Hi there and welcome to my blog. "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." ~James Conant
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Late Weigh In
I was a bit disappointed when I had gained that week, but the disappointment was in myself! And at least I knew that the only one to blame was me. What's that definition of insanity "If you always do what you've always done; you'll always get what you've always gotten". You know, I knew I wouldn't lose that week I was on vacation. But I'll admit that a small part of me thought I wouldn't gain either. LOL Come on! Ice Cream before bed...lack of exercise...screams weight gain...HELLO!!
I went back to work last Monday with better intentions and atleast I realized that I was being so laxidazy the week prior. Exercise is still difficult. I haven't found a routine or anything. I did exercise yesterday morning with My Wii Fitness Coach. I love that Wii! It was only 15 minutes, but I was sweating! I did feel a little better afterwards too.
And so it is... eating right and exercise seem to be the key to the power of weight loss and not only that...but lifelong wellness as well. Exercise apparently makes you happy which in turn helps with the emotional aspects right? I think I'm still in the experimental phase with that. ha ha
On another note...I added another little blurb over in my sidebar regarding Savings Angel. They aren't in all areas, but it's worth checking out if you are in one of the areas I listed over there. You can save quite a bit on groceries... They do all the work of finding the local sales and indicating which coupons you need to look for to get the savings, etc. Of course, there is a fee, but with what you can potentially save in groceries.. I think it's worth it.
Keep up your fabulous work, keep smiling!
♥ Dottie
Monday, July 13, 2009
Vacation Does Not Equal Free for All
How do I feel about that? Well... honestly not too bad. I'm a little disappointed to see a higher number. But at the same time, I enjoyed vacation and all releases of commitments. I know...not the best thinking when it comes to weightloss. On the plus side, I do realize why I gained and know that now that vacation is over...I'm back on the track.
Summer is going fast isn't it? I can't believe we're in the 2nd week of July already. I say it frequently, but I hate how fast time flies!
I hope everyone is doing well.
♥ Dottie
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Weigh In Wednesday
Here's my update:
The walking challenge I'm doing is going well. I've exceeded the week 2 goal so I'm happy. It's been pretty hot/humid so sometimes I find it difficult to want to do a whole lot of activity outside. But, playing in the hose with my dog is a riot! Now granted, I don't run as much as she does, but I try to be active. Here's a couple shots of her having a ball. She LOVES water!! Her name is Zoey.
Friday, May 8, 2009
This Week's Weigh In
It looks mighty beautiful outside. The birds are chirping - I love that sound by the way. The sun is shining! In my opinion, it's pretty perfect. I have a lot planned today. I have to get my fasting blood work done this afternoon. No food for me yet today. I can handle it *wink*.
I weighed in Tuesday afternoon and I was down another 2 lbs. Hip Hip Hooray! I can't even begin to convey how much happier I am that I'm finally doing this and making it work. In our group meeting this week, we talked about urges. It was the Behaviorist presenting and asking us questions. We had to draw on a Human Body Outline what an urge looks like to us. Guess what I drew? A piece of pizza. I love pizza much like Garfield loves his lasagna I guess. It is probably one thing that if it's there, I will eat some. I'm glad I've been learning this moderation thing :) Anyway, pizza is an urge for me. My redirection for those urges.. I drew a camera. I love taking pictures and the beauty of the resulting image. It's a sense of pride - I took that! I've added some more pictures recently to my Flickr account. Check it out if you'd like :) My Photos - and feel free to comment if you'd like. Some of the earlier ones aren't the greatest quality, but I'm getting better.
Ok, back to the urges. Why do they exist? That was the next question. I learned that there are three main reasons: 1. Habit, 2. Biological (i.e. that time of the month) and 3.)Psychological and of course number 3 is the major reason for an urge. Why do you suppose that is? Urges are not about physical hunger. Overeating behavior is usually about some unmet need - a lot of us seek food in an attempt to fill that unmet need. Some of the warning signs of unmet needs:
1. Low self-esteem (yup that was definitely me)
2. Poor communication skills - difficult expressing needs and wants (yup..me again)
3. Lack of motivation (for some things...yup)
4. Depression (oh yeah...definitely)
5. Unusually high stress reactions - a level 10 response to a level 2 event. (probably... if you count crying a lot as a reaction to something)
6. Loneliness (yes, at times even though I have a husband and beautiful kids..I did feel lonliness at times)
7. Feeling a "loss of control" in life (I probably didn't think so at the time, but looking back..yup I was not in control)
By the way - they say urges last 10 to 15 minutes. So..that's why I pick up the camera. Doing that, takes my mind off the urges.
In my case, it was all about the depression and not taking control. I feared a lot. I didn't think I could do it. But once I took the first step to get help...there's no stopping me now. When there is depression involved, you really need to find help to begin the journey of weight loss. Help can come in all shapes and forms. My help and kick in the pants was going through the MMPC Weightloss program. I also started going to church and learning about God. I didn't have that growing up. By the way, singing is a great stress reliever too. I sing in the church choir now and I'm having fun with it. Building new friendships has been a huge help with the weight loss effort. They cheer for me each week when I share my successes. Someone like me who has always dealt with poor self-esteem and depression really needs that cheering and pat on the back. It makes me smile and feel worth it. It's a boost for the self-esteem. It's like a natural high!
So you there...reading this...do you have your cheering section? Do you deal with self-esteem issues or depression? Do you have urges?
Til the next time I post..peace and love.
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
No Catchy Title - Updating
I'm very close to the end of the program...2 more weeks. That just means, I'll be back on a regular diet (no supplemental food or anything). I'm not sure how many calories will be suggested, but I'll find that out in the next week or so I'm guessing. My blood work has been normal - Yay! My blood pressure readings have also been very good. If they keep up like that for a few more readings, then the doctor said I might be able to cut back on the med. I would love to be off the meds.
One of the changes I've noticed is in my monthly period. The cramps seem more intense and the period is lasting 7 days usually. It's very similar to how it was before I had my kids. Could my body age be going down :)
I have been exercising. I was using a My Fitness Coach for the Wii. I'm disappointed because the lightening strike the other day seems to have wrecked our Wii. Things happen and it's minimal.
I've heard and read about all the storms going through the southern states. My heart goes out to those. I also think about those who have gotten sick by the H1N1 Flu. I pray for recovery. There are schools around us that have closed and I admit to getting a little nervous about it all. But I keep instilling the common sense washing hands habit into my kids. We also take our vitamins.
Til next time - be well.
♥Dottie
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Checking In..
Since the last time I updated, I've lost another 8.6 lbs! 6 lbs one week and 2.6 the next. I met another goal by reaching 350. Actually I am below that now. I'm getting so excited because it's less than 50 lbs. to go and I'll be below 300!! That's a huge accomplishment!!
I've been staying active and being good for the most part. On Easter, I did have a piece of candy, but I wrote it down in my journal and counted it. I've been staying within my allowed calories. I'm nearing the end of 17 weeks. I'm now in transition back to food and am allowed fruit and light dairy.
I'm feeling so much smarter about my food choices. I'm supposed to be eating 6 small meals a day, but with how busy work has been, I struggle to get those snacks in.
You know it really is amazing how much better I feel physically just losing this 54 lbs. That's a lot, but it's actually only a fraction of the total amount I need to lose. Still - it's a huge accomplishment and I'm proud of myself. Do you know how wonderful it is to fit comfortably in a chair with arms or in a restaurant booth! How about a movie theater seat. It's a great feeling to slide into an armed chair and back out without picking it back up with me! Stairs are getting easier to handle. I'm walking farther. All these little things that so many people take for granted. It feels good!
The other day I did get a little sad and I didn't run for food or anything. Instead I just laid down in the quiet dark room and prayed. And at the same time I recalled wonderful memories of family members that are no longer here physically - my mom, my grandma, both my great-grandparents. I miss them all terribly. I did shed some tear, but then I thought about all those memories and I just had to say "Thank You" for all those blessings. All those wonderful memories with those I love speak so much louder to me than a lot of the terrible things I've been through too. I'm finally seeing all those negative things as steps to growth. Life is feeling pretty good and I'm just so incredibly grateful. I have my husband and my two beautiful kids, a house and vehicles, 5 wonderful pets, and a job. Sometimes I'm a little afraid to feel so good, but that's when I just pray more.
When you wake in the morning, go to the mirror and take a look...and Smile. Smile at what you see and tell yourself that you are worth the effort to make the positive life changes necessary to lose weight. You can do it!
Til next time...Blessings to you.
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Week 9 Update
So, I didn't get out here to post a week 8 update and now it's already the end of week 9. Tomorrow is the official first day of week 10 of my program. So here's a quick update of the numbers..
Week 8 - down 2.4 lbs.
Week 9 - down 2.4 lbs.
How odd is that to be down the same exact number for two weeks in a row. So that's 4.8 or I like to round it and say 5 lbs. :) My total since starting the program is 39 lbs., but my total overall is 45 lbs. I've passed the 10% loss mark!
I've been able to add very lean meats and vegetables to my daily diet. I have been eating salads quite a bit. The first one I made was so pretty (colorful) - I should've taken a picture of it. It had regular garden salad mix along with baby spinach, sliced tomatoes,sliced black olives, very lean deli turkey, mild banana ring peppers and I topped it with some light italian dressing. It was SO good and I didn't even miss the cheese or croutons or bacon bits from my "pre-program" salads. These new salads I'm doing taste so much fresher and light but satisfying. I can't believe the amount of blue cheese dressing I used to use!
My activity lately has included pretty much anything I can think of to keep moving. I do knee lifts and stomach crunching while sitting at my desk at work. I make a point to get up out of that chair and stretch and move regularly. I park alot further from the door. I bought at weighted pilates ball and a mat and have been doing a few toning exercises. I just do whatever to keep moving. I really don't have a set regimen right now...because I seem to be the type that gets bored easily. So I do something a little different every day usually.
I noticed that I have a couple more followers...that makes me feel really great. I will do my best to give you something to follow at least once per week.
Please keep up your efforts. We can do this!
♥ Dottie
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Week 6 Update
I weighed in yesterday afternoon and I am extremely excited to report I've lost 7.4 lbs. this week!! I'm so excited. I've lost 3 inches in the hips and my blood pressure is going down. I am just so proud of myself. I've been walking more and just plain moving more. I've been loading a lot of fun songs on my Zune (mp3 player) and just dancing around the house. I've also been doing a little on the Core Stability Ball that I got. I was so nervous that the thing would burst or something the minute I sat on it. But to my delight - it did not!
Today I began the 7th week of this new lifestyle plan and I feel so much better. It really is amazing the difference 26 lbs. can make. Technically, if I go by my highest weight before I began the plan, I've lost 34 lbs. so far. It all counts! I've been learning so much. When I first started the plan, I seriously thought I'd have a problem with not having my glass of milk at night before bed. I love milk. Amazingly enough, I don't miss it at all. I haven't had milk in 7 weeks. I can't even believe it. I haven't had bread in weeks...well not white bread. I did deviate one day and had a tuna sandwich on whole wheat. I'm kind of having a hard time believing that I'm doing so well and have been able to stick with it. Granted, the first weeks were so tough at times. I did seriously crave some things. But now...I'm just getting tired of the minimal selection of product. I've noticed too that I'm feeling hungry before it's time for my next meal. I eat 6 times a day - 3 hours between each. At 2 hours, my stomach is growling...really growling. I got so excited because it must mean the exercise is paying off and my metabolism is coming out of the dormant stage its been in for so long. I mentioned it to the doctor and she recommend I see the Dietician so that is where I'm going at 8 a.m. tomorrow. I'm curious to see what they'll have to say. I'd love to incorporate some fruit or veg or cottage cheese or something. At this point, I'm limited to between 800 and 900 calories a day. Doesn't seem possible does it? I didn't think so in the beginning. But I never got hungry...until this past week. Here's what a typical day consists of in case anyone is curious.
| Meal | Item | Cal | Fat | Protein | Carb |
| Breakfast | Vanilla Protein Drink | 110 | 4 | 15 | 3 |
| Snack | Cinnamon Pecan Dream Protein Bar | 160 | .5 | 15 | 16 |
| Lunch | Vegetable Spaghetti | 150 | 3 | 12 | 21 |
| Snack | Chocolate Covered Soy Snacks | 150 | 6 | 15 | 11 |
| Dinner | Chicken Pasta Parmesan | 200 | 3.5 | 17 | 26 |
| Snack | Cappuccino | 90 | 1 | 15 | 4 |
| DAILY TOTAL | 860 | 22 | 89 | 81 |
The serving sizes are much smaller than what I used to consume prior to starting this plan. I seriously doubted that I would be satisfied, but all the protein helps the body feel full. It's true.
I've rambled enough for now. I hope you all are doing well.
Let's keep rockin'!!
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Week 5 Update
I'll try to check back later tonight after my weigh-in to add my Week 6 update.
Keep on keepin' on!
♥ Dottie
Friday, October 17, 2008
Weigh In
I'm a little too tired to think about what I might need to do differently in order to have a better weigh in next week.
Let's Go!!
♥Dottie
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Weigh In Day
I'm going to re-start the weight ticker at the top of my blog and restart my progress as well using the numbers from Weight Watchers...even though I think my own scale is much friendlier.
I was pretty excited after today's weigh-in. I actually lost 5.2 pounds in the last week. Sweet! So I got my first 5 lb. star sticker! So cool.
Honestly, the area that I'm totally not doing so well in is journaling (writing down what I put in my mouth). That needs to be my goal this week...
I wanted to share another blog I came across today. I haven't gotten too far into it, but this woman has lost 162 pounds in 16 months by walking. Check it out...maybe we can find some good tips. Jodi's Blog It looks like there's some other good information on the site as well. It's actually a Blue Cross Blue Shield site. But hey, if I find some tips that I feel would be helpful to me...maybe they'd be helpful to you as well.
Wishing you all well,
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Weigh In
Since I've gotten a new boss at work, it's been busy. But I'm not complaining because I'm getting into different things and learning more. In a couple weeks, I'll be going to training for Sharepoint Designer, which is the software used to create webpages and such for our company's portal. I'm excited about it. I've been using Sharepoint Services to place web parts and such, but now I'll get to get my hands just a little more dirty :)
Things are going well and for that I'm grateful. The weight hasn't dropped, however, I haven't really gained either. I do need to kick it in the butt a little more, but I think I'm doing well.
I hope you are all doing well too. I wish I could take more time to visit each of the blogs... I will make a better effort.
Take care,
Dottie
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Weigh In
So... I got on that scale this morning not sure how much I would be up. I was at 391. That's 5 lbs. up from last week. However, the week before that I was at 396 so if I look at it from that weigh in, I'm 5 lbs. down. So of the 10 I lost from being sick, I've managed to keep 5 of it off. That's not bad. Overall, I've lost more than 10 lbs now so I've added a new badge to my side bar over there.
Hope all is well with everyone.
♥ Dottie
Monday, June 2, 2008
Weigh In
386 is what that scale told me. Can you believe it? I can't. Nothing like losing 10 lbs. in a week. However, it is because I was sick.
Since I was sick, my last few days have been very lazy. But I also wasn't eating anything. Ginger Ale and Popsicles were about it. Today I had some soup and some cottage cheese with pinapple. I'm also drinking a Lipton PureLeaf Red Tea in a Blueberry Pomegranate flavor. It's not bad.
I hope you are all doing well and keeping on top of your game the best you can.
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Weigh In
Last night I got on that wonderful scale and it displayed 394...should've went with that. This morning, it displayed 396. So that's the official number. What am I talking about? There is no official number because I'll get on that scale later today and it'll say something else. That's the one thing I really don't like about the scale. Things in the body flucuate or something I eat or that time of month...it all makes that number move just a bit either up or down. So, I'm just going to say that I feel good this week. I don't feel bloated and extra heavy. I think the way I feel is far more important than what that scale says anyway.
Wanna here something astonishing! I signed up for a walking challenge at work. It's 6 weeks long and it starts on the 18th. The first week's goal will be to average 2000 steps per day. Week 2 - 4000, week 3 - 6000, week 4 - 8000, week 5 - 10000 and the final 6th week is designated as a catch up week. Our company operates in 5 states. So if you meet the first week's goal, then you move forward to the next state, and it continues each week until you make your way back to the state you started in. There will be a large map posted on a wall somewhere that will have team pushpins and where they're at each week. I have never done anything like this so it's a very big step for me. I'm not quite sure how accurate the pedometer will be for someone of my size. I noticed it does have a sensitivty adjuster on it so maybe it'll be fine. I'm looking forward to see how I do. I'll just do my best.
Well, that's all I got for now. I hope everyone is having a beautiful day.
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Weigh In
I'll be honest, I've been getting sick of all the Mother's Day advertising and such. My mom passed away in 2006 and this has been a difficult time each year since. I guess it's only been a couple years and maybe that's why it's still so difficult. I can honestly say that I haven't been trying too hard in the last week with my weight loss mission. I've been eating like those that don't have to work at it. Just eating when I'm hungry and having what I think sounds good. Looking back over the last week I can't say as though I've over-eaten at all. The problem is probably lack of exercise and water. Now if I added those two to the mix, I'm thinking I'd have better luck. But for whatever reason at this moment I just feel numb about things. It's probably the Mother's Day thing. Plus, my daughter is having surgery on Friday. It's nothing extreme (foot surgery), but this is a first surgery for my child and I tend to get nervous about things.
Anyway, I hope you all are having a better time of things. And, I do wish all you mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Weigh-In Time
A little bummed, but I know what I gotta do. I'm in this to win this! Whose with me!
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Weigh-In Time
I got on that scale this morning and something inside wouldn't settle down because the reading kept going between 394.5 and 395. What do you do? I'd rather take the lower, however, I'm going to record the higher as the official number. That puts me down a 1/2 pound..and that's what 2 sticks of butter. Yay me!!
Remember that show that was on "I Can Make You Thin"? I never really got to watch it, but I did check out the website briefly and remember reading "Eat when you're hungry". I've noticed lately that I can go the better part of a day before I really feel hungry. Now I'm guessing that's because I sit down for the better part of 8 hours so I'm not doing much to get any metabolism I have going. I've also heard that to kick start the metabolism, you should eat breakfast within an hour of waking. But... I'm not hungry. Someone else said that going that long without eating, will cause your body to go into starvation mode and start storing fat. Yeah... don't need that. I know... I'm being a whiney butt and I need to stop this freakin' insanity!
I'm done now. I will catch up on some of my blog reading. I wish you all success in the coming week. This can be done! It's a challenge we can all overcome!
♥ Dottie
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Weigh-In Time
Vacation is supposed to be a time for your spirit to renew and feel better. But it just didn't happen for me and it stinks. I did enjoy the trip and all the sights...but everyday I thought about the dog I would never see again. It was bittersweet I guess.
Emotionally, I'm feeling a bit like a train wreck. I haven't binged or anything though. Amazing...maybe I'm starting to have some control over this food relationship.
Anyway, I'm not so concerned about this half pound gain. I got other things on my mind. Now that the nicer weather seems to finally be here, I'm hoping to get moving outside more.
Enjoy your day!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Weigh-In Time
Next week I will be on vacation...so looking forward to it! I don't plan to pig out or have free-for-alls; however, I'm not going to stress out over any of it either. I intend to eat when I'm hungry. Plus... I'm thinking we will be doing quite a bit of walking and exploring so it really shouldn't be an issue.
Thanks so much for your continued support. I really appreciate it.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!! WE CAN DO IT!
♥ Dottie