Wednesday, November 29, 2006

11/29/06

340

Up 1.7 lbs from last week. Not surprising. I'm not going to set a specific weight goal for next week; just lose. And I'm setting a strategy goal for the week-end. I am going to drink at least 64 oz of water each day. Eating Sunday shouldn't be too much of a problem, as I am singing in both services, and have rehearsal before each as well. Saturday, however, we have the first of several Christmas parties coming up. The party is at 5:30, and I'll be eating dinner there. I will take a little of everything I like, but not too much of anything. And I am going to take a water bottle to keep refilling. I can do this. I don't want to sabotage myself this week-end. I don't have to keep making all the same old mistakes over and over. Again.

We did step aerobics in class today. I used only the step, with no risers, and just worked on the floor sometimes. Very challenging. I just marched in place some, too. We started a little late, so I bailed on abs, so I could get downstairs to eat some lunch.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

11/28/09

Busy night last night, so didn't get a chance to post.

Ate lots all week-end, not just on Thanksgiving. Oh well. Not looking too forward to tomorrow's weigh-in. I did manage to take a walk after dinner on Thanksgiving, so I could make room for desert!

Did tone and tighten class yesterday. Arms and abs. Today, 25-30 minutes on the elliptical, on a program that started flat, went rapidly up, then worked its way back down. I wondered why I seemed to be so tired; thought maybe 4 days of slacking had caught up with me. Then I realized that I usually do the manual program, with no changes. No wonder it felt harder!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

11/23/06

338.3

Not surprising, with how I ate on the week-end. It wasn't the Thanksgiving dinner, it was the week-end. My friend Shauna asked me if week-ends are stressful, causing me to overeat. They are not; they are less busy, so I have more time to overeat. And I haven't seemed to figure out that I can be as good as I can all week, but if I pig out on the week-ends, I don't meet my goals.

I've let myself off the hook for yesterday and today. I didn't work out yesterday; had lunch with Kim instead. Plan on taking a walk today, at least up to the nursing home to see Grandma.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

11/21/06

Did tone and tighten class yesterday. We climbed 4 flights stairs, and did calf raises on the stairs, and then did lots of arms and abs. Today, I did 30 minutes on the cross trainer, on the weight loss setting. I'll do something tomorrow, just not sure what. It will depend on when I can get away for lunch.

Eating wise, it was another rough week-end. I said after my food fast that if I could trust God to go a whole day without food, I could trust Him to eat the proper portions. And then promptly ate too much, without thinking or praying, most of the week-end. Yesterday and today have been much better. We had a nummy Thanksgiving dinner at Sean's Mom's tonight. I ate a little bit of everything I wanted, including pumpkin pie, but no seconds. That's a new practice I'm trying to employ. No seconds. Now, on Thanksgiving day, all bets are off for the big meal. But I'm going to eat really carefully the rest of the day. I have to eat breakfast, or I'll be a cranky-butt, but I'll probably have instant breakfast.

Weigh in is tomorrow. Once again, I'm not too hopeful. One of these days, I'll stick to my eating plan and be excited about weighing in. But, I suppose that continuing to work out, and recognizing my weak spots is progress.

Friday, November 17, 2006

11/17/06

The food fast yesterday went well. By the end of the night, I was feeling a little weak, but that's to be expected. I went to bed early, and was grateful for breakfast this morning. I think that if I can trust God for the strength to go without food for a day, then I can trust Him to eat the correct portions, too. I need to let Him be strong in my weak spot of overeating.

I SOOOOOO did not want to work out today, but did any how. Not much, but at least I didn't skip it. 15 minutes on the treadmill, and 2 sets each biceps, triceps and chest press. I was tired and grumpy and I think on a blood sugar low. But after I worked out and ate lunch, I eventually felt better.

Tomorrow I'm going out with my Mom. Does vigorous shopping count as a workout?

TV fast is still going well. I am going to enjoy watching the Today show on Sunday. I do enjoy the quiet much more now, though. I will continue to leave the tv off much more than I used to do.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

11/15/06 - goal

337.4.

Not the 3 pounds I set for a goal, but good none the less. 1 1/2-2 pounds a week is a good rate of loss. I may have set my goal too aggressively, especially since I'll be starting my period this week-end. And, I ate like a pig on Sunday. Gotta stop doing that! Goal for next week, even with Thanksgiving, is 335. I guess I'd rather set my goals too high than too low. I need to make an eating plan for turkey day, and exercise goals for that day, too. Maybe a nice walk after dinner.

TV fasting is going well. Nate and Laura didn't mind a bit not having tv on during dinner. The times I'm really wanting tv is in the morning when I get up, and at 6pm, both for the news. It's a habit. I think that when I'm done fasting, I should continue to not watch tv in the mornings until I get completely ready for work. I am always running late, and sometimes it's just because I don't shut the tv off. Might miss something, you know. And I really am enjoying the morning devotional time. Although this morning, I was tired and didn't want to get up, and I felt a little rushed with my devotional, so I felt a little guilty as I was doing it. Kinda screwy--doing something good, but feeling guilty! I need to adjust my black & white vision, (blush & bashful, Shauna!) and allow for some days when I'll need to wait til evening to devote. I think the reason I felt guilty was that I knew I had a lot of plans for the evening, and didn't want to leave devotions out.

Anyway, I do feel that this fasting is helping me be closer to God, and hear Him better. I will watch tv again, of course! But I will leave it off more, too, to leave more quiet space for God.

Oh yeah--did tone and tighten class today. Rebecca was teaching. We did legs, legs and legs. And some abs. I'm already sore! So tomorrow should be fun.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

11/14/06

Did 30 minutes on the cross trainer today, on the weight loss program. Felt good. It was a hectic, short-handed day at work today, and that workout in the middle of the day sure helps!

TV fasting is going fine. Sean and I have enjoyed 2 nights of dinner conversation. We have talked about turning off the tv at dinner before, but never followed through. I think that when this is done we could do it at least 3 nights a week. We are having Nate and Laura over as usual before poker and Art Reach tomorrow night, and hopefully they won't mind no tv.

I am going to fast from food on Thursday. Just juice and Carnation Instant Breakfast. Thursday is after my weigh-in, so I think I can do it without it being about dieting. Today in my life journaling, I came across this:


22If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
1 Corinthians 16:22 (The Message)

That's what I'm trying to do by fasting; make room for the Master. There is nothing inherently wrong with TV, but I need to stop putting it ahead of God. And I need to start trusting God to help me have a right relationship with food. Start trusting Him to be strong in my weak places. So I think I can fast from food for one day, and do it for the right reasons. We'll see.

Monday, November 13, 2006

11/13/16

Did better with my eating today. Kinda doubt I'll make my goal for this week, but we'll see. Had my right leg laser hair removal today, so I took a short lunch. I did a weight workout; biceps, triceps, shoulder press, low back extension and butterflies. 2 sets of 15 each. I think on days when I have more than 1/2 an hour, I'll start going to 3 sets.

Fast-wise, things are going fine. I wasn't in the break room at work for any substantial amount of time. In the locker room at the fitness center, I used a locker where I couldn't see the tv. It was on in the fitness center, but I didn't really pay attention. And tonight, when Sean is watching Heroes, I'll read in the living room or the office. I'm going to clean my closet, too. That'll keep me busy awhile!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

11/12/06

Called Shauna this afternoon to join me for a walk around Deming Park. We walked for about 30 minutes. One lap around the outside road of the park, then up Snow Hill. You probably can't tell so much from the pic, but it is STEEP! And people run this hill. People are idiots! It was a beautiful but cold day. And it was nice to talk with Shauna during the walk. Sat and watched the geese while waiting for her to arrive, too. That was pretty fun.

I have begun a fast from tv today. During last week's service, Scot, our pastor at eXchange, asked us to consider a fast as a means of growing closer to God, and to release the kingdom of God within us. TV immediately came to mind for me. I am an addict. So, starting this morning, no tv for 7 days. I don't miss the shows so much so far, but I've noticed the reflex to turn on the tv whenever I'm in a room with one. Even if I'm going to read, or don't have a specific show I want to watch. I will see some incidental tv; it will be on in the break room and waiting rooms at work, and at the fitness center. But I don't really watch in those places. It is at home where it will be a sacrifice. No news and Today show in the mornings. No Two and a Half Men Monday night. I did listen to the Colts on the radio.

One the the things that confirmed tv for my fast was very visual. Next to my bed, I saw my journal, my Bible, and the remote lying on top of both. What's wrong with that picture?

At first, I thought I didn't want to fast from food because I work with the public, and I'd get cranky. And I'm working out, so I need energy. But tonight, I realized that it's probably more because I would fast from food for weight loss, not to get closer to God. Yes, I'm addicted to food, too, but I think I need to deal with that in other ways. I was in such a hurry to buy Eating Mindfully, and now that I have it I haven't read more than a chapter!

I am replacing tv with reading. I checked several books out from the library, and one from the library at church. Right now I'm reading Through Painted Deserts by Don Miller. It's good. I really enjoyed his Blue Like Jazz.

Eating wise, I pigged out today. Good choices at breakfast, lousy choices for lunch and dinner. At least I worked out, so perhaps today will be a push calorie-wise.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

11/11/06

Went to the fitness center yesterday. Took a short lunch because I had the 2nd laser treatment on my left leg for hair removal. Just did a weight work-out. Biceps, triceps, chest press and lower back extension.

Went to our friend Nate's house tonight to eat dinner and watch a movie. Allowed myself to have s'mores. Nummy! Left the left-over marshmallow there, though. I could eat the whole bag, and that is not good.

11/11/06

Went to the fitness center yesterday. Took a short lunch because I had the 2nd laser treatment on my left leg for hair removal. Just did a weight work-out. Biceps, triceps, chest press and lower back extension.

Went to our friend Nate's house tonight to eat dinner and watch a movie. Allowed myself to have s'mores. Nummy! Left the left-over marshmallow there, though. I could eat the whole bag, and that is not good.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

11/9/06

It was a BEAUTIFUL day today, and probably one of our last for the fall, so I walked outside today. Only about 15 minutes, but I enjoyed it SO much. I intended to take another walk with Sean after work, but a nap beckoned instead. It was probably good for me, as I was having some anxious moments concerning what turned out to be sinus-y stuff. I obsess over health things, and I was a little over-caffeinated today, so I went a little off the deep end. Made it through, though. And a little rest probably did me good.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

11/8/06-measurements

Finally took my measurements today. The last time I did was in May. I know I got bigger between then and when I started working out again last month. So here they are:

(body part--now/start//total gain or loss)

neck--16.75/17.9//down 1.15
bust--56/57//down 1.5
waist--56.25/60//down 3.75
hips--64/68//down 4
thigh--23.5/25//down 1.5
calf--16.25/16.5//down .25
bicep--15.5/16.5//down 1

My highest weight last October was 351. So overall, though there have been some ups and downs, in the last year I've lost 12 pounds and 13.1 inches. I am proud of that! Would I like it to be more? Sure. But, it is a step in the right direction. Next goal, 336 for next week. 330 by December 1.

I did 20 minutes on the cross trainer today, on the weight loss program. It alternates between 0 incline and 0 resistance, and 3 incline and 10 resistance. Then I did 10 minutes on the bike, and 2 sets 15 each of biceps, triceps, chest press, lat pull downs and lower back extensions. Tomorrow will be cardio again.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

11/7/06 - goal

339! Yay!

I'm setting an aggressive goal for next week--3 lbs.

Sean helped me in trying to reach that goal tonight. He made a yummy casserole with the leftover chili from Sunday, and I had 2 helpings. Just a small bit was left, and he asked me to pack it up for him. I told him I was thinking about eating it. He gently pointed out that I had already had 2 servings, and eating the rest would not help me lose 3 pounds. Of course he's right (he doesn't hear that very often!), and I didn't eat the rest. So thanks again, babe, for the help!

Did 20 minutes on the elliptical today. Tomorrow will either be tone and tighten, or cardio and weights after work with Shauna.

Monday, November 06, 2006

11/6/06

Went to tone and tighten class today. We did a little bit of everything today. Rebecca was teaching, and class kicked my butt.

I usually don't stand in front of the mirror; I'm usually off to the left side a little. But today, I was a little late, chairs for use in class were already set up, and I was in the front row, in front of the mirror. When we were doing triceps extensions, bent over using the chair for support, I looked at myself in the mirror. UGH! The image I see there is not what I see in my head. I found it kinda depressing. I look like a big cow! But I need to use that image, accurate image, as motivation. What I actually look like is not who I want to be. Maybe it isn't even who I really am? I want to make the image in the mirror match that I have inside. Curvy, fit. Not a skinny-minny, by any means. But strong, powerful. Womanly.

I'm going to take pictures. Not for this blog; just for me. I have some skinny pictures out for motivation. Maybe I need some tubby pictures, too. And maybe I can photoshop them to help imagine what I want to become.

On a less depressing note, I do think my torso looked a little slimmer in the mirror. I need to take my measurements. I doubt they will be any smaller than they were before I stopped working out this summer. But, my scrubs are feeling looser around the hips, my "first" tummy roll doesn't seem as big.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

11/05/06

I actually did some planning today, and made a good choice at lunch. For breakfast, I had 2 pieces whole wheat toast w/butter and Parmesan. Then a cup of coffee at church. I wasn't really hungry yet when I got home from church, but was looking in the freezer for something to eat. I had been planning on having salad w/some sort of meat, since I am making chili (as we speak) to eat w/Kevin & Kelly while watching the Colts/Patriots game after church. I saw that we had tater tots, and thought, I'll eat those. Then I thought, no, I don't need them, I'll eat too many, and I'm not actually hungry yet anyway. So I sat down and read the newspaper. After I read a few sections, I was actually hungry. So I made a large salad, with 8 or 10 slices of salami (the small ones, not the lunch-meat sized ones), cheese, croutons and dressing. Could I have had less cheese and salami? Sure. But was it a better choice than too many tater tots? Yes. And tonight I can eat chili, and a small bit of Kelly's dessert, and not feel guilty.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

11/04/06

Met Shauna at the fitness center today to work out. I did 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 10 on the bike, and 2 sets 15 each of biceps, triceps, seated butterfly's, lat pull downs and chest press. Also did 100 crunches and some stretching. Eating was okay today. I did have 1 1/2 16oz cups of snack mix (a mix of cashews, plain M&M's and Chex mix) while playing poker. And I had a Smirnoff Ice wild grape. Very tasty, but not so great for weight loss, I'm sure.

Had some great conversation over poker tonight. One of the guys goes to eXchange, too. He and his girlfriend and child have been going there about 4 months. They usually sit upstairs, so I hadn't seen them before. And 2 of the other people had attended the church I previously attended. We had some really good discussion about God, God's people, and how we are all sinners. I played pretty good poker, too! I finished 3rd out of 8, and got my money back.

The cat is being very cute playing with one of her stuffed mice.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

11/02 - goal

342.7

And that is down .5 from Tuesday's weigh-in. Not sure how that happened. 3.5 lbs up. Not surprised, considering how I ate over the week-end. I suppose I could have put on a little muscle weight, but not 3.5 lbs in a week! New goal: 339. Super/extra goal: 337. But really, 339. I want to be at 330 by December 1st.

Yesterday, I did 30 minutes cardio, all on the treadmill. Max incline 3, max speed 3, but not at the same time. Max speed at 3 incline was 2.8. I could tell I did more incline and speed; my butt was sore in new places this morning! Today, I did 2 sets 15 each biceps, triceps, lat pull downs, back extensions, chest press, forward arm raise and lateral arm raise.

Eating today has gone pretty well. A bit on the carb-y side, but good in the portions. Overall, I feel pretty good about today.