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.

A Watched Pot Never Boils?

So, being tired of seeing the same number on the scale, day after day, for a month I stopped weighing myself.  Then Friday I got back on the scale and what do you suppose has happened?  I lost 2 pounds!  Yay!  Hopefully I am no longer stuck and back on my way to losing.  Fingers crossed.

On to something a bit more important.  I live with my son and 10 year old grandson.  For all intents and purposes, I am filling in as the role of Mom to my grandson Cade.  He is a bit different, can't quite put my finger on it.  It could be the trauma of his early childhood before he came to live with his dad, he could be ADD, it could be lack of oxygen to the brain from his birth, it could be his mother's drug use during early pregnancy, just don't know, it could be a combination of things.  More than likely it is.  Anyway, he needs a lot of attention (not constant, just a lot) and I have been feeling guilty about the amount of time I am spending on the computer.  I feel I will need to cut back on the time I am on the blogs.  I really hate to do that, because I feel so close to so many of you and don't want to lose any ground.  But I just have to.  I am not quitting, just cutting back.  And so, with that,

Thank you all so much for your support, I have come to care very much for so many of you ladies.  I hope everyone has a lovely first day of Spring and a wonderful weekend!  Carla

A Little Something

Even though I have not lost any weight in the last month, I am still on plan and exercising.  And, I am starting to see lady curves reappear, my face is slimmer, I am not at all tired at the end of the day like I used to, I can't eat as much as I used to...I get full a whole lot faster, my legs around my knees and calves are looking slimmer, my upper arms are also looking slimmer. 

So even though I would have given up in the past, with no change in the scale, I kept at it and changes are STILL  happening.

I just want to thank everyone for their support, it has made all the difference.

You are so appreciated!!!!!

Nothing New

Hi all.  I am still stuck.  Still at 215 pounds.  So, nothing new to report. 

However, a couple other things.  My son has a TON of candy he bought for my grandson Cade's Easter basket and has decided he doesn't want Cade having all that candy afterall.  Anyway, Donald has asked me to help him eat most if it.  Guess what?  I haven't even touched it, it doesn't even sound good to me, don't want it.  Aaaaand it is PMessie time, no craving at all, well, maybe just a little something salty, but that's all.  I'll probably have a cup of chicken broth for that, that'll probably do it for me.  I keep chicken bullion cubes at work, for salt cravings or for settling my stomach.

Also, as we all know, cupcakes are quite the thing lately.  I have been wanting to go to one of those cute little cupcake places and see what all the fuss is about.  I mean, obviously I've had cupcakes before, just not one of these fancy ones.  Anyway, my son went to one today with his girlfriend and brought me one back.  It was little and cute, and just ok.  And I only cut less than a fourth off and tasted it.  That was all I wanted.  I gave the rest to my son.  It also helped that it had a cream cheese frosting and I am not fond of that kind.

Well, that's the news from Oregon.  Have a good evening, friends.  Thanks for dropping by.

Stuck

So I have been stuck at 214-215 since the middle of last month.  It would appear the honeymoon is over, the rubber has hit the road, etc.  I am walking 8 circuits each day, drinking enough water to sink a battleship, not snacking, not eating large portions (my appetite has decreased), stopping before I am too full, increased fruits and veggies, no fast or processed food, am working my exercise dvd.  Now what?

Thank You Dawn! Part 3

For receiving my award, I am to tell 7 things about myself.  Here they are:

1.  I have held many different jobs over the years - waitress (most hated), live-in housekeeper at a retirement home, garden department at Home Depot (one of my faves), interpreter for hearing impaired children, daycare teacher (another one of my faves), and now bookkeeper (one of my least faves-boring).

2.  I have moved over 50 times.  I stopped counting at 50.  I have lived in 3 different states - California (home), Nevada (my favorite) and Oregon (hate it here-I'm sorry if I have any Oregon readers, don't mean to offend).  I start getting itchy feet after awhile and need to go.  I am hoping to move back to southern California within the next year.  My parents are there and getting on in years.  Hopefully this will be my last move.  I believe I am ready to settle down.  Some may call me unstable.  I call it adventurous, I want to see what's out there.  As a result, I LOVE road trips.  I have family and friends who have never lived anywhere other than the area they grew up in, they are too afraid.  To me, this is so sad, to not get to experience life in other places.

3.  I can work on my own car.  Before the easy access to the Internet, I used to go to the library, find the appropriate shop manual, copy the page and go home and fix my car.

4.  I would love to get a degree in Geology and/or Horticulture.  Science was my favorite subject in school.  Especially earth sciences and oceanography.  My grandson loves science too, I am so proud.

5.  I have one younger brother, but come from a very large, loving extended family.  At least on my Mom's side.  They settled in the San Joaquin Valley in California, during the Depression and bought a farm.  We used to have some WONDERFUL family get togethers.  Bonfires and all.  FOOD FOOD FOOD!!! So good.

6.  I believe in setting a nice table for all meals at home.  At our house, that is usually breakfast and dinner.  Too many niceties have fallen by the wayside.

7.  I would like to become a vegetarian.  I am finding that the older I get, the less I like any kind of meat (except fish-love fish).  My mom, her sisters and their daughters are the same way.

Ok, so there you have it.  Hope you all have a lovely day.  Spring is on its way!

Thank You Dawn! Part 2

As part of my award I am to award other people. 

First is Losing It.  She is always encouraging and has a great sense of humor.
Next is Debby.  She is very knowledgable and has some yummy sounding recipes.
And then is Wendy.  I love this blog!  Wendy has so much energy and insight.

Part 3 will be tomorrow.  I am to also tell 7 things about myself.  I am having to work on that.  I have a list, but can only come up with 3-4 things.

Have a good evening, everyone.

Thank you Dawn! Part 1

Oh wow!  I got a Versitle Blogger Award from Dawn at A New Dawn For Me.  You should go check her out.  Her posts are inspiring, thought provoking and Dawn is always kind and encouraging.

In other news, I have decided we will start having salads every night with dinner.  We did that when I was a kid (was my job to make it) so I have started that again.  Had my son get a bag of Triple Hearts and a bag of Spring Mix and I mixed them together in a larger bag.  Then I put on tomatoes, green onion, cucumber, garbanzo beans, a little cheese and sunflower seeds.

Also, I have been researching how to grow vegetables indoors under a grow lamp.  I got to thinking that if illegal pot growers can do it, why can't I?  For starters, I want salad greens, tomatoes, green onions and carrots.  I have a south facing balcony, but this is Oregon, not enough sunshine.

I don't have a lot of time tonight, my grandson needs my help with his homework.  I hope everyone has a lovely evening.

Thank you for the follow C.

Supplements and Sprouts

I am a big fan of natural, healthy food, herbs and supplements.  I first discovered the usefulness of herbs and supplements as a resourceful single mom with no health insurance.   Prevention is key to keeping health costs down.

I first read in Dr. Weil's book, "Healthy Aging", that age related diseases are due to inflammation in the body.  Armed with that information and having arthritis, I decided to research the safest, healthiest, non-NSAID (NSAIDS have wreaked havoc with my kidneys and stomach) way of reducing inflammation in my body.  I discovered that turmeric is a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory.  I had already started taking ginger to help heal my stomach and discovered it too has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ginseng I take for energy.  I take cinnamon for keeping my blood sugar low and stable and also fish oil for heart and brain health.  I don't know if it was any one of these, or the result of all or some of them, but within a few months my cholesterol dropped almost 50 points.  I went from 185 to 139 - cholesterol, not weight.  My LDL's were also reduced and my HDL'S were increased.

Mer asked yesterday the best way to grow sprouts.  I don't know if the following is the best way, but here is what I have figured out.  I used to grow them often, years ago.

Start with a large jar, some cheesecloth and a rubber band.  And of course, your seeds of choice, preferably organic.  I chose alfalfa for this first round.  Start small, about a tablespoon of seeds (I started with 1/4 cup...WAY too much).  Put them in the jar, cover with cheesecloth and rubber band and rinse well and drain .  Add at least 4 to 5 times as much water and let sit on your counter for about 12 hours.  Drain and rinse again.  This soaking water is now loaded with nutrients, some people drink it, save it for soup or cooking veggies in or watering their plants.

At this point you may want to change containers for your sprouts.  I used to have a sprouter similar in size and shape to a springform pan, I don't know what happened to it though.  Some say you can sprout them in the same jar, but I don't recommend it.  It will be too hard to take your sprouts out of once they are sprouted.  I bought a sort of 4 inch square jar with a wide mouth at Walmart and even this did not work well.  I think my next round I will try my large, flat pasta bowl. 

 Anyway, whatever container you choose to use, you will be rinsing and draining the sprouts about every 12 hours.  Make sure you drain them VERY WELL.  You don't want the sprouts sitting in water, or they will rot.  Continue this process until they are a long as you want them.  I just keep them on my kitchen counter.  I suppose you can put them near sunlight if you want the chlorophyll.  At some point, while they are growing, they will begin to clump up.  Maybe while they are in water, before draining, take a fork and gently break up the clumps.

So there you have it, soak, drain, rinse and drain every 12 hours, enjoy a few days later.

Changes

Happy Friday morning everyone!

So, I am not happy with the focus and direction of my weight loss and this blog, and I am going to be making some changes, and posting them here.

Way back when, I was a back-to-the-land earth-mama wannabe stuck in suburbia.  I loved my lifestyle and the way I cared for my family (not gonna get the Birkies out, though).  We were healthy and active.  Also, I was raised up during the health nut craze of the 60's and 70's.  Late 70's I was married and had a baby.  He had long hair and was naked a lot of the time, at home.   He ate mostly homemade food, herb tea for his colic, all natural stuff...you get the idea.  By the way, chamomile tea works wonders for colic.  I put this in his bottles instead of juice.  I've lost sight of the person I used to be and want to find her again.

The first thing I have done was to grow my own sprouts.  Just had them on a tuna sandwich yesterday, and they were very good.  I used to grow these a lot.  You can get e-coli from the ones at the store. 

Can't write more, already late getting ready for work.  Gotta go.  Have a great day!

Does anyone know...

Good morning all,

Does anyone know of fast, high protein breakfasts?  Aside from the fact that I love McD sausage in their Sausage McMuffin Combo, is that it is loaded with protein - sausage, egg and cheese, and a reasonable amount of carbs - the English muffin.  When I have had a bad night (arthritis pain waking me up), cooking breakfast is difficult.  That's one of the big reasons I rely on McD so much for my standby breakfasts.  I can't have (blood sugar issues) and don't like sweets for breakfast, or very early in the day for that matter.  I would appreciate any ideas you may have.

Breakfast:
2 eggs, half a toast, butter, milk

Snack:
one Akmak cracker

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich w/ sprouts, water

Snack:
None

214
exercise dvd
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits, cane

I dug out my old Sony Walkman and found the tape I used to walk with many, many years ago.  So many happy memories came flooding back.  I use it for walking my circuits now. 

Breakfast:
2 eggs, toast, butter, milk

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Hamburger rice, 1 boiled egg, water

Snack:
birthday cake, I caved

Dinner:
Scrambled sausage and eggs, half a toast, butter, milk

215
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits, and darn it, back on the cane.  My left hip and knee are up to something.
5134 steps

Tuesday

Breakfast:
2 eggs, toast, butter, coffee

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Salad, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
Hamburger rice, milk

214
4 morning circuits
4 afternoon circuits  I tried really, really hard to talk myself out of doing them this afternoon.  My back and legs are SOOOOO achy.  But, I will never reach my goal if I don't stop messing around.  This is always what has happened in the past.  I got tired or bored with trying, start messing around and eventually forget all about what I was trying to do.  This time is different, I have support I can count on...my bloggy friends.  Also, I added my 4th afternoon circuit today.  Except for my left knee REALLY acting up, adding the 4th circuit was not as difficult as adding the 3rd circuit.  I will try this for 2-3 weeks and try adding a 5th circuit in the morning.

6722 steps, my most so far

Monday

Breakfast:
2 eggs, 1 toast, butter, water

Snack:
None

Lunch:
salad, bread, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
Fish, mustard greens, cornbread, water

215.6
4 morning  circuits
3 afternoon circuits
5068 steps

A Non-Weight Related Question

Good Saturday morning everyone!

I have a question.  But first, a little explanation.  On these blogs, we are sharing some very private, sometimes intimate information about ourselves.  As a result, I feel very connected to some of you ladies.  It makes me very sad to think I will never meet any of you.  Also, I know these are "Weight Loss Blogs", but there is more to our lives than losing weight.  I would like to know just a little bit more about you.  Nothing personal mind you, I am just curious what some of your hobbies are.  What kinds of activities bring you happiness and joy?  I don't mean to pry,  I think this is just a natural extension of getting to know people you care about. 

My son says I don't try hard enough to get to know people, I don't ask enough questions.  That is so hard for me.  My mouth gets dry, my hands get clammy and my throat closes up.  Eating with strangers...Oh my goodness, so hard to swallow when your throat closes up.  Maybe this is why I HATE dating, HAHAHAHA!  Anyway, so I am trying.

I'll go first.  Before I hurt my knees, I LOVED LOVED LOVED being outside hiking and camping.   I used to live here.  The little town is Carson City, Nevada, the state capital.  That is Lake Tahoe at the top of the photo and the lake on the right of the photo is Washoe Lake.  I lived in Carson City for 15 years.  This place brought me so much joy and happiness.  My last good hike was aprox 22 miles round trip.  Now I can't even go shopping without riding the electric cart at the store.

Also, I enjoy crocheting.  My brother and I used to spend a lot of time with our Grandma Sallie.  Every now and then she used to dance a little jig, singing a silly song and making funny sounds with her hands.  I adored her.  Anyway, she was an avid crocheter.  I have many of the things she made.  I have a large family and we all have many of the things she made.  She never really taught me how, other than to make a chain.  I was a busy kid and to keep me occupied, she would have me sit beside her and chain away.  That chain became enormous.  When I became an adult, I bought a book and taught myself.  She lived hundreds of miles away by that time, so I couldn't ask her.  She has since passed away.  I have one of her afgans on my bed and often think of her hands touching each of those threads, and of her hugs and kisses.  If I can become half the grandmother she was, I will be very happy.

This is an odd one, but I love to read magazines.  This drives my son crazy, because I like to save them.  Right now, my favorite ones are Womens World, All You and First for Women.  They have recipes, health tips, organizing tips and of course the diet of the month.  I like them because they are colorful and cheery, no serious stories.  Just some light, easy reading. 

Non-fiction books are also my favorites, I don't care for fiction.  I went back to college in 1997, and because of my text books, I discovered I really enjoyed reading non-fiction.  I have lots.  When I lived in Carson City, there was a thrift store in town, that on Saturdays had a book sale.  You could fill a grocery bag for a dollar.  If I was very careful, I could sometimes get 15 books in a bag.  However, I usually gave them back to the thrift store when I finished with them.

So, there you have it, hiking, camping, crocheting and reading.  I didn't mention it earlier, but my favorite thing to do, is spend time with my family.  I come from a very large, southern family, on both sides. Let me tell you, there was some very good food at family gatherings.

Ok, I have to get started on my day.  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Daily Weighing

I have seen, while reading the blogs, there are many different views on weighing in.  Some don't weigh at all and go by the size of their clothes, some weigh in monthly, some weekly (the most I have seen so far).  I like to weigh in daily.  That way I can keep a close eye on things and make any needed adjustments.  For instance, yesterday it was very cold and I was out of painpills...just cold and achy.  So, it was a lazy day.  I did not drink my 3 bottles of water, only one.  I did not go out and walk, at all.  I had a hot mocha.  And to top it all off, my son brought home a burger and fries for dinner.  The burger was dry and not greasy, but the fries were a bit.  Even though I did not eat them all, I still had some. 

 And now, this morning, my weight is up a bit.  Weighing in everyday keeps me fully aware and focused on where I am at.  I think of the scale as a steering wheel on a car.  When we are behind the wheel, we are constantly watching and adjusting our direction.  What would happen if I let go of the wheel?  My car would be all over the road.  The same holds true for my weight.  And so, I weigh in every morning and post it here.

Breakfast:
2 eggs, one toast, butter, water

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich, apple, water

215.8

Thank you

I want to thank those that read and offer encouragement, I so appreciate it.  I just wanted to say I'm sorry this is not a very interesting read.  I am a very quiet, introverted person and I don't have a lot to say, and am happiest alone and reading.  It is usually very difficult for me to think of things to talk about in a conversation.  Mostly I just smile and nod at people.  I do love reading other's posts, they sure do give me a lot to think about.

I hope everyone has a lovely day.

Breakfast:
Cottage cheese w/ tomatoes, bread, orange juice

Snack:
Cottage cheese

Lunch:
Leftover pasta and chicken, water

Snack:
Hot mocha

Dinner:
Burger, fries, milk

215.2
no walking today, it's too cold and I am out of painpills.

Just Plugging Along

Breakfast:
Cottage cheese w/ tomatoes, one cheese bagel, orange juice

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Salad, water, a couple bites of cheese bagel

Snack:
None

Dinner:
4 cheese pasta w/ grilled chicken and basil, milk

215.8
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits
4255 steps

Tuesday

2 eggs, half a toast, butter, milk, no time for an orange

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Salad, water

Snack:
Handful of walnuts

Dinner:
It was supposed to be a beef and noodle dish, but it bombed.  The beef had an odd taste to it, it wasn't spoiled though.  So, I just had a bowl of Cheerios.  Not really all that hungry anyway.

216.8
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits
5327 steps

New Old Clothes or Old New Clothes

While putting away laundry this weekend, I happened to come across some tops I had not worn in quite sometime...I had outgrown them.  I tried on a few and they all fit, and a couple were too large!  I did have to go buy some new pants on Saturday.  My old ones started falling to the tops of my legs if I held my stomach in, was constantly having to pull them up. I have gone from a 24 to a 20 in pants, and a 3X and 2x for tops to an XL.  Also had to go bra shopping.  It occurred to me while I was there, I had no idea what size to get, as I had not measured before leaving home.  I HATE bra shopping, and to make it even worse, the bra section was a mess, no order at all.  I am saving one pair of 24s to put on and take a photo with after all is said and done.  I had thought about taking them in, but decided against it and just bought some new.

I got my new 32 oz water container and some lemons to cut up and put in.  I have to fill it 4 times each day to get enough water.

Breakfast:
10 grain hot cereal w/ pecans and dried fruit, toast, butter, nonfat milk

Snack:
Two Akmak crackers, really,really hungry today.

Lunch:
Two ham sandwiches, no mayo, apple, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
Tofu Parm, Bruchetta, milk

216
4 morning circuits
0 afternoon circuits, too sleepy...took a nap, didn't sleep well last night, woke up in the middle of the night hurting again.
Forgot to look at how many steps before I went to bed

Water Intake

While surfing the blogs, I came across a water calculator.  You answer a few questions, and then it tells you how much water you should be drinking (or fluids).  I should be having 110 ounces daily.  I maybe have around 40 ounces.  It is soooo hard to get in enough water.  I read somewhere, a long time ago, that if you don't get enough water, your body thinks it is in dehydration mode and hangs on to (retains water=water weight) every drop.  But, if you drink a lot of water, your body uses what it needs and gets rid of the rest.  That means I have to fill my cup at work 6 times.  Well crap (excuse my language)!  I can only manage to fill it once or twice, but SIX TIMES?!?!

I think this weekend I will see if I can find a larger container and get some lemons to put in.  If I have a larger container, I don't have to try to remember to fill it so many times.      

I have to go get ready for work.  I hope you all have a lovely day.

Breakfast:
McD Sausage McMuffin Combo.  I know, BAD BAD BAD.  And now, my excuses:  Grandson has no school today, no school he sleeps in, he sleeps in and I don't have to cook breakfast.  I don't have to cook breakfast, I get to leave earlier and put in a bit of overtime at work.  The real reason...I DEARLY LOVE MCD SAUSAGE!!!!  Hot dogs and sausages are my alltime favorite food.  Forget sweets, give me a hot dog or sausage anytime.  Bratwurst, Keilbasa(sp?), Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, COSTCO hot dogs, Cheddarwurst...oh my goodness, Hillshire Farm has the best Cheddarwurst!  There is just nothing like a grilled Cheddarwurst on a French roll with horseradish-dijon mustard!  These are what stalled the beginning of my weight loss, having to think about giving all these up was very, very hard.

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Ham sandwich, no mayo, apple, water

Dinner:
None, not hungry, a glass of milk


213.8
147 mg/dL 5:45am  BOOOO!  Pasta for lunch and dinner, yesterday
4 morning circuits
1 afternoon circuit, very, very cold
5961 steps

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  I'll be back Monday.

Thursday

Breakfast:
2 eggs, 2 toast w/ butter, half an orange, milk

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Leftover pasta and veggie dish, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
My son's favorite pasta...Orichette(sp?), Italian sausage, Rau's Pasta sauce (no fake anything), cream cheese.  He often fixes my plate (he does the cooking), it was HUGE!  I know what's for lunch tomorrow!

214
Chair Aerobics, next one is Saturday.
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits, I will try to continue with the 4/3 circuits for at least 2 weeks, and then up the afternoon to 4 circuits.
Taking stairs at work instead of elevator
Not drinking enough water
My knees are not liking this extra activity, but I don't want to slow down or eliminate anything.  I am on a roll and don't want to lose momentum.
5205 steps

It is soooo cold!  I would do just about anything for a hot cocoa!

Exercise

UGH!!! I just cannot motivate myself to work my exercise dvd.  It's called Chair Aerobics for Everyone and is very good.  I tell myself every night, OK, this is it, in the morning I will do this.  But when morning comes...not so much.  My only time to do this is at 5 am.  That means I have to be in the shower by 4:30 ( I seem to have less pain if I warm up in the shower first).  I just want to snuggle under the covers and have my coffee at 4:30.  Well, I would rather be asleep at 4:30, but I have gotten up at 4 for nearly 20 years and usually wake up sometime before that.  So, sleep is not happening.  I am getting a good amount of exercise by walking at work, but I could do more.  On a positive note, I am sleeping much better with the increased walking.

Win the day!

Breakfast:
Oatmeal w/ pecans, dried fruit, cinnamon, butter, raw sugar, nonfat milk, toast, butter, water. 

 I know it says butter twice on here, but I am very careful about the amounts I use.  I am not going to use fake food.  My grandson has behavior problems and since getting rid of all processed and other fake food, he is doing better.  People were healthier and less fat before all this crap came out.  I've said it before, but if it didn't exist 100 years ago, don't eat it.  I know I've had my slips (Butterfinger) but am doing much better.

A side note about children's behavior.  When Cade, my grandson, was diagnosed with ADD, I did research on diet.  Medication was out of the question, so this had to be it.  I read the best thing to do was get an old Betty Crocker cookbook and cook from that.  Real, healthy, whole food, no fake stuff.  It's not a miracle cure, but it sure has helped him.

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Leftover pasta and veggie dish, apple, water

Dinner:
Leftover chicken and rice, milk

214.2
4 morning circuits
0 afternoon circuits, just can't do it today, too cold.
3016 steps

Today

Breakfast:
2 eggs, 2 toasts, butter, half an orange, water

Snack:
None

Lunch:
Leftover pasta dish from last night, green beans, polenta, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
Baked Honey Chicken recipe here(fabulous, my son made it), corn, rice pilaf, water


215.8
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits, that last circuit is TOUGH!!!!!
5290 steps

GIVEAWAY!

Click here to enter a giveaway for a 1 years subscription for Plan To Eat.  It is a system for helping you to plan your families meals.  I have entered.  Good luck!

Click here to enter a giveaway to win a "Naturopathic Care Package" ($99.95) by Naturokits.com from keeperofthehome.org and savingnaturally.com.
Breakfast:
Oatmeal, half a toast, butter, half a banana, milk

Snack:
None

Lunch:
2 ham sandwiches, no mayo, water

Snack:
None

Dinner:
Pasta with grilled chicken, asparagus, broccoli, and Gruyere, water, a couple pieces of Valentine candy

219
Hopefully the extra 3 pounds is just water weight.  I realized this morning, I had forgotten to take my blood pressure medicine for a few days, which has a diuretic.  I tend to puff up when that happens.
4 morning circuits
3 afternoon circuits
When I started walking these circuits a few months ago, I was only able to do 2 morning circuits, with a cane and sitting and resting in between circuits.  Now I am up to 7 total for the day, no resting between circuits and no cane.  Granted, that third circuit this afternoon was tough.  But I did it because I can.  Thanks Polar's Mom, I appreciated that post.
6155 steps

Today

I hid the cookies at work...out of sight, out of mind.

Breakfast:
Oatmeal, toast, butter, half a banana, milk

Snack:
one cheese bagel

Lunch:
egg rolls, ice tea-no sugar

Snack:
none

Dinner:
Roast chicken, corn, couscous, milk

216.2
3 morning circuits
0 afternoon circuits, still feeling crummy from sinus infection
3118 steps

Taken from "The Brave Girls Club" website

A co-worker brought in one of my favorite cookies - Pepperage Farm Milanos.  I am drinking water instead...woo.

Breakfast:
2 eggs, half a slice of toast, butter, half an orange, 1% milk

Snack:
none

Lunch:
lowfat cottage cheese, tomatoes, 2 Kings Hawaiian rolls, water

Snack:
2 Kings Hawaiian rolls, a baby carrot, 3/4 oz cheese. 

I WANT A COOKIE!!!

Dinner:
Roasted chicken, peas and carrots, couscous, milk

216.2
4 morning circuits, no cane
2 afternoon circuits, no cane
6,118 steps

Another day

Yesterday was my sickest so far, and boy was I in a mood.  I just felt so crummy, I did not care in the least what I ate.  Thank you Polar's Mom and Dawn for your comments.

Breakfast:
Old fashioned oatmeal w/ walnuts, cinnamon, butter, raw sugar, 1% milk; half a slice of toast, butter, 8 oz 1% milk (or water, not sure how much milk is in the fridge), half a banana.

Snack: 
one Ak-mak cracker

Lunch:  Tuna sandwich on whole wheat, milk

Dinner:
One cheese toast, half a pear, carrots and peas, milk

I went to the doc and got some anitbiotics, should be on the mend soon.

Accountability

Ok, so, I started this blog in the hopes of having accountability.  It is a little difficult to have that if I don't write anything of significance down.  So here it is, the good, the bad and the ugly (I know it's cliche, I don't care).

Breakfast:
McD. Sausage and egg McMuffin, one hashbrown and a small coffee with 2 creams.

Snack:
None

Lunch:
My son made Spaghetti Squash Lasagne last night, so I am having that for lunch and a Butterfinger candy bar.

Snack:
none

Dinner:
Hot tea, 2 slices whole wheat toast

5 circuits around the parking lot

Here is the lasagne recipe:Spaghetti Squash Lasagne Recipe

No exercise for a while

So, I have been sick for a few days.  I first thought it was a cold, but this morning, I had some difficulty breathing, so it may be slipping into pneumonia again.  That being said, I am not going to be out walking for a while.  It is too cold and hurts my lungs.  I may try my dvd, but have to be careful and not overdo and get tired.  I have to be able to get to work.  Anyway, I will be watching my eating like a hawk.  I have to compensate somewhere and that is the only place. 

Hope everyone's day is great.

Good Food, Great Medicine - A book

This is the name of the book I am basing my eating plan on.  It is very good, and is just good old, basic common sense.  This is pretty much how I was raised, and how I used to cook before everything went down the drain.  A long, long time ago.

It is written by a local doctor here in Portland, Dr. Miles Hassell and his sister Mea Hassell (who works with him in is office).    The one I have was a gift.  They can be found on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Medicine-Miles-Hassell/dp/0979633915/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1297005349&sr=8-1.  And here is their website:  http://www.goodfoodgreatmedicine.com/.  Sorry for the links, but I don't know how to hide it and make it pretty in my blog like I have seen on other pages.

Dr. Hassell is board certified in internal medicine and is in private practice at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland Oregon.  He established the Integrative Medicine Program at Providence Cancer Center and is a clinical instructor in the training of internal medicine residents, twice receiving Teacher of the Year award as well as being included in Portland's Top Doctors.  Dr. Hassell uses evidence based nutrition and exercise options in his medical practice and lectures widely to physician groups regarding the use of nutritional medicine.

It is a very good read.  The focus is on healthy, whole, real food.  It's not really a diet book, but more of a cookbook/health guide, based on the Mediteranian Diet.  As it says under the title on the book, "Diet and lifestyle guidelines for optimal health from a medical practice."  It has LOTS of great tips for quick and easy to put together meals.  The authors are busy people with families, and the recipes reflect that.

Walking

I am very pleased.  I have lost just a little over 16 pounds since the first of the year, but already I am able to take my daily walks without my cane.  I am only 53, but the idea of already having to use a cane everyday, well, I was not happy about it. 

I am able to walk more.  Because I am getting more exercise, I am sleeping better.  Also, since I am walking more, my back is hurting less.  Today was my first day walking without my cane.  I made 3 circuits around the parking lot at work, and nothing hurt (back, hips, knees, feet) when I finished.  It is getting easier to get up from my chair during the day.  Still not quite popping up, but I am getting there.

Hope everyone has a successful weekend!

4750 steps

Magic numbers update

Magic numbers goals 1 and 2, reached and passed.  The first one, 220, meant I am no longer morbidly obese.  I am now severely obese.  The second one, 219, meant I no longer have over 100 pounds to loose.  I am such a dork, and embarrassing for a bookkeeper, I didn't notice when I set my goals, that 220 and 219 were right next to each other.  HAHAHAHAHA!!!  My next goal is 199, out of the 200s.

I am so greatful for my blog friends.  Thank you Dawn, Mer and Losing_It for all your kind and encouraging comments.  They are so appreciated!  You make doing this a bit easier.  I feel like I can actually do this, knowing I am in the same boat with other determined women.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

February

The bookkeeper in me is coming out.  I have closed the books on January, 232 is a memory.  It is over and done with, not ever to be seen again.  I am starting the month out with a new balance of 220.4.

I like the idea of closing the month.  It makes sense to this bean counter.

Have a great day everyone.

Willpower

I came across that word yesterday, while surfing the blogs.  The word "willpower" never even crossed my mind this time around, until yesterday.  To me, willpower means gathering the strength to deny yourself something you really, really want, probably setting yourself up to fail.  I think it's a matter of perspective.  What is it that I really, really want?  I know what I don't want.  I don't want to have diabetes anymore.  I don't want to be in pain and on a cane anymore.  I don't want to have to sit on the sidelines anymore.  I don't want to have to wear fat clothes anymore.  I don't want to worry about having a stroke anymore.  I don't want to worry about dying in my sleep of sleep apnea anymore.  I don't want to have to take 5 different prescription medicines anymore.

I decided sometime ago, I want this to be a lifestyle change I will want to stick with.  I am denying myself nothing.  NOTHING.  My goal is to retrain myself to eat normal amounts of real, healthy, whole foods.  That means no fake food.  I still eat real butter, eggs, sugar, mayo, salt, dairy foods.  I do prefer the taste of lowfat dairy, however.  The higher fat dairy is too thick and gaggy for me. 

I read something not long ago.  It was, "If it didn't exist 100 years ago, don't eat it."  I still eat all these things, but I am realistic about the amounts.  Toast does not have to be dripping with butter to taste good.  I like the taste of food not swimming in gravy and sauces.  I want to savor the taste of a bite of fresh tomato, green beans, whatever.  I imagine the weight would come off faster if I ate the fake food, but I would be less likely to stick with it.  I want to learn to manage real food.  That way there is no diet to come off of and possibly regain the fat.

Believe it or not, as heavy as I am, my cholesterol is only 139.  I have my mom to thank for that.  When she married my step-dad, he was diagnosed with high-cholesterol.  I was 10 at the time.  So, we all went on a low cholesterol diet and I was raised on that.  Real, healthy, from scratch, whole foods.  And, she was working a full time job.

So what is it that I really, really want?  I want to go hiking again.  I want to sit on an airplane seat comfortably, without the seatbelt extender and without overlapping onto the other person's seat.  I want to run and play with my grandson.  There are a whole bunch of things I want to do that I can't do now.  I want to not eat a bunch of crap.  I have lost all desire for it.  Actually, being daignosed with diabetes several years ago probably saved my life.  My food choices at the time were pretty poor.  I went through the diabetes education, and lost all desire for the yuck I was eating.  For that, I am very, very thankful.

My before and after pictures

If anyone is interested in creating their own before and after pictures, you can go here http://www.mvm.com/cs/.  The website is called My Virtual Model.  I am not all that computer savvy and for me, while it was fun, it was also a little difficult.  It's also why my blog is so plain.  I am completely impressed with all the graphics and what not on others blogs. 

Like Mer at We're Losing It says, " I think the pics are a wonderful way to keep yourself on track so that you visualize what you will look like at your ideal weight."  I agree completely.  It helps to look at the after picture and actually see what I could look like.  Not just some far off Maybe in my mind. 

I have a busy day to today, so I better get at it.  I hope everyone's weekend is what you want it to be!

Update

Yay!  I lost all the 4.8 pounds I gained from my Unfortunate Episode and a tiny bit more.  I'l take it! 

 Not much going on.  I want to start posting my meals, just don't have a lot of time during the week.  As it is, I have to go get ready for work. 

 I hope your day is wonderful and successful.  Win the day!

One of those days...

Arthritis...lack of sleep...fast food day...sigh...

Win the Day

Inspiration comes in the funniest places sometimes.  On my morning commute, I occasionally see a little red pick-up truck.  Handwritten across the the back of their window is "Win the Day".  I am going to do just that!  I hope you will too.

Misc. Links

Here are some links I thought someone might be interested in:

http://www.johnhustedmd.com/bmi.htm
To find out your bmi.

http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmirefs.htm
More on your bmi and some other stuff.

http://www.healthdiscovery.net/links/calculators/body_massindex_chart.htm
How to tie your bmi and weight together.  Shows the various levels of obesity and overweight.

I found these sights helpful in setting my goals.

Focus

The things I am currently focusing on are:  Walking around the parking lot at work 3 times, twice a day.  That would be a total of 30 minutes of walking each day.  The other is trying to have a piece of fruit at each meal.  I am not very fond of fruit, so it is a struggle.  Overall, my plan is just to eat healthier, watch portion control, and pay attention to when I have had enough to eat.  I have cut out almost all fast food and processed food.  I go to McD occasionally for breakfast when I have had a bad night and am having difficulty getting around in the mornings. 

While reading the blogs, I am amazed at all the different plans that work for everybody.  I think for me it is going to be calories in and calories out.  I am not counting calories, but if I put a proper amount of healthy food on my plate, that should do it.  I hope. 

The words of others

I haven't been on here for a bit.  Something has been bothering me. 

 I have  a relative that, among other unkind and inappropriate things, once told me I was disgusting.  Surprisingly that wasn't the final straw.  Another snotty comment was.  Anyway, I have not spoken to this person in a little over two years (I ended a couple of other unhealthy relationships, not long before I ended this one).  This person contacted me last week, and wants me to call.  To be honest, I have absolutely no interest in re-connecting.

Funny the call should come during the time I have become interested in blogs.  Oh my goodness!  There are sooooo many different kinds out there...absolutely overwhelming. I digress, back to the story.  I have been reading all the kind and supportive comments TOTAL STRANGERS  are telling each other, thank you so much Dawn.  Your comments are very appreciated!

Anyway, it is striking how different the two are.  I have not returned this person's call, yet.  It gives me a stomach ache everytime I think of it.

I spoke to my former daugher-in-law (not the same person) this afternoon.  She has a 10 month old baby, and has been doing great in her weight-loss.  I made sure to tell her she was doing great and that I was proud of her.  She is also very supportive of me.  Can you imagine?  I am among (what some would say) one of the worst groups there is...an EX MOTHER-IN-LAW, and Miss Heather is very supportive of me and my efforts.  Why not this relative?  Anyhoo...

I am proud of all of us out there who are working to loose weight, become healthy and improve our lives and self image. WE CAN DO THIS!  Keep up the great work of supporting each other.  It is very encouraging.

Progress!

WOOHOO!  My hard work is starting to pay off.  My numbers today were all in the low borderline range.  Starting to loose some of that 4.8 pounds I gained, and, I walked over 6600 steps yesterday.  I think that may be around 3 miles.  So far, I have a little over 5300 steps for today, and the day is not over yet.  Also, did my exercise dvd this morning. 

Tomorrow morning I will do stretches.  I have a wonderful stretching book called Stretching by Bob Anderson.  He is very thorough, and carefully expains how to properly stretch without hurting yourself.  Lots of diagrams and programs to choose from. 

Diabetes

Did I mention I have diabetes?  Yep.  Just passed borderline and into full fledged diabetes.  Can't seem to get my numbers back down.  My also diabetic friend says they are really not all that bad.  But it's passed borderline!  At this point it's supposed to still be able to be managed with diet and exercise.  Like the guy on the heart attack commercial says, What the hell (he doesn't say hell though) was I thinking?!?!  Why did I let it go so long?  I am very frightened.

The damage and the plan

First the damage:  I gained 4.8 pounds during my unfortunate episode.  Bread and butter are my downfall.  I found a really good Italian bread and I ate that a lot to keep my stomach settled.  Whenever I felt nausea...bread and butter.

Now for the plan:  I am switching from 3 eggs and toast, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and oatmeal Tuesday and Thursday to Oatmeal Monday, Wednesday, Friday and lowfat cottage cheese and tomatoes (my favorite breakfast) Tuesday and Thursday.  I haven't figured out lunch and dinner yet.  I am open to suggestions.

I get two 15 minute breaks at work.  I have been walking during my first break and napping during my second break.  I have not been sleeping well (2-3 hours of sleep each night) and am so tired when 2:30 comes around, I just need to sleep.  I will do my darndest to walk in the afternoons.  In the morning I walk around the parking lot 2-3 times, will try to do at least 3 times.  Also, I have an arobics dvd.  It's called Chair Arobics and it really gets you moving.  It works all areas (except maybe your tush) of your body and has a warm-up and a cool-down.  You're just not standing.  There is a standing version on there, something to work up to.  I try to do this every other day (the sitting not the standing).

Have to go get ready for work.  Have a wonderful day!

Something fun

While reading on another blog, I came across this website:  http://www.mvm.com/cs/.  You can go there and create your own models.  It was fun creating this.  It was a little hard for me to navigate the site though, as I am not all that computer savy.  Feeling much better today.  I have a LOT of housework to catch up on.  Booooo!  I hope if anyone reads this, you are having a wonderful weekend.

Comfort

I have discovered two non-food ways to comfort myself.  I discovered them last winter, when I had pneumonia.

First, is a very, very hot bubblebath.  I use EO's French Lavendar with Aloe.  It's a little spendy...$10.00 for a 12 oz bottle.  I don't spend much money on myself, so I don't mind buying this.  Plus, it is very helpful for arthritis pain.

Second, is Twining's Earl Grey tea.  I don't take anything in my tea, so I count it as non-food.  I love Earl Grey tea.  Some brands are better than others.  So far, Twining's is the one I like best.

What are your non-food comforts?

Struggling

It has been a bad few days.  I've been feeling crummy and in a lot of pain.  All because I accidentaly took a second dose of pain medication (I have created a logbook to keep that from happening again).  I have had to keep something in my stomach to keep the nausea at bay, and because of the extra pain meds, vertigo kicked in.  The medication for the vertigo makes me drowsy and had to lay down to keep from falling down (vertigo).  From lying down too much, my back is trying to go out and is very painful.  The heavy duty pain medication for my back makes me nauseous. 

 I have two kinds of pain meds.  Everyday for arthritis and heavy duty for back pain.  I only use that one occasionally, when my back is so bad I can hardly get around.  I know I probably sound like a pain pill addict.  But I'm not, I can't stand the tipsy feeling they give me.  So, I am definately not chasing a high.  I even made a point of talking to my doctor about it.

Needless to say, there has been no exercise at all.  I just about had the no snacking thing down, and now this happens.  Still feeling nausea after all these days.  And forget weighing in.  I will work up the nerve in a few days.

See people, it's things like this that make losing weight so difficult.  It seems like something is always happening and getting in the way.  I know I am whining, but I don't bore people with any of this, and I have to get it off my chest, so this is my place to do it.

Not feeling so great, nausea's back.   I have to go have a bite of something. 

BUMMER

I'm still at 221.8...not the bummer though.  At least it hasn't gone up. 

This morning I accidentally took double my pain medication.  S I C K !!!!!!  I had to keep food on my stomach all day to keep from feeling the effects so bad.  Also, had a big heavy lunch at McD's, I thought that might help, no.  S I C K E R  So much for my no snacking thing...that's the bummer.  Oh, and the pill thing, of course.

Tomorrow I will just dust myself off and start all over.  Hopefully I haven't regained too much.  Here's hoping...

Holding

Still holding this morning at 221.8.  Went walking on my break, it is so cold.  I only made two laps around the parking lot instead of three. 

I am pretty determined on my no snacks, as long as I eat a decent meal.  Breakfast this morning was lowfat cottage cheese with tomatoes, toast, banana and milk.  That is a good meal and I have learn to let it hold me until lunch.  When I feel hungry, I tell myself that is the feeling of fat leaving my body.

Magic numbers

I forgot, I wanted to talk about magic numbers.  Lyn on Escaping Obesity talks about them.  Weights that are important to you. 

My first one is coming up.  At 220 pounds I will no longer be morbidly obese, I will be down to severely obese.  Then will be 219.  At 219 I will have less than 100 pounds to lose.  Then next is 199, out of the 200s.  Then will be 190, I will have left severely obese to very overweight or obese.  Then at 180, I will be overweight.  At 150, I will be marginally overweight.  When I reach 135, I will be in a normal range.  My goal is 120. 

What are your magic numbers? 

A book

Over the weekend, I came across a book review on Amazon.  The book is The No S Diet.  I'm not really one to jump on this diet or that (too lazy), buuut, the esses this book talks about is - no sweets, no snacks and no seconds (except on days that start with S and Special Occasions).  And it got me to thinking, back when I was a kid, I was not allowed snacks before eating (might spoil my appetite), and not allowed very many sweets (not good for you).  I think I probably had seconds here and there.  Anyway, I was not an overweight kid at all.  And back then, there wasn't NEARLY the obesity there is now.  Maybe the old rules may have something to them. 

And, why is there so much obesity now?  Life is so incredibly fast paced and busy, I just don't understand it.

I did pretty good on no snacks and sweets today.  Oatmeal, toast and milk for breakfast, water and Taco Bell Fresco Chicken soft tacos for lunch (about 550 calories).  Dinner was not so great.  My son usually cooks dinner, but had a tooth pulled today, so he was not up to it.  I cooked spanish rice, corn and corn tortilla quesadillas.  I didn't have a quesadilla though, not all that hungry.  I have also been trying to drink more water.  Trying is the word here.  I keep forgetting, but I did good today.  I have a big glass at work, 20 oz maybe, and I filled it at least 3 times, maybe 4.

Well, I'm off for a hot lavender bubble bath.  Since I stopped taking the new arthritis medicine, I am hurting a lot in the evenings again.  The hot bath cuts back on the pain and lavender is supposed to help you sleep.  We shall see. 

Feeling better

So, I had to stop taking my new arthritis medication.  It gave me horrible insomnia.  I was getting only 2-3 hours of sleep per night.  Bonus, down a couple more pounds, a little over 10 pounds lost. WOOHOO!!!

Update

Woohoo!  I'm down 8 pounds!  Not feeling so great today, my grandson and I both have tummy bugs, so I should go down some more (yeah, I count on that too). 

My eating has been good, oatmeal, toast and milk for breakfast, roast beef hash for lunch, chicken, rice pilaf and asparagus for dinner.  If you'll notice, there are some things missing.  We don't eat enough fruit and vegetables.  We tend to eat mostly starch and protein.  Combine that with not moving enough and that is probably my problem right there.

I have my pedometer and that is very motivating to compete with myself and try to increase the number of steps every day.  I am surprised at how much I am moving.  For a while I did not try to increase and just noted my numbers at the end of the day, just to see how a normal day was.  I was very surprised.  They say 2000 steps are about 1 mile.  I normally get in 3500 to 4000 steps, sometimes even over 6000.  I have a desk job and thought I was pretty sedentary. 

I do try to walk on my breaks, however, with not sleeping well, I take a nap on my afternoon break.  I would like to stop that and start walking.  I have to try and figure out what to do to get some better sleep.  It is taking hours to fall asleep.  I'm going to the store today and getting some Sleepytime Tea and found my Silent Night herb combo.  Gotta stop taking Nyquil to get to sleep.  Here's hoping...

Oooops

I haven't weighed in a few days.  Looks like I am starting the year out at 232 instead of 223.  Bummer.  I am on my cycle, so maybe in a few days I will be back down. 

 I am not hungry today.  Couldn't get to sleep until after 2 am sometime.  Woke up 3 hours later with a raging headache, fell back to sleep for a few hours and still woke up with a headache.  The headache is gone, but no appetite.  Just am having a few cups of coffee so far.  I know, not very healthy.

Trying this again

I lost my blog for a while.  While logging in to follow another blog, I magically found mine.  Since it is almost midnight, I am not going to write much.   But I will say, the other blog I am following is pretty great...Escape from Obesity.  I highly recommend it. 

Somehow I have lost 7 pounds.  I have no idea how.  I will say, I did pretty good over the holidays.  They have never been a real problem as far as eating too much.  Probably because I have no life and don't go to parties and overdo it.  And since standing too long and trying to cook is a problem, I don't bake much.  So there you have it.

HA!  I forgot all about this.  Will try to do better.

Let's try this again.

Well, the food has just been more of the same.  Also, I had some log-in problems, hopefully it was just a computer glitch.  I got some new tennis shoes for walking at work.  However, it seems that the more I walk, the more my knees , hips and back hurt.  The arthritis pain has gotten worse the last few weeks.  It seems, the more active I am, the worse the pain becomes.  Not to worry, I have my chair arobics (hmm, that doesn't look right) dvd, and if I do it correctly, there is no pain.  It's just that my only time to do it is at 5 am.  Sounds like a lot of excuses, huh?  HAHAHA!

Gotta go finish dinner.  Dinner tonight is scalloped potatoes (made with nonfat milk) and broccoli.  I guess that sounds ok.

Yesterday for lunch I had 2 cheddarwurst sausages on hot dog buns and a Coke, later some honey dijon Kettle chips and Coke, dinner was Swedish meatballs (made with butter) on noodles, green beans and milk.  Breakfast today was 2 cheese toasts and milk.  Heavy, heavy sigh.

Ok, here we go.

Ok.  So.  I have decided to start a blog hoping for accountability.  Today for breakfast I had 3 eggs fried in bacon drippings, 2 slices of toast with butter and a glass of water.  Good grief, it sounds a whole lot worse when you write it down!  My point exactly for this blog.  If I write it down and know that other people might see this, then, well, you know. 

 I have never been a yo-yo dieter, never been a binger-purger, never been a closet eater (hide food so others won't see), never eaten a whole container of (insert food here).  I used to hike a lot, used to walk 4 miles in 45 minutes, had a stretching routine.  I did this for several years and I loved it, I was so very happy.  Then, I blew out my knees and arthritis set in.  Compound that with a series of BAD relationships and you have a mess.  Me.  Gaining weight makes me unattractive and that is exactly what I wanted.  I wanted to disappear and blend into the background.  And I did.  But in the process, wasted so many years of my life.  I can't get those years back, but I hope to make the years to come, better.

I have been trying to pay attention to when I am full.  Well, not neccessarily full, but satisfied.  If you are full, there is a chance you have eaten too much.  I am trying to drink more water, have started walking on my breaks.  This is killer on my knees, but my back feels better.  Every step I take is painful.  I am trying to be more aware of the quality of my food, too. 

I used to like to cook, but the things I cooked were good for you, healthy foods.  But after my knee surgery, standing for so long hurt too much and I stopped.  Fast food and and frozen food became the norm.   And then on and on, until I got to where I am at today.  I am sick to death of these kinds of foods.  I am also sick to death of thinking about food, what to eat, what not to eat, etc, etc.  I would be happy if I never had to eat another bite of food.