WISH Away the Pounds -- Fantastic February Challenge -- Everyone Welcome!

[NightAngelX]

QOTD:
What is your favourite fruit? Do you eat it just as it is or do you prepare it in any way?

Hope you have a nice afternoon off and hope you're feeling better soon. I haven't done the 30 day shred but it sounds like something that would leave you tired at the end.

As for the QOTD: I would have to say the first fresh strawberry of the year is by far my favorite. Just raw and fresh...so good! My favorite way to eat them besides straight up raw is I wash a handful of blue berries then I cut up a few strawberries into bite size peices and put them in a small tupperware that I take to work for my daily dessert. It is soooo good. No sugar needed! But both have to be fresh, not frozen, and not over ripe.

Meanwhile my husband thinks something is wrong with me because I'm already planning our trip in my head. He said its not healthy for me to want to go back all the time and to think about it so much. I told him there were lots of people just like me and he said we all need help.

Oh and apparently I need a new scale. DH stepped on today for me and it gave him 3 different weights. from 333 to 341. I said we should go with 333 since his goal is 290. lol

 

[Rose&Mike]

I took the entire weekend off from the TM and noticed how much better my neck felt yesterday. Then I did incline work for an hour on the TM at the Y last night and BANGO.... neck pain and slight headache again. Obviously this is something I really need to work on. And of course, I didn't get a good stretch afterwards because this Y doesn't really have a good spot for stretching. Meant to at least stretch when I got home, even though it would be 2 hours after the fact, but by the time I got home, I forgot about it.

I won't have ANY exercise time if I don't get moving right now. Doctor's appointment for DS is at 11:15 and it is a 40 minutes drive to the office. I will exercise and hit the shower FAST and hard afterwards.

TTYL............P

Be careful with the incline on the tm Pamela. I believe that is how Cam really messed her knee up. If I remember correctly she said her therapist told her incline on the tm and going backwards on the elliptical are really common ways to do some real knee damage. Just wanted to throw that out there. I'm sorry your neck is bothering you. Do you think you are tensing up? (ETA--I think she had a pretty good incline for an extended period of time on the treadmill.)

My doctor didn't take xrays because there did not appear to be any nerve involvement. She thinks it is piriformis syndrome. Basically the therapist said weak stability and core muscles are causing the spasms etc in my piriformis which is causing all the pain. Again no nerve involvement. There is something else going on with my right leg (where I have been conveniently ignoring nerve pain) which I am guessing she will address too, but for now, the goal is to deal with my back cause it is no fun.

Interestingly one of the first things we worked on was diaphragm breathing. Which I had major issues with. I am trying to see it all as a process to better health and more strength.

Lisah--thanks for the good thoughts.

Favorite fruit--hmmm, probably pineapple. But I love almost all fruit. I only like fresh blueberries and strawberries, though--not stuff flavored blueberry and strawberry. Grilled pineapples and grilled peaches are too die for. Yum! I have also been enjoying pomegranate seeds this winter.

Have a great night!

 

[tinkerbye]

QOTD: MY favorite fruit is raspberries, I freeze them and eat them like popcorn.

 

[Mary•Poppins]

Have a great day!
Jill

Hey Jill, Nice to see you on here. I haven't been on for about a week (so you might have already posted, but) ... how was your trip?

The percentages and colors in post #3 have been updated with all PMs received through yesterday. Check out the pretty colors! We are very colorful considering it is the first week. Keep up the good work!

The next update will be Monday, February 18th and include all PMs received by Sunday, February 17th.

Thank you Lisa for doing this!

Thanks Lisa for being the hostess!

*****
Hope everyone is doing well.
I started physical therapy this morning. I am able to keep doing my mile a day and light exercise as long as I don't over do it or increase distance. So that's a relief. I feel pretty positive about it.

I walked my mile (rather than run) on Saturday since my back was hurting pretty good, but I am considering that 'good enough.'

My eating was horrid last week. Dealing with the thought of yet another injury and another trip to p-t was making me pretty cranky. But I know that I have an awesome life, and in the big scheme of things this is all very insignificant.

Hoping to be back on track this week and a better participant.

I hope the therapy works Rose. I have had some back problems and after seeing a specialist, I found relief. I am glad I kept looking for a solution.

QOTD:
What is your favourite fruit? Do you eat it just as it is or do you prepare it in any way?

I love all kinds of fruits. Melons and berries are my favorite. I just like them raw.

I like grapes and cantaloupe and Crenshaw melon.

Today is a bad day, emotion wise. I've been drinking a lot of water and pretending it is sweet tea vodka. I hope I can get out of this funk soon. My coworkers don't know about my bipolar depression swings.

Hey ... Hang in there. Maybe go out for a walk? You can beat this funk.

I am looking into signing up for the Tower of Terror race in October. I need to figure it out if my hubby wants to do it with me. He is not a runner and would like to walk it. Do you think he will make it? Also, does the registration close quickly?

 

[araes2102]

Hi all! Sorry I have been MIA for the past week I have been oh so busy with work... will continue to be busy unfortunately, no end in sight... But I have NOT fallen off the wagon! I have been doing well on eating OP and on going to the Y almost every day to workout. Even did a double workout yesterday, elliptical at the Y and strength here at home while watching The Biggest Loser. My friend and I had our second weekly "Zumba and a movie" date Zumba is fun but I absolutely have 2 left feet and am constantly falling all over myself, but I just keep moving Plus we went and saw Identity Thief... I was The scale is not moving like I would like but I am not discouraged because I feel so much better! Alright... I will try to catch up on the QOTDs!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hope you have a nice afternoon off and hope you're feeling better soon. I haven't done the 30 day shred but it sounds like something that would leave you tired at the end.

Thanks! I am actually feeling much better today!

As for the QOTD: I would have to say the first fresh strawberry of the year is by far my favorite. Just raw and fresh...so good! My favorite way to eat them besides straight up raw is I wash a handful of blue berries then I cut up a few strawberries into bite size peices and put them in a small tupperware that I take to work for my daily dessert. It is soooo good. No sugar needed! But both have to be fresh, not frozen, and not over ripe.

There is something very delicious about berries! They are one of the best things about summer!

Meanwhile my husband thinks something is wrong with me because I'm already planning our trip in my head. He said its not healthy for me to want to go back all the time and to think about it so much. I told him there were lots of people just like me and he said we all need help.

Oh and apparently I need a new scale. DH stepped on today for me and it gave him 3 different weights. from 333 to 341. I said we should go with 333 since his goal is 290. lol

I think many people have hobbies that are very important to them. Some people are collectors, others spent all their time in the garden. So why not having trip planning as your hobby???

Do you move your scale around? I find that I get the best consistency when I do not touch my scale besides stepping on it. Maybe it just needs new batteries?

My doctor didn't take xrays because there did not appear to be any nerve involvement. She thinks it is piriformis syndrome. Basically the therapist said weak stability and core muscles are causing the spasms etc in my piriformis which is causing all the pain. Again no nerve involvement. There is something else going on with my right leg (where I have been conveniently ignoring nerve pain) which I am guessing she will address too, but for now, the goal is to deal with my back cause it is no fun.

Interestingly one of the first things we worked on was diaphragm breathing. Which I had major issues with. I am trying to see it all as a process to better health and more strength.

Favorite fruit--hmmm, probably pineapple. But I love almost all fruit. I only like fresh blueberries and strawberries, though--not stuff flavored blueberry and strawberry. Grilled pineapples and grilled peaches are too die for. Yum! I have also been enjoying pomegranate seeds this winter.

Have a great night!

Hope your back will get better soon! It sounds like you are tackling some issues that are new to you. Hopefully these will help!

Grilled peaches sounds like something I need to try in the summer! Sounds wonderful!

QOTD: MY favorite fruit is raspberries, I freeze them and eat them like popcorn.

I often buy frozen rasperries to eat them with oats and milk in the morning. And sometimes I eat them frozen as a snack. In summer that's a wonderful treat!

I am looking into signing up for the Tower of Terror race in October. I need to figure it out if my hubby wants to do it with me. He is not a runner and would like to walk it. Do you think he will make it? Also, does the registration close quickly?

That sounds like a fun event! No idea about the walking it, I am personally not a fast walker and would not be able to maintain a 16 minute/mile pace. Hope it works out for you and your DH!

Hi all! Sorry I have been MIA for the past week I have been oh so busy with work... will continue to be busy unfortunately, no end in sight... But I have NOT fallen off the wagon! I have been doing well on eating OP and on going to the Y almost every day to workout. Even did a double workout yesterday, elliptical at the Y and strength here at home while watching The Biggest Loser. My friend and I had our second weekly "Zumba and a movie" date Zumba is fun but I absolutely have 2 left feet and am constantly falling all over myself, but I just keep moving Plus we went and saw Identity Thief... I was The scale is not moving like I would like but I am not discouraged because I feel so much better! Alright... I will try to catch up on the QOTDs!

I was wondering what happened to you! I hope the scale will start moving again soon, but just feeling better is already a great improvement! Well done!

 

[Flossbolna]

I am off to lunch in a bit, it might be pizza! Well, if we end up going there I will just get one without the cheese. Still the crust has lots of calories, but I kind of got used to eating pizza without cheese by now...

Feeling so much better than yesterday! Actually not sore in any muscles at all anymore. However, the scale once again has decided to conspire against me. But since I can feel how much my effort over the last week has increased my strength, I am trying to just ignore the scale for now.

QOTD for Wednesday:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

For me it certainly is how much of an emotional eater I am. I eat when I am unhappy. And I am unhappy when I gain weight and don't get any exercise. Not good - so I have learned to break out of that vicious cycle easier and earlier than I would have been able to in the past.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Good morning all. Sorry have not been around. A ton of awful stress to deal with.

I really liked the "reward" QOTD. Kudos to whoever asked that. I bought YOGA pants as a reward, 2 pairs and a shirt RETAIL at WalMart and Target. I actually prefer the pants from WalMart, go figure.

I cannot believe how much giving myself a reward helped my mood. In my situation I am putting myself last too many times. I think it is breaking me down emotionally...ack.

Getting myself medically and physically healthy is going great but I am sporting hobo-style apparel. Pretty bad when the clothes at the thrift stores are better than what I wear.

I am going to enjoy my YOGA pants and get my mammogram today.

 

[Flossbolna]

Good morning all. Sorry have not been around. A ton of awful stress to deal with.

I really liked the "reward" QOTD. Kudos to whoever asked that. I bought YOGA pants as a reward, 2 pairs and a shirt RETAIL at WalMart and Target. I actually prefer the pants from WalMart, go figure.

I cannot believe how much giving myself a reward helped my mood. In my situation I am putting myself last too many times. I think it is breaking me down emotionally...ack.

Getting myself medically and physically healthy is going great but I am sporting hobo-style apparel. Pretty bad when the clothes at the thrift stores are better than what I wear.

I am going to enjoy my YOGA pants and get my mammogram today.

Sorry that you have to go through so much stress! I am very happy that the reward question did help you! I think for a lot of people the weight loss journey is connected with learning how to take care of oneself's wellbeing. Have a great day with your yoga pants!!

 

[jillbur]

QOTD:
What is your favourite fruit? Do you eat it just as it is or do you prepare it in any way?

I actually cannot pick one favorite fruit. I love all fruit. In summer, I love all the berries and watermelon. In fall, I love fresh apples. In winter, I love all the citus fruits. Yum! I don't prepare fruit in any way. I just it it fresh and ripe.

Hey Jill, Nice to see you on here. I haven't been on for about a week (so you might have already posted, but) ... how was your trip?

I am looking into signing up for the Tower of Terror race in October. I need to figure it out if my hubby wants to do it with me. He is not a runner and would like to walk it. Do you think he will make it? Also, does the registration close quickly?

Hello Fran!! Our trip was wonderful. We had gorgeous weather (80s) and low crowds. The kids had a blast. We got to do everything on our lists plus so much more. It was very sad coming back to western PA. DH is not having any luck in the job search (respiratory therapy). Everything seems to be per diem so hospitals don't have to pay benefits. Even the hospital he is in (has worked there for 9 years) isn't hiring full time. It's really disappointing. He has expanded his search to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but I don't know if it's worth the hours of driving and cost of gas. So, we are currently stressing about relocating. Actually, the only real stress is selling our house

I vowed I would do the ToT 10 miler this year, and alas, I will not be. It's a financial reason, not motivation! I know a couple people who did it last year. They said it was brutal. Even as a night race at 10 pm, it was 80 degrees and HUMID. I heard it was rough. And, the after party was not the best organized as far as food was concerned, but I heard it was a ton of fun. I'm sure it will be better organized this year. And, there are walkers. Just stay ahead of the sweepers (16 minute mile pace)

I hope everything is going well with you and your family!

QOTD:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

For me it certainly is how much of an emotional eater I am. I eat when I am unhappy.

THIS!! I am such an emotional eater. I eat when I am stressed. That is the reason I am not doing too good right now. Too much stress at work and home


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello everyone. Just a quick check in before classes start. I swear I have less time to check in each day! And, it's going to get worse with the boys spring sports starting. Trying to fit in trips to the gym will be difficult, but I am going to try my best. Hopefully the weather will start warming up and I can get outside to run. I'm just not a cold weather runner. Trust me, I've tried! Running just gives me such a clear head. I think I need that right now!

Anyhow, to anyone who needs it. And, keep swimming! I'll check in later (hopefully~even if it's just to catch up reading). Have a great day!

Jill

 

[pjlla]

Morning friends! I'm working today, so I won't be around a lot, but DD may not be heading to regular practice tonight, so I might have some time when I get home to chat.... plus it is an early release day from school!

For some reason I am feeling just so big and bloated this week. I know I've been eating more carbs than usual, but still staying within my Points. Curious to see what the scale will show on Friday. Last week I posted a solid maintain... not bad, but was wishing for a loss.

I'll pop on again about 9:30 when my class heads to Art! I'll see if the QOTD is posted yet and try to do that before the kids are in here this morning.....P

 

[PlutoBaby]

QOTD:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

Good morning everybody! I'm on day 2 of getting up at 5:15 (yes a.m.!) to get a quick 20 minutes done on my elliptical before work. Of course, now it's 8:30am and I'm SO ready to go back to bed instead of sit at a desk all day. I don't drink coffee so thank goodness for Thermonex (basically caffeine in a capsule !)

Great QOTD! I think I've found that I'm not an emotional eater, but I used to be a bored eater. Sitting around watching TV? Let me stuff my face with something junky. Nothing to do, what convenient food can I find in the pantry. I do occasionally have days when I feel like I can't get enough to eat and end up munching all day long. I just try to to keep the munchies healthy, like fruit, veggies, string cheese, etc.

A big learning experience thanks to WW was really paying attention to portion sizes. Now I don't load my plate up with more than a serving (maybe a serving and a half) of pasta or rice, whereas before I would just keep scooping! Now that I've gotten used to what an actual serving sizes actually looks like, I don't have to measure as much and consequently eat less.

A big down side to all of this is how DH and friends seem to all think I've become obsessed with working out and watching what I eat, which I just don't get. Someone asked me the other day why I pay so much more attention to what I shove in my mouth now. I told her I just want to live a healthier lifestyle. I still party like a rockstar on the weekends and don't say no to margaritas and pizza, I just consume less of it. And now that I've found a running BFF who's just as crazy about putting in the miles as I do, I have someone to commiserate with over the sore legs, PR's, and race schedules . I think maybe DH is sad because he can't run with me as much as he used to due to chronic foot problems, but we still make it a point to run together at least once a week . I've read articles that sometimes people feel threatened (?) about others successful weight loss and see it as a bad thing. And it's not like I have any kind of disorder, I love food WAY too much for that! And I've discovered if I run too much, I always end up catching a cold. So now I only run three days a week, got to yoga 1-2 times a week, and only occasionally hit up the elliptical, as it's not my favorite. And as long as the weather is agreeable (record highs today in the 80's?! Yuck!), I walk at lunchtime just to alleviate 8 hours of sitting at a desk all day. Three mostly healthy meals a day, and a couple of healthy snacks, and there's a typical day. Does any of this sound extreme to anyone?

Now that I realize I've just gone on a DIS rant (sorry everybody!), I think what I've learned most about myself is I have to be patient and learn to make smart choices. And that it's okay to be human and eat those Girl Scout cookies when I want to !

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sorry that you have to go through so much stress! I am very happy that the reward question did help you! I think for a lot of people the weight loss journey is connected with learning how to take care of oneself's wellbeing. Have a great day with your yoga pants!!

Me too!!! I suppose this answers the QOTD as well....

Taking back control of my home, life, and health is exhilarating, exhausting, depressing, scary, and on and on....

No more "emotional eating" as I am dealing emotions instead. Basically for me, my life has to change in many ways.

Many HUGS to all of us here!!!!

Yoga Pants!

 

[pjlla]

Be careful with the incline on the tm Pamela. I believe that is how Cam really messed her knee up. If I remember correctly she said her therapist told her incline on the tm and going backwards on the elliptical are really common ways to do some real knee damage. Just wanted to throw that out there. I'm sorry your neck is bothering you. Do you think you are tensing up? (ETA--I think she had a pretty good incline for an extended period of time on the treadmill.)

Thanks for the warning. I haven't noticed any knee pain other than the occasional "jeez-I'm-getting-old" twinges. I did a 5 minute warm up and then increased the incline by 1% every minute and kept it at a steady 3.9 pace. Then once I hit the full incline I decreased it 0.5% every minute until I was level again. I didn't notice any pain anywhere other than my neck.... but it wasn't any more than I notice when walking/running normally.

My doctor didn't take xrays because there did not appear to be any nerve involvement. She thinks it is piriformis syndrome. Basically the therapist said weak stability and core muscles are causing the spasms etc in my piriformis which is causing all the pain. Again no nerve involvement. There is something else going on with my right leg (where I have been conveniently ignoring nerve pain) which I am guessing she will address too, but for now, the goal is to deal with my back cause it is no fun.

Sciatic pain in your leg or something else?? Working on the core I suppose now?? Do you own a Bosu ball?

Interestingly one of the first things we worked on was diaphragm breathing. Which I had major issues with. I am trying to see it all as a process to better health and more strength.

Not sure I know how I breathe. What should I be looking for??

Have a great night!

Hope you have a happy week!

I am off to lunch in a bit, it might be pizza! Well, if we end up going there I will just get one without the cheese. Still the crust has lots of calories, but I kind of got used to eating pizza without cheese by now...

Feeling so much better than yesterday! Actually not sore in any muscles at all anymore. However, the scale once again has decided to conspire against me. But since I can feel how much my effort over the last week has increased my strength, I am trying to just ignore the scale for now.

Yup.... just ignore it for a few days if it is causing angst!

QOTD for Wednesday:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

That I am more capable of change than I would have thought. That I am TRULY interested in HEALTH and FITNESS, not just being slim. And that I am WORTH IT!!

Good morning everybody! I'm on day 2 of getting up at 5:15 (yes a.m.!) to get a quick 20 minutes done on my elliptical before work. Of course, now it's 8:30am and I'm SO ready to go back to bed instead of sit at a desk all day. I don't drink coffee so thank goodness for Thermonex (basically caffeine in a capsule !)

Don't you LOVE getting a workout in before the rest of the world is awake??

Great QOTD! I think I've found that I'm not an emotional eater, but I used to be a bored eater. Sitting around watching TV? Let me stuff my face with something junky. Nothing to do, what convenient food can I find in the pantry. I do occasionally have days when I feel like I can't get enough to eat and end up munching all day long. I just try to to keep the munchies healthy, like fruit, veggies, string cheese, etc.

A big learning experience thanks to WW was really paying attention to portion sizes. Now I don't load my plate up with more than a serving (maybe a serving and a half) of pasta or rice, whereas before I would just keep scooping! Now that I've gotten used to what an actual serving sizes actually looks like, I don't have to measure as much and consequently eat less.

Good for you for learning what TRUE portion looks like! That is so important for all foods, but most especially on calorie-dense things like nuts, oils, and carbs! I am at the point with many things where I can pull out a serving with my fingers, put it on the scale, and usually hit it within a gram of the right portion size (shredded cheese, cereal)! But that took a LONG time and lots of use of the food scale! I still use measuring spoons for my dressings and oils EVERY DAY!

A big down side to all of this is how DH and friends seem to all think I've become obsessed with working out and watching what I eat, which I just don't get. Someone asked me the other day why I pay so much more attention to what I shove in my mouth now. I told her I just want to live a healthier lifestyle. I still party like a rockstar on the weekends and don't say no to margaritas and pizza, I just consume less of it. And now that I've found a running BFF who's just as crazy about putting in the miles as I do, I have someone to commiserate with over the sore legs, PR's, and race schedules . I think maybe DH is sad because he can't run with me as much as he used to due to chronic foot problems, but we still make it a point to run together at least once a week . I've read articles that sometimes people feel threatened (?) about others successful weight loss and see it as a bad thing. And it's not like I have any kind of disorder, I love food WAY too much for that! And I've discovered if I run too much, I always end up catching a cold. So now I only run three days a week, got to yoga 1-2 times a week, and only occasionally hit up the elliptical, as it's not my favorite. And as long as the weather is agreeable (record highs today in the 80's?! Yuck!), I walk at lunchtime just to alleviate 8 hours of sitting at a desk all day. Three mostly healthy meals a day, and a couple of healthy snacks, and there's a typical day. Does any of this sound extreme to anyone?

Now that I realize I've just gone on a DIS rant (sorry everybody!), I think what I've learned most about myself is I have to be patient and learn to make smart choices. And that it's okay to be human and eat those Girl Scout cookies when I want to !

People sometimes feel guilty about THEIR choices when confronted with someone else making better choices. That, along with what you said about other people's success threatening them are two reasons why it might be hard for others to be happy for your success. Some people are also VERY competitive and somehow see it as a "contest" in their heads. I think my DSIL felt that way when I was losing my weight. She was always the thinnest one in the family (I think she weighed less at 9 mo pregnant than I did at my highest weight), but since I am a slim healthy weight now, she seems to feel some sort of competition and is always complaining to me about her weight gain (due to some new meds) and exercise problems.... like she is making excuses for failing in an "all in her head" contest! I still love her and still think she looks beautiful and stylish and fit.

It is hard (especially when eating out with friends) to not look a bit compulsive/obsessive about things when ordering and saying things like "no oil, no butter, sauce on the side. Can you substitute two servings of broccoli for the potatoes? Can I have that dry grilled instead of pan-fried??" Sometimes I find myself ordering a salad (dressing on the side ) instead of something a bit more complicated, just because I don't want to sound like a freak and/or I don't want anyone else at the table to feel badly about their menu choices.

Stay true to yourself and it will be worth it in the long run... and who knows, you might inspire your friend(s) to become healthier too!

Sorry that your neck problems seem to be related to the treadmill. Have you considered trying new shoes? I always find it amazing how much shoes affect me when I am walking a lot. Maybe it is time to replace the old ones?

I do know that I am DESPERATE for new shoes, so you hit the nail on the head with that one! I have three pairs and two are totally shot and one is less than ideal. I went shopping, but the pair I really want is $100 and I'm waiting until it goes on sale and/or I find a good coupon. But I may not be able to wait much longer.

Freshly picked blueberries sound delicious. Unfortunately that is something one ought not eat in Europe - at least not those picked in the wild as they could be contaminated by some horrible type of tapeworm that can be carried by foxes. Those you can buy are safe as they make sure no fox comes close to them. And I love them when they are in season!

My Dad's blueberries are cultivated, not wild, so no worries, although I do pick wild blueberries here in town every summer. Haven't heard about any sort of contamination issues here in the U.S. though. But thanks for the heads up!

I am a very picky eater, too, but not with fruit! I like nearly all fruit, however, melon isn't my favourite at all...

Not a big melon fan, but I found out that it is on the lower end of the carb/sugar scale and that made me a fan...fast!

***********

Okay friends! I am caught up! And since today is an early release day, Art is shorter than usual, so I don't have much more time to chat! Off to check my other favorite threads (although this is my #1) and go get the kiddos!.....P

 

[jillbur]

Pamela~if you know the shoes you want & the size, don't forget about Running Warehouse online. I order from them & use the WISH code for 15% (I think) off. I've gotten my running shoes from running warehouse for $65 when our running store had them for $110!! Plus, theres free 2 or 3 day shipping and its easy to return if needed. Just a thought to try to save you some $$

Jill

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD for Wednesday:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

That I need spoiling. Seriously to counteract all the deprivation and hunger-and not eating for comfort or entertainment, I need extra TLC.

Had a great breakfast today--a shake with yogurt, banana, milk, strawberries and blackberries.

Went to work out yesterday, had my backpack all packed and I was ready to go, then I peeked in to the pool area and no one was in the lanes so I maniacally undressed, showered and got 25 minutes of lap swimming in before someone popped into my lane. Didn't even ask me. For me sharing a lane just takes away any aerobic from it, if you have to wait for the other person-- it's just not how I do things. I just ducked under the rope and did 10 minutes of dog paddling.

I've decided for motivation I'm going to get a Figaro tattoo for my birthday which is April 15th. That is if I lose 10 pounds by then. Just a small one on my upper arm (least painful spot) black and white. My Mom always gives me $100 for my birthday and we should be getting our back pay from our raise. (almost 2 years worth)
I'm thinking something like these:

This will be a huge motivator for me I really really want it bad. You guys should look up pics of people with Disney tattoos-- there's some killer Disney tat's out there.

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTD for Wednesday:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

That I am really stubborn. That some things are really worth the hard work. That I am entitled to my feelings no matter what they are, but that there is really no reason to eat my way through those feelings. And that people will help you and support you if you let them--and along with that, it is pretty awesome to cheer on others as well.

****

So today I ran for 32 minutes (not very fast). Then I went to pt and had to warm up on the elliptical for 10 minutes--and I did not like their elliptical! She had me work on exercises to strengthen my core (including planks and bridges ) and worked on getting rid of the tightness in my back. My piriformis does not feel great today, but I am much more "moveable"--not so stiff, and that feels great! My homework--breathing, pelvic tilt, bridges, and moving cat. I will probably start adding in a little bit of plank too.

Pamela asked about the breathing--it is diaphragmatic breathing--in through the nose, out through pursed lips. Your chest should not rise, only your stomach. They actually have me practice by laying with one hand on my chest and one on my stomach. I am really bad at it. My understanding--it is the foundation of core stability. It is almost comical how bad I am at doing it.

Thanks for letting me ramble on about this.

 

[Mary•Poppins]

QOTD for Wednesday:

What has your weight less journey taught you about yourself so far?

For me it certainly is how much of an emotional eater I am. I eat when I am unhappy. And I am unhappy when I gain weight and don't get any exercise. Not good - so I have learned to break out of that vicious cycle easier and earlier than I would have been able to in the past.

That I can be successful when I really put my mind to it. I just need to mentally stay the course.

Hello Fran!! Our trip was wonderful. We had gorgeous weather (80s) and low crowds. The kids had a blast. We got to do everything on our lists plus so much more. It was very sad coming back to western PA. DH is not having any luck in the job search (respiratory therapy). Everything seems to be per diem so hospitals don't have to pay benefits. Even the hospital he is in (has worked there for 9 years) isn't hiring full time. It's really disappointing. He has expanded his search to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but I don't know if it's worth the hours of driving and cost of gas. So, we are currently stressing about relocating. Actually, the only real stress is selling our house

I am so glad you had a great trip. Sounds like you had a nice time together as a family. I am sorry about the job search for your husband. I have heard that hospitals are doing this a lot. Nurse anathesiologist (not sure if I spelled that correctly) are also starting to be paid as consultants since hospitals don't want to carry their insurance. I hope he finds something.

 

[50sjayne]

[quote}
So today I ran for 32 minutes (not very fast). Then I went to pt and had to warm up on the elliptical for 10 minutes--and I did not like their elliptical! She had me work on exercises to strengthen my core (including planks and bridges ) and worked on getting rid of the tightness in my back. My piriformis does not feel great today, but I am much more "moveable"--not so stiff, and that feels great! My homework--breathing, pelvic tilt, bridges, and moving cat. I will probably start adding in a little bit of plank too.

Pamela asked about the breathing--it is diaphragmatic breathing--in through the nose, out through pursed lips. Your chest should not rise, only your stomach. They actually have me practice by laying with one hand on my chest and one on my stomach. I am really bad at it. My understanding--it is the foundation of core stability. It is almost comical how bad I am at doing it.

Thanks for letting me ramble on about this. [/QUOTE]

I think I missed something are you getting physical therapy or is this a personal trainer?

Helped daughter move today--husband saw her and her boyfriend walking, pulled over and made her talk to me. We had heard this week she was homeless for a few weeks....was a little worried....but she found a good place, everything is in her name so she can kick out useless if he $%#*'s up again. Some womens program is paying 1/2 the rent. She also says she's going back to school--he's been a problem with this.
Still had enough time to lift weights at least tonight. Tomorrow I'll probably just do the elliptical.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY WISHERs!

I do NOT have to sit in a doctor's office or drive anyone to ANY type of doctor today!!! (fingers crossed there)

DH told me last night he lost 2lbs!!! He said he ate Chik Fil A for lunch yesterday but had to MAKE SURE to tell me that he asked for the nutritional menu first and looked it over before he ordered!!! Something is sinking in.

So far I am on track and the weigh in better be good tomorrow.

Things are absolutely stressed here at my house to the maximum right now but I am staying the course FOR ME. I have to healthy in order to make it through.

Today I am going to head out to Victorias Secret and buy some fancy YOGA PANTS. It is time for a ME DAY. I have earned it.