1. Vitamins-- .
2. Coffee--All done, I promise!
3. Exercise--2.10 on the treadie. Mostly walking, a few minutes of running. (Note to self: buy a supportive sports bra ASAP! )
4. Water--almost done with first 48 oz.
5. Food--b: banana, smoothie w/1/2 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup OJ, and 1/2 cup nonfat, sugarfree yogurt, coffee w/cr.=5 pts. Plans for dinner out with DH: Subway!!!!

I'm up for a Cheat-Free January Challenge. I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE VERY TOUGH for me, but with prayer and the help of my WISH-sis and WISH-friends, I've just got to go for it! I'm going to strategize for the rough days when I've got TOM and I'm back to work full-time. Oooh, thinking about it makes me shudder even now! At least I'm being realistic. . .

Thinking princess-size thoughts--
Erin

Continuing on:
L: one slice of toast w/1 tbsp. peanut butter, tangerine, mint skinny cow=7 Total so far is 12.
D plans: Turkey/bacon wrap at Subway w/baked lays=13--one point left over for diet mayo or some kind of sauce on sandwich. Total will be 26 for the day (24 Target points plus 2 Activity points).

Is this WW point thing a bit excessive or what? I swear it must work only for other obsessive/compulsive people like me. But you know what? I love it!! It helps me to know exactly where I stand at all times. I hope they paid the girl who thought of it (ok, or the guy who thought of it) a ton of money.

Finished my scarf. Off to a nap. zzzz

Edit #2:

I loved that wrap at Subway! I had lowfat mayo--I'm going to say 1.5 (will check it on website and adjust if necessary) and split chips with DH, so ended day with 25 points. One activity point will just go to waste unless I get a craving that can be satisfied with a one point item. I doubt it--it's almost 10 p.m., too late to eat more than jello. Gee, I love my jello!

We liked "The Lord of the Rings." I fell asleep when we rented the second one at home; tomorrow I'm going to have to get both 1 and 2 so that I feel complete.

 

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you're on your way to Princess size!! You're doing so well today! A nap sounds heavenly - sleep tight!

Enjoy that Subway wrap tonight! Drink your water, but be careful to time it right. That movie is well over 3 hours - no liquids for an hour ahead of time and take a potty break before you go into that theater. It's a great movie and worth the time, if you enjoyed the other two in the trilogy.

I was looking at running websites today and thinking about whether I want to walk or run the half marathon - decisions, decisions.....

Have a wonderful time with DH tonight! Wear something that makes you feel gorgeous!!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Don't feel too bad about the coffee Erin, I had a cup myself this morning, vanilla nut and it was delicious. I find that with this cold weather, it really hits the spot in the morning. Good night!

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!

I hope you had a great time last night.

I'm going to do another healthy-living day today - would you like to join me?? :happy1:

 

[lulu201]

Good morning! It's the last day of 2003! Amazing! I'm finishing this year 27 pounds lighter than I was last year and probably more fit than I've ever been. I'm in a good place today, and today is all I'm really responsible for! I'm going to get the goals listed and get out into the day!

1. Vitamins--they're half taken as of this moment.
2. Water--drink like I did yesterday. I think I finished 72 oz. yesterday. That felt good.
3. Coffee--one, that's it. Last night at the movies I was tempted by a cappucino, but I walked right past it.
4. Exercise--walk/run three miles on the treadie (mostly brisk
walking ) and earn a couple of Activity Points to put towards today's eating.
5. Food--Target is supposed to be back to 22, but I think I'm going to keep it at 24 and see if I can still lose. If I walk then I can add some AP and bring it up to 26. Will go bowling, but won't cound that. I'm prepared to make a flex-point withdrawal for tonight.

Today I've got to pick up DD from a friend's house and get gifts ready for the family we're bowling with at 2 p.m. Have to make out the grocery list and go shopping. I think we'll have shrimp, veggies, and artichoke dip as the centerpieces of the holiday snacks. Foods that I can easily track the points. We're going to rent the other two LOTR movies, too. I have to try to piece the whole trilogy together in my head!

Here's a thought I had: January will be cheat free AND scale free!
I wonder if I could do it? I really feel that it's the change of behavior--the healthy living element--that's important and not the number on the scale. I think I just might put the scale away for one month and see if I can Walk the Walk without caring about the number? Hmmm, another thing to think about!

OK, I'm off to another cheat-free day.
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Oh I don't know if I could go a whole month without checking my scale.....that seems pretty brave of you. I would love for January to be a cheat free month I think I will try that with you. Sounds like you are doing great 27 lbs is a lot when you think about it so you are doing fabulous!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

27 pounds lighter while ringing in the New Year - YAY!!

Look how far you've come, Erin!

Just think what things will be like when we ring in 2005!

Enjoy your evening! Hope those points stretch far for you!!

We'll chat more in 2004!! I don't know about the scale thing - don't think I can make it a whole month. Maybe I could make once a week, but it would be TOUGH!!

We're cheat free for January and that starts in just a few hours. We can do it, Erin!!

I wish you peace, joy, hope and lots of love in 2004!


Doreen, your WISH-sis

 

[lulu201]

It's a brand new year! Hooray! We rang in the new year totally zonked out--we were so tired we never saw midnight. Or 11. Maybe 10:30???

So, it's onward and downward in the new year. I'm determined to make January a Cheat Free Month, and going with me on the journey are Doreen, Amanda, Lisa (Zeraspride), and Deb. WE CAN DO THIS, GIRLS!

OK, the scale issue. . .yeah, I would really like to live a healthy life and not care what the numbers are. That's my ideal. Still, I don't think I can do it at this point. I'm going to try to make it until Monday, 1/5. I'll weigh in again then and try not to weigh in again until the next week. After that, who knows?

I thought about going back to Weight Watchers for the 7:30 a.m. meeting on Saturday mornings (my favorite time and my favorite leader), but I'm not sure I want to pay the bucks. Paying for my WDW Half Marathon registration is really all that I'd like to spend this month--I've got save my other cash for my actual trip!

All that talk about getting on the treadie yesterday was just that. I never made my 3 mile walk, so today it's got to be done. The new training schedule is emailed to me tomorrow, so I have to complete last week's TODAY. No excuses. I did BOWL three games yesterday--not exactly an aerobic workout--but at least I was up and moving. Yesterday's steps--6500 or so--were the lowest I had since I began wearing my nifty pedometer.

Food-wise, though, I had a great day yesterday and made it through New Year's Eve cheat-free. To me, that is nothing short of miraculous! Never in my life have I ever eaten as healthily as I did last night (on New Years)--never have I known that I WANT to stick to an eating plan that I feel good about so much that I didn't care about enjoying the junk. Honestly, though, we didn't have that much junk. I think that helped a lot. DH and I had steamed shrimp and broccoli while DD had pasta and broccoli. The snack component was low point spinach-artichoke dip with TLC crackers. A skinny cow was dessert. DD had nachos and cheese dip, but she never even wanted any--she'd had that huge sleepover the night before and was out by 9:30.

So, I'm looking the New Year and it's healthy living challenges and with God's help and the help of my WISH buddies, I'm ready to move onward and downward. I think 2004 will be my year to reach higher levels of health and fitness than I've ever had before.

Here I go!

Plans for 1/1/04

1. Vitamins.
2. Coffee--one cup, green tea this afternoon.
3. Low on the points. Yesterday I made a small withdrawal from the point bank to add a bit to New Year's. . .today I'm going to max out at 26 (target 24 plus 2 AP).
4. Drink the water. Yesterday I just couldn't get enough in. Today that bottle is going to be by my side all day.
5. Exercise: get out into the sunshine and walk Mickey, walk 3 miles on the treadmill. Tomorrow a.m. will be my 4 mile walk.