Illness, and Successes!

It has been a couple of days, due to illness. It seems I managed to come down with the same thing the whole family has. Summer colds, compounded by allergies. But I am pleased to say that even through that I have managed to stay on target.

I have worked real hard to stay with my appropriate meals. And even though I don't eat as much because I have been asleep for the last couple of days -- I have been really careful when I do eat. I have managed to get some walking in, but I have had to be careful -- due to the fatigue. This illness has left me really tired all the time.

However, the great news is, I am happy to report that I am down 6 pounds! So I am feeling really good about that! Nothing feels better than seeing that all the hard work is actually having results! Hang in there everyone! You can make it!

A Tough Morning

I'm having a really hard day today. I just did not want to get out of bed this morning. And walking was just something that my body was NOT interested in. I made myself go out and walk for at least 15 minutes. But that was about all that I could talk by muscles into doing this morning. And then all I wanted to do was go back to bed. My body is having a really anti-healthy attitude day -- and I am refusing to give in.

So in keeping with my healthy living suggestions, I came across an article that was published through MSN. I don't usually like to use the news articles, because it is hard to tell how much is hype, and how much is fact or fiction. But this one seemed pretty sound in its common sense. It was on the possibilities of cutting out calories through sugar drinks. And if Diet Soda Pop was a good alternative.

Now anyone that knows me, knows that I am a diet soda junkie. However, I have also learned that I drink much more of it when I am at home, than when I am out and running. (Weekends are my big problem times.) So I am never going to be the one to tell you that you have to cut out your soda pop. Especially since I have learned that you can't make all of these changes in one fell swoop, and hope that there isn't kick backs.

So when I started this process, I focused on my food intake, and my exercise. I have pretty well left my diet soda alone -- and haven't put any restrictions on it. And yet I have found something interesting. The farther I go into this process, the less I crave the diet soda. I will usually have 1 to 2 cans in an evening, after I get home from work. But over all -- my diet soda intake has decreased dramatically. (Except, of course for those weekends. My intake goes up then but not as much as it use to be.)

I have also found that having alternatives available in the home, is a great solution to drinking excessive amounts of soda pop. I have started carrying a water bottle with me -- and I am just as happy to drink water. I have also found that the more energy I expend in exercise, the more I actually crave water. I couldn't tell you why, other than I feel like I need more water in my diet, and it has actually become a craving. Having light fruit juices, and veggie juices around, also seems to help reduce my diet soda intake.

So -- for those who are interested, here is the link to the article that I was reading. And there is a link within the article to takes you to a site called eat this, not that, that has some interesting best and worst articles in there that looks at various drinks, restaurants and other foods as well. It might be worth the look. http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100236887&GT1=31036

Keep up all the good work -- and remember, even on these hard days, doing a little bit is better than doing nothing at all.

Relections, and Congratulations!

First off, I need to give a great big congratulations to Kris, my sister - in - law, who informed me last night that she has lost 2 pounds! Way to go Kris -- keep up the hard work. It is always great to see people succeeding in making the changes in their lives that they want to make. Keep going, and I know you will make it.

Now for today's news. This morning I had a great experience, during my walk. I decided I had better go over early -- it being Memorial Day and all. So Dad came along, and we went for our walk about 6:30 this morning. We went over to the Brigham City Cemetery -- a place with a lot of history, and a neat feel to it. It has become one of my preferred walking places when I visit Mom, and Dad. Lot's of history, and a great place for reflecting. It has a beautiful little meditation garden, and lots of room for walking, and reading.

This morning we arrived just as the color guard was out, presenting the colors for the day. They had this huge flag that took several people to even hold it up during the process. Dad suggested we stop, and watch. There were several people that were doing the same thing. As we were standing there, a red car pulled up, and a soldier -- dressed in his camo pants, and army boots, with his green t-shirt, got out. He had seen the flag, stopped and saluted the flag, as the colors were raised. He watched, in a soldier's salute until the flag had been taken to the top of the flag pole, and then lowered to half mast -- in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday. When it was over, he promptly got back in his car, and went about his business in the cemetery -- before going on with his day. I found his dedication to his country, through is simple example of respect, and inspiration, and a reminder of how we should all be a little more respectful, and mindful of all that we have. As well as the myriad sacrifices that have been made on our behalf -- so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we do.

I am so glad that I was able to witness this event -- during my 30 minutes of exercise this morning. Thank you to this soldier, and all those that serve -- for the sacrifices they make each day, in providing each of us a home that is free from tyranny, and oppression.

For those of you who are working on your goals of changing your life habits -- remember today is a new day, and it is the beginning of a new week. Renew your commitment -- and hang in there, it is worth it in the end.

A Good Weekend

Usually, I have a lot of trouble with the weekends. My life isn't quite as structured -- and I am not as diligent with my eating times as I should be. I also struggle with the exercise, because I tend to get more lazy on the weekends. But this weekend has actually been pretty good. I have come across some great ideas to share that I have found to be helpful.

First, since I have been at my parents house for the extended long, Memorial Day weekend, I have had to make sure that the food was available -- so it wasn't as easy to reach for the junk. Making sure that any home where you are staying is sufficiently stocked with the good foods -- makes it much easier to stay with the eating program. Fortunately, Mom and Dad have been very supportive in this process -- and they make it much easier to make sure I have the kind of foods that I can, or rather I should say I prefer to eat, available. This is a must. If the good food is easy to get to, and the junk isn't available -- then the diet becomes much easier.

One way that I came across that really makes this work well is that Mom always carries a cooler in the back of her car. This is for her drinks, because this is a less expensive way to have your drinks available, than stopping at every quickie stop for refills. But this also works great for me. She kept ice in there to keep the drinks cold, so it made it possible for me to carry the foods that I needed for my snack meals. Beef or chicken jerky, string cheese, and either fruit, or fruit drinks. Just make sure the fruit drinks are not loaded with sugar, but that they are all natural. This made eating healthy on the go, much easier -- and helped me to maintain the eating times.

We were in the store as well, this weekend, and I happened to pick up one of the advertisement brochures that was posted in the store. They frequently have interesting tips, and suggestions, so I took it along. This particular one came from Kashi -- and was an advertisement for their cereals, and products, with some coupons inside. But it also had a little suggestion list inside, that I though I would share with you.

"Seven Little Steps to a healthy happy you.

1. Set a weekly goal. Once a week, write down a goal (e.g. running for 5 more minutes, losing a pound, getting to the gym) and make a plan for the next seven days for getting there.

2. Give rowing a go! Instead of running on a treadmill, try something new -- spend at least 10 minutes at the gym trying out the rowing machine or even try it outdoors.

3. Mind your omega-3's. Challenge yourself to make at least 3 meals that are high in omega-3s (salmon, tuna, soybeans). Once you see how easy it is, you might do it more often.

4. Eat fruit every day. Eating fruit increases the nutrition in your diet and may make you less likely to eat less healthy options. Try to eat one whole fruit every day.

5. Grow an organic garden. Before you dig, learn about organic gardening options and use them instead of conventional ones.

6. Inspire positive change. Be a leader in healthy living by volunteering, community organizing, writing an article for a publication or just connecting with others.

7. We heart whole grains! Grains are your ally in health. They're full of nutrients and they help keep your digestive system running smoothly. Make your mamma proud. . . incorporate grains in every meal."

These are some great ideas, and they are all simple -- but they help keep you motivated, if nothing else! Also, the Kashi website has a lot of other suggestions for healthy living. They provide challenges, and a wellness center, in order to provide more information on changing over to a more healthy lifestyle. It is a website that offers lots of good ideas, and I would recommend some time there: http://www.kashi.com/challenges.

There is one thing I have learned also, that I thought I would share -- more for comedy relief. Memorial Day weekend is not a very good time to choose for walking -- if your favorite walking spot is in a cemetery! :)

Sleep Disruption

My sleep patterns have frequently been an issue in my life. The most minute change can really disrupt my sleep on a fairly regular basis. I am noticing that this is also the case with this weight loss program. I have been an insomniac for years. And I am sure there are any number of reasons that can be tied to this problem. But, I have noticed that my sleep is less restful -- when I go to bed and something isn't quite right. I am usually pretty set in a pattern to make sure that I can sleep at night. But with this new weight loss, I seem to struggle with that pattern. Some nights I find that I need a snack before going to bed -- or I am up in the middle of the night -- hungry. Other nights I am just not interested at all.

I have never been one for eating in the middle of the night. When I am awake, I will more often than not grab a book and start reading. But I find -- like today -- that when I have had a bad night, it makes getting through that exercise the next day like torture. And I also find that following a night of disrupted sleep, I will have several days of exhaustion, where every little movement is a major effort. It just seems to take me longer to recover from a bad nights sleep since I have started this diet. I am not sure if that is because generally my body is feeling better while I eat the right foods, and get more exercise -- so I notice the fatigue more when it is present, or if it is something else.

I have done some looking into this, and there is some studies out there that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Two of the articles I found are located at

www.thedietchannel.com/Weight-Loss-and-Sleep.htm

and

www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/lose-weight-while-sleeping.

But I don't know how much validity to put on them, since they are not commonly mentioned in direct relation to weight loss.

I do know that for me, the fatigue can be quite debilitating. It is frustrating to try and push through it. And there is nothing worse than a bad night!

Exercise?

So -- if you are anything like I am, exercise has been one of those activities that you maintain an on again, off again relationship with. Your body tells you it is one of those masochistic activities that are not very appealing -- and your brain isn't much help, since all it ever maintains is questions. How much? What qualifies? How long? What type? Do I have to?

Sound familiar?

I come from a family in which my mother loves a good walk. If she can get outside and walk -- she will just go. Time doesn't matter, location doesn't matter, destination doesn't matter. In fact there have been times she has had to call someone to come an get her because she ended up walking farther than she anticipated. One brother is passionate about any form of activity, and loves to get together with friends and play a rousing game of Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, hockey -- and the list goes on. And my other brother loves his martial arts. He earned his black belt, and has now moved into biking, walking, jogging -- and anything that keeps him moving.

When we get together as a family, I look around and wonder where on earth did I come from, and how did I end up in this family? I have only ever tolerated exercise at best, and given the choice -- I would gladly take a quiet corner with a book, over physical exertion any day. So when I started looking at getting educated in this new life style, I had to do some serious looking -- because I had endless questions. I knew my body was going to fight this new system, by inventing, and magnifying every ache and pain it could possibly find. (And it is doing so) But I also realized that I didn't even know the basics of exercise. So here is a great website that gave me exactly that -- just the basics, in simple to understand -- and even intelligent form. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html#Aerobic.

What I like about this is it not only breaks down the exercise levels, but how much of each need to be achieved for each week. This particular approach is actually doable -- even to my out of shape body! It is also nice, because it helped me to realize that everything qualifies. It can be done in 10 minute increments, and then spaced out throughout the day. Even as out of shape as I am, I could manage 10 minutes -- and I have been able to work up to 30 minutes at a time fairly quickly.

I even have a knee that gives me a lot of problems with pain, due to a previous injury, and then compounding the problem with excessive amounts of weight. When I sit still for very long, the knee becomes stiff, and very painful. This gave me a lot of concern -- and yes, I even used it as a great excuse that this might not be a good thing. (I think that was my body's whole idea). But I have found that when I start my walk, I do the first few minutes at an easy pace for a warm up -- and suddenly the pain is gone. Oh, yeah -- everything else in my body complains. And it is a lot easier to stay in bed some mornings. But my knee doesn't give me any problems, if I do those first few minutes of a warm up pace. Not only that, but it buys me several hours without pain, before it stiffens up from inactivity again. Granted, I avoid stairs, and I am very careful to remain on level walking ground for now. But this website makes it clear that exercise is exercise, and it all qualifies.

Also, I have learned that location is important for several reasons. Some people love to go to the gym, for a good intensive -- all in one work out. They have the cardio, on the treadmills, stationary bikes, areobics classes, and more, as well as the weight training available, and they can do it all in one stop. I have never been comfortable in gyms, however. I walk in the door, and suddenly feel very self-conscious. Too close a confined space -- where everyone can see what everyone else is doing. But for some people, this is a great option. You just have to be sure to consider the financial obligations -- and your committment level -- to justify using the gym.

I prefer being outside. The fresh air, the increased activity, and the beauty of being able to see that I am going somewhere -- even if it is just a trip around the cemetery, or park is a great help. (Yes the cemetery. Not only is it a quiet place to walk, and meditate, but it is never crowded, but there isn't the concern about cars, other exercisers, and the bustle of the whole world raging around you.) This helps me immensely to clear my mind, and enjoy the world, at a much slower pace.

Since I have been exercising, I have noticed that while I am almost never thrilled to be out there and doing it -- when I am done, I have a great rush of well being. I come back feeling like I have actually accomplished something. I think clearer, and I am even happier for the remainder of the day. I have even started adding in a second 30 minute walk in the afternoon -- because it helps me get through the day -- I am happier and more focused. And for the actual exercise time -- I have found it is easier to walk with someone, so you can talk along the way -- or have something good to listen to on an mp3 player. These are just a few options that work for me. But I am coming to realize that there is something out there for everyone. The trick is just to keep looking, until you find SOMETHING. Something is always better than nothing.

Daily Update -- and Other Ideas

I have begun the information gathering process. I have come to realize that a life change, means a mental change, as well as a physical one. And for me that means understanding what I am trying to do, and not just randomly changing things and hoping that I stumble on the great answer to all problems. I know a lot of people feel that positive reinforcement, and that constant positive thinking approach to things is new age medicine. But there is a great deal to be learned from understanding what the battle is that you are truly fighting. Since this blog is serving the purpose of not just being my written record of starting that battle, and engaging the problem head on -- but I would hope that it will serve as an inspiration for others to take on the same challenge.

That said -- I have also taken to studying about healthy lifestyles, and things that can be done to improve the lifestyles that a person (specifically me) can do to become healthier. My information to share for today is a website provided from the Center For Disease Control, (CDC). I started with looking into their weight loss suggestions -- and actually the entire website has some great information. But the specific area I wanted to share with you is a section on getting started in weight loss. For those who are interested the specific website is http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/getting_started.html.

This breaks the process down into five steps that have great ideas for not only loosing weight, but for being successful at loosing that weight.

One thing I particularly liked in this article is the importance that it places on identifying things in your lifestyle that need to be change. It really helped me to be able to sit down and identify the specific things that I was doing OK, and the things that could use improvement in. I actually made up a list, divided in half. One half were the changes that I needed to make, and the other list was things that I simply needed to maintain. This helped me to put into perspective the things that were actually leading to many of my problems, such increasing my fruit and veggie intake -- as well as my exercise. It also helped me to realize that I was doing pretty good with the type of carbs I was choosing to eat.

This is also great for its suggestion to set not only realistic goals, but goals that are forgiving. This is an area that is frequently forgotten. As my father often points out to me, my body has spent 30 plus years forming the eating habits I have developed. And while it is great that I am going back to all this healthy food -- my body will remember that the good stuff is out there, and it is going to want it on occasion. When these situations come up, I need to be not only vigilant -- but I also need to assess the situation, and make allowances, as well as game plans on how I can make these situations less damaging.

Finally I love how this article puts emphasis on the fact that this is a journey, and not a destination that I am trying to arrive at. all the support I can get the better. If there are more people around to help me make the journey -- it becomes easier, and less burdensome. I have found both of these ideas to be true. It is absolutely essential to quit thinking about the temporary -- and start looking at the long term picture. I to see my life as being different -- not just getting to a road stop along the course.

These, as well as the other ideas presented in this article are great for inspiring, as well as providing ideas for how to make these changes. Use them, and remember to find a method that works for you. I know that if I try to do something the way some one else might -- I am not always successful. But if I take the time to find out what works for me -- I accomplish so much more.

Now for the suggestions that have been provided to me, from my sister-in-law. She has been great to come up with a lot of great snack ideas, as well as a couple of recipes that I have listed in my healthy living recipe site. Some of those suggestions are sugar free Jello, almonds with sea salt, 94% fat free popcorn, lite string cheese, fruit, fat free yogurt, and fiber bars. Thank you Kris for all of your suggestions! I appreciate all of your help.

Walking, Walking, and More Walking

I am starting to settle into more of a rhythm with this process. My body is VERY good at reminding me when it is time to eat -- so that is working pretty well. I make sure to keep apples, bananas, and other fruits at my desk -- which has actually been quite popular with most of the office as well. I also make sure I have string cheese. I need to explore some kind of "snack mix" that I can make that will be healthy, but will still be easy to keep around. The idea I have learned is to not have all the wrong kinds of food available -- but also to make sure I have the right kinds of food available, and convenient when they are needed. I will need to explore some good -- portable snack foods that I can keep around the desk -- and then I don't notice the missing candy, and junk food really.

I am faithful about my 30 minutes of walking -- and I am actually doing really well with that. And in fact, on many days I am getting a walk in during my lunch hour as well. A lot of people in the office have started various exercise programs -- so during the lunch hour, a lot of people are outside walking, playing basketball games, going over to the Gold's Gym, which is just up the street. I also have friends that have been very encouraging -- and it is a great motivation for getting me out and going. I don't push as hard during the afternoon walk. But I find it gives me the little boost I need for getting through the afternoon. I have started keeping a pair of walking shoes at my desk -- as well as a change of exercise clothes, towel, deodorant, lotion, and my sun hat and sun screen. This makes it much easier to go and get that walk in during the afternoon.

Also, I have learned that having a good walking place is wonderful. There is a park right across the back parking lot from my work -- the West Jordan Park. It is the neatest park -- and it is just fun to get out there and enjoy the nice weather. (This also helps to cut down on the spring fever that seems to have infected the office.) Usually I have at least one person to walk with in the afternoon -- so I don't need to worry about keeping my brain occupied. But in the mornings I have found that having my I-Pod is a great solution for this. I can listen to music -- or more often than not for me, I listen to a book that I can download from the library, or audible, or even I-tunes. This helps with the motivation -- since I want to find out what is next in the book.

My body for the most part has been tolerant of all these new changes -- at least in the food department. It is still fighting me quite a bit in the exercise field, however. I find that for the first 10 to 15 minutes I have to mentally keep reminding myself what my goals are, and why I am doing this -- and then I start to feel better -- and I don't have to talk myself into finishing my walk.

Now, for the purpose behind this blog. For those that know me -- your are familiar with my situation. But for those who may read this, and are not familiar with me, perhaps I should explain my objectives -- so there isn't constant wondering on if I am mentally unbalanced -- or just plain weird. I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I remember it being an issue as far back as many of my earliest memories. I have made several attempts trying to gain control of the area of my life that always seems to be out of control, but with varying degrees of success.

A lot of my frustration with this problem has come from all the great advertisements that you see on television -- that advertise this new diet, or that new weight loss gimmick. The gym, the walking machine, that great person you could be -- if you would just invest more of your money -- in someone else's get rich quick scheme. What I found frustrating about these particular advertisements was that they always use people that you look at, and can never believe that they ever had to loose more than 10 pounds at most, in their lives. Yeah, sure they have great pictures of these people -- before and after. And of course the people never even look close to the same -- so you find yourself thinking it is impossible that those are two pictures of the same person.

And then of course you get out there, and try to start making changes, and you find yourself overwhelmed with not even knowing where to begin -- and it is hard to picture what the end might be. On top of this -- there is no way that you can focus on your own exercise, when you know the entire world is following your exercise program as well -- and wondering what on earth is someone like that even bothering for? You hate going out to eat, because you know everyone is watching you and thinking that this is the last thing you need to be doing. You have no energy, everything in your body hurts in one form or another -- and you just have a hard time seeing getting through the next few hours -- not to mention 2 years from now. You know that the get skinny quick recipes are ridiculous in the extreme -- since it is not possible for someone to loose 20 and 30 pounds in a week, or a month -- and still remain healthy in the process.

And then there is the realm of reality. I never wanted to be a super model. Who wants to walk around with every last one of the their ribs showing -- looking like they are a forgotten survivor of the holocaust -- with bones sticking out everywhere. They don't look any more healthy than I do -- they are just on the opposite end of the spectrum. Which leads me to where I am today.

I have determined that my goal is to get healthy -- what ever that state may be. I am not looking at being an actress -- performer -- or even a super model. I just want to be healthy. I want to feel good about myself, and I want to feel like I am in control of my body, and not the other way around. To do this I am taking it one change at a time. I don't plan on being there tomorrow, and I don't plan on being there next week. But I do plan on getting there. This blog is a help for me, for those that are my supporters, and maybe in some small way, it will be an incentive for others as well. Being skinny is an illusion, but being healthy is a way of life. And it is that life I am choosing to achieve. I would invite anyone that is interested to join me in this goal. Share your ideas, and the things that work for you. And feel free to borrow anything that you think might work in your goals as well!

A Pretty Good Weekend

Overall, it has been a pretty good weekend. I did a little splurging on Sunday -- but I went into this knowing that Sunday's were going to have to be my allowance day. And even with my splurging, I managed to stay away from that to die for chocolate cake that Kim and Gordon brought over! (That had to be the greatest accomplishment of my week!)

Mom and Dad were really good, while I was staying at their home for the weekend, and they made sure that I had what I needed for staying with my new eating patterns. James and Kristene and I got our walk in on Saturday afternoon, after the yard sale, so I felt really good about that. James and I also had a great conversation -- and he has recommitted to getting back to getting serious about the goals we all set at Christmas. I am so excited at the amount of support and encouragement I have received from my siblings! It makes it so much easier to keep going in the hard times, knowing that there are others supporting "THE CAUSE." With Bob as my nutrition coach, and James as my exercise coach -- I can't go wrong! (Now I just have to get the strength training started and I should be doing well.)

The areas I still need to work on for improvement is my water intake. That is still hit and miss, but it is increasing each day. Also, as mentioned already, I need to work on the strength training.

I feeling really good about my "diet," and I use the term loosely, since I hate calling healthy eating habits a diet. I prefer to think of it as a new way of life. I am finding I have more energy, and I don't have that weighed down feeling, after a meal. The exercise has been helping with my mobility, and even though I am still struggling with some of the pain, it is not excessive. So overall, I am feeling pretty good.

Sleep -- An Essential!

I am feeling so much better today! I have relearned a lesson that I have known all my life -- but tend to forget on a fairly regular basis. Sleep is an essential. So after a good nights sleep -- I am back up, and on top of things.

I did get up this morning and got a good 30 minute walk in -- and came back feeling much better than I was the day before. And, in addition, thanks to Kim, a friend at work -- I even got a bonus 30 minutes in this afternoon, during our lunch hour. We walked over to the library and back. So I am feeling a lot better about my bad day yesterday -- now that I have made up for it.

I have been doing well with the diet, also. I have gotten breakfast into the equation -- and it helps me to have much more energy when I get to work. Also, I don't feel like I am starving myself, but I make sure I don't over eat as well. I am staying focused on good choices -- high grain foods, fruits, veggies, and I am even getting water in as well. I eat at 7:00, 10:00, 1:00, 4:00, 6:00, and a small snack just before going to bed. These meals are small -- enough to keep me going -- but that way I don't ever really get hungry in the day. I try to keep the caloric intake in each meal around 250 and 400 calories. But I am not really watching the calories strictly -- this is more of a gage. I have found it is easier for me to make sure that there is a grain, protein, and either a fruit, or a couple of veggies at each meal. This seems to keep it well balanced -- and I don't have to watch the calories as closely. I try to make sure there is some form of protein in each meal, and I am also working on increasing my water intake.

So overall I am back to feeling better today. And ready to keep moving forward!

My First Really Bad Day

I have officially hit my first really bad day. I am sure that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I didn't get any sleep last night. Both of my arms hurt so bad from all the needles the doctor was sticking in me yesterday; so every time I moved, the pain would wake me up. This morning the last thing that I wanted to do was move! Everything hurt -- and I had no energy. I only got about 15 minutes in for my walk -- and then just wanted to go back to sleep for the rest of the day.

On the more positive side -- I have been working on a new website that I have attached to my blog -- in the side bar called My Road to Getting Healthy. This is all the recipes that I have started using -- in a hopes that if I collect recipes that really work for me -- then it will be easier for me to stay with this new program. So any thing that you come across that you think would work -- be sure to send them on to me. Also something positive -- I actually managed to drink 72 ounces of water today!!! Wow -- that has to be a new record.

Also, I really appreciate all the support that you have all been giving me. Especially on a day like today -- it really helps to be able to pull up all the encouragement, and remind myself of why I am putting forth this effort. Thank you so much to all of you!

Weight Loss Goals

I went to the doctor this morning -- after a morning walk of course -- and I have received a good bill of health for starting this new program. (Aside from turning me into a human pin cushion, because they can never seem to find my veins for a blood draw.) I expressed my desires, and what I was wanting to accomplish in all of this. And she wanted to be sure that I was doing a safe approach, without getting into dangerous fads -- and unrealistic goals. (Bob will be thrilled to learn that of everything she had to talk about, yours was by far the most strongly approved of. But I'm sure that is no surprise to you.)

So it is time to set some goals. After talking with the doctor, and doing a little personal research, I have decided that I need to set some specific goals. However, I would like to clarify that I am not being driven by the goals, or the numbers on a scale. My greatest barometer is that of how I feel, and how my body is adapting to the changes. But, I need to have something to start working towards -- since I need some sort of path to walk on. So I will be setting up a goal chart, and progress chart that I will update each month on the side of this blog. This is mainly for my purposes. For those who are my support group -- my over all goal for the next two years is 186 pounds. This is what I should loose, and if I set intermediary goals of 2 pounds a week, or 8 pounds a month -- then I come up with close to 2 years.

In this course, I also hope to restructure my eating, and exercise habits, so that I will be able to maintain my weight loss, once these goals have been reached. I have decided that the greatest weakness of the fad diets, is that they may work really well. But if you go back to the eating habits that got you to where you were when you started, then what was the point of losing all that weight? You will just end up back at the beginning, or worse. I am hoping to change my life style, not my weight, in this process. And as a result become a much healthier person.

Now for the daily update. I have noticed that I am starting to show definite fatigue by the end of the day. Not to the point of disability, but I am certainly tired when the day is done. I have also noticed that my sciatic nerve, and the surround muscles in my butt tend to get tight while I am asleep, and they wake me up when they start hurting. I notice that same type of burn while I am walking -- but it is not painful, so much as a reminder that they are working -- and it is a new kind of working than they are use to.

Food wise I seem to be doing pretty well. Sandwiches work best for me, because they are easy, yummy, and convenient. And I even managed to get 48 ounces of water down me today. Yeah!!!! There is a major stepping stone. I do a lot better with that if I have some of the Crystal Light, or something else to add to it. I try to spread my meals out throughout the day -- so that I avoid getting excessively hungry at any specific hour -- but rather if I notice that my tummy is grumbly, I will grab some fruit, string cheese, or other snack on the off meal times. As for eating my last meal before 6:00 p.m. -- that isn't going to happen. But I do try to keep it as close to 6:00 p.m. as possible. I get in about 5:30 -- so dinner by 6:00, and then I don't eat again after that.

Also, this might sound a little strange -- or even antiquated, but prayer has become a major part of my effort. I have come to realize that without the Lord's help, I will never be ablet o acomplish any of this. So I have learned to seek out his help -- and have the faith that he can help me do what needs to be done.

So over all, I am feeling pretty good about this week. It has been going well -- and I starting to feel like at least I am doing something.

Exercise Times

I figured out last night that evening exercise is not one of the better options for me. I went out to the park, across the street, after work -- and I felt like it almost killed me! Every step was an excruciating effort -- and I was only able to do about 20 minutes before I had to sit down. I find that at the end of the day I am just so tired that I have nothing left. Particularly if I have a really rough day at work, like yesterday was. So I decided to change it up, and see if doing exercise in the morning would be any better. I have always been a morning person anyway -- and since I feel better, and more alert in the morning it seemed like a better option. And since my sleep is still off, and I am up around 5:00 anyway -- I might as well get my exercise in early. Then I don't have to worry about talking myself into doing it later.

It actually worked really well this morning. I was able to complete my whole 30 minutes -- and I was feeling well worked, but energized when I was done. I also found that I was much more mentally alert by the time I got to the office. I feel more prepared for the day.

After reading through Bob's recommendations I have decided that I need to figure out the protien. It really frustrates me that it costs more to to eat healthy, than it does to eat the junk. I did stop by the store this morning to get some frozen veggies to keep at the office for lunch preparation -- so now I just have to figure out the protien. Also, I know I really need to make an effort to add water into my diet. I have several of those Crystal Light packages to add to water -- and I am hoping that those will help me get more water down.

I was also really glad for Mom's suggestions for snacks. I was wondering about that yesterday as well, when I realized that I was getting hungry in between meals. So I also picked up some low fat string cheese, and some fruit, and yogurt. Then this weekend I am hoping to go shopping -- maybe even with Mom to get things that I need for changing my diet over completely.

Thank you so much to all of you for the tips, and suggestions. As well as the encouragement. It really is helpful to be able to remind myself that I am not in this alone -- and that I have a support system behind me.

Weekend Endeavors

OK -- so I did pretty well this weekend. I have figured out that I like tomato, and avocado sandwiches on oatmeal-wheat bread, with a little bit of mayo, and blue cheese. I didn't do as well on Sunday night -- but I didn't do too bad either. I managed to avoid all of the appetizers, and I made sure that I didn't go home feeling so full that I couldn't even walk comfortably.

Mom was really good about my diet this weekend. She made sure that there were things there that were good alternatives to the bad stuff that I usually eat. And overall -- I felt pretty good about my eating for this weekend.

The exercise I did really well with also. I got in a 30 minute walk each day -- and I actually feel pretty good. I am starting to notice a nice, healthy burn in my muscles -- one that tells me they are working, without overdoing. I don't have as much pain in my knees -- and when I get up from sitting I'm not as sore as I usually am. I have noticed that I am starting to have some lethargy settle in -- particularly during the days, and my sleeping is off. For some reason, I keep waking up at 4:00 in the morning. That is irritating -- but I know from past experience, when I start an exercise program -- it messes with my sleep for a while. I just make sure that I get my walk in each day, and then don't feel bad about some down time, for just sitting and reading.

I do need to find some easy snacks that are good for me -- since that is going to be a problem. The in between meals when I get hungry. But for the most part, I feel like things are going pretty well for the first week. I have also started looking for some meal ideas that do not require a lot of food preparation -- since I hate cooking whole meals for one person -- and meals that are easy to transport to work each day.

My Beginning

Report on day two: First off thank you to everyone that has been willing to offer your support in this event. As a preliminary, let me say, my idea is not to kill myself, literally. I am well aware that right now, my body has limitations. And I always keep those limitations in mind.

So with that said -- I am happy to report that I did get in my 30 minute walk today, during my lunch hour. I walked over to the library, and back to the courthouse, since I had to pick up a book anyway. That has left me a little sore tonight -- but not a bad kind of sore. I am achy in my hip joints, and my muscles are stiff. But I actually feel like I accomplished something -- and I am feeling pretty good about myself.

As for my diet for the day -- for my lunch I had a tomato, cheese, and avocado sandwich, on my oatmeal wheat bread. I can't say I was willing to sacrifice my mayonnaise yet -- but this is a much healthier lunch that I have had in a very long time. And it certainly beats the fast food I am in the habit of eating. (Both the frozen, and restaurant kinds). As for dinner, I had a single dish of corn, and two slices of my oatmeal wheat bread again. As usual, I wasn't willing to forgo the butter. But again -- considering me, it is a definite improvement.

As for the downs in my diet for the day -- well I had a blueberry muffin for breakfast. (It was doughnut Friday at work,) and a modified root beer float. Modified how you may ask? Well in place of the root beer, I used my diet Cherry Dr. Pepper. No, I don't claim that using the diet drink, in place of the root beer was a healthier solution. It just sounded better. And I won't even get into the water yet. One step at a time.

Now -- in response to Bob's offer. I would love any and all the assistance you are willing to provide. Right now I am doing pretty good with my walking. I can pace myself -- and listen to my books on my I-Pod at the same time. (You didn't actually think I would take reading out of my schedule did you? :)) I have read through that which you submitted to the Armstrong Losers, and I like what I have seen.

My biggest areas of weakness are going to be the food planning. I have never been very good at that -- and I don't like to be burdened by a lot of food preparation. The good news is -- I don't like eating out because it costs money. The other area that I am going to be able to use some work is the strength training. And of course coming up with solutions as winter starts to get closer. Also -- I have determined I am a carb junkie. The good news is my bread is home made -- and is usually wheat flour based. But if I have to take that out of my diet, I will probably go insane inside of a week. I also like to experiment with my recipes -- so I have found that I can add whole grains of varying kinds. So I don't feel as bad about my carb intake from that respect.

Now for those of you who love to shake your head at my passion for reading. Yes -- as I began this process the first thing I did was turn to a book. (Well sort of a book.) It was a digest version of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Workouts" Yes I know. But if I don't approach this from a cerebral perspective, as well as a physical perspective -- this will never work for me. I need to understand what I am doing, and I need to learn as I progress. So -- what did this digest teach me? Well --

First: In every get fit program, there is a mental as well as a physical aspect. In the beginning, when it is more difficult to keep going because it is uncomfortable, it is up to the mind to provide the motivation, until the body catches up. This mental motivation provides not only the inspiration to keep going on -- but the intelligence, and understanding of what you can, and cannot do -- until your body learns to send its own, appropriate signals.

Second: I found a great quote in this little pamphlet. "Your body is a masterpiece, intricate in function, unique in its mix of attributes and abilities. Give praise -- you are wonderfully, singularly made! So although its fine to aspire to look like an Olympic swimmer, don't despair if you fall short of your expectation. Remember that the athelets who make it to the Olympics are blessed with great genes and an incredible work ethic." What dose this translate to for me? Well -- It takes me back to my primary goals. I am looking to be healthy again, and to feel better. Not to be a super model, or a great world athelete.

So this is my beginning. Except to say -- thank you to all of you for your support. As always, I couldn't make it without all of you.

A New Dedication

Ok, so for those of you who are use to seeing all of my book reviews on this blog site -- that location has now changed. You can find all of my book reviews -- and only my book reviews at

http://lisasbookcorner.blogspot.com/. For those of you who are here -- please note that this web site is about to change drastically. I have decided that it is time for a change. Someone once said that if you don't like who you are, then change it. So that is what I intend to do. I am tired of being me!

For those of you who know me personally, you are familiar with the weight problem that I have struggled with all of my life. And frankly, I am tired of being where I am -- at least physically. So I have decided it is time for a change.

So what do I hope to achieve in this process? Certainly loosing weight. But more significantly I want to get back to being healthy. So here are my goals -- at least to begin with.

1. Daily Exercise -- a little each day.

2. Start to learn to change my diet -- both types of food, and proportions.

3. Get back to feeling better about me.

4. Learn to enjoy life more.

So this will become my means of sharing. I am a lot like a child -- I do much better if I think people are watching me. I start to feel like I don't want to let people down. So I will be using this as my journal of sorts. What will be in it? I don't know -- anything that will help keep me motivated, and help me feel that I am not alone in this process.

What do I ask of any that are following? Any support and assistance you can give. This process is by far, the greatest challenge I have ever had to face -- and it has been a life long battle. I am tired of loosing it -- and I want to change this mind set around. But I realize that I will never achieve these goals alone. So anything that you are interested in sharing -- Please feel free. You can make comments -- or send me tips, suggestions, pictures. Anything that you think might help out. Any suggestions that are not sent to the comments of the blog can be sent to me at learningtolovelife69@yahoo.com. Thank you to all of you -- and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.

So -- Day One
I did manage to do 25 minutes of walking in Murray park, after work today. Not my favorite activity -- but I have my book on my I-Pod -- so I can live with this.