The last 10 days or so have been a major step in the right direction. I've started being more productive during the day, and limiting my Facebook/internet time until later at night (for the most part). My eating has gotten more controlled, and while not totally where I'd like to be, it's a HUGE improvement. All in all, I'm feeling pretty positive. I actually saw the scale go down last week, and that helped me feel like I've moved in the right direction.
I was able to find a really nice park to check out, and have been there twice since the weekend. It's got lots of hills, so walking/hiking there is a good workout. There are benches scattered about, so after doing a bunch of walking, I rewarded myself at one of the ones at the top of a hill to do some birdwatching while I waited for my husband and my nephew, who were there bike riding (they are training for triathlons).
The really spectacular weather this week in our area has made me really itchy to get outside, so tomorrow starts the yard work/spring cleanup in earnest. I expect to be able to gain a lot of activity points, since there's so much to be done. Picking up sticks (where on earth DO they all come from?), weeding and mulching should keep me hopping. I can't wait until the cleanup is finished, though - even though we had a mild winter, my yard looks like a disaster area!
So that's where things are right now.. in progress!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
It's Been a While
Hi all! It's been a long time (over a month) since I've written. Mostly it's because I've been doing some hard thinking - really taking a good look at myself and my behaviors. Trying to figure out what's gone wrong, and why my progress has taken such a bad turn. I'm up and down, gaining and losing the same weight. I had to face the harsh truth that it was about 9 months ago when I was at my best weight, before my trip to San Francisco. And even then, it had been a while since I had seen the scale move significantly. To be honest, the last 18 months or so on this journey have been disastrous. My weight is still up from where it was, and all progress I made in January I erased in February.
So I've been thinking about my motivations, and my penchant for self-sabotage, and my fears of really being successful. And what I have come to realize about myself is this.... I'm lazy. I spent a long time doing the work, and seeing results. And just like what happened in the past, I got a little loose with things, and a little cocky. And I stopped working so hard. Hence the mess I find myself in now.
But I realize that it isn't just the weight loss work, although that's a big chunk of the problem. It's life in general - I've been skating on housework and maintenance as well. I've become terrible at managing my time, and lazy about doing the things I find tedious or difficult. And just like with the weight loss, the results are not good. Setting the ship to right requires major effort.
So I spend my time doing things I enjoy, like dopping around online. Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest - lots of time goes to those activities. I see work that needs to be done and instead of doing it, I add it to my mental checklist of stuff I gotta do. And as things add to that list pretty quickly, I get overwhelmed and do nothing. So it's time to put myself on a diet, internet-wise. So at this time of night, when I'm waiting for the cat to return from his outside adventure for the evening, it's ok to spend some time blowing off steam online. But I have to cool it during the day, unless I've actually accomplished what I've set out to do that day. I think that's the only way for now.
And from a Weight Watchers perspective, that means I'll have more time to shop, search recipes, cook and get in activity. Now that spring is upon us, that becomes easier for me, since there's so many outdoor chores that need doing. I think that the only way to regain control is to simply seize it. If I'm right, there will be a positive domino effect in the near future.
So posts may get further and fewer, as well as FB status updates. But if all goes like I believe it can, and I gain control over my schedule, I'll be able to find a good balance. And that's the key! So it's off now to set a few concrete goals for this coming week, and put the finishing touches on the To-Do list!
So I've been thinking about my motivations, and my penchant for self-sabotage, and my fears of really being successful. And what I have come to realize about myself is this.... I'm lazy. I spent a long time doing the work, and seeing results. And just like what happened in the past, I got a little loose with things, and a little cocky. And I stopped working so hard. Hence the mess I find myself in now.
But I realize that it isn't just the weight loss work, although that's a big chunk of the problem. It's life in general - I've been skating on housework and maintenance as well. I've become terrible at managing my time, and lazy about doing the things I find tedious or difficult. And just like with the weight loss, the results are not good. Setting the ship to right requires major effort.
So I spend my time doing things I enjoy, like dopping around online. Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest - lots of time goes to those activities. I see work that needs to be done and instead of doing it, I add it to my mental checklist of stuff I gotta do. And as things add to that list pretty quickly, I get overwhelmed and do nothing. So it's time to put myself on a diet, internet-wise. So at this time of night, when I'm waiting for the cat to return from his outside adventure for the evening, it's ok to spend some time blowing off steam online. But I have to cool it during the day, unless I've actually accomplished what I've set out to do that day. I think that's the only way for now.
And from a Weight Watchers perspective, that means I'll have more time to shop, search recipes, cook and get in activity. Now that spring is upon us, that becomes easier for me, since there's so many outdoor chores that need doing. I think that the only way to regain control is to simply seize it. If I'm right, there will be a positive domino effect in the near future.
So posts may get further and fewer, as well as FB status updates. But if all goes like I believe it can, and I gain control over my schedule, I'll be able to find a good balance. And that's the key! So it's off now to set a few concrete goals for this coming week, and put the finishing touches on the To-Do list!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
January in Review
I have to say that I'm pretty happy with how January has gone. I began the month pledging to recommit to WW, and to get myself back on track. By and large, the month has been a success. I set some 6 week goals, which are coming due on Valentine's Day. I've already exceeded my weight loss goal, and have done pretty well in meeting my behavioral goals.
The area where I fell a little short was in adding new recipes. I did add a bunch, and upon reflection think that perhaps my initial goal was a little unrealistic. I'll work at it during these next two weeks, and perhaps revisit it when it's time to set the next batch of 6 week goals.
I've started upping my activity a little bit. This week looks like it'll be a good one for getting in some bike riding, which is great! Activity is always the biggest challenge for me, and I think it's the thing I have to spend the most time trying to understand and improve. Some of it is discomfort and some mobility limitations, most of it is pure and simple laziness! It's hard, and it's uncomfortable, and I feel self conscious (when at the gym or out in public), so I don't do it as much as I should. I've set pretty modest goals for this first 6-week period, and have been able to meet them, and then some. So I feel proud of what I've done so far.
It's been hard work, but it's been worth it. Being back in control and on plan is the best thing I could do for myself to start off this new year. So now it's onward to February!
The area where I fell a little short was in adding new recipes. I did add a bunch, and upon reflection think that perhaps my initial goal was a little unrealistic. I'll work at it during these next two weeks, and perhaps revisit it when it's time to set the next batch of 6 week goals.
I've started upping my activity a little bit. This week looks like it'll be a good one for getting in some bike riding, which is great! Activity is always the biggest challenge for me, and I think it's the thing I have to spend the most time trying to understand and improve. Some of it is discomfort and some mobility limitations, most of it is pure and simple laziness! It's hard, and it's uncomfortable, and I feel self conscious (when at the gym or out in public), so I don't do it as much as I should. I've set pretty modest goals for this first 6-week period, and have been able to meet them, and then some. So I feel proud of what I've done so far.
It's been hard work, but it's been worth it. Being back in control and on plan is the best thing I could do for myself to start off this new year. So now it's onward to February!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Catching Up
Time goes so fast! I didn't realize it had been two weeks since I'd posted anything, although I have been keeping my Facebook page updated fairly regularly. The first two weeks of the year have gone well. I've been doing the work, and seeing results. From a scale perspective I've lost 8 lbs, which is a hugely encouraging step in the right direction. It feels so good to have two weeks in a row with losses - something I hadn't done in a while.
But more importantly, I've been keeping up with the goals I set for this first 6 weeks of the year. Having already met my scale related goal, I can focus on continuing on with my behavioral goals. I have been experimenting with a few WW recipes - added two new keepers to my recipe file:
But more importantly, I've been keeping up with the goals I set for this first 6 weeks of the year. Having already met my scale related goal, I can focus on continuing on with my behavioral goals. I have been experimenting with a few WW recipes - added two new keepers to my recipe file:
That's WW stuffed peppers and WW Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore. I also made a WW baked apple dessert, which I forgot to take a photo of. I've got two new recipes on deck for this week. I'm also undertaking a HUGE project to get my recipe collection under control, which will help. It will involve spending a lot of time on the Recipe Builder (in e-tools) to update PP values, but it will be worth it.
I've been keeping up with my PT exercises again, which has been a big help already. When weather permits I've been riding my new trike - can't say how much a difference the new trike makes. It's so much lighter to ride and more stable, and much easier on my knees. I even kept up with one of my original ideas, and rode it over to the local CVS when I needed to pick up some things. This week, I'll be adding in some time with the new Just Dance Wii game I got for Christmas to help bolster activity points. The goal for this week is at least 3 20 minute sessions.
So that's where I am right now, feeling much better for having taken control and stopped making excuses. There's lots of work to be done, and it won't always go so well, but it's good to have my head in the game once again!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Looking forward to 2012
It's been very busy week, trying to get a bunch of catch-up things done. I'm happy to say that my trike is now resting comfortably in the garage, and I was even able to take it out for a spin. It's so much easier on my knees, and a bit faster than my old bike. Plus it has a basket in front and a carrier rack in back, so I'll be able to take it on local jaunts to the CVS down the street. Dave was then kind enough to take my old bike and put it in the basement, on a stand that allows me to use it as a stationary bike. Now all I have to do is put Netflix on my Wii (which is also in the basement), and I'll be all ready to go!
I've been trying to focus on my 2012 goal setting, but I'm a little farther behind on that front than I thought I'd be. The bike/trike flexibility has allowed me to start structuring an activity plan, that I can couple with getting back to the Y on a regular basis. Adding to that is a return to the daily exercises I learned at physical therapy to continue strengthening my knees and increasing my range of motion and flexibility. The plan needs a little fine tuning, but the basics are strong, and I can work out the details tomorrow after WI.
Speaking of WI, Dave and I do so on Saturday, which is the day that we use our weekly allowance (and then some, unfortunately). We always look at Sunday as our clean start to the week. I feel like it's really fortuitous that New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year - it makes it easier to look at this as a whole clean start and renewal to the journey. To that end, I shopped today for some plan friendly foods to stock the house so we are ready to hit the ground running. One of my goals is to try at least one new WW recipe per week. I have tons of recipe resources, so there will be no excuse!
The next step is that I want to blog more regularly - at least once a week, getting back to my original idea of posting interesting recipes, photos of foods, general info and inspirational ideas. I've started a binder to bring with me to WW meetings that includes a scrapbook of inspirational thoughts and pictures, a notepad to write down good stuff that I hear at my meeting, and a journal for my activity. Some of this can translate nicely to the blog format, so I hope you don't mind reading! No more using not doing well as an excuse to go into hiding.
The final piece of my plan is taking a note from my former WW leader, and setting myself 6 week mini-goals. We did that a few times at our meetings, writing it down and putting it in an envelope to be opened 6 weeks later. Although some people didn't seem to like it, it was a great motivator for me, and I had good success with it. I usually chose two goals for the 6 weeks - one scale related and one behavior related. Going back to that method is something I'm really looking forward to, and I'll be setting my first 6-week goals tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to 2012. My success is in my control and I intend to take hold of it. Thank you all for reading and supporting me this year - I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
I've been trying to focus on my 2012 goal setting, but I'm a little farther behind on that front than I thought I'd be. The bike/trike flexibility has allowed me to start structuring an activity plan, that I can couple with getting back to the Y on a regular basis. Adding to that is a return to the daily exercises I learned at physical therapy to continue strengthening my knees and increasing my range of motion and flexibility. The plan needs a little fine tuning, but the basics are strong, and I can work out the details tomorrow after WI.
Speaking of WI, Dave and I do so on Saturday, which is the day that we use our weekly allowance (and then some, unfortunately). We always look at Sunday as our clean start to the week. I feel like it's really fortuitous that New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year - it makes it easier to look at this as a whole clean start and renewal to the journey. To that end, I shopped today for some plan friendly foods to stock the house so we are ready to hit the ground running. One of my goals is to try at least one new WW recipe per week. I have tons of recipe resources, so there will be no excuse!
The next step is that I want to blog more regularly - at least once a week, getting back to my original idea of posting interesting recipes, photos of foods, general info and inspirational ideas. I've started a binder to bring with me to WW meetings that includes a scrapbook of inspirational thoughts and pictures, a notepad to write down good stuff that I hear at my meeting, and a journal for my activity. Some of this can translate nicely to the blog format, so I hope you don't mind reading! No more using not doing well as an excuse to go into hiding.
The final piece of my plan is taking a note from my former WW leader, and setting myself 6 week mini-goals. We did that a few times at our meetings, writing it down and putting it in an envelope to be opened 6 weeks later. Although some people didn't seem to like it, it was a great motivator for me, and I had good success with it. I usually chose two goals for the 6 weeks - one scale related and one behavior related. Going back to that method is something I'm really looking forward to, and I'll be setting my first 6-week goals tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to 2012. My success is in my control and I intend to take hold of it. Thank you all for reading and supporting me this year - I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Looking back at 2011
I've been thinking a lot about this past year. It feels like it's been a little wild - drastic highs and lows separated by mind-numbing ruts. In reality, it's probably been pretty normal.. But it was full of really amazing personal experiences - mostly travel related. In 6 months time, I had my feel in both the Atlantic and Pacific, and finally saw some of the southwest. I went to 3 different National Parks - Redwoods National Forest., Acadia National Park and the Grand Canyon. I also saw Red Rocks Canyon and the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. For someone who hates to fly, that's a pretty good list! And Acadia and Grand Canyon were bucket-list places to go for me. I spent time in San Francisco, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor and Las Vegas. I was very fortunate to have these experiences this year. And when I think back on this year, these will be the things that stand out the most for me. It was a privilege to see so much of our country, and the diversity that exists within its borders.
But this blog is mostly about my weight loss journey, and so there are things I must address along those lines that aren't as much fun to think about. I'm going to start with the positives, though. I started (very beginner level) hiking, and think that in it I've found an activity that marries several of my interests. I'm planning on having it factor into my 2012 plans in a larger way. I was also lucky enough to get an adult trike! Because my knees are so week, riding my regular bike has become difficult - I don't feel that stable on it, and so it spent most of this year in the garage. The structure of the trike will allow me to use it without those worries. So that's also going to be a major player in my 2012 activity plans.
From a weight-loss perspective, well, there's no easy way to say it. It was a disaster. I gained weight. too much. I was okay in the first half of the year - sort of plateau-ing, but generally holding my course. Once I got back from San Francisco, I just lost it. And while I spent quite of bit of time trying to be on plan, I got very sloppy and lazy. I allowed problems with my knees and feet to knock me off kilter, and seemed unable to rouse myself to more positive action for any significant enough amount of time to be effective. I struggled emotionally and mentally, and ended up in a vicious cycle that many of us know all too well. Sadness led to eating, which led to weight gain, which led to sadness.... and so on and so on.
The good news in all of this is that it's given me some real motivation. I feel like I've snapped out of it (the holiday weekend notwithstanding), and am ready to move forward and make 2012 a MUCH better and more productive year. I'm working now on setting up my goals for the year, and making sure that I build plans to achieve them. I am in charge, and I can do better. I will do better!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Las Vegas Wrapup!
Suffice it to say that we had a great time. We spent some time in Vegas, doing the casino thing (not gambling, by and large, mostly just ogling the excess). We spent quite a bit of time at the various parks in the area - we went to Red Rock Canyon National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon, where we spent 2 days. We saw Barry Manilow's show, and Dave ran the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. We were busy bees! Speaking of bees, we saw a warning sign at the entrance to Valley of Fire that warned that there are africanized (killer) bees in the park....I'm glad we were there during winter.
Because it sure was winter! Vegas was in the midst of an unseasonal cold/wind spell, so the temps rarely got over 45 degrees during the day. And in the parks the wind was fierce! It made it challenging to do as much hiking as we wanted to do, because we just didn't have good enough winter gear with us. It was epic cold at Grand Canyon - snow on the ground, and ice on the roads and paths, daytime temps in the high 20s. I'm really glad that we got to see it like that, though - I think the snow made it even more beautiful that normal. We took a lot of pictures, which I will probably post to Facebook, but at some point it seemed futile. Without the right equipment and some training as a photographer, there's just no way to capture the grandeur. You're better off looking at professionally done pictures, and even they won't do it justice.
One thing I learned is that altitude is no joke! When we were at the Canyon, there were times when I was literally gasping for breath, even on short walks up very mild inclines. At first I felt kind of bad about it, thinking that my backsliding over the summer had taken a greater toll than I had imagined. I couldn't believe I was that out of shape. Then my husband reminded me that we were at an altitude of over 7000 feet - well over a mile in the air. Even he had some trouble catching his breath after walking back up some of the paths.
Food wise, it was strange. We went shopping and had our room stocked with healthy breakfast and snack options. And besides breakfast and a snack, we only ate one other meal a day. Some were on the healthy side, and some were not. But some of the food we had was truly outstanding - very different from our norm, and things we couldn't get or make at home. I anticipate a weight gain this week, even after being able to spend this week on plan. The food choices were challenging, we didn't get in as much activity as I had planned (although we did quite a bit), and I injured my foot when I misstepped on a rock....it's still a bunch of cool colors! It is what it is, and I accept it!
I loved the trip, and I would tell anyone who goes out there to definitely plan a day at Red Rocks (there's a convenient 13-mile one way loop to drive that contains lots of places to park and get pictures, or pick up hiking trails). It's a 25 minute drive outside of Vegas and truly spectacular. And most definitely worth going up to the Valley of Fire - it's about an hour drive, but the sites there are stunning. Both parks provide some much needed peace and quiet and open space - a nice alternative from the bustle of the Strip.
So that's the Vegas wrapup! Now I need to get started on the holidays....
Because it sure was winter! Vegas was in the midst of an unseasonal cold/wind spell, so the temps rarely got over 45 degrees during the day. And in the parks the wind was fierce! It made it challenging to do as much hiking as we wanted to do, because we just didn't have good enough winter gear with us. It was epic cold at Grand Canyon - snow on the ground, and ice on the roads and paths, daytime temps in the high 20s. I'm really glad that we got to see it like that, though - I think the snow made it even more beautiful that normal. We took a lot of pictures, which I will probably post to Facebook, but at some point it seemed futile. Without the right equipment and some training as a photographer, there's just no way to capture the grandeur. You're better off looking at professionally done pictures, and even they won't do it justice.
One thing I learned is that altitude is no joke! When we were at the Canyon, there were times when I was literally gasping for breath, even on short walks up very mild inclines. At first I felt kind of bad about it, thinking that my backsliding over the summer had taken a greater toll than I had imagined. I couldn't believe I was that out of shape. Then my husband reminded me that we were at an altitude of over 7000 feet - well over a mile in the air. Even he had some trouble catching his breath after walking back up some of the paths.
Food wise, it was strange. We went shopping and had our room stocked with healthy breakfast and snack options. And besides breakfast and a snack, we only ate one other meal a day. Some were on the healthy side, and some were not. But some of the food we had was truly outstanding - very different from our norm, and things we couldn't get or make at home. I anticipate a weight gain this week, even after being able to spend this week on plan. The food choices were challenging, we didn't get in as much activity as I had planned (although we did quite a bit), and I injured my foot when I misstepped on a rock....it's still a bunch of cool colors! It is what it is, and I accept it!
I loved the trip, and I would tell anyone who goes out there to definitely plan a day at Red Rocks (there's a convenient 13-mile one way loop to drive that contains lots of places to park and get pictures, or pick up hiking trails). It's a 25 minute drive outside of Vegas and truly spectacular. And most definitely worth going up to the Valley of Fire - it's about an hour drive, but the sites there are stunning. Both parks provide some much needed peace and quiet and open space - a nice alternative from the bustle of the Strip.
So that's the Vegas wrapup! Now I need to get started on the holidays....
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