Ok, today I start 16/8 IF and LCHF. I have GOT to get my diabetes under control - 7.5. Too high for surgery. Ticker is updated, also.

It's been a while.

214.4

The love of my life is back in my life. He knew me when.  I was 19 when I broke up with him.  And he's back. I can't let him see me like this. Waaaayyyy overweight, gray hair grown out haircut.  Depression and a life that completely fell apart will do a number on you.

My blood sugars are out of control, A1c is 7.5. I have got to get it together!

Arthritis and Exercise

217 pm

I do believe my little bit of exercising is beginning to pay off.  I have severe arthritis in my hips, knees and spine.  Years ago, I went to PT when it was just my knees.  They showed me some exercises to do.  Of course, I just kind of dabbled at it. Here and there.  And when I decide to get back at it, again, I go back to these old exercises; with a bit of yoga thrown in.

I do them in the morning after my pain pills have kicked in (AHHH) and after my shower when my muscles and joints are most flexible.  Don't worry, I don't work up much of a sweat.  That's not the point right now, anyway.  Right now, I am just trying to strengthen very weak muscles.

At the end of the day, I am in so much pain, I can barely put one foot in front of the other.  Right now, 8 pm, I am doing ok.  Better than usual. 

CLICK!!!

217.9 pm

It's funny how when you finally decide enough is enough, and it just clicks.  Everything just clicks in.  You are suddenly on a roll, eating and exercising wise.  Not too hard, you know what to do and you do it.  Weight-wise not so much.  But, I digress.

As I said a few days ago, I gained 15 pounds, a few weeks ago.  After this happened, it was in the back of my mind, "I need to do something about this."  Take some diuretics (not working), make some half-hearted attempts at eating better, a bit of exercise here and there.

And then you have a trigger.  Something happens and then CLICK!!!  You are charging forward like a boss.  No stress, no struggle.  Just doin' it.

My beach photo was my trigger.  I don't feel that big.  But there you are.  For all the world to see. 

I have clicked.  I wonder if anyone else has this.

Beached Whale

SIGH...

I guess it's time to get back to this blog.  If I remember correctly, I think I lost a good amount of weight while doing this.

I stopped taking my blood pressure meds, because after taking them for several years (with no problems at all), they are now making me sick. They were causing my blood pressure go too low - 90/60, dizzy, nausea, extreme sleepiness.  Anyway, I feel much better, buuuuut, I gained 15 pounds in a week and a half.  I have pitting edema in my ankles at the end of the day.  Desk job.  The meds were part diuretic.  I am taking an over the counter diuretic and an herbal diuretic, but no luck.

217.2

Here is my photo from today:

Carbs

For various health reasons, I am having to cut out carbs for a while.  Does anyone have any advice to help with the transition?  Thanks!

Wellness

When I started this blog, quite some time back, I decided it wasn't neccesarily going to be about weightloss.  At that time, my main concern was wellness.  Weightloss, should it happen, would be the icing on the cake.  I am beginning to be well.

I haven't posted in quite some time.  There has been A WHOLE LOT going on.  The biggest thing is, I quit my job in Oregon and moved to Southern California.  I was busy getting settled and looking for work.  

In the meantime, I became sort of ill.  Before I moved, I suspected I was having a problem with starches, and wheat in particular.  I went to the doctor and she suspected Celiac disease. Well! I did not want to hear that, so I pretended I didn't.  

One day, I went to a highly reccommended diner and had a big pancake breakfast.  I was sick for at least a week.  Even with cutting out as much gluten as possible, it took about a month before I even began to feel normal again.  At least in my intestinal area.  But, I have also noticed I can think clearer, I have a bit more energy and I am sleeping better. 

And bonus!  I have lost six pounds!

OOOPS

It looks like I've had a heart attack.

Fibromyalgia

I also have fibromyalgia, and today is a flare day.  The exercises I normally do to loosen things up and feel better, are not working.  To make matters worse, my skin is hurting, so I can't rub my back and legs, because it hurts to touch my skin.  It feels like a sunburn, but without the actual burn.

Progress

I have been on a pretty steady exercise routine for months.  Sometimes I slack off, but not permanently or for very long.  I am gradually getting stronger and starting to see muscles develop in my arms.  I can feel some in my legs, but can't see them yet.  The best part, my shoulders seem to be getting better.  They were beginning to bother me, but not so much anymore.

I have learned that I don't hurt nearly as much if I am consistent.  I have just resigned myself to the fact, I will have to do this for the rest of my life, if I want to have a life.  I can't afford a gym membership, but have set up a little space for myself to work.  I kind of like it.  I usually start about 3:30 or 4:00 am.  No bright lights, just a few night lights on here and there.  The windows are open, with fans pulling in the cool night air.  It is cool, dark and quiet.

When I first started, it was very painful to get down on the floor, to turn over, my arms used to shake when I tried to hold myself up.  None of that is happening anymore.  My routine consists of floor work with some gentle yoga thrown in.  And an exercise video called, "Chair Aerobics for Everyone" (this one helped me lose 30 pounds).  I have recently added a Youtube video I do at work called, Sit and Be Fit, Workplace Workout, by Maryann Wilson.  Here is a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqfGRx8k_zA.  I do this about mid-day and it really helps my day.  

Rules

The other day, the book title, "Seven Habits of Highly Successful People" came to mind.  My mind wandered on to, "I wonder what the habits of naturally slim people are?"  My mind wandered on back to the 90's, when I was slim, fit and physically active.  I remember, I set a few rules for myself and posted them on a bulletin board in my kitchen.  I had forgotten all about them.  Below are some I can remember:

1.  No eating after 6pm.
2.  Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
3.  Nothing fried.
4.  Skin the chicken before cooking.
5.  A serving of a fruit and a vegetable at every meal.
6.  A session of stretching every evening.

That's all I can remember for now.  I will post more if I can.  I didn't think to add exercise to this list, because I was already walking and hiking quite a lot.  Please feel free to add your own.

Processed Food

It has become more and more difficult to cook, clean and care for myself.  I can't stand but a couple minutes, my hands have become pretty weak, so cutting and chopping is a pain (HAHAHA!).  I am having to resort to processed and or convenience foods to eat.  This just galls me to no end, because that was one of the biggest changes I made to lose weight...stop eating processed food.

Sooo, I am on the hunt for healthy processed food.  Is that an oxymoron?  Of course, there are bagged salads, but I also found  precut fresh vegetables and fruit.  Eggbeaters are also helpful.  Does anyone out there in bloggy land have any suggestions?  I sure would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks for reading!  <3

Binge?

Ugh!  When will I ever learn?!!  One of the things that has come up with my health is, I can't eat wheat.  Really bad itching (I have drawn blood in my sleep, from scratching), stomach aches, many bathroom trips, etc.  It took me a while to figure this out.  Anyway, avoiding wheat has helped me to feel much better.

Anyway, I have gone off the deep end.  I have had butter horns, Ding Dongs, carrot cake, fruit tart.  And now I am sick.  I friend says I am binging.  I have never binged.  I have never hid food, eaten an entire package of anything.  And now, I just feel BLECH!!  The itching has started too. 


I am so dumb.  

My New Ride

On Friday my legs were doing pretty well.  I was zipping around at work with very little pain.  I don't know what happened (my I did too much, don't know) but suddenly in the late afternoon I could barely put any weight on my left leg.  My knee was in soooo much pain.  It felt like a torn meniscus.  I had that back in the late 90's, surgery and all.  Anyway, it hurt like crazy and I had a terrible nights sleep.  So on Saturday, I decided to do it.  I got a walker.  I have been needing one for a while, especially first thing in the morning.  Holy cow!  I wish I had done it sooner!  My legs feel a whole lot better!  Who'da thunk it??   Walmart has one for about $60.00, I got mine for $6.99 at Goodwill.  HA!  I love it.  I looked it up and it is a $137 Invacare Walker.  The person that had it before me installed a clown horn.  It's lightweight and easy to maneuver. Here is a photo:

Better

The pain is better today.  Most of the time, the pain occurs just when I am doing stuff, not just being (if that makes sense).  But the last few  weeks, the pain has been constant.  However, I have been experimenting with supplements.  I take 2 prescriptions daily for the pain, and two other heavy duty stuff for when it is really bad.  Every component is important and helps.  Along with my prescriptions, I have been taking hyaluronic acid.  This week I have added turmeric.  I should say, re-added.  For a while there I was taking 39 pills (scrips and supplements) daily, just to stop hurting and I stopped all of the supplements and am gradually adding SOME back in.  I am going to give each addition two weeks before adding something else.  Today is day two of the turmeric.  I chose turmeric because it is so important for other things as well.  Anyway, today is better.  Not needing the cane as much, just a little bit.

Whining

There's going to be a lot of whining on here, and I will not apologize for it.  I don't have anyone to talk to about any of this stuff and I need to get it off my chest somehow.  Writing with pen and paper hurts too much, so this is it.  

I want to keep my blog public, because if anyone has any suggestions (if they are so kind as to read and comment, Yay them!!), I want to hear it.  I am always open to suggestions.  I saw a quote once that said, "There will always be people that know things you don't."  Einstein maybe, I'm not sure.

Thank you Lyn and C for your kind comments yesterday.  I will do my best to cut back on the sugar.

Change Of Focus

I haven't been here in a while.  My journey back to wellness has been derailed.  Big time.  I have so much wrong with me.  Diabetes, arthritis, and other stuff.  My focus is no longer weight loss, but just general stuff.  I think probably leaning more towards arthritis and the pain that comes along with it.  And then, some other stuff along the way.

Today is not a good day.  Walking is becoming more and more difficult and painful.  Very painful.  It used to be just my knees.  Now it has moved into my feet, ankles, hips and spine.  My shoulders are next.  I can feel little twinges now and then.  Anyway, back to today.  I hurt very much.  Especially in my spine.  And I am so very, very tired.

Pain wears you out.  I have been trying to find some kind of online support group.  I have given up.  So, I will just post here.  Actually, today, I did find some advice in an online article for housecleaning.  My house is so bad and it is so depressing because I just can't do the things I used to.  

Tracking

I am doing much better keeping within my calories today.  Yesterday was a complete bust...I didn't even try to track anything.  However, the food ranges within those calories are still way off.  But I will get there.  I know I will.  I think.  :-)

HOLY COW!!!!

No wonder I'm not losing weight!  

So, there is this website called My Plate at https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/.  I know, some people will have the attitude, "Oh it's the government!  I'm not gonna let the government tell ME how to eat. They have an agenda."  I say BIG FLIPPIN DEAL!!  I'll bet their suggestions are a whole lot healthier than what most people are eating.  You enter in your age, height, weight, activity level and it will tell you how many calories, and what type of food and how much you should eat.  For instance, I should have 3 cups of dairy daily.

Anyway,  they have the best food tracker I have seen on the internet.  Most trackers I have come across make it so the user can enter into the database.  This is just terrible!  Some of the measurements are Imperial, some are US standard, some things just aren't in there (so you have to waste time trying to figure out the website's method of entry), some measurements aren't available.  I won't even talk about how the food itself has been listed in the database.

At My Plate you can use measurements in quarter cup increments, by the teaspoon, tablespoon,  you can enter whole, pieces, sections, ALL KINDS of choices of measurement.  This drove me nuts on the other sites. And the food choices are wonderful.  SO MANY CHOICES!!  Take corn for instance.  Is it canned, no salt or fat? With salt no fat? With salt and margarine? With salt and butter? Fresh?  You can create a favorite food list so you don't have to always search the database. And you can create a combo list, for things like tuna sandwich or and entire meal.  I usually eat the same stuff when I eat oatmeal, etc.  And then, there are the charts and graphs.  It keeps track of your nutrients, are you ok, over, under?  All kinds of things.  You can also create reports.  This site is AWESOME!!!

So here we go.  My calories should be 1600.  Yesterday was my first day of tracking.  I wasn't trying to do anything but see how I have been doing, generally.  Here is the eye opener.  I thought I did ok.  2295 calories!!!!!  HOLY FREAKING COW!!!!!  And grain was off the chart.  No vegetables to speak of.

Best of all, this site is free.  Give it a try.

206
I have no idea why.  Absolutely none.  Nothing has changed.  AT ALL!!

Arthritis

202.8

It is cold and damp here today and everything is extra ouchy.  I still did my workout, but just about every movement hurt.  I am only able to do 2 laps around the parking lot here at work and I am back on the cane.

Let me give you a word of advice.  If you have arthritis, and you are at a point in your exercise where you are loosening up and moving along pretty well, DO NOT SLACK OFF.  I speak from experience. I WAS at this point, got lazy and backed off.  Boy do I regret it.  I am having a very tough time trying to get back to at least where I was.

Our Mothers

203

While surfing other blogs, I came across one that talked about her mother and their relationship.  At least that part of it that related to diet and weightloss.  Boy is that a loaded topic!  The comments on this post all ran along the same lines as this post.  I had no idea other people had "stuff" when it came to their moms and their bodies.  And I am no different.  My mom has been almost obsessed with hers and other peoples weight for as long as I can remember.  I remember her and my stepdad telling me at 17 (and 105 pounds) I was getting fat.  But that is a topic for another time, when I am ready to talk about it.

The point of this post is:  the other blog I mentioned and the comments all ran along the lines of the mothers (and some fathers) not taking care of themselves and the moms were all around my age.  The health issues mentioned kind of scared me and opened my eyes.  I have been just kind of skating along with blinders on for the last few months, making excuses for myself that I was just too busy with my move to L.A. to think about it.  Gotta look for work, fill out apps, pack, organize and clean the house, go shopping, on and on and on.  I have come up with just about every excuse you can think of.

Should You or Shouldn't you

201.8

Today is leg workout day and I am still sore from Monday.  Very sore.  I had always heard, read, etc.  to not workout when you are sore.  To give your muscles time to recuperate.  I did not skip today, I guess like I should have.  And you know what?  My tushie and legs feel better.

Sore

202.2

Boy oh boy!  I am sore!  I added an extra set to my routine yesterday and I can sure feel it.  I stretched before and afterwards, but it still hurts.  That's ok though.  At least I know I am making a difference in those areas.  It'll only last another day or so anyway.  I'll just do a little extra stretching in the meantime.  And that feels good anyway.  They say that stretching is what helps keep you young.  If you are stretched and limber, there is less stiffness and soreness overall.  I can attest to that!

Have a good day.

My Workout

202.4

I do my workout at 4:45am.  This morning was just lovely.  There are no other words to describe it.  I workout on a yoga mat in a little 6 foot long hallway that is an offshoot of the main hallway.  There is a door at the end of this little hall, that leads to a bathroom, that has another door leading to my room.  All the windows were open, a barely there soft breeze was blowing through the house, it was dark except for a dim, distant light in my room.  I could hear my grandson's cricket CD just barely playing.  The whole thing was just so peaceful. 

What a wonderful way to start the day, and a Monday no less.  I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful, successful week.

Saturday

201

My grandson and I went to the fair today. I had a corndog, coconut cream pie, 2 cups of coffee (it was freezing out) and a BBQ lunch of chicken, beans, cole slaw and a bun.  I wanted another piece of pie, but was too full after lunch.  I had a lot of fun.  They had something called Apple Pie Fries, but I forgot to get some.

Misc. again

201.4
3 hours of sleep

Fear

So, I was poking around on the blogs earlier this afternoon.  I came across one I used to follow, quite some time ago.  It seems the owner of this blog has regained a significant amount of weight.  YIKES!  I am not judging and I did not have time to go back through to find out why.  I, myself, have lost and regained significant amounts of weight myself.  I was younger then and still of the mindset that I could just re-lose it anytime I wanted.  I am older now and it has become very difficult.  I was talking earlier in the week of possibly giving up.  Now I know I don't want to.  I have worked too hard this time around to lose the amount of weight I have, only to regain it again?  NO THANKS!  Fear will be my motivator.    

Stretching

204.4

There is a book I have had for many years.  It's called Stretching, by Bob Anderson.  It is similar to the one at the left, Getting Back in Shape.  I don't know how to use this new Blogger set-up, or I would insert a photo of it (I really, really dislike the new Blogger!!!).  Anyway, I highly recommend Stretching. 

My favorite one is to sit on the floor or your bed, bring the soles of your feet together, then GENTLY bend forward at your hips.  Do not bend at the waist or round your back.  Go only so far as is comfortable, with a SLIGHT stretching feeling.  Hold for 30 seconds or until you can feel just a bit less tight.  Then, move just a bit more forward and hold for 20 seconds.  When moving forward, pretend there is a string attached to your chest, pulling you forward.  It feels wonderful in your hips and lower back.

More Misc.

204.4

Perspective
I have noticed when exercising, that sometimes my perspective is different.  Most of the time my attitude is "UUGGGHH!  Gotta go exercise!"  But sometimes, it is the opposite.  It feels good afterwards.  Sometimes I am crying through the whole thing because the pain in my joints and connecting tissue is so great.  This isn't coming out how I had it figured out in my head.  I enjoy taking a hot bath because it makes me feel better.  I take my pain pills because it makes me feel better.  I LOVE laying down because it feels better.  That is how I need to look at exercise, because it feels better.  I need to look at exercise with the same anticipation as I do my hot baths or lying down.  And occasionally I do.  But it needs to be all the time.  On Monday, Wednesday, Friday I do leg exercises.  On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday I do arm exercises.  On all the days I do 2 planks, 20 seconds each.  Or at least, this is the goal.  Planks are the hardest things I have ever done.  Also, I intersperse a little yoga in there.  I highly recommend Cat/Cow for a stiff and achy back.  Do it slowly and gently, and don't stretch as far as you can.  Just do the slow, easy movements.  And then I finish the whole thing off with Downward Dog.  It just about always feels so great.  I don't know why I dread and put it off.  As I said, it does hurt sometimes, but not always.

Sleep
I took the whole Ambien last night.  I have been awake since 1:30am.  Not working.  Going to sleep is not the problem.  Staying asleep is.

Misc.

206.8
I have gained some weight.  I have been without my blood pressure pills for a few days, that probably has something to do with it.  I have them now and the weight will probably start coming back off in a few days.  I'm sure it's just water weight.

Sleep
For the past several months, I have been getting only about 5 1/2 to 6 hours of sleep per night.  It is starting to wear on me.  I have read many times, lack of sleep affects your ability to lose weight.  But, not only that, it seriously affects your health.  I have a prescription for Ambien, but I have heard some horror stories about the things people do while taking it.  My doctor said one of her patients pulled out all of his toenails.  YIKES!!!  I have had the pills a little over a year and I have taken a few, split.  I recently started taking them again, but the half pills are no longer working, I am waking up around 2:30 again.  I am so tired.  I am taking a whole one tonight.  Another problem with this is, I take pain pills for the arthritis in the mornings. About an hour after I take the pain pills (after taking the Ambien the night before) I am so very groggy.  But lack of sleep is also painful.  It just hurts all over when I don't get enough sleep.

Magic Potion
I wonder if any other people feel like they are just trying to find their own, personal magic potion.  I know that it all boils down to calories in vs calories out, but in what combination, how much of each?  Why is it when I eat a lot of bad,  unhealthy food I lose some weight and when I eat a proper amount of good, healthy food I either stagnate or gain (sometimes)?

Rubber
This weight loss seems to have come to a screeching halt.  I have been moving between 202 and 198 for MONTHS.  I have become very discouraged. It has become very hard.  I thought it was hard before, while everything was new and the weight was coming off.  But it was nothing compared to this.  I wonder if this is what is meant by, "This is where the rubber hits the road"?  Do I just resign myself to the fact that maybe this is as far as I am going to go (and lighten my stress load in the process)?  Is that a cop-out, an excuse to quit because it is too hard? I have not had a period since May.  Could this be part of the reason I am stuck, hormones?  If I do decide to quit, what will happen?  Will it be like people that are trying to concieve, that when they stop trying so hard and relax, it happens?  Probably not, HA! Just wishful thinking.  And by quitting, I don't mean eat and eat and eat (I never did that anyway).  I don't really know what quitting would look like.  What would I do any different?  I don't really know.

A Helpful List and Some Other Stuff

Here's a thought.  I think I'm gonna TRY to choose my foods from the list below. 

Here's something else.  For a while there, I was doing pretty good at following a resistance training routine.  And then of course I stopped.  Just got lazy.  I didn't think it was working.  I couldn't SEE any results.  I thought I was too far gone for it to do any good. Etc, Etc, Etc.  Welllll, it was working.  The reason I know this is because...after about a month after QUITTING, I could REALLY feel the jiggle in my upper thighs WHEN I walked.  Fat in motion is not a pretty thing.  And not very comfortable, either.  If I could feel it wiggling when I walked, could other people see it wiggling too?  HORRORS!!  How embarrassing!  Soooo, this week I am back at it AGAIN.

199.6
Breakfast Jack combo, didn't eat the potatoes - they were gross.

200
Jimmy Dean Sausage breakfast bowl, orange juice, everything bagel.
Cottage cheese, tomato and avocado

I have a co-worker that has asked to walk with me on my breaks.  Since I have agreed to do this, I feel obligated to follow through and walk.  No slacking.  My legs are starting to feel better and am able to walk more.  I need to remember not to let this happen again.  You have to keep at it.  Once you start, you can't stop.  If you do, you are pretty much starting over. 

201.4

Banana Nut Muffin

So, last weekend I flew to L.A. and back.  On the way back, I had a layover in San Jose.  It was early morning and I was still hungry, having had a sort of avocado sandwich before the flight.  I found a pastry place and got a banana nut muffin and a coffee.  Oh my goodness!! Both were so very good.  I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT MUFFIN!!! 


I don't usually eat that sort of thing because of my diabetes.  I don't ever even want or crave stuff like that.  My cravings are usually salty.  Anyhoo, I really want another muffin.  I bought some blueberry and some apple cinnamon muffins at Safeway, but I don't want them (my family is eating them).  And COSTCO muffins are too big and yucky.


I am not going to be happy until I find another muffin.

Odd

It's really odd.  I have lost a little over 2 pounds in the last few days.  I have eaten pretty badly and a lot.  It seems when I go through one of these jags, I lose weight.  I really don't understand it.

Pain

My legs are starting to hurt again.  I had forgotten that the less I walk, the more I hurt.  It hurts to walk, but I have to get back at it.  It scares me to think of going back to the way things were.  Barely able to walk at all.  At one point I was walking 3-4 times around the parking lot at work twice a day, taking 3 flights of stairs 3 times a day and taking the stairs to the 2nd floor several times a day.  Now, I barely make it twice around the parking lot once a day.  No stairs at all.  I guess with arthritis, you MUST keep moving.  It's like the blackberry bushes here in Oregon.  If you don't control them they will take over everything.  You know, that is a good analogy for me.  Arthritis is like creeping, painful blackberry brambles.  Walking equals pruning.

I don't really have much to say anymore, so I think this blog is going to be more of a diary for me, than anything else.

Breakfast was 3 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of toast with real butter and a glass of milk.

Still Here...Barely

I'm not doing great at all.  I haven't given up though.  Or maybe I have.  I hardly ever walk anymore, I am sort of back to my old eating habits (but not gaining, so that's good).  I am just tired.  The stress coming in from all directions is just unbelievable.  I can't even begin to think about healthy eating and all the planning that goes along with it.  


Dinner was 3 cheese hot dogs, no bun and a brownie.  Breakfast was a Jimmy Dean sausage breakfast bowl, orange juice, banana, and an apple cinnamon muffin.  Lunch was cottage cheese, tomato and an everything bagel.

Airplanes

When I first started this blog, one of the things I wanted to accomplish was being able to fit in an airplane seat.  Well, this weekend I did.  I flew to L.A. for the weekend.  Not only did I NOT need a seat belt extender (I have in the past), but after fastening my seat belt, I had a good 6-7 inches of belt leftover.

Good deal.  I'm happy.

I just cannot get motivated.  


You would think losing 50 pounds would be motivating, but it's not.  I'm tired. I am tired of the whole thing...what should I eat, what should I not eat, well that didn't work, I'm hungry, I want a burger and fries, that piece of pie looks awesome.  I can't exercise today because...my back hurts, no time, I'm tired, did not sleep last night, my knees are killing me, it's too hot, it's too cold.


AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!  I AM SO FREAKING FED UP!!!!  What the hell was I thinking, letting my body get in this shape?!?!


Eh, whatever.

Starting Over, Picking Up Where I Left Off...Not Sure

Well, I haven't put much effort into my weight loss in a long time.  I have been maintaining my lost weight, but nothing more.  I am sitting here eating candy as I type.  I had some candy earlier today too.  I have been completely absorbed with my move to Southern California, trying to find a job, worrying about how my son and grandson will do, worrying about how much longer my new relationship can stand the distance (992.7 miles apart), worrying about keeping my current job (I have told them I am looking for work in Cali.), and sooooo much more.  I have fallen back on the comfort of my old habits, eating sugar.  And I like it.  I will probably continue for a while until I can become less stressed.  Right now, my favorites are Peanut M&Ms and Chewy Lemon Heads.


I have been thinking though, that I should get back to blogging.  It made all the difference in the past, making friends and receiving their support, supporting them to the best of my ability.  I have truly missed my friends.  I hope everyone is doing well.

Hi

Hi, I haven't been here in a while.  I've been frustrated with how things are going, and pre-occupied with trying to move to Southern California, looking for a job there, etc.  


I have learned some things about the itching I mentioned in an earlier post.  There are at least two issues.  First it appears I can't eat things with a high glycemic load, it causes me to itch.  It has been an adventure (NOT) trying to find things to eat.  The second is a condition called Dermatographism... literally "skin writing".  Touch, friction (scratching) or pressure causes red itchy, burning welts.  You can use a firm object and write on your skin.  A red welt will then appear in the shape you have written, drawn, scratched, pressure from purse straps, plastic grocery bags, etc.  Sooo, when I eat foods that cause me to itch, the other one kicks in and more itching occurs.  Sigh.


It looks like the things I am left with to eat are, fortunately, good for you.  The things I can't eat are not so great for you...refined carbohydrates.  Haha, I guess I am being forced to eat healthier.


If anyone reads this, I hope you are doing well and succeeding.  I think of you often.  Take care.

Added Motivation

Found in my Hershey's Kiss on Friday.

Super Great Website - Check it out!

Exercise Finder

This is a great website.  You just click on the body part or the drop down menu and it will show you a whole lot of exercises for that area.  Enjoy!

ONDERLAND!!! and Magic Numbers

ONDERLAND! ONDERLAND! ONDERLAND!  I have finally reached Onderland today.  I did a little happy dance in my bathroom this morning.  I was in the 200's for years, I wondered if I would ever leave them.  Since I started this blog, I have lost a little over 33 pounds.  I had already been trying to lose weight before that and have really lost 50 pounds.  My heaviest weight was 248.  WOW!!  50 pounds.

And, I have also met one of my Magic Numbers goals...199.  That one is for being out of the 200's.

Keep trying, don't give up.  I know I wanted to many times.  I was as sedentary as can be and I have a desk job.  You just have to find little ways to become active.  Every little bit helps and it does add up and make a difference.  It might not seem like it at first, but it does.

JUST KEEP TRYING

Moving Forward

So, I have been stuck between 201 and 205 for some time. 

After a year of doing this I believe I pretty much have my shtick down...not being on a "diet", learning proper portions, stopping when I am full and not cleaning my plate, cutting out fast, processed and prepared frozen foods, trying to eat real food like you would find in an old Betty Crocker cookbook, being aware of calories but not counting them, cutting back on sodium, allowing myself to eat whatever I want (allowing is not the same as doing, gives me time to pause and decide do I really want to eat "_____"?) and so, with these changes I have lost 30 pounds (along with added exercise).  My newest target of change is complex carbs vs simple carbs.

Now that the items I listed above have become a part of me, habit so to speak, I believe it is also time to start doing some fine tuning.  I have come across a pretty helpful book.  It is called 400 Calorie Fix.  It teaches you how to better judge the calories in your food.  The basic premise is to eat 400 calories at each meal, with 3-5 meals per day depending on your gender and activity level.  It turns out, my breakfasts and lunches were already coming in at just about 400 calories.  They give you LOADS of ideas (which is exactly what I was looking for).  The calories in the meal ideas come in at around 380-420.  There is a lot of good nutritional advice, teaching about proper nutrient and fiber levels.  And you are still not counting calories.  They do, however, suggest measuring and weighing your food for a while until you get a better idea of proper portion sizes.  Turns out, a lot of people underestimate and end up eating too many calories.

I hope someone finds this post helpful and that you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Whining

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like all they want to do is whine? 

This is so hard, it is taking so long, I am tired of these plateaus, my body won't cooperate with me in the exercises and activities I want to do, I am sick to death of thinking about food and exercise, when is my body going to get stronger, I am sick of drinking all this water (enough to sink a battleship).  That's all I can think of for now.

I'm not fishing for sympathy, just need to get this stuff off my chest every now and then.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

A Quote

Hi All, I hope everyone is well.  I saw the following quote a few minutes ago and thought how appropriate with what I am struggling with right now (tired of the plateau...almost ready to give up).

Don't destroy yesterday's progress today.

Carbs

So, I am a HUGE fan of carbs.  The bad ones.  More specifically, potatoes, white bread and white rice. Especially potatoes.  I have discovered they don't work too well for me, being a diabetic.  Thankfully I am not taking medication yet, still able to control it with diet.

I have also discovered, if I have too much, especially around dinner, I wake up itching like crazy.  The itching is soooo bad, I don't know where to start scratching first.  I have scratches (drawn blood) on my ankles and the tops of my feet.  The itching is everywhere though.  I experimented last night and had very little carbs and no itching.  Heavy, heavy sigh.  I LOVE potatoes. 

I guess I am going to have to cut back on carbs.  I am not sure how this would work for a diabetic since they need to have a consistant amount throughout the day.  If anyone has any advice on this, I would sure love to hear from you.  Thanks, and have a great week.

Overheard

Haha!  I love it!  I overheard the following comment at work, about me:  "Do you know how much weight she has lost?  She has worked hard.  She has worked her literal ass off!"  That really made my day!

Still not losing.  Just found out the other day, I can't blame menopause or my hormone replacement.  Boo!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  Stay strong.

New Books

Hello All,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

In my last post, I mentioned my exercise routines.  They are taken from the books shown at left in the column, "Books I'm Reading".  I highly recommend all of them.  They are a straightforward, common sense approach to exercise.  Especially if you don't have access to a gym.  You need only a few items - hand weights and an exercise mat like those used in yoga.

The first, Getting in Shape, is the main book I use.  It is an excellent book.  It teaches you about stretching, aerobics and resistance training.  It has 32 workout programs, but my favorite is a basic, progressive workout program.  It has five levels, each building on the last.  And if you are too out of shape for the basic program, there is even something called, The Program Before the Program, to get you ready for the main one.

The second one, Fresh Start, is the Stanford Medical School Health & Fitness Program.  It has a wealth of information on proper nutrition and exercise.

The last one, The Complete Book of Abs for Women, has a several week program that also builds on the previous level and many other routines so that you can customize a program for yourself.  There is even and entire section for expectant women.  This book is thorough in teaching you about your body and the effects the exercises will have on it.

Update

Hello All,
Sorry I haven't been around in a while.  I have been very discouraged and frustrated.  There are only so many times you can say, "I keep losing and gaining the same 3-4 pounds over and over again".  My plan all along was to not go on a "diet", but to learn how to eat like a non-overweight (I don't want to say "normal") person...portion control, proper nutrition, etc. while trying to fit in the food requirements of high blood pressure and diabetes.  This is turning out to take longer than I expected. 

I haven't given up, quit, binged or anything like that.  Quite the opposite.  I am constantly thinking, tweeking and changing, trying new things.  My body is stronger and I have included more exercise into my routine.  I am still walking at both my breaks at work, and working my chair aerobics dvd on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  And now I always take the stairs at work to the second floor and 3 times a day I go up to the third floor (have to fit work in somewhere :-) ).  I have added  a resistance routine Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and abwork  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. 

I'm still not losing, but my shape is changing.  A co-worker told me the other day I looked great and that she hopes she looks as great as me when she looses her weight.  That made me feel REALLY good!  All my blouses are too large and I have been gradually replacing them.  I have gone from a 2X to a large.  My pants have gone from US24 to US18.

Well, I have to get some work done.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Motivation

How's this for motivation?  


Thanks to Facebook, I have reconnected with the boyfriend I had at 15.  I now get to compete with the memory of my 15 year old self.  I was tiny back then, at LEAST a hundred pounds lighter.


Thankfully he hasn't seen me yet.  We live hundreds of miles apart.  Probably won't happen until summer.  


I guess I better get crackin', huh?

Hi

Hello All.  Just checking in.  Not too much to report.  Just plugging along, the weight is slipping away bit by bit.  I haven't done so great on my mini-challenge.  I keep forgetting to do it.  I'm not giving up though, I'll just start all over and keep trying.


I hope everyone has a lovely, successful week!  Carla

Mini-Challenge #1

I am working really hard on strengthening my knees.  I came across some knee exercises I have started today.  I have a chair aerobics dvd, that I can't always use, but I can always do the knee exercises...I can do them in bed.  So, with walking the circuits at work, taking the stairs, and now these I should be on the mend (well, not mend...I have arthritis, but improvement anyway) soon and moving closer to Onderland.  I just cannot wait.  I am trying to decide what to do for myself once I get there.  In the past I would have celebrated with food.  But like I saw on Pretty Pauline's facebook, we are not dogs, not to reward ourselves with food.

Have a great week everyone!  And Happy Halloween!!


***UPDATE*** Duh!! I forgot to say...the challenge is to make these knee exercises a twice daily habit.

YAAAY!

It's official.  I have finally lost my first 25 pounds.  It has taken a year.  I am told these slow losses are more likely to be permanent.  Slow and steady wins the race, I guess.  Only 8 more pounds until ONEDERLAND!

Something Odd

So here is an odd thing that I have noticed occurring lately.  Whenever I eat any kind of sugary thing (or white starchy thing, for that matter), I start to itch.  Very badly.  It started with the palms of my hands.  Uncontrollable itching, yikes!  And now I itch all over.  But, thankfully, not all the time.  Just when I eat sugar or overly white stuff (saltines, white bread, etc.).


Hilarious!  How's that for incentive, huh?


I hope everyone's week is wonderful and successful!

Should You Eat?

Sometimes in the evenings, I am not hungry and I don't eat dinner.  I don't snack much, so that is not the problem.  I just am not hungry. 

My son gripes at me and tells me I should not be skipping meals.  So, my question is:  If you are not hungry, should you eat?

Cane, part 2

Boy!  That was fast!  I take MSM for my arthritis.  I bought a different brand and started taking them over the weekend.  What a difference!  I can walk relatively pain free.  I am back to walking my circuits today at work and have added taking the stairs, too.  And, bonus, cane not needed.  At all!

Thanks to Dawn's post, Just One Day Really, she has really gotten me to thinking.  I do not want to waste any more time.  Since I am able to walk easier, I want to start doing all I can from this point forward.

Cane

Things are starting back on that slippery slope.  For the most part, I am back on my cane again.  The arthritis is getting worse.  As a result, I am exercising less.  When every step hurts, I just don't want to move.  I don't want to move at all.  I haven't really gained too much weight back, so that is not the cause of the added pain.  I got down to 209 and seem to gain and lose the same 4-5 pounds over and over (209-214).  I can't really figure out the cause of going back and forth.  I am doing the same things really.  One day I will be at 214, and the next 210.  Then back up to 214. down to 211, then down to 209, then back up to 213 and on and on.  I just can't figure it out.  The eating is pretty much under control.  I have a lot of nausea, so I don't really have much of an appetite (bonus I guess).  Sweets are not a problem, maybe salt.  Water retention you think?  Just don't know.


Getting enough fruits and vegetables is still a struggle.  However, with our fun, bento-type lunchboxes, filling in the little spaces makes it a bit easier.  Dinners are difficult.  I make a couple of main courses on the weekends, to be eaten during the week.  All I have to do is re-heat, cut up some fruit and vegetables and there you have it.  Seems simple enough, but by the end of the day, I am just done.


All of our computers at home have not been working, and I have not been able to keep up much with everyone (don't want to blog at work).  You are all very much in my thoughts, though.  Our desktop is now up and running again, so I hope to be able to start visiting my friends again.


I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.  I think of all of you often and am cheering you on.

It Has Been A While

Hello All, It has been a while and I am sorry.  I hope you are all doing well.  I am still here and plugging along.  I think with school starting and having to make lunches for my grandson every day it will be a whole lot easier to bring proper portions and healthy choices to work.  We are using a very nifty lunchbox set I like very much.  Here is the link.  It is called Easy Lunch Boxes.  Check them out, they are very handy.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Might As Well

Years ago, when my son was 17, I was trying to decide if I should go back to college. He said, "Mom, the time is gonna pass whether you go back or not. So, you might as well go."

That also applies to trying to get healthy and lose weight. The time is gonna pass whether we do this or not. So we might as well.

Smart kid.

Back on Track

So, this week I have gotten back on track.  I started eating more whole grains, a vegetable and a fruit at every meal.  Right out of the gate.  If your body is not used to this type of food, I don't recommend going gung ho like this.  Take it slow.  Believe me.

Slipping Back Into Old Habits

Now that I'm living alone again, I have begun slipping back into old habits.  Eating poorly, more fast food, watching TV in the evenings.  I noticed earlier in the week, my pants were feeling tight around the waist.  I have not weighed in a while and did this morning.  I have gained 6 pounds.  I have been doing this diet/weight loss thing my entire adult life.  I am so very, viry tired of this whole thing.

Worked My Butt Off

I wish!  The company I work for is going through an audit.  We are having to pull accounts payable (me) information for the last 5 years.  Our controller did most of it, pulling over 600 documents.  He tasked me with finding the ones he couldn't.  Everything is in bankers boxes up on the third floor of the building.  In a dark, dingy, ultra-filthy room.  They are stacked 4-5 boxes high by year.  I have hefted more boxes in the last 2 days than I care to remember. BUT, but, I have also lost almost 2 pounds in the last 2 days. 

So, there is the key (for me).  The dreaded "E" word.  Exercise.  <heavy, heavy sigh>  FINE!!

Fisherman's Stew

Hi All, I hope you are having a great weekend!  I am making Fisherman's Stew today.  My mom used to make this when I was a kid, and I loved it.  Here is the recipe.

2 slices bacon, cut into 2 inch pieces.  Can substitute 1 tablespoon olive oil.
1 large onion, chopped
2 large, thin-skinned potatoes, diced
1 large can (28oz) chopped tomatoes
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
4 whole bay leaves
2 or 3 whole cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds cod, cut into 2 inch pieces

In a 4 or 5 quart pan, fry bacon over medium heat until browned (or heat oil); add onion and potatoes to bacon and drippings and cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes, or until onion is limp.  Add tomatoes and their liquid, wine, Worcestershire, bay leaves, garlic, salt and pepper; cover and simmer about 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Add fish, stirring gently to mix; cover and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or just until fish flakes easily.

Just Starting Out

Hi all.  I have come across a new blog, she is just starting out.  Her blog is running to...whatever.  Maybe you could stop by and offer her some encouragement.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Someone to Check Out

Head on over to see Trisha at One Woman's Journey to Her Best Life.  She is amazing!  Trisha is enthusiastic, on top of her game, aaaand she has lost 142 pounds!  I am so inspired by her.  Go take a look.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Weight Loss Tally Update

At the first of every month, I like to post my beginning weight for the month in my Weight Loss Tally table on the left side of my blog.  I am starting July out at 209.8.  I am very happy about this.  When I first started losing weight, I had 110 pounds to lose.  The remaining weight to lose is in the 80s, just barely, but in the 80s nonetheless (I like looking at that 89 on my little ticker up there at the top).  However, as CJ says in a recent post, I have gotten A Little Too Comfortable. 

On the one hand, it is a very good thing that this new way of life is no longer strange and uncomfortable.  It has become easy and routine.  Buuuut, on the other hand, I have become stagnant.  A .2 pound loss over the last couple months each is unacceptable. 

I have lots of plans:  get back to reading, commenting and posting on the blogs, alternate Chair Aerobics video with yoga each morning, continue walking on my breaks, take advantage of the fitness room in the apartments where I live, ride the stationary bike across the country along Hwy 50, become a lot more organized with my meal planning and preparation.  I plan on cooking up a few chicken breasts on the weekends, baking a few potatoes, cooking a turkey breast for sandwiches (instead of using salty, processed lunch meat).  But beyond that, I haven't gotten too much else planned.  I have some nifty bento-type lunchboxes that will help...just fill the little spaces with good stuff.  But what?  That is for another post.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Comments, part 2

It looks like I am still having problems commenting, no matter what computer I am using.  Sometimes they post and other times they disappear.  I am reading and cheering each of you on everyday!  I hope everyone is having a lovely week.  Love Carla

Surprised

On my last post, I said I hadn't weighed in a while...that I was afraid to, after all the off plan eating I had done, the past few weeks.  Well, I weighed in this morning and gained only one pound after all that.  WHEW!!!  What a relief!  Things are as back to normal as they will be and I am back on track. 

I hope everyone has a great week!

Update and Other Stuff

Hello All,

Not a whole lot to tell as far as weight loss.  I am still plugging along, walking my circuits, watching portion sizes, paying attention to when I am full and stopping, not snacking much at work...just pretzels and a candy bar occasionally.  I have not weighed in some time though, I am afraid to.  The stress of the past several weeks had me eating more than I would have liked.  One thing I did notice though, at the most stressful times I was FAMISHED!  I could not get enough to eat.  I did not overeat all that much, but as I said, I did eat more than I wanted and did not make the best choices.  And then, when the stress had passed, hardly any appetite at all.  Very odd to me.

I do have a bit of interesting news.  Those that have been following me for a while (Thank you so much, I love all of you!) knows my main form of exercise is walking circuits around the parking lot at work, on my breaks.  Well, the funny thing is, other people have noticed me out there.  At first they just kind of looked at me like some kind of oddity (esp when it was freezing cold and raining).  Now they are encouraging me on.  But here is the best part.  Others have started walking too and telling me about it.  Two co-worker/friends that work up on the second floor have started walking the back stairs a couple times a day, just for the exercise.  Others have started walking circuits around the parking lot on their breaks too.  People I have never spoken to except to say hi in passing, are stopping me to tell me about their exercise efforts.  I love it!  Very cool.

And now some sad news.  My boys are moving away.  Almost 1,000 miles.  I have to say, I am a bit scared to be up here by myself, but, my son has a great opportunity to attend Pharmacy Tech training for FREE.  They will be living with my elderly parents and helping them.  After our trip down there last week, I see that my parents need my sons help as much as he needs theirs.  My father is entering into Senile Dementia and my mom just cannot keep their place up by herself.  Some things have fallen into minor disrepair and Donald will be taking care of these things.  The yard and surrounding property have become overgrown, too.  So Donald and my grandson Cade have some yardwork to do.

I do have some plans though.  Once they leave, I will have a whole lot of time on my hands.  The apartments I live in have an exercise room with lots of equipment and a recumbent (sp?) bike.  Debbie at Getting Healthy, has inspired me to ride across the country.  I am really looking forward to this.  It will make it a lot more fun.  Also, my son does most of our cooking.  He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy.  He likes to cook with a lot of cheese, frying, bacon, you get the idea.  I am more simple and somewhat vegetarian.  I like simple protein and vegetable meals.  I am still struggling to eat fruit.  I have lots of vegetarian cookbooks and am looking forward to trying out some recipes. 

Well, I have a busy day ahead of me today, I better get busy.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hello Everyone!

Hi All,  I have been out of town several days.  My boys and I took a roadtrip to southern California.  It was a lot of fun and took 13 hours each way.  They are moving there this summer and hopefully I will follow in early spring. 

I did not use the computer much while I was away and have not been able to follow how everyone is doing.  I hope you're all well, happy and doing great!

My eating was so-so.  I will fess up to one thing only and I loved it.  My niece and her hubby took us to an all you can eat pizza place, I think it was called Cece's.  Oh my goodness!  I have never seen such a place, a literal smorgasbord of every pizza you can imagine and then some.  It was so fun, and the slices were small so I had me some pizza!

It's early, but I have to get to bed...SO tired.  Take care everyone and I hope you have a lovely rest of the week.

Suggestions Please

Hello All, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!  I received the following email.  I was wondering if you might have some suggestions for this young lady.  Thanks!

Hi Carla,
I visited your blog and saw that you are into dieting/fitness. I think I've reached the lowest point in my life, so I really need your advice....
I've been struggling to lose weight ever since I graduated from college. I've tried diets, exercising, fasting... My problem is that I have literally no motivation and discipline.
I'm 35 years old, and both of my younger sisters already got married.. I feel like such a loser for being undesirable to men, and for gaining so much weight since college... some days, i just ask myself what's the point of it all? Even if I lost all this weight, I'll still look ugly and flabby =(
Do you have any advice you can give me on motivating myself to eat less and exercise more? It's such a vicious cycle.. I'd try and go on a diet, and be discouraged and end up eating junk food to comfort myself...
I hope you can be of some help - I really need it at this point. God Bless~~~~

Comments

Hello All, Something is up with my blog.  I am having problems trying to comment on your posts.  It says I am not logged in, and I am.  Not sure what the deal is.

In the meantime, all my best wishes to all of you.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.  Love Carla

Starting to Breathe Again

Things are beginning to head back to normal.  We are so tired, the adrenaline that both my son and I had going, from the stress of the last couple weeks, has left us feeling wrung out.  He is feeling worse than me.  The amount and seriousness of the situations coming at us was unbelievable.  The one thing we feared most, it appears is not going to happen.  That is a huge burden lifted. 

I will be back to my exercise video tomorrow.  I did none last week.  Eating should be back on track too. 

I want to introduce you to the joys in my life.

This is my grandson Cade.  I just love his rosy cheeks.  He has dimples, but you can just barely see them.  He is 10 years old.

This is my son Donald and Cade, a few years ago. 

Have to get to bed, so I can get up bright and early to exercise.  I hope everyone has a great week.  Thank you all so much for your friendship.  You have made a huge difference in my life and I am grateful.  Love Carla

Thank you

Thank you so much everyone, for your kind words and support.  I sure do wish I could meet you!  You all mean very much to me.  I hope you're having a lovely weekend.  Love Carla

Things are just so bad right now, with no end in sight.  My son's girlfriend had a miscarriage yesterday, as just an example.  All I want to do is eat. And eat. And eat.  It would appear, I am a stress eater.  The crunchier and the saltier the better.  I am back to my candy bars in the afternoon.  They don't make me feel better, but I just want them anyway.  However, I did get some pretzels, carrots and hummus to bring to work.  I just cannot focus on anything, to plan.  I am too worried and distracted.  At least work, as far as I know, is going well.  I am current on everything.

Checking In

Hello All, I hope everyone is doing well.  I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I do think of all of you everyday and am cheering you on.  There has been much sadness and difficulties in our home the last few weeks and I am just numb.  I can't really think about much else.  I can't really bring myself to write about myself.  Plus, we have disconnected our internet and access is very limited.

On the weightloss front, I am still chipping away at my 100+ pounds to lose, bit by bit.  I have added a chair aerobics video, Monday thru Friday.  Also, I am trying to learn how to do yoga.  It is a lot more difficult than it looks.  I am still walking my 6-8 circuits at work everyday.  Eating is still on track.  Sometimes I have snacks, sometimes I don't.  I think changing things up like that will help to not get stuck.  I hope.  Today was not such a good day though.  Jamba Juice and a mall lunch.  It was a bourbon chicken plate at a Cajun place.  It was ok, I didn't finish it.  I did however, finish the Jamba Juice.  I haven't had one in forever...Strawberries Wild, my favorite.

Well, I have to go.  Love to all of you.  I hope your week is great.  And, I miss you.  Carla

Happy Mother's Day to all my bloggy friends!  I hope your day is lovely!!!  Love Carla

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!

At Work

I work at a very large metal recycling plant and we have our own water treatment facility onsight.  Our environmental specialist offered to take me for a tour and so yesterday, I got to go.  I was able to walk there, walk all around and walk back without having to stop and rest and without any pain.  It was great!  It feels so good to be able to be a part of life again.  I am on my way!

Sunday

Hi All, not much going on.  Well, there is a little bit.  Since I cut back on blogging, my weight loss efforts have relaxed a bit.  My eating is still the same, as far as most choices and the portion size.  But, I have been to fast food a bit more, I have eaten a little chocolate egg here, a little chocolate egg there, not walked as much, and not had nearly the amount of water I should have.  I haven't weighed, I don't want to. 

 The funny thing about the fast food, both days that I had it, my tummy was NOT happy with me.  The food tasted fine, was not overly greasy (one was Taco Bell's fresco chicken soft taco off their diet menu), but I did not feel well afterwards.  I've read about people on here that avoided fast food for months, then had some and were sick afterwards. We are still determined at home to not buy ANY prepared or processed food.  We just all feel so much better.

Mer at We're Losing It! gave me the idea of making Egg Muffins for breakfast.  I made them yesterday and they are yummy!  I needed something for breakfast, that was loaded with protein and that I could put together quickly, for days when arthritis made it difficult to cook.  With these I don't have to resort to McD for breakfast.  They are sort of like crustless mini quiches.  You can do just about anything with them.  Mine are below.

One small green bell pepper, diced
One package diced ham
One package refrigerated, shredded potatoes
Four chopped green onions
Six eggs
1 1/2 cups Better N Eggs
Sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350, place 12 cupcake papers in muffin pan.
Put a little oil in a large skillet. Saute bell pepper and ham over medium heat until most of the liquid has cooked out.  Add the potatoes, season as desired, stir well, cook at medium high a few minutes, cover, reduce heat to just under medium, cook for 15-20 minutes.  Test potatoes for doneness.  Should be just a wee bit underdone.  Remove from heat, stir in green onions.  While potatoes are cooking, beat together eggs and Better N Eggs.  Season as desired.

Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with potato mixture.  Then, slowly, slowly trickle in the eggs to just about a 1/4 inch below top of muffin cup.  Sprinkle each top with about one teaspoon of cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.  Eat or place on a cookie sheet and pop into the freezer till frozen.  Place into a double plastic bag to store in the freezer.  I don't know yet how much time to heat in the micro.  Will probably set out to thaw first thing in the morning, and then heat at a minute or two.

You can probably cut the potato mixture in half.  I had a lot left over and my son ate it for lunch.  You will have some egg mixture leftover too, maybe a half cup or so.