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.