WISH Away the Pounds July Challenge - Everyone Welcome!!

[glss1/2fll]

mainmooncat--sorry about your kitty. It's a hard thing to do.

QOTD: Yesterday I did my stretching class at the gym, met my buddies for an abbreviated version of the usual walk, then a girlfriend called and we went to the pool to do laps. A nice start for the month.

Today, my friends, is a totally different story! But I have come on here specifically to give myself a little kick in the toosh! Yesterday my buddies wanted to go to breakfast after our walk (which we have never done) but the restaurant was closed. So today they wanted to eat instead of walk. Fine. I set my alarm to get up early and swim at the Y. Woke up 20 minutes before it went off and thought, "cool! I still have 20 minutes." Well, 20 minutes later I turned it off and woke up an hour later when my hubby kissed me goodbye on his way to work! I am feeling like a sloth!

All of which means I need to stop sitting here and get busy! Vacuum cleaner here I come.

 

[Rose&Mike]

loved this. thought I'd share. sorry it's so big.
via Runner Girl!

 

[FireflyFi]

My mom also had lap band surgery and it slipped. While it was where it was supposed to be, she lost the weight. I don't think she ever went back to have it put back where it was supposed to be. She may have actually had it removed.

My surgeon tells me that they slip in about 8% of people, but only 1% of people who have it replaced slip again. Not sure why that would be (people who put themselves through two rounds of surgery are more careful?) or if I really believe him. But I guess if I went through it a second time, I'm prepared to roll the dice haha

 

[FireflyFi]

How do you like the Stevia? I keep meaning to try it?

It's fine in well diluted quantities. I much prefer it to artificial sweeteners - a lot less of the bitter aftertaste. I haven't been that adventurous in my stevia trials, the example I gave is about the only thing I've tried! I keep thinking it'd be great if there was a hot chocolate mix with stevia in it, but I've yet to find one that gets decent reviews.

 

[FireflyFi]

Sorry for the lack of multi quote, but I only really have time to jump on here on my train ride to work in the morning, so I use the app.

As for what I've done for this week...does last Saturday count? I booked in a reassessment at the gym. They trainer there has been setting me up with some reasonably hard weight training lately, and I've gone through that for the last 8-10 weeks and its time to get a new program. I've always preferred Wrights because I find cardio so...SO boring! But then, when I was there last Saturday they had all these new machines with fancy functions, all connected to the Internet and loaded with routines and games to keep you engaged. So I may ask the trainer to add some into the mix.

Also, during a lunchtime at work I walked to the closest supermarket and picked up some fruit. My workplace is terrible in terms of temptation, so if I have the fruit, if I start feeling hungry, I start with that rather than straight to the lolly jar, etc. So far, seems to be working

 

[mainemooncat]

Thanks to all for the kind words about the loss of my kitty. The worst part is that I cannot get another cat for awhile because the virus that killed him is infectious and can live for awhile in your home. The vet recommends waiting a month or two before bringing another cat home. I am very lonely without a kitty to keep me company.

I got up this morning and went running for the first time in almost a week. I am counting that at my woo-hoo Wednesday! Better than nothing and better than drowning sorrows in food or inactivity, I think.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

QOTD Tuesday, July 1, 2014: Are you prepared to reach your goals? If you don't want to take the quiz, you can just answer the question or share your thoughts on what it takes to be prepared to reach your goals.

I don't need a quiz to tell me I'm not prepared for my goals, but right now I'm gonna fake it until I make it.
I do need to get back to the gym, and I think I'm going to take DS18 with me. He needs to get back into the gym too.

Hey, looking to join in for the first time. I don't want to seem like a sad sack, but I've realised I have pretty much no support network when it comes to my weightloss goals. There is maybe one person in my life who takes an active interest, and I don't see her that often. So it's very easy for me to slip or lose faith that sticking with this is worth it or even working (I can't be the only one who gets four days into a lifestyle change and thinks 'eh, this will never work! Back to the old habits...'...right? Lol) so I need some people to keep me motivated and focused. I had a quick read through a little of the June thread and it seems like you've got a good community here, so I look forward to participating

Oh, and as for prepared, I'm really not. I've always been a bit vague on any plans. I'm more of a 'if I do xyz, that should lead me to better things' and hope that works.

Glad you found us!! This group of guys and gals are THE BEST!!! I love them all with all my heart!

I am in.
Still thinking about my goal.
The fun continues at our house. We have a home inspection today on the house we are buying....maybe buying....there are serious rumors circulating that DH's company may be sold. The rumors hit the news media yesterday. We went through this in 2008, but because of the recession it didn't happen.
So do I push myself hard to stay 100% on plan and hope it helps deal with the stress. Or do I just throw in the towel and try to maintain.

Or do we chuck it all, quit our jobs, move to Orlando and get jobs at WDW? That idea is sounding better and better all the time.

I could handle the supposed company sale if we weren't in the process of buying a house. Oh and we received notice yesterday that if we stay in the apartment our rent goes up $200 a month in September. Not a good day yesterday!

So we need lots of QOTD's about how to deal with stress!

I vote quit and move to WDW!!!! We can all get houses in the same complex and we can have nightly runs and walks. We can call it WISHington!

So question, if DH's company gets sold is there a possibility for him to lose his job or need to relocate? I ask because a $200 a month jump in rent might not be as bad as trying to unload a house.
I hope everything shakes down ok.

Deal with stress??? I need that help!!!! Because food is not the answer!!

QOTD Wednesday, July 2, 2014: It's Woo Hoo Wednesday! Give yourself a big "woo hoo" for helping yourself to be healthy and share something that you did this week to help you with your goals. Hopefully you don't feel like you've been on the wildest ride in the wilderness!

Woohoo Wednesday. I have logged my food all day, just need to decide dinner, eat it, and log it.

I am having a hard time ATM because I had to put my kitty to sleep yesterday. He got very sick very quickly after a diagnosis of FIP, an incurable viral illness last week. I have been spending most of my time taking care of him or worrying about him, so I have not exercised or really watched diet in 5 days. Hopefully I can recommit tomorrow.

Sorry for the loss of your kitty. Losing a pets stinks!

I know the clothes not fitting thing. Before I gained weight I had dressy clothes to wear to work, heels, always had my hair fixed and makeup on. Now, I have 2 jeans. One that is too big and one that almost fits. I have 5 t-shirts that I wear over and over and over again. My hair is always in a ponytail and I never put on makeup anymore. Hard to feel good about anything else when you are miserable with your weight.

I also still have a closet full of dress clothes that I WILL fit into again. I went from a size 15 to a 7 about 3 years ago. I was 7 lbs away from my goal weight of 120. I got into a relationship with my now husband who also likes to eat as much as I do and then we got pregnant and there went the weight. Weird thing is, I gained 70 lbs for my first baby in 04, got pregnant 9 months later with my second baby and gained more weight. Lost it all plus some 3 years ago and then gained it back before I got pregnant again. This time I only gained 15 lbs which I lost within the first month. I'm now heavier than I was when I was pregnant this last time!!!!

Anyway, hope you are fitting back into your new clothes in no time.

Thanks!! I have a lot of almost fitting clothes too. It makes me feel worse sometimes. But today is a new day, July is a new month, and I am ready to rock those fancy expensive jeans DH bought me for Christmas.

Woo Hoo!!!!

This is not food or exercise related and I don't usually openly admit this but...I have been struggling with bipolar/depression/anxiety/anger issues lately. I am always always angry. Everything sets me off. I finally got my butt up and went back to the doctor for a med adjustment. Hoping to feel better soon because I know when my emotions are all over the place, it's not healthy. My goal is to lose weight, get healthy and feel better about myself. Getting back to the real me by admitting I needed a med change is a big step in getting healthy.

DS18 has been dealing with some anxiety lately and it's because he's been injured and not running. I have also been feeling the same way so we are going to try to get back in the gym. I'm glad you saw the doc! So many people try to deal with things on their own, I hope you see positive results soon.

Hi Buffy! Nice to see you! Sounds like you are having a busy summer. I know you can kick that weight to the curb soon!

I did have a great time with my running group this spring. Another session starts week after next. This time I am doing the 10k group. Even though I am super slow and usually quite a ways behind the pack they got me to do things I never thought possible -- like run for 4 minutes at a time and run in all sorts of weather. They really did push me outside my comfort zone to where the magic happens!

Oh how I have missed you!!!! I feel like I'm home again. I've lost my running mojo so I'm going to live vicariously through you til I can get back in the groove.
I'm jealous you have a running group! I want one!!!!!! Where is that temper tantrum smilie?!?!?

 

[desiree71081]

Thanks!! I have a lot of almost fitting clothes too. It makes me feel worse sometimes. But today is a new day, July is a new month, and I am ready to rock those fancy expensive jeans DH bought me for Christmas.

There are jeans at Dillard's that I see every time I go that I love and tell myself, when I get down to my goal weight, I'm buying me some. I know it's a long shot though because I'm so short and most jeans don't come in the length I need. The only jeans I have found that I don't have to get hemmed is Arizona short length. My Grandma hems jeans for me but they just don't look the same after. Problems of a short girl.....

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Sorry I didn't get on last night to post the QOTD but it is on a topic that was requested with a little help from sparkpeople.com, of course.

12 Ways to Beat Stress

So is your life exhilarating, or just stressful and exhausting? Well, that all depends on how you look at—and handle—both the small everyday events, and the major life-changing ones. Most of us have an innate understanding that too much stress negatively impacts our health and well-being. But do we really understand the true biology of stress or why it is imperative that we learn to reduce, eliminate or manage it?


Smart Strategies to Deal with Stress
Here are some tips that will help reduce the frequency and intensity of your stress, and therefore dramatically improve your ability to handle stress when occurs.

Elevate self-care to its highest priority at all times. A well-rested, nourished and fit body sees the world through calmer glasses, no matter what's going on. When life does get hectic and stressful, or a crisis occurs, resist the urge to think you don't have time to take care of yourself. The best way to cope and protect your body against stress is to take exceptional care of yourself.

Identify the source of your stress. Fix the simple stuff. Work on the tough stuff. Keep a stress diary for a week or two, and then ask yourself some important questions. What is it that's really causing my stress? Is it within my circle of influence? Is there a way I can shift my perspective and see the opportunity here? What action steps can I take right now to alleviate some of the sources of the stress?

Make an appointment for some "me" time every day. Many will turn to some pretty self-sabotaging methods to handle stress, such as overeating, oversleeping, drinking to intoxication, numbing by watching too much TV, or just procrastinating. Take a short break to nourish your spirit instead by trying meditation, taking a walk outside or reading a good book. Figure out what works for you and schedule it into your day.

Learn the skills of time management and practice them until they become habits. Poor time-management skills are a huge cause of stress for so many people. There are wonderful books and professionals who can help you in this arena. If your stress diary clearly shows that you are not managing your time well, commit to working on that area for change.

Stop multi-tasking on important things. Running around trying to do a hundred things at once puts our bodies into fight-or-flight mode. Rather than accomplishing what we need to do, we end up making mistakes, producing sloppy work, or forgetting things that inevitably leave us feeling more stressed. Focus on one task at a time, get it done, and move on.

Use technology to your advantage, not your detriment. Being accessible 24/7 may seem convenient or time-saving, but for many, it can become highly stressful. You might even benefit from a technology-free day once a week.

Nurture your relationships. They are the backbone of our happiness. When life is busy, and we are stressed, we often neglect those we care about the most. Plan a date night with your partner, have lunch with a friend, or call someone who makes you laugh.

Take a mini-vacation. Don't wait for the once a year vacation to unwind and relax. An afternoon away, one night out of town, or even just an hour escape for a massage will refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit, allowing you to face the world with a more buoyant attitude.

Surround yourself with positive people. Wherever possible, spend time with people who are optimistic and energizing, not those who are filled with negativity and gloom.

Stay in the present moment. When we ruminate on the past, it usually makes us feel sad or angry. When we focus on the future, it usually causes us worry and concern. Reduce stress by taking enjoyment of whatever is happening in the now.

Concentrate your energies on the things you can control and impact, and let the rest go. Try to find the humor in life's ironies. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Here is a link to the entire article if you are interested http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1687

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

 

[jillbur]

Humidity high today of 82% and 94 degrees. I know how you feel. We went to Disney World in March and the weather was nice. Not too hot. We are going again at the beginning of September and I am almost regretting picking that time because I know how hot it will be. But, it won't be any cooler at home so it's either sweat at home or sweat at Disney World. I pick Disney World.

I think Disney sounds a lot better, too

Non-health/fitness related, we're taking the girls to see Earth to Echo tonight. One of my favorite things about summer vacation is the relaxed schedule - no homework/afterschool activities means we can decide to hit a Wednesday movie...so off we go! Dinner and a movie at our local Alamo Drafthouse. I hope they like it...

How was the movie? My boys want to see it.

I'm in some weird kind of spring cleaning mood today. I know, it's summer...maybe it's because my university's new fiscal year started yesterday, and I have a New Year's kind of feeling going on...usually, that hits around September, which feels more like a new year to me than January ever does! Whatever's driving it, I'll take it - I seem to be making slow progress in actually clearing/organizing some homeless boxes in the house...that counts as a strength workout, right?

XO
Liz


XO
Liz

I can give you my address if you'd like to come clean here

Good morning all!

Sorry I didn't get on last night to post the QOTD but it is on a topic that was requested with a little help from sparkpeople.com, of course.

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

Make an appointment for some "me" time every day.

This is one that I make sure that I do, especially after I had kids. I remember going to my first OBGYN appointment after having DS11 and she told me to make sure I had some time to myself so I didn't feel overwhelmed. That stuck with me and I escape a little (or a lot sometimes) everyday. I go in a different room to read, go shopping, play on the computer, do yoga, take the dog for a walk, anything that is quiet and peaceful to me.

I also try to stay pretty organized so I stress less. I am a super list maker and feel so accomplished when I cross things off that list. And, props to my DH who is super supportive and a great dad. He encourages me in my eating and exercise routines and he knows when I need a break. He will handle the kids when I get some "me time." Although his ability to eat an entire pizza and not gain one ounce is maddening

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

I woke up nice and early when I didn't have to. I am relaxing on my front porch in the peace and quiet. Now that I'm done catching up here, I am going to look for a rental car for vacation. It's the last thing I have to do for this trip so it's kind of nagging at me. But, prices are still high so I think I just have to play the waiting game.

I have no big plans today. I need to catch up on laundry and vacuum. DH wants to go biking later so I need to see if DSs can go to my mom's for a bit. That's about all for now. Have a great day!

Jill

 

[Rose&Mike]

12 Ways to Beat Stress

Elevate self-care to its highest priority at all times. A well-rested, nourished and fit body sees the world through calmer glasses, no matter what's going on. When life does get hectic and stressful, or a crisis occurs, resist the urge to think you don't have time to take care of yourself. The best way to cope and protect your body against stress is to take exceptional care of yourself.

Make an appointment for some "me" time every day. Many will turn to some pretty self-sabotaging methods to handle stress, such as overeating, oversleeping, drinking to intoxication, numbing by watching too much TV, or just procrastinating. Take a short break to nourish your spirit instead by trying meditation, taking a walk outside or reading a good book. Figure out what works for you and schedule it into your day.

Stop multi-tasking on important things. Running around trying to do a hundred things at once puts our bodies into fight-or-flight mode. Rather than accomplishing what we need to do, we end up making mistakes, producing sloppy work, or forgetting things that inevitably leave us feeling more stressed. Focus on one task at a time, get it done, and move on.

Nurture your relationships. They are the backbone of our happiness. When life is busy, and we are stressed, we often neglect those we care about the most. Plan a date night with your partner, have lunch with a friend, or call someone who makes you laugh.

Stay in the present moment. When we ruminate on the past, it usually makes us feel sad or angry. When we focus on the future, it usually causes us worry and concern. Reduce stress by taking enjoyment of whatever is happening in the now.

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

I handle my stress by eating and maybe a few too many adult beverages.

The suggestions I left above really resonate with me.

I really stop taking care of myself when I get stressed out. Don't eat well. Don't bother with appearances which leads me to feel doom and gloomy. I have been working hard to eat well the last few days and I really think it has helped me keep things in perspective, because I am feeling better.

I tend to zone out when I am stressed. I really need to set a meditation schedule and stick with it because I always feel better when I am regularly meditating.

I am the queen of multi-tasking (especially at work--I can't function without two computer monitors and multiple things open at the same time) and I think all that does sometimes is heighten my anxiety and make me feel very unproductive.

I withdrawal from my friends when I am stressed. I figure no one really wants to hear what's wrong, and it is hard to see past it sometimes.

I am terrible about focusing on the future and playing the 'what if' game. I think some of this was learned as a child who grew up in an abusive home, but it is definitely not a coping mechanism that works.

I think my biggest issue with stress is that I don't trust myself to make a good decision. So I worry my decisions to death and then often end up making no decision. It is debilitating sometimes.

Thanks for the article Lisa. It was some good food for thought. And very relevant.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning! My WooHoo Wednesday always seems to be the same, but I'll take it...fitness/health related, I got up and ran. It was SO HOT this morning, and I almost talked myself out of it, but instead I let myself sleep just a little longer and then went. I was still back before DH left to take DDs to their day camp. I'm feeling so much better for having gotten out there!

Non-health/fitness related, we're taking the girls to see Earth to Echo tonight. One of my favorite things about summer vacation is the relaxed schedule - no homework/afterschool activities means we can decide to hit a Wednesday movie...so off we go! Dinner and a movie at our local Alamo Drafthouse. I hope they like it...

Getting up and running when you want to sleep in is a great , Liz! Hope that you enjoyed the movie night with your family.

This week..... hmmmmm.... gotta think about it.

You got out the door and took care of your car Hope your DH enjoys his vacation. The projects will be there later.

mainmooncat--sorry about your kitty. It's a hard thing to do.

QOTD: Yesterday I did my stretching class at the gym, met my buddies for an abbreviated version of the usual walk, then a girlfriend called and we went to the pool to do laps. A nice start for the month.

Today, my friends, is a totally different story! But I have come on here specifically to give myself a little kick in the toosh! Yesterday my buddies wanted to go to breakfast after our walk (which we have never done) but the restaurant was closed. So today they wanted to eat instead of walk. Fine. I set my alarm to get up early and swim at the Y. Woke up 20 minutes before it went off and thought, "cool! I still have 20 minutes." Well, 20 minutes later I turned it off and woke up an hour later when my hubby kissed me goodbye on his way to work! I am feeling like a sloth!

All of which means I need to stop sitting here and get busy! Vacuum cleaner here I come.

That is a bummer when you sleep through something, Linda. I always feel like I'm behind the 8 ball the rest of the day when that happens. I'm sure you had a very productive day for the rest of the day.

loved this. thought I'd share. sorry it's so big.
via Runner Girl!

I love this! It really is true!

Sorry for the lack of multi quote, but I only really have time to jump on here on my train ride to work in the morning, so I use the app.

As for what I've done for this week...does last Saturday count? I booked in a reassessment at the gym. They trainer there has been setting me up with some reasonably hard weight training lately, and I've gone through that for the last 8-10 weeks and its time to get a new program. I've always preferred Wrights because I find cardio so...SO boring! But then, when I was there last Saturday they had all these new machines with fancy functions, all connected to the Internet and loaded with routines and games to keep you engaged. So I may ask the trainer to add some into the mix.

Also, during a lunchtime at work I walked to the closest supermarket and picked up some fruit. My workplace is terrible in terms of temptation, so if I have the fruit, if I start feeling hungry, I start with that rather than straight to the lolly jar, etc. So far, seems to be working

for getting your plan in place and an excellent strategy for the workplace temptations!

Thanks to all for the kind words about the loss of my kitty. The worst part is that I cannot get another cat for awhile because the virus that killed him is infectious and can live for awhile in your home. The vet recommends waiting a month or two before bringing another cat home. I am very lonely without a kitty to keep me company.

I got up this morning and went running for the first time in almost a week. I am counting that at my woo-hoo Wednesday! Better than nothing and better than drowning sorrows in food or inactivity, I think.

Getting back to your regular routine is a great It is lonely when our pets leave us behind.

Hang on I'm in trouble with the smilie police . . .

 

[lisah0711]

I don't need a quiz to tell me I'm not prepared for my goals, but right now I'm gonna fake it until I make it.
I do need to get back to the gym, and I think I'm going to take DS18 with me. He needs to get back into the gym too.

I bet you could be prepared very quickly, Buffy!

Glad you found us!! This group of guys and gals are THE BEST!!! I love them all with all my heart!


I vote quit and move to WDW!!!! We can all get houses in the same complex and we can have nightly runs and walks. We can call it WISHington!

This is a great idea!

So question, if DH's company gets sold is there a possibility for him to lose his job or need to relocate? I ask because a $200 a month jump in rent might not be as bad as trying to unload a house.
I hope everything shakes down ok.

Deal with stress??? I need that help!!!! Because food is not the answer!!

Isn't that the truth?

Woohoo Wednesday. I have logged my food all day, just need to decide dinner, eat it, and log it.

That is a great !

Sorry for the loss of your kitty. Losing a pets stinks!

Thanks!! I have a lot of almost fitting clothes too. It makes me feel worse sometimes. But today is a new day, July is a new month, and I am ready to rock those fancy expensive jeans DH bought me for Christmas.

DS18 has been dealing with some anxiety lately and it's because he's been injured and not running. I have also been feeling the same way so we are going to try to get back in the gym. I'm glad you saw the doc! So many people try to deal with things on their own, I hope you see positive results soon.

Poor guy! It is tough when you can't do your regular stuff. He is lucky to have a supportive momma to help him.

Oh how I have missed you!!!! I feel like I'm home again. I've lost my running mojo so I'm going to live vicariously through you til I can get back in the groove.
I'm jealous you have a running group! I want one!!!!!! Where is that temper tantrum smilie?!?!?

We've missed you, too, Buffy! You could probably get a running group together at school I bet. The one I am doing is through my local running store.

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

Stress is something that can derail my healthy lifestyle faster than anything and somedays it does. I know eating my feelings doesn't help but in that time of stress I don't care and can do it anyway. I do deal with stress much better than I used to and I think it has helped me to make long term progress and keep the weight off. I really, really try to remind myself that I can change what is happening -- I can only change how I react to it.

Make an appointment for some "me" time every day.

This is one that I make sure that I do, especially after I had kids. I remember going to my first OBGYN appointment after having DS11 and she told me to make sure I had some time to myself so I didn't feel overwhelmed. That stuck with me and I escape a little (or a lot sometimes) everyday. I go in a different room to read, go shopping, play on the computer, do yoga, take the dog for a walk, anything that is quiet and peaceful to me.

I also try to stay pretty organized so I stress less. I am a super list maker and feel so accomplished when I cross things off that list. And, props to my DH who is super supportive and a great dad. He encourages me in my eating and exercise routines and he knows when I need a break. He will handle the kids when I get some "me time." Although his ability to eat an entire pizza and not gain one ounce is maddening

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

I woke up nice and early when I didn't have to. I am relaxing on my front porch in the peace and quiet. Now that I'm done catching up here, I am going to look for a rental car for vacation. It's the last thing I have to do for this trip so it's kind of nagging at me. But, prices are still high so I think I just have to play the waiting game.

I have no big plans today. I need to catch up on laundry and vacuum. DH wants to go biking later so I need to see if DSs can go to my mom's for a bit. That's about all for now. Have a great day!

Jill

That was great advice your OB/GYN gave you when your DS was born, Jill!

Good luck on the rental car -- I think they are just high this year. I just bit the bullet and reserved a car for our trip at the end of the month. Are you a Costco member? Sometimes you can get a discount? Airline miles member?

I handle my stress by eating and maybe a few too many adult beverages.

The suggestions I left above really resonate with me.

I really stop taking care of myself when I get stressed out. Don't eat well. Don't bother with appearances which leads me to feel doom and gloomy. I have been working hard to eat well the last few days and I really think it has helped me keep things in perspective, because I am feeling better.

I tend to zone out when I am stressed. I really need to set a meditation schedule and stick with it because I always feel better when I am regularly meditating.

I am the queen of multi-tasking (especially at work--I can't function without two computer monitors and multiple things open at the same time) and I think all that does sometimes is heighten my anxiety and make me feel very unproductive.

I withdrawal from my friends when I am stressed. I figure no one really wants to hear what's wrong, and it is hard to see past it sometimes.

I am terrible about focusing on the future and playing the 'what if' game. I think some of this was learned as a child who grew up in an abusive home, but it is definitely not a coping mechanism that works.

I think my biggest issue with stress is that I don't trust myself to make a good decision. So I worry my decisions to death and then often end up making no decision. It is debilitating sometimes.

Thanks for the article Lisa. It was some good food for thought. And very relevant.

I'm glad that you found some food for thought, Rose. You have a lot of stressors going on that you can't change for sure. Good luck with your race tomorrow!

 

[myweegirls]

Morning, friends!

Got in a short 2-mile run this morning...I'm in Dumbo training mode big-time, now, and tomorrow is 9.5 miles! I'm planning to get up early and do that on our awesome local trail. I have to drive there, but the reward afterward is an Egg White Delight at McDonalds...YUM.

Earth to Echo was really sweet! DDs loved the cute factor of Echo himself, and I enjoyed the movie a lot. It draws on the ET tradition but doesn't get as scary as Super 8. DDs are 9 and 7, and they liked it a lot.

Today is DDs last day of their drama camp, and my work is done at 2pm (woo!). I'm going to the drama camp production, then we're home for dinner and either pool time or movie night, depending on Arthur's arrival. I just hope we're inland enough that my run in the morning doesn't get washed out!

XO
Liz

 

[Flossbolna]

Lisa, thanks for the QOTD! it hit me just in the right moment. I needed a short break from my desk and found this. Just when I felt so stressed out. Also, I slipped at lunch and had a pizza. It was just so tempting...

BUT one thing I have been doing over the last few days is trying to make a schedule for my days - like when to do what. I only did it in my mind. Maybe it would be even better if I write it down (have done that in the past and that helps). With this I managed to get myself to bed a little after 10 pm and that meant I woke up well rested at 6:30am this morning and had plenty of time to do a quick stop at the grocery store this morning to pick up all kind of healthy food items. Stores here all close at 8pm, and I won't be home before 8 tonight... So, I think time management is one way for me to help wioth stress.

There were some more suggestions that sounded good to me, so I will try to go back to that list and think about it!

And now I feel much better! Back to the desk...

 

[desiree71081]

which brings me to the qotd thursday, july 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

After starting counseling last month because I was EXTREMELY stressed out, she said the biggest thing I could do was take "me" time. Take a bath, take a walk, just take a break. Some days I actually do this but it's not the easiest thing to do when you have a 10 month old and daddy doesn't know how to calm him down sometimes. My 10 minutes get interrupted when I hear him (the baby, not my husband) screaming and I have to go check on him. I know I know, 10 minutes of him fussing WHILE having an adult there with him is not a big deal but I can't handle hearing him fuss. Breaks my heart.

And...another thing to cope with/handle stress (for me anyway) is to be on the right meds. No matter what I try, if I'm not on the right meds, stress/anxiety won't go away.

 

[pjlla]

It's fine in well diluted quantities. I much prefer it to artificial sweeteners - a lot less of the bitter aftertaste. I haven't been that adventurous in my stevia trials, the example I gave is about the only thing I've tried! I keep thinking it'd be great if there was a hot chocolate mix with stevia in it, but I've yet to find one that gets decent reviews.

Try making your own. I believe there is a recipe on the side of the cocoa powder box. It is basically warm milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and of course, sugar.... but you could use the stevia. I don't have a recipe right here, but I suppose you could google "single serving hot chocolate recipe" and find something. If you used lowfat or skim milk.... or almond milk the fat content from the cocoa powder wouldn't be too bad. Good luck.

I don't need a quiz to tell me I'm not prepared for my goals, but right now I'm gonna fake it until I make it. I do need to get back to the gym, and I think I'm going to take DS18 with me. He needs to get back into the gym too.

LOVE IT!!

Glad you found us!! This group of guys and gals are THE BEST!!! I love them all with all my heart!

Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!



I vote quit and move to WDW!!!! We can all get houses in the same complex and we can have nightly runs and walks. We can call it WISHington!

I'm in!!!

So question, if DH's company gets sold is there a possibility for him to lose his job or need to relocate? I ask because a $200 a month jump in rent might not be as bad as trying to unload a house.
I hope everything shakes down ok.

Deal with stress??? I need that help!!!! Because food is not the answer!!

You are SO RIGHT about that!!! I always tell my members that if HUNGER isn't the question then FOOD is not the answer!!

Woohoo Wednesday. I have logged my food all day, just need to decide dinner, eat it, and log it.

What did you end up having? We had tacos/tacos salads last night.


DS18 has been dealing with some anxiety lately and it's because he's been injured and not running. I have also been feeling the same way so we are going to try to get back in the gym. I'm glad you saw the doc! So many people try to deal with things on their own, I hope you see positive results soon.

I'm sorry.... I wasn't aware that DS was injured. What happened?

Oh how I have missed you!!!! I feel like I'm home again. I've lost my running mojo so I'm going to live vicariously through you til I can get back in the groove.
I'm jealous you have a running group! I want one!!!!!! Where is that temper tantrum smilie?!?!?

Buffy, it is SO GOOD to see you back here posting again! I have really missed you.

12 Ways to Beat Stress

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

Other than the "normal" stresses of life (how to pay the tuition bills, arguments with DH), I don't really have a lot of stress in my life. Because of the nature of my work at school, I definitely don't take my job home with me. When 3pm rolls around, I can forget about it! And while I don't always love my WW job, it is pretty low stress.

My DH's accident a few years ago really taught me about dealing with stress without food. I kept reminding myself that sitting in the ICU waiting room eating chips and brownies was NOT going to help my husband heal and that I needed to stay strong and healthy to help him once he returned home. It was a real turning point for me in terms of learning to deal with stress without food.

**********************

Morning all! Trying to get some stuff done here before heading to Cape Cod for the RAINY 4th of July! Yup, looks like Tropical Storm/Hurricane Arthur is due to drop his nasty weather here on us right in time to douse our July 4th plans. So instead of bonfires, s'mores, and fireworks on the beach, it will probably be games and wine around the dining room table!

Picking DD up in Boston today before heading to the Cape for a quick overnight visit with DH's family. Then dropping DD back in Bristol, RI early Saturday morning (she has to work all weekend) before heading home to get some projects done over the weekend.

I think we will head out a bit earlier than planned and stop at Costco and pick up lots of nice fresh fruit to take to the Cape. It will certainly make healthier eating all the easier (that being said, the DSIL we are staying overnight with is a huge health "nut" and always has tons of healthy options available.... but she is naturally very thin and doesn't always understand that "healthy" doesn't mean "light" or low cal).

Laundry is chugging along, dishwasher is emptied, breakfast is eaten and cleaned up and DS has been awakened.... but he isn't moving very fast. DH is off to the gym and I will plan to be ready to leave when he gets back. We will eat a quick lunch here before battling the traffic that is sure to be.

TTYL!.....................P

 

[Flossbolna]

Pamm thank you so much for this:

if HUNGER isn't the question then FOOD is not the answer

I think I need to print that out and put it on my fridge - or even the kitchen door!!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

There are jeans at Dillard's that I see every time I go that I love and tell myself, when I get down to my goal weight, I'm buying me some. I know it's a long shot though because I'm so short and most jeans don't come in the length I need. The only jeans I have found that I don't have to get hemmed is Arizona short length. My Grandma hems jeans for me but they just don't look the same after. Problems of a short girl.....

I hear ya!! At 5'1" even the short length is long.
I had been eyeballing the jeans for a while and when I was doing better at losing weight DH bought them for me. They are stretchy though, so I don't think I can have them altered. I need to take them back to Nordstrom to see if they can do that. I can't wear them yet though. I can get them on but my tummy is to pudgy and it looks stupid.
My daily jeans are Levi's I have found that their short length is pretty good. And I get the demi curve style cause I have a butt too.

Which brings me to the QOTD Thursday, July 3, 2014: How do you handle stress and your healthy lifestyle? Do you think any of the suggestions might work for you? Or do you have another way to handle stress that works for you?

BBL with replies and my own answer.

I clean. I have found that having a cluttered house makes my mind cluttered. Which adds stress. I try to go for a walk if I can. Read. Cross stitch or scrapbook. The big issue with reading or crafting is I do zone out and I turn my ears off so I don't hear the kids.
I have also been known to play video games. LOL I will swipe one of the kids DS's and play animal crossing or something like that.

We've missed you, too, Buffy! You could probably get a running group together at school I bet. The one I am doing is through my local running store.

I have one friend from school that runs and walks with me but no one else seems very interested. I might try again in the fall. We have a local running club but most of them are elite runners and not close to the same level as me.

I really, really try to remind myself that I can change what is happening -- I can only change how I react to it.

YES!YES!YES! I always tell my kids you can not control the way someone acts, only the way you react to them.

replies above!

Morning, friends!

Got in a short 2-mile run this morning...I'm in Dumbo training mode big-time, now, and tomorrow is 9.5 miles! I'm planning to get up early and do that on our awesome local trail. I have to drive there, but the reward afterward is an Egg White Delight at McDonalds...YUM.

Good luck tomorrow!!!

Buffy, it is SO GOOD to see you back here posting again! I have really missed you.


Morning all! Trying to get some stuff done here before heading to Cape Cod for the RAINY 4th of July! Yup, looks like Tropical Storm/Hurricane Arthur is due to drop his nasty weather here on us right in time to douse our July 4th plans. So instead of bonfires, s'mores, and fireworks on the beach, it will probably be games and wine around the dining room table!

Thanks! Missed you too!!!

DS18's injury. He had a stress reaction in his foot during indoor track. Ran maybe 2 races at the end of the season. Then he got a major IT band issue in his knee that sidelined him for his whole outdoor season. Sadly it has not gone away so we are back to the chiro for some stretches and I'm probably going to call the orthopedist and get an MRI done. It stinks because he wants to run on college but he is seriously behind in training now.

Have fun at the Cape! The weather should be good. It sounds like we are going to get hit tonight and tomorrow but it should start clearing out Friday afternoon. Just watch the surf, it's probably going to be rough all weekend.

Oh, and we ended up having little caesar's pizza for dinner. Not the best but I still had 12 calories left over after I ate it.

 

[desiree71081]

I hear ya!! At 5'1" even the short length is long.
I had been eyeballing the jeans for a while and when I was doing better at losing weight DH bought them for me. They are stretchy though, so I don't think I can have them altered. I need to take them back to Nordstrom to see if they can do that. I can't wear them yet though. I can get them on but my tummy is to pudgy and it looks stupid.
My daily jeans are Levi's I have found that their short length is pretty good. And I get the demi curve style cause I have a butt too.


Oh, and we ended up having little caesar's pizza for dinner. Not the best but I still had 12 calories left over after I ate it.

5' here. Going to definitely look into Levi's. 32 years old and still shopping in the Jr's section because that's the only place I could find pants that didn't need to be altered....smh.

OMG I love Little Caeser's....their crazy bread with extra butter and parmesan is a huge weakness for me. I have done really good cutting back on my portions when we do get this and I haven't gotten the extra butter or parmesan lately.