Lab Work

A few weeks ago I had some labwork done and got the results back yesterday.  Everything came back normal, but with a couple of minor, but good changes.

1.  My blood sugar was 124 last year, this year it is down to 121.  Normal is 70-100. 
2.  Last year my A1c (which measures your overall blood sugar for the last 3 months or so) was 6.5, this year it is down to 6.2.  Normal is 4.0-6.0.

Even last year my numbers were low for diabetes, sometimes my daily measurements were up in the 160's and had me scared.  I haven't done any daily measurements in a couple months.  I think as long as I continue to loose, I am not going to.  I HATE poking my fingers.  Although my 10 year old grandson is quite intrigued by the blood, he used to remind me to test.  HA!  I even offered to test him and he said NO!  Boys.

Hope everyone has a lovely spring day.  Still cold and rainy in the Pacific Northwest.  BOOOO!!!

"Only" 20 Pounds

So, I have been made aware of something I said, in an earlier post saying I have lost "only" 20 pounds.  First, I would like to say if I have offended anyone, I am truly, very sorry.  I, in no way, meant to minimize the loss of 20 pounds.  Those first 20 pounds were painful and frustrating, and it took a lot of hardwork and determination.

My communication and people skills are not the best and I am forever sticking my foot in my mouth.  My vein of thought that day was headed in a completely different direction and I am not sure how to say what I really meant.  That being the case, I am just going to leave it alone.

Thank you all for your kind words and support.  You are sooooo appreciated.  Take care, Carla

A News Article

This is all pretty much old news, but I thought I would put it up anyway, just in case it might help someone.

Lose Weight Without Dieting

I hope you're all having a great week.  Carla

A Change in Attitude

You know, it's funny.  I have only lost 20 pounds (I have so much more to go), but already I feel a change in my attitude, towards myself and life in general. 

 I think it started when I was able to buy some cute, new, smaller tops.  I didn't feel so frumpy and felt like I could look more presentable and a bit more stylish.  I am able to walk and get around more, so I can do more.  If I can do more, I feel better about myself if I don't have to constantly stop and rest and waste time. 

The biggest change happened about 3 weeks ago.  I had very long hair for years, past the small of my back.  I always wore it pulled back into a ponytail or twisted up into a bun.  Well, I cut it all off, above my shoulders and colored it a bit darker.  Oh my goodness!  It is so freeing, I just love it!  It is kind of like the shag of the 70's, without the feathered bangs.  Lots and lots of layers.  My hair is almost all gray and the gray hair has grown into ringletty (is that a word?) large, loose curls and with the layers it just looks so cute.  My real hair was always stick straight and without of bit of body.  Now it is just the complete opposite.  And, I have started to put a bit more effort into putting on makeup (I still have to work on the eyebrows...I HATE plucking!).  All of this, just because I have lost 20 pounds.

So, if you are still on the fence about loosing weight, go for it.  Just that little bit makes so much difference.  It was hard and I still have a long way to go, and I may wander off here and there, but I am still headed in the right direction. 

Just take some time off by yourself, and focus on yourself.  Think about the things you like and don't like in terms of food, lifestyle and exercise.  Really, really think about it.  Can you honestly and truly put up with a lemonade diet?  Can you honestly and truly give yourself shots of stuff made from pregnant women's urine and eat only 500 calories a day (if I understand that correctly)?  Can you honestly and truly count calories or leave out carbs?  Can you honestly and truly commit to working out X amount of hours X days a week?  Ask yourself these things and many other questions and honestly and truly think about the things you can and cannot do, and the things you WILL AND WILL NOT do.  What works for you may not work for me.  I think to be successful, we all need to take the time and really think about ourselves and put together our own plan.  Something that you will stick with for life. 

Take care everyone and I hope you have a blessed and beautiful Easter.  Love Carla

Weigh In Day

211...I'll take it.  Since I had cut back on blogging, my weightloss efforts had slacked off a bit, and I have also started snacking.  I was very worried, because I felt like I had gained some.  I have been very afraid to start snacking because I thought for sure I would start to gain again.  However, my appetite at mealtimes has decreased, because of the snacking.  So, I guess it's a wash.  WHEW!! 

When I had chosen to stop snacking, I knew about the philosophy that you should snack.  I just didn't believe it.  I am getting so very hungry at mealtimes, I am afraid I might eat too much, sooo snacking it is.  My previous 2 posts has links to some good for you snacks, most of which are prepared and packaged...not too keen on that.  I have been having hummus and sesame water crackers, very tasty.

Gotta go get ready for work, have a wonderful day.  It's Friday!!!

Another Snack Post

I haven't read this yet, but I wanted to at least put it up for later.  Also, in case someone is interested in seeing it.


50 Best Snacks

So happy to see chocolate milk and beef jerky on this list.

A Lazy Post

Hi All, I know this is a lazy post, but I wanted to put this up before I forgot it.  I want to be able to reference this article later.

Snacks

I hope everyone is having a great week.  Carla

Go Red BetterU

The American Heart Association has a terrific educational program called Go Red BetterU.  The following is taken from their site:

"Go Red BetterU is a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week will focus on a different area of your health and provide step-by-step guidance. You'll have access to everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool."

They also have a free on line tracker.

I am on week 3.  There is a little quiz at the beginning of each week, some hints for healthier living, some educational points, and they have you choose a goal and a reward for the week.  You can also go back and revisit each week if you would like to.

I hope this can be helpful for someone.  Have a great weekend, Carla

So Excited!

I am so excited!  My son is jumping on this bandwagon too.  He has discovered the website, www.sparkpeople.com, and is very enthused about the things he has seen on there.  He does all of our grocery shopping and dinner cooking (and occasional breakfasts).  He likes to cook rich, heavy things.  Not anymore.  He says once he uses up the groceries we have, he is going to start following the advice on sparkpeople.  I am so happy. 

WOW!!

Someone I know, who is very excited (their word) about my progress, ability to walk easier and weight loss, has offered to buy me a one year gym membership!

Happy

I have finally, finally lost my first 20 pounds.  Whew!  That was hard!

Have a great day All!