Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Getting Older Sucks

Of course I haven't been writing because the quest has been stalled.  I feel badly for not writing through my pain and disappointments.  Life isn't all about ups, it has it's downs too.  It just feels like I haven't had much visible success.  I know I've grown a lot spiritually, but that's not reflecting my physical body.  I was hoping that it would.  But it hasn't.  I know that I need to put the Lord first.  I believe I've known this for a long time and have yet to act upon it.  I need to get up early and read my scriptures instead of worrying about a work-out.  I need to exercise my spirit as well as my physical body. 

When it comes to my body, I'm so disappointed.  I refuse to go out and get new pants that fit me better.  The tight pants are a reminder every day that I need to change something.  And something needs to change quickly.  I have been making efforts to eat better and eliminate certain foods during the day, i.e. candy, cookies, and chips.  Life is so much better now that Halloween is over and done with and all the candy is in the garbage. But there has been no change, for good, in my weight.  In fact I have actually GAINED more weight.  What the heck?  So discouraging.  I really do just want to give up on this aging body of mine.  I know I'm still just in my thirties, but I really do feel as though it's harder to lose weight then it was in my twenties.  Eegads, man.  The wrinkles are a little deeper and more defined, the gray hairs are more and more.  Now that I've started dying my hair my roots look worse and worse.  So begins the cycle of dying my hair.  Gag a mag.  What is a girl to do? 

For one, stop the pitty party and do SOMETHING  about it.  I've seen lots of older people lose weight.  I know the science is there, fewer calories in more lbs lost.  If it were only that simple.  Unfortunately there are a lot of emotions connected to the food that I choose to eat.  I want to lose weight badly.  If it were that easy with will power.  But will power is weak when an addiction is attached.

I've gained so much valuable information in the last 6 months that I'm confused on where to begin.  I know the change that I desire has to come from the inside first.  No matter how much weight I lose, if I don't find peace with who I am, I will still be un-happy.  And all the weight will come back on, as it has in the past.  It always comes back.  I've kept a portion of the weight off.  But not completely.

I need for my lifestyle to change.  For me to look at veggies as life food, not diet food.  I know I've said this before.  I continue in my own personal cycle.  I want for this cycle to end. 

I am going to go and purchase the new 12 step program that is used by the LDS church.  I am going to start on step 1.  I know that with the help of gospel principles and the Atonement of Jesus Christ I will find that change I desire on the inside.  **Sigh**

Getting older still sucks, right now.  I know that my older self can feel just as good as my younger self.  I do have to make some major changes for that to happen. 

I am going to be more diligent in writing as well.  I know that I will have more success if I am honest with myself and write things down. 

I did purchase another diet book that I am excited to try.  I am going to start it on Monday.  I'm a creature of habit, and I always have to start things new on a Monday.  Besides, my book isn't coming until Thursday. 

I still desire change, I still desire weight loss, I'm just taking the really, really, really, really, really long way to get there.  It will happen, I'm confident of that. 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day 4: Getting better prepared

Last night I called Melissa in tears.  Trying to please Diet Power has comletely psyched me out.  I had to call her to get my mind smoothed out.  She gave me some great advice and a guide to follow.  She gave me 12 groups to choose from.  Advising me to mix 3 or 4 of these to make a meal.  She still encouraged me to count my calories.  But if I choose from these groups things should balance out. 
1- Almonds, nuts
2- Beans, legumes
3- Spinach, green, yellow, red bell peppers, dark veggies
4- Dairy
5- Oatmeal
6- Eggs
7- Turkey, tilapia, chicken
8- Peanut, Almond, or Cashew Butter
9- Whole grains
10- Whey protein powder, Ricotta cheese
11- Berries, melon
12- Olive Oil

This is just a quick run through.  I'm hoping to get the book from her to read more on it.  I've talked about this before, a little, in an effort to take the guess work out of eating, and easy on the wallet, I'm making a daily menu and eating it for a week.  The only thing that is going to differ is dinner.  And even then, just the protein is going to differ.  I'm going to try and not eat carbs at dinner, and just a huge salad with a side of veggies.  I've done this in the past and noticed a difference just after a week, in my belly that is.  One of my huge trouble areas. 

I worked out with M this morning and wanted to cry.  I forgot how hard her workouts are.  Even though they are difficult, they are equally rewarding.  Knowing I survived and didn't die is a miracle.  I might feel like fainting or vomiting, but as long as I can  walk out of the house its all good.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Day 3: I might as well start all over again

It's been another crappy day eating.  I'm trying not to over analyse my eating.  But I am.  So I turn to the stupid Halloween candy for comfort.  Since I can't figure out what the right things are to eat, I eat what comforts me.  Which is the most ridiculous thing to do when you are trying to lose weight and change your life.  I never brought my Halloween candy to Melissa.  Well, that will happen for sure tomorrow morning. 

I think my problem is poor planning.  I don't have a menu planned out, I don't have the right foods stocked in my fridge and pantry.  That is a set up for failure!  I'm going to sit down this evening and plan out my menu.  Everything from Breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks.  I can't be shooting from the hip.  That just doesn't work for me. 

I'm trying not to let myself get down.  I know I'm not retarded when it comes to food.  But for some reason this go around I am certainly struggling more then usual.  I thought this diet power dvd was going to be the answer to all my prayers.  But it's just added to my woes!!

One thing is for sure.  I'm not willing to give up so easy.  I'm not going to.  I've learned so much in the last few months that something has to give, change. 

I did manage to go on two walks today totaling 60 minutes.  Yay me!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Day 2: Not so Good

I could have had a better day.  But I didn't.  I volunteered a month ago to make lunch for the Camp Meeting for today.  I made two different types of pizza and a pasta/spinach salad.  How could I NOT eat and indulge in all that scrumptious food?  So I didn't.  And it was good.  And I feel guilty.  To add injury to insult I ate more then I needed to of Halloween Candy.  UGH!!!  On top of all of that they had a great meal at Enrichment, Cafe Rio Burritos!  How could I NOT pass that up?  So I didn't.  I am proud to say that I didn't eat all of the cheesecake they served.  I probably ate 3/4 of it. 

It was NOT a good day.  I'm so glad tomorrow is a new day.  I think the whole grade thing is what's throwing me for a loop on that Diet Power.  I'm stumped as to how to get a stinking A.  I think the key is to eat low-fat protiens.  I think I'll try that approach tomorrow.  That has to be how to get an A.

I did make it to M's house to work out.  I am already feeling the effects of that.  It's been 6 months, and it shows.  My back is weak, my core is weak, and I can't do as many push-ups.  But at least I'm back in the game again. 

Thank goodness tomorrow is a new day.  I pray that it will be better. 

Monday, November 1, 2010

Day 1: So Far, So Good

I woke up early this morning to do the p90x stretch DVD.  It felt good.  I just wish I had uninterrupted time.  Between Hubs leaving for work, and Child #1 getting ready for school, it was a bust.  But I was determined to get in at least 30 minutes, and what I did felt good. 

Eating has been great.  According to Diet Power I'm only getting a F.  How in the heck am I going to get an A?  Veggies don't count for a high number, which I thought they would.  I guess there is a learning curve to the program and I'm willing to plug along to learn it.  It is good to sit down after every meal and log what I'm eating and how many calories.  Halloween Candy is still lurking around my house, and at Grandma's.  I could have so easily stuck my hand out and eaten 2,3 or 4 small candies.  But that habit is what has gotten me 10lbs heavier then I was in the beginning of the summer.  I simply stopped thinking about them and went on my merry way.  As for the candy in my own pantry, that's a different story.  I am going to have to take a new strategy to that.  I'm going to call up M and ask if she will hold onto my candy for me.  My kids don't need it, I don't need, not even the Hubs needs it.  She can keep it till Christmas when the stockings need to be stuffed!!  How does that sound for strategy?  Tell me it's good.

I didn't get to work out at 9am.  Sigh.  Hubs insisted I run a few errands before my regular routine of cleaning Grandma's house.  I am determined to get in at least 60 minutes of exercise.  That means instead of being gone for 30 minutes this afternoon, I'll be gone for 60 minutes.  I HAVE to get in 60 minutes.   For me and body type and genetics, exercise is crucial.  It does wonders to my front butt, and my mind.  This week looks to be a glorious Autumn event.  I'm thrilled with the forcasted Temps and hope to take full advantage. 

I made it on my job/walk this afternoon.  I went for 40 minutes. 

The thing that frustrates me the most is not getting an A on that stupid program.  I ate too much fat today thinking I was doing well.  I stayed within my calorie budget, but went over on fat.  I guess I need a lesson on good protiens that are low in fat.  HELP!!  I'll experiment with chicken and tilapia and see where that gets me.  UGH!!!

I'm not giving up.  It's only the first day.  It was a good day!! 

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Being Truely Grateful

Yesterday I called M so she could get her brain wrapped around the idea of me coming again every Tuesday and Thursday morning.  I've missed getting beat up and the change that comes only through weight training.  I talked with M  for a good hour, or more.  I had a huge a-ha moment while talking with her.

Lately I've been focused on being more grateful.  I realized that I have never thanked my Heavenly Father for the body that he has given.  Cuz I've never been grateful for it.  Or when I was grateful for my body I never expressed it.  I thought I had been thankful. As the sentenced tried to make it's way out of my mouth it came to a scretching halt.  No, I have not once, not ever never said I'm thank you for my body. 

Besides my extra weight, what do I have to complain about?  I could hike up a mountain if I wanted to.  It would be a bit difficult, but I could do it.  I can go on a walk, a run.  Go for a swim a bike ride.  I have the ability to care for my children, cook dinner, carry my laundry up and down the stairs, pull weeds from the garden, mow my lawn, stretch my every aching body. 

I truely believe that if we have more gratitude in our lives we become a happier, more loving people.  Maybe this is true of myself.  If I am more grateful and show that gratitude for my body, is it possible for me to start treating myself with love and respect and become happier?  That is my hope, my prayer.  Gratitude for my body is something I am going to start expressing to my Heavenly Father.  This is the vessel in which he gave me to experience this life.  How can I NOT be grateful for that.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Preparations

I am preparing to start a new way of life on Nov. 1st.  In the past 2 months I have gained 4lbs.  Which is disheartening to me.  And it's all due to me eating like I'm a teenager.  I'm not even in my twenties, but my mid-thirties.  This type of eating is just not sustainable for my ever changing and maturing body.  This way of life must stop and change into something more grown-up and sophisticated. 

My hope is to make permanent changes that will help me to loose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I know that it is not going to "just happen".  I have to put my faith to work.  And it is going to be work.  Temptations are still going to be there and I am going to have to fight them everyday. 

I was introduced to a program called Diet Power 4.4 that tracks your calories and exercise.  I have set a goal to lose 10lbs by December 31st.  My husband thinks I'm crazy to do it over the holidays.  But the holidays come around every year.  I want to prove to myself that I am strong enough to make the right choices and to overcome temptations.  I'm just tired of my pants not fitting.  Something has to be done. 

I am still going to be working on my addiction to food through He Did Deliver Me From Bondage.  There are issues that still need to be addressed and a void that I'm still trying to fill with food. 

I am going to run through the rest of the Fall and Winter.  I know that running really does help me lose weight.  I'm going to still run outside when the sun is shining, when possible.  I am going to wake up before the sun and do yoga and stretching.  This is important to my mental and back health.  I'm so over getting up and beating myself up with hard aerobics.  That can wait till later in the day.  I want to wake up slowly and give myself a little love.  I am going to start adding in weight training.  I've missed that more then anything.  I just don't have the self motivation to do it on my own.  Enter Melissa. 

I haven't been blogging for fear of failure.  There is a certain number that I get down to and I can't seem to get past that number.  I can never seem to go longer then 3 months.  This trend must stop.  I have to get below that plateau number.  I will.  I have to.  It's for my health, my life, and my spirituality.  I know I've said this before.  I have a lot of conviction this time and a lot more perspective.  I'm ready.  I want my life to be full of vigor and joy.  Not tiredness and mediocre.

I'm starting my 100 days over.  I'm breaking it down by 30 days at a time.  November 1st, 2010 will be the beginning day.  The 100th day will be February 10th.  Unfortunately I now have 30lbs to lose instead of just 20.  100 days will not be efficent for me to reach my goal.  But I will be closer then I am today.  And we have to start somewhere. 

I know I am not the only one struggling.  I open this blog up to anyone who would like to join me in my quest.  I am going to be posting questions from He Did Deliver Me From Bondage and hope to get insight from others who are struggling just like I am.  I know that there is great power in numbers.  My hope is that we all can learn and overcome together.