Just another Sunday...relaxing and enjoyable. We chatted with the children about the importance of baptism because S will be baptized this August. She is very excited - we all are!
Happy Walking!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Day 220: Should have seen it coming...
I didn't wake up this morning until 9:30am...yeah, 9:30! I also woke up with a really bad sore throat...I should have seen it coming.
1 - The weather is still fairly unpredictable - some days super sunny, other days very rainy. it is for the most part warm & humid.
2 - The house is kept fairly cool. I am not crazy about the temp inside the house, but the electronics work better when the temp is cooler...so I don't really get a say. I just know that going from the warmth outside to the cool inside doesn't help you stay healthy.
3 - At least one child has been running a low fever all week...this usually spells disaster for me.
On the plus side, getting my walk in was a no brainer. No debates whatsoever - I know it is best for me to keep it up then not to do it. I have also evolved from comfort foods that are on the unhealthy side to comfort foods that are fairly healthy - lots of oatmeal! I also chose not to beat myself up about it. I slept in, so I took the day off - lots of reading on the couch or in bed.
Being sick is just part of the ups & downs of the journey. Hopefully I will be able to bounce back fairly quickly.
Happy Walking!
1 - The weather is still fairly unpredictable - some days super sunny, other days very rainy. it is for the most part warm & humid.
2 - The house is kept fairly cool. I am not crazy about the temp inside the house, but the electronics work better when the temp is cooler...so I don't really get a say. I just know that going from the warmth outside to the cool inside doesn't help you stay healthy.
3 - At least one child has been running a low fever all week...this usually spells disaster for me.
On the plus side, getting my walk in was a no brainer. No debates whatsoever - I know it is best for me to keep it up then not to do it. I have also evolved from comfort foods that are on the unhealthy side to comfort foods that are fairly healthy - lots of oatmeal! I also chose not to beat myself up about it. I slept in, so I took the day off - lots of reading on the couch or in bed.
Being sick is just part of the ups & downs of the journey. Hopefully I will be able to bounce back fairly quickly.
Happy Walking!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Day 219: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 27
1. I am very thankful my husband backs me up - even when it isn't the most convenient. The children had a rough day, we originally had a fun day planned because Steve had friends coming over to play board games all day. Steve still got his fun day, but the children had a very different day - one that involved a lot of house work, errands and school work. I think the children got the point that it is better to do the work when I ask then discover the consequence is a loss in fun things planned. I know some fathers who constantly over ride their wives (and vice versa), so I am very thankful that doesn't happen with Steve & I.
2. Steve reading out loud to the family. Last summer Steve read us the Dragonlance series out loud - we all loved it. This summer, Steve is reading Starship Troopers out loud - we are loving it. Not only does Steve make the book fun (lots of different "voices" - plus he can do a drill sergeant perfect), but we are also having a lot of discussion about value, cost, citizenship, patriotism, hard work, choices, accountability, etc... it has been a very cool week.
3. A great week of doing hard things. All of my children balk at having to do the really hard things. For one child it is spelling and for another child it is reading (the third child is currently doing well in most things). So, we have started a tradition that every day after breakfast we will practice doing hard things for 30 minutes. If the child doesn't feel like working on spelling or reading then they can help me weed the ward - our ward is exploding with weeds. I love this system because I get about 30 minutes of weeding in every day and my children happily work on hard things (trust me, they would rather do hard school work than weed). Also, I didn't pick what they should work on, they did....maybe not in direct words like, "I need to work on spelling", but in other ways - like "I hate working on personal progress because they want me to write everything down, why can't I just say it out loud?"
4. That my mom seems to be doing so much better (health wise) - love you, mom!
5. The opportunity to express my gratitude...amazing how it always lifts me up.
2. Steve reading out loud to the family. Last summer Steve read us the Dragonlance series out loud - we all loved it. This summer, Steve is reading Starship Troopers out loud - we are loving it. Not only does Steve make the book fun (lots of different "voices" - plus he can do a drill sergeant perfect), but we are also having a lot of discussion about value, cost, citizenship, patriotism, hard work, choices, accountability, etc... it has been a very cool week.
3. A great week of doing hard things. All of my children balk at having to do the really hard things. For one child it is spelling and for another child it is reading (the third child is currently doing well in most things). So, we have started a tradition that every day after breakfast we will practice doing hard things for 30 minutes. If the child doesn't feel like working on spelling or reading then they can help me weed the ward - our ward is exploding with weeds. I love this system because I get about 30 minutes of weeding in every day and my children happily work on hard things (trust me, they would rather do hard school work than weed). Also, I didn't pick what they should work on, they did....maybe not in direct words like, "I need to work on spelling", but in other ways - like "I hate working on personal progress because they want me to write everything down, why can't I just say it out loud?"
4. That my mom seems to be doing so much better (health wise) - love you, mom!
5. The opportunity to express my gratitude...amazing how it always lifts me up.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Day 218: Side Note...
Tonight's post is a complete side note, er, side track....has absolutely nothing to do with my journey.
With that said, Steve and I just watched Hunger Games - no I have not read the books yet, but I am going to have to...as good as the movie was, and it was good, I have too many unanswered questions and felt like there were a few too many plot holes in the movie. Ugh, this is why I normally read a book before watching the movie and why sometimes I refuse to watch a movie based on a book!
Anyway, the movie was good and it was nice to have a date with my husband...even if we were just at home watching a movie.
Happy Walking!
With that said, Steve and I just watched Hunger Games - no I have not read the books yet, but I am going to have to...as good as the movie was, and it was good, I have too many unanswered questions and felt like there were a few too many plot holes in the movie. Ugh, this is why I normally read a book before watching the movie and why sometimes I refuse to watch a movie based on a book!
Anyway, the movie was good and it was nice to have a date with my husband...even if we were just at home watching a movie.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Day 217: Value
Steve is reading "Starship Troopers" out loud to the family. The book is really good and I am learning a lot about my husband (for those who may not know, Starship Troopers is basically a military book set in the future).
One of the themes in the book, so far, is value. What is of value and how do determine the value? The book explains that all the best things in life are not free (despite the song), but can not be purchased with money either. All the truly important things are paid for by sacrifice, hard work, endurance, etc. And in truth, the only thing that we, as humans, own that has value is our life. Thus, laying down our life for others or for a cause (I am thinking the Revolutionary War since we are studying that in history) is paying for something of value with the greatest value we own. Hope that sentence makes sense.
Probably an odd thought on a walking journey blog, but it has mean thinking...the goal is to be healthy. What price am I willing to pay for that health? I can't purchase my health with money - but I can purchase it with my habits, my time and my hard work. If I truly value health or if I see health as a having high value than I will pay the price for it. It is really that simple.
Do I value my health? Am I willing to pay the price? Honestly, I think I am still deciding. I think being healthy has value, but I also haven't been paying a very high price for it. Sure, I am being consistent and I have established a habit, but deep down, I know I could do more and I should do more. Perhaps my actions suggest that I don't really see being healthy as valuable as I profess.
Just something to think about...
Happy Walking!
One of the themes in the book, so far, is value. What is of value and how do determine the value? The book explains that all the best things in life are not free (despite the song), but can not be purchased with money either. All the truly important things are paid for by sacrifice, hard work, endurance, etc. And in truth, the only thing that we, as humans, own that has value is our life. Thus, laying down our life for others or for a cause (I am thinking the Revolutionary War since we are studying that in history) is paying for something of value with the greatest value we own. Hope that sentence makes sense.
Probably an odd thought on a walking journey blog, but it has mean thinking...the goal is to be healthy. What price am I willing to pay for that health? I can't purchase my health with money - but I can purchase it with my habits, my time and my hard work. If I truly value health or if I see health as a having high value than I will pay the price for it. It is really that simple.
Do I value my health? Am I willing to pay the price? Honestly, I think I am still deciding. I think being healthy has value, but I also haven't been paying a very high price for it. Sure, I am being consistent and I have established a habit, but deep down, I know I could do more and I should do more. Perhaps my actions suggest that I don't really see being healthy as valuable as I profess.
Just something to think about...
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day 216: Tired
I gotta post what I am thinking and feeling...and food is still on the brain.
Nutrition is a top priority, but little things can make it harder.
I have posted a ton about eating out or being home without a plan.
Today, I encountered a 3rd obstacle - being too tired.
I was up late last night and felt sluggish all day. As a result, my choices at meal times were not the best....even though I had a plan. I either ignored the plan or only followed part of the plan. Breakfast was the best, but it went down hill from there. Thankfully, by dinner, I figured out that I wasn't really hungry for what I was eating - I just wanted something that took no brain power. For lunch I ate pancakes, but didn't bother to round it out with fruit or protein. I just mindlessly ate the pancakes.
Not sure how to overcome the problem of "tired eating" except to make sure I get enough sleep each night - which I need to do anyway. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to find that most of my eating habits have less to do with nutrition and hunger and more to do with bad habits In some ways that is depressing...but in other ways, it is cool to be learning all these things about myself.
By the way, for dinner, I had roasted potatoes and salad. I think that was a pretty decent meal.
Happy Walking!
Nutrition is a top priority, but little things can make it harder.
I have posted a ton about eating out or being home without a plan.
Today, I encountered a 3rd obstacle - being too tired.
I was up late last night and felt sluggish all day. As a result, my choices at meal times were not the best....even though I had a plan. I either ignored the plan or only followed part of the plan. Breakfast was the best, but it went down hill from there. Thankfully, by dinner, I figured out that I wasn't really hungry for what I was eating - I just wanted something that took no brain power. For lunch I ate pancakes, but didn't bother to round it out with fruit or protein. I just mindlessly ate the pancakes.
Not sure how to overcome the problem of "tired eating" except to make sure I get enough sleep each night - which I need to do anyway. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to find that most of my eating habits have less to do with nutrition and hunger and more to do with bad habits In some ways that is depressing...but in other ways, it is cool to be learning all these things about myself.
By the way, for dinner, I had roasted potatoes and salad. I think that was a pretty decent meal.
Happy Walking!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Day 215: Eating Out
I have been eating out a lot lately. It started when Steve was out of town and I wanted to do something fun for the children. Then we ate out a couple of times when Steve got back. Then I have gone out to eat with some friends. Then went out to eat on a date with Steve. Then went out to eat a couple of times to watch the hockey games with one of Steve's friends (and the friends' family). Anyway, I have been eating out a lot.
Here is something I have noticed.
When I eat healthy during the day and eat a small portion at the restaurant, I still feel full, but light and satisfied. If I eat healthy during the day and eat a big portion at the restaurant, then I feel over full - almost bloated.
I wonder how I would feel if I ate less healthy through out the day, then ate at restaurant? Hmmm..
I know restaurant food is high in calories and isn't the best food...but I really love eating out. Maybe it is because I don't have to cook or clean? Or maybe because I am convinced food tastes better when someone else cooks it?
Questions that will have to be answered at another time...I don't have the answers yet!!!
And really, instead of trying to answer those questions I should just get better at eating at home.
Happy Walking!
Here is something I have noticed.
When I eat healthy during the day and eat a small portion at the restaurant, I still feel full, but light and satisfied. If I eat healthy during the day and eat a big portion at the restaurant, then I feel over full - almost bloated.
I wonder how I would feel if I ate less healthy through out the day, then ate at restaurant? Hmmm..
I know restaurant food is high in calories and isn't the best food...but I really love eating out. Maybe it is because I don't have to cook or clean? Or maybe because I am convinced food tastes better when someone else cooks it?
Questions that will have to be answered at another time...I don't have the answers yet!!!
And really, instead of trying to answer those questions I should just get better at eating at home.
Happy Walking!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Day 214: habits
I have been thinking a lot lately about habits.
I think it is safe to say that everyone finds it hard to establish good habits, easy to break good habits, easy to start bad habits and hard to break bad habits. I really wish that wasn't true...but it certainly seems that way.
I have often heard that it is better to never start a bad habit so you never have to quit - this good advice is usually meant for something like smoking or taking drugs. But habits - good or bad - are a part of everything we do.
Getting to bed on time is a habit. Sleeping in is a habit (that is if you do it every day - it is a treat when it happens in a blue moon). Eating healthy, exercise....all of it is habits.
I have freely admitted in the past that not all of my walks are of the same caliber. When I have been tremendously sick, I still walk but not at the same intensity as when I am healthy - that is because I am trying to keep the habit, not necessarily stay fit.
I have been pondering if that same type of idea/principle applies to other areas of my life - eating healthier, getting adequate sleep, studying scriptures, reading, home schooling...you get the idea.
I have a tendency to be an all or nothing kind of gal. I am either 100% gung-ho for a current project/plan/idea or I want nothing to do with it. I truly want to become a more middle of the road kind of gal. One who can be more consistent with the habits I attempt to make.
It is okay to be 100% when getting rid of a bad habit...it is great to be 100% when keeping a good habit....and sometimes, it is just about being some kind of consistent.
Happy Walking!
I think it is safe to say that everyone finds it hard to establish good habits, easy to break good habits, easy to start bad habits and hard to break bad habits. I really wish that wasn't true...but it certainly seems that way.
I have often heard that it is better to never start a bad habit so you never have to quit - this good advice is usually meant for something like smoking or taking drugs. But habits - good or bad - are a part of everything we do.
Getting to bed on time is a habit. Sleeping in is a habit (that is if you do it every day - it is a treat when it happens in a blue moon). Eating healthy, exercise....all of it is habits.
I have freely admitted in the past that not all of my walks are of the same caliber. When I have been tremendously sick, I still walk but not at the same intensity as when I am healthy - that is because I am trying to keep the habit, not necessarily stay fit.
I have been pondering if that same type of idea/principle applies to other areas of my life - eating healthier, getting adequate sleep, studying scriptures, reading, home schooling...you get the idea.
I have a tendency to be an all or nothing kind of gal. I am either 100% gung-ho for a current project/plan/idea or I want nothing to do with it. I truly want to become a more middle of the road kind of gal. One who can be more consistent with the habits I attempt to make.
It is okay to be 100% when getting rid of a bad habit...it is great to be 100% when keeping a good habit....and sometimes, it is just about being some kind of consistent.
Happy Walking!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Day 212: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 26
1. My two oldest children working very hard this morning to get all the "have-to's" off of our list. Not only did they help with grocery shopping & laundry, but they also helped me clean the whole house, make pasta salad and make peanut butter fudge. We have a lot going on this weekend & this morning was the only time to get all the important stuff done. I am so thankful that they are old enough to help, but more importantly, willing to help.
2. The opportunity for K & I to help out with a day camp that S attended today & yesterday. The day camp is sponsored by our church & for girls 8-11 years old. I love helping out. It was a lot of fun working along side K. I was very impressed that she did not wait to be told what to do, but would ask for assignments or simply start helping. She is a pretty amazing person.
3. That S had a wonderful 2 day's at day camp! She made some cute things, played silly songs & even got to be in a play. Her part was a lizard...which she chose herself because her brother loves lizards!
4. My son helping his sister with her lizard costume. He let her borrow his very green dinosaur hoodie, but he also made her a green collar so she would look like one of their favorite stuff animal lizards.
5. A wonderful friend who graciously watched Z all day Thursday while K & I volunteered at the day camp. I would not have been able to help out, if my friend had not helped me out....and truly that is a big part of service - everyone helping everyone so the work can get done.
Happy Walking!
2. The opportunity for K & I to help out with a day camp that S attended today & yesterday. The day camp is sponsored by our church & for girls 8-11 years old. I love helping out. It was a lot of fun working along side K. I was very impressed that she did not wait to be told what to do, but would ask for assignments or simply start helping. She is a pretty amazing person.
3. That S had a wonderful 2 day's at day camp! She made some cute things, played silly songs & even got to be in a play. Her part was a lizard...which she chose herself because her brother loves lizards!
4. My son helping his sister with her lizard costume. He let her borrow his very green dinosaur hoodie, but he also made her a green collar so she would look like one of their favorite stuff animal lizards.
5. A wonderful friend who graciously watched Z all day Thursday while K & I volunteered at the day camp. I would not have been able to help out, if my friend had not helped me out....and truly that is a big part of service - everyone helping everyone so the work can get done.
Happy Walking!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Day 211: Mourning with a bit of hope
Another post about food....
I am finding that I am not perfect at eating super healthy during the day so I can eat "whatever" at night if something pops up (and yes, that is a possibility at my house). I realize that is going to take a lot of time and practice.
But going from eating too much junk to eating super healthy is a series of baby steps. Just like walking or being more productive or anything worth doing...
The baby step I seem to be doing well at is only indulging in one thing at a time.
I love grilled cheese sandwiches. In the past, I would eat one too many, with a ton of tater tots & a root beer float. Why? I don't know...it is just a good combination. don't believe me? Try it!!! (I will live vicariously through you....)
Now, the new me, has figured out that I can have the grilled cheese sandwich, but I need to have just one (and preferably a small sandwich) and I need to drop all the other fun with it - water & a salad and/or fruit is a much better (and healthier) way to round out that meal.
Do I miss the old way of eating? yes...but maybe in time I will appreciate (maybe even like) the new way. I know my body does...
Happy Walking!
I am finding that I am not perfect at eating super healthy during the day so I can eat "whatever" at night if something pops up (and yes, that is a possibility at my house). I realize that is going to take a lot of time and practice.
But going from eating too much junk to eating super healthy is a series of baby steps. Just like walking or being more productive or anything worth doing...
The baby step I seem to be doing well at is only indulging in one thing at a time.
I love grilled cheese sandwiches. In the past, I would eat one too many, with a ton of tater tots & a root beer float. Why? I don't know...it is just a good combination. don't believe me? Try it!!! (I will live vicariously through you....)
Now, the new me, has figured out that I can have the grilled cheese sandwich, but I need to have just one (and preferably a small sandwich) and I need to drop all the other fun with it - water & a salad and/or fruit is a much better (and healthier) way to round out that meal.
Do I miss the old way of eating? yes...but maybe in time I will appreciate (maybe even like) the new way. I know my body does...
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Day 210: The journey
I don't know what to write about tonight. I was so busy last week that I didn't have time to write and this week I seem to be lazy. (I hate being lazy and hate admitting it even more.)
Since starting this journey, I have gone on a roller coaster ride of working hard and doing the bare minimum - in all areas of my life. I have come to realize that I am naturally a lazy person who procrastinates. I am not putting myself down or beating myself up...it is just one aspect of my personality. Sometimes being lazy & procrastinating is a good thing - I tend to be more spontaneous & relaxed which results in a fun day. The danger is when I have too many days like that in a row because it slowly turns to a kind of selfishness where I just want to spend my day reading a book, playing on my ipad or watching a movie.
The balance is there somewhere. If I am too structured, it burns me out. If I am too relaxed then I don't take good care of myself, my family or the house. But the balanced me, sticks to a good routine that slowly moves me forward on projects but leaves the door open for some unplanned fun.
How I walk (meaning the time of day and how briskly) correlates pretty strongly with this aspect of my personality. I am starting to think how well I eat correlates too...again, I am going to have to keep track somehow....
I can honestly say that even if I don't lose one pound at the end of the year, I am really glad I went on this journey. Making & keeping the goal to walk & blog has been a huge eye opener. I have learned a lot about myself - stuff I like and don't like, stuff I want to improve, keep and discard, and stuff I forgot.
And, I think, at the end of the year, that will prove more valuable than any actual weight loss.
Happy Walking!
Since starting this journey, I have gone on a roller coaster ride of working hard and doing the bare minimum - in all areas of my life. I have come to realize that I am naturally a lazy person who procrastinates. I am not putting myself down or beating myself up...it is just one aspect of my personality. Sometimes being lazy & procrastinating is a good thing - I tend to be more spontaneous & relaxed which results in a fun day. The danger is when I have too many days like that in a row because it slowly turns to a kind of selfishness where I just want to spend my day reading a book, playing on my ipad or watching a movie.
The balance is there somewhere. If I am too structured, it burns me out. If I am too relaxed then I don't take good care of myself, my family or the house. But the balanced me, sticks to a good routine that slowly moves me forward on projects but leaves the door open for some unplanned fun.
How I walk (meaning the time of day and how briskly) correlates pretty strongly with this aspect of my personality. I am starting to think how well I eat correlates too...again, I am going to have to keep track somehow....
I can honestly say that even if I don't lose one pound at the end of the year, I am really glad I went on this journey. Making & keeping the goal to walk & blog has been a huge eye opener. I have learned a lot about myself - stuff I like and don't like, stuff I want to improve, keep and discard, and stuff I forgot.
And, I think, at the end of the year, that will prove more valuable than any actual weight loss.
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Day 209: Misplanned
Not a crazy day, just a misplanned day....I hate those kind of days. When I have a vague idea of what is happening, but don't do anything to ensure all the important things get done...than it becomes 9pm at night, I am madly writing a blog, trying to get children into bed and still have to go for a walk...it is a misplanned day.
But never fear, walking I will do (and thankfully it isn't too hot tonight). And maybe, tomorrow, I will do a better job....
Happy Walking!
But never fear, walking I will do (and thankfully it isn't too hot tonight). And maybe, tomorrow, I will do a better job....
Happy Walking!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Day 208: Happy Food Day!!!!
I had dinner plans for tonight so decided to try something different - eat super healthy all day long & then indulge in only 1 item at the restaurant.
Normally when I eat out (especially a nice place), I watn to eat everything - a salad, an appetizer, the main entree and a dessert. Sure, I take some home, but I still eat way to much.
Today, I had my normal breakfast (oatmeal, fruit & toast w/ PB), a salad for lunch, yogurt w/ Raisin Bran for a snack. Super healthy (for me), plus fairly "light".
For dinner, I opted for the lasagna - my favorite Italian dish - and only ate half. No dessert. No salad. One small toasted bread lightly dipped in oil and 2 full glasses of water.
Why do I mention all this?
1 - I ate healthy all day, so I don't feel bad about the choice I made for dinner.
2 - Because I chose to focus on my favorite item (and only eat half of it), I enjoyed every aspect of my dinner - including the "normal" feeling afterwards instead of the "overstuffed" feeling.
3 - I think that is the kind of balance I need every day with my meals. Eat healthy the majority of the day, when I do indulge - indulge small. Maybe, just maybe with that kind of balance then the not-so-fun nor pleasant digestive incident will become a thing of the past.
Anyway, I am super excited for my happy food day. It feels like an accomplishment. :)
Happy Walking!
Normally when I eat out (especially a nice place), I watn to eat everything - a salad, an appetizer, the main entree and a dessert. Sure, I take some home, but I still eat way to much.
Today, I had my normal breakfast (oatmeal, fruit & toast w/ PB), a salad for lunch, yogurt w/ Raisin Bran for a snack. Super healthy (for me), plus fairly "light".
For dinner, I opted for the lasagna - my favorite Italian dish - and only ate half. No dessert. No salad. One small toasted bread lightly dipped in oil and 2 full glasses of water.
Why do I mention all this?
1 - I ate healthy all day, so I don't feel bad about the choice I made for dinner.
2 - Because I chose to focus on my favorite item (and only eat half of it), I enjoyed every aspect of my dinner - including the "normal" feeling afterwards instead of the "overstuffed" feeling.
3 - I think that is the kind of balance I need every day with my meals. Eat healthy the majority of the day, when I do indulge - indulge small. Maybe, just maybe with that kind of balance then the not-so-fun nor pleasant digestive incident will become a thing of the past.
Anyway, I am super excited for my happy food day. It feels like an accomplishment. :)
Happy Walking!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Day 207: Happy Father's day!
Happy Father's Day to all those great men in my life - love you all!
Happy Walking!
Happy Walking!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Day 206: Food musings....
Yes, I am obsessing about food...it makes sense since I spent so many days on the liquid diet.
While I was on the liquid diet I lost around 5 pounds. I realize this is probably just water weight, but still it was totally cool to see the weight slip right off. Yes, I weighed myself every morning while on the liquid diet because I was curious. There are a ton of books/sites that recommend fasting, intermittent fasting, juicing, detoxing, etc...basically a super strict reduction in calories. Just by the fact that I was drinking my calories, my calories were reduced....trust me, not one day did I get close to 1500 calories while on the liquid diet.
Towards the end of the diet I felt positively light. My clothes were so comfortable - could hardly tell I had them on...you know what I mean?
Then I slowly started adding whole grains, fruits & veggies - still felt light, but the weight stopped slipping off. After being at the same weight 2 mornings in a row, I stopped weighing myself. I did not want to see those 5 pounds slip back on. Especially since this walking journey is about health, not a number.
By the time I added back in meat & dairy (today I added dairy back in)...I no longer felt light. That's right. I am sitting here writing this & don't feel light. I don't feel fat or heavy, but I don't feel light like I did earlier in the week. I guess it makes sense that I would feel heavier when eating meat and dairy, I mean, they are protein and do take longer to digest.
So that has me thinking...if I want to feel light all the time (and I do), then restricting calories is more than likely a big piece to the puzzle. But I don't like counting calories. And I don't like to restrict calories to the point where I feel deprived. Hunger is okay, deprived isn't. I also wonder if instead of worrying about calories, if I just focused on lots of whole grains, fruits & veggies would I feel light? or, at least, lighter than I feel now?
And if I choose not to eat a lot of meat & dairy than do I need to start worrying about how much protein & calcium I am getting...because trust me, that seems just as hard as counting calories.
And finally, when did eating get to be so hard? Sheesh, do all super healthy (i.e. trim & fit) people have to worry this much about what they are eating?
I don't have any answers tonight. I am probably not going to have any answers any time soon. I am going to try eating more whole grains, fruits, veggies compared to meat & dairy and see what happens. See if I can tell a difference.
Happy Walking!
While I was on the liquid diet I lost around 5 pounds. I realize this is probably just water weight, but still it was totally cool to see the weight slip right off. Yes, I weighed myself every morning while on the liquid diet because I was curious. There are a ton of books/sites that recommend fasting, intermittent fasting, juicing, detoxing, etc...basically a super strict reduction in calories. Just by the fact that I was drinking my calories, my calories were reduced....trust me, not one day did I get close to 1500 calories while on the liquid diet.
Towards the end of the diet I felt positively light. My clothes were so comfortable - could hardly tell I had them on...you know what I mean?
Then I slowly started adding whole grains, fruits & veggies - still felt light, but the weight stopped slipping off. After being at the same weight 2 mornings in a row, I stopped weighing myself. I did not want to see those 5 pounds slip back on. Especially since this walking journey is about health, not a number.
By the time I added back in meat & dairy (today I added dairy back in)...I no longer felt light. That's right. I am sitting here writing this & don't feel light. I don't feel fat or heavy, but I don't feel light like I did earlier in the week. I guess it makes sense that I would feel heavier when eating meat and dairy, I mean, they are protein and do take longer to digest.
So that has me thinking...if I want to feel light all the time (and I do), then restricting calories is more than likely a big piece to the puzzle. But I don't like counting calories. And I don't like to restrict calories to the point where I feel deprived. Hunger is okay, deprived isn't. I also wonder if instead of worrying about calories, if I just focused on lots of whole grains, fruits & veggies would I feel light? or, at least, lighter than I feel now?
And if I choose not to eat a lot of meat & dairy than do I need to start worrying about how much protein & calcium I am getting...because trust me, that seems just as hard as counting calories.
And finally, when did eating get to be so hard? Sheesh, do all super healthy (i.e. trim & fit) people have to worry this much about what they are eating?
I don't have any answers tonight. I am probably not going to have any answers any time soon. I am going to try eating more whole grains, fruits, veggies compared to meat & dairy and see what happens. See if I can tell a difference.
Happy Walking!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Day 205: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 25
1. Children laughing, playing, using their imagination and just enjoying life in general.
2. Heavenly Father blessing us this week with safety, peace of mind, and good friends.
3. Having the "right" stuff to get some hard things done this week - like putting together the desks with my children. It was hard. It would have been easier to wait until Steve could have done it himself...but darn it, I wanted to be the one to do it!
4. Bright, warm sun shiny days! How I love the warmer seasons.
5. A husband home.
2. Heavenly Father blessing us this week with safety, peace of mind, and good friends.
3. Having the "right" stuff to get some hard things done this week - like putting together the desks with my children. It was hard. It would have been easier to wait until Steve could have done it himself...but darn it, I wanted to be the one to do it!
4. Bright, warm sun shiny days! How I love the warmer seasons.
5. A husband home.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Day 204: One Day More...
One Day More and this crazy week ends!!! I am so exhausted tonight - a good exhausted. The kind of exhaustion that means you spent a wonderful day with friends and family doing fun things. Also the kind of exhaustion that means you should sleep soundly...aaaah.
The wonderful thing about little breaks in a routine is the overwhelming to get back to the routine!
Even though I walked every day this week, I am looking forward to the normal routine of walking with the children each morning...
Happy Walking!
The wonderful thing about little breaks in a routine is the overwhelming to get back to the routine!
Even though I walked every day this week, I am looking forward to the normal routine of walking with the children each morning...
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Day 203: Cravings...
Who knew cravings for processed food would be this strong just one day after starting solid foods again? I mean, seriously?
When I felt terrible and could only have liquids the idea of eating 100% healthy - fruits, veggies, whole grains, very little meat & dairy sounded grand. Sounded like the best thing for the body - just what this girl needs.
Today? I couldn't figure out what I wanted. None of the healthy foods sounded "right"...oh, the thought of a pop tart, or buttery popcorn (the microwaveable kind), chips, fries, cheeseburgers...ooooh, that sounded delicious!!!
I didn't cave, I ate healthy all day....just surprised that the cravings are still that strong. Kind of wondering when it gets easier.
Happy Walking!
When I felt terrible and could only have liquids the idea of eating 100% healthy - fruits, veggies, whole grains, very little meat & dairy sounded grand. Sounded like the best thing for the body - just what this girl needs.
Today? I couldn't figure out what I wanted. None of the healthy foods sounded "right"...oh, the thought of a pop tart, or buttery popcorn (the microwaveable kind), chips, fries, cheeseburgers...ooooh, that sounded delicious!!!
I didn't cave, I ate healthy all day....just surprised that the cravings are still that strong. Kind of wondering when it gets easier.
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Day 202: Flying by!
This week is just flying by! I know, I know it is only Tuesday, but oh, my gosh! I feel like we have had a jammed pack week in only 2 days!
Maybe the difference is how I am feeling - great!!!! I really am enjoying being pain free and eating foods (healthy) again. It really is the simple pleasures in life that make all the difference.
Happy Walking!
Maybe the difference is how I am feeling - great!!!! I really am enjoying being pain free and eating foods (healthy) again. It really is the simple pleasures in life that make all the difference.
Happy Walking!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Day 201: Busy Again!
Hello all! Another busy week for us! So late at night...ready for bed. Will write more tomorrow!
Happy Walking!
Happy Walking!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Day 200: Early to bed...
So the saying goes: Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise...
Tonight I am going to put that to the test! I am so very tired, but a good tired. I am feeling better. Added in a few more foods. Slept like a baby (not a newborn) last night. All is well.
Looking forward to tomorrow and the start of a new day and a new week.
Happy Walking!
Tonight I am going to put that to the test! I am so very tired, but a good tired. I am feeling better. Added in a few more foods. Slept like a baby (not a newborn) last night. All is well.
Looking forward to tomorrow and the start of a new day and a new week.
Happy Walking!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Day 199: Feeling better
I am feeling a lot better today. Actually felt hungry & wanted something to eat...but being extra cautious stuck with my liquid diet. Have no desire to jump back into the same problem.
I do have to admit I can see why people do a liquid diet or a juice diet to lose weight. I was curious, so I have been weighing myself every morning. I have easily dropped a lb a day. Now, I realize this is NOT a healthy way to lose weight - which is why I starting tomorrow I am slowly reintroducing foods. I will treat myself like an infant - grains, then veggies, than fruits, meat and then dairy.
But, that is not the point of my statement. The point is I can see why people choose to go that route. There is something kind of thrilling seeing the pounds "melt off". I even caught myself wondering how long I would have to be on this diet to get to my desired weight. Thankfully, I shook myself out of that one!
I really do prefer to eat my calories. I also prefer to lose weight by exercise - not starving myself. Just funny how experiences help you appreciate the thinking of other people...
Happy Walking!
I do have to admit I can see why people do a liquid diet or a juice diet to lose weight. I was curious, so I have been weighing myself every morning. I have easily dropped a lb a day. Now, I realize this is NOT a healthy way to lose weight - which is why I starting tomorrow I am slowly reintroducing foods. I will treat myself like an infant - grains, then veggies, than fruits, meat and then dairy.
But, that is not the point of my statement. The point is I can see why people choose to go that route. There is something kind of thrilling seeing the pounds "melt off". I even caught myself wondering how long I would have to be on this diet to get to my desired weight. Thankfully, I shook myself out of that one!
I really do prefer to eat my calories. I also prefer to lose weight by exercise - not starving myself. Just funny how experiences help you appreciate the thinking of other people...
Happy Walking!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Day 198: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 24
1. Given the opportunity to "start over" my diet and create a healthier one. I am not necessarily enjoying the liquid diet, but I guess that is the point of finding gratitude even in things that seem hard or difficult. I endure this little discomfort and hopefully when it is all over I have a better understanding of my body and it dietary needs.
2.Children who are old enough to not only feed themselves, but also clean up the kitchen. Needless to say, I do not enjoy cooking food that I can not eat. My children seem to be understanding of this and have really stepped up to the plate to take care of themselves. In addition, all the important stuff is getting done in the house thanks to their hard work.
3. The generosity of friends. We have inherited some custom built desks that some friends no longer needed/wanted. They were so kind to give them to us.
4. A summer schedule that is super easy & hopefully fun, but one that everyone is excited to embrace: Play, Work, Read, and Talk. The idea is not mine own - you can read @ it here.
5. A cut-throat game of I-Spy....we love to play I Spy - we have a long list of rules in the hopes of keeping everyone honest. We have blatant partnerships in the hopes that one side wins. We have smack talking, bragging and even tiny bits of cheating or creative scoring. I honestly do not know what is better, the game or all the discussion afterwards as we admit was dirty, under handed thing we did this time.
2.Children who are old enough to not only feed themselves, but also clean up the kitchen. Needless to say, I do not enjoy cooking food that I can not eat. My children seem to be understanding of this and have really stepped up to the plate to take care of themselves. In addition, all the important stuff is getting done in the house thanks to their hard work.
3. The generosity of friends. We have inherited some custom built desks that some friends no longer needed/wanted. They were so kind to give them to us.
5. A cut-throat game of I-Spy....we love to play I Spy - we have a long list of rules in the hopes of keeping everyone honest. We have blatant partnerships in the hopes that one side wins. We have smack talking, bragging and even tiny bits of cheating or creative scoring. I honestly do not know what is better, the game or all the discussion afterwards as we admit was dirty, under handed thing we did this time.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Day 197: A new way to eat....
I broke down today & went to the doctor - the tummy troubles were not going away.
I am now on a liquid diet until I feel better.
I find this hugely ironic because I prefer to eat my calories, not drink them. I also think liquid diets as a way to lose weight is just plain silly.
Granted, I may feel better by tomorrow and this liquid diet will do nothing to my weight, but then again I could be on it awhile....
I am looking at this as an opportunity. An opportunity to go cold turkey dropping some of the foods I know I should (think fast food fries here) and hopefully implementing a healthy diet when I can eat foods again.
In the meantime, I will drink my way to a better tummy and walk my way to a good weight.
Happy Walking!
I am now on a liquid diet until I feel better.
I find this hugely ironic because I prefer to eat my calories, not drink them. I also think liquid diets as a way to lose weight is just plain silly.
Granted, I may feel better by tomorrow and this liquid diet will do nothing to my weight, but then again I could be on it awhile....
I am looking at this as an opportunity. An opportunity to go cold turkey dropping some of the foods I know I should (think fast food fries here) and hopefully implementing a healthy diet when I can eat foods again.
In the meantime, I will drink my way to a better tummy and walk my way to a good weight.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Day 196: A Garden Walk
This morning, the children and I took our walk at the Ewing Cultural Center. It is a beautiful estate that is now home to the Illinois State University Shakespeare Festival. We walked there this morning to enjoy the gardens (there are several different types - the Japanese Garden was my favorite) and to watch a play that introduces William Shakespeare & his plays to young children. It was called The Magical Mind of Billy Shakespeare.
The walk was perfect - not to hot or cold. We strolled more than "briskly" walking, but we toured the gardens for an hour...so I am counting it! :)
The play was delightful. The play was a synopsis of 3 plays - A Midsummer's Night Dream, Romeo & Juliet, and King Richard III. My children recognized all 3 plays! Woohoo! I have done something right! (Man, I wish I could remember what it was though....). The play was also interactive and my children really got into it. At the end of the play, they gave a quick history lesson - did you know there are many phrases ("out of thin air") and words (puking) that Shakespeare invented? They also did a little promo of the 3 plays that will be featured this year at the festival (A Comedy of Errors, Macbeth & Failure: A Love Story - which is not a Shakespeare play, but inspired by him). The troupe let us pick which play we wanted to see as a preview. Our audience chose Macbeth. My children were riveted!
Anyway, not allowed to take pictures of the gardens, but we were allowed to take a picture with the actors inside the courtyard:
BTW, thank you for indulging a more "family" post on my journey blog...
Happy Walking!
The walk was perfect - not to hot or cold. We strolled more than "briskly" walking, but we toured the gardens for an hour...so I am counting it! :)
The play was delightful. The play was a synopsis of 3 plays - A Midsummer's Night Dream, Romeo & Juliet, and King Richard III. My children recognized all 3 plays! Woohoo! I have done something right! (Man, I wish I could remember what it was though....). The play was also interactive and my children really got into it. At the end of the play, they gave a quick history lesson - did you know there are many phrases ("out of thin air") and words (puking) that Shakespeare invented? They also did a little promo of the 3 plays that will be featured this year at the festival (A Comedy of Errors, Macbeth & Failure: A Love Story - which is not a Shakespeare play, but inspired by him). The troupe let us pick which play we wanted to see as a preview. Our audience chose Macbeth. My children were riveted!
Anyway, not allowed to take pictures of the gardens, but we were allowed to take a picture with the actors inside the courtyard:
 |
| I must add the children were very inspired & created their own plays when we got home. I watched the Comedy of S, the Tragedy of Z, and the History of K - the plays incorporated some of the scenes they saw in The Magical Mind of Billy Shakespeare. A great, great, great day! |
BTW, thank you for indulging a more "family" post on my journey blog...
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Day 195: Ugh!!!
Another short post.
I have known for some time that certain foods cause me serious gas - pizza, root beer, root beer floats
But recently I have started to wonder if I am lactose intolerant...especially this weekend from feeling so terrible.
At first, I thought it was a stomach bug...it wasn't.
I won't go into the gory details, but I was feeling great today. Then tonight I had something with dairy in it...I am in agony again.
Steve wants me to do an elimination diet to verify it is dairy causing the problem. I want to take a test. Do they have a test for something like that? Like a blood test? or an allergy test? That would be so much easier....
In the meantime...I will avoid dairy & do some research. Ugh!!!!
Happy Walking!
I have known for some time that certain foods cause me serious gas - pizza, root beer, root beer floats
But recently I have started to wonder if I am lactose intolerant...especially this weekend from feeling so terrible.
At first, I thought it was a stomach bug...it wasn't.
I won't go into the gory details, but I was feeling great today. Then tonight I had something with dairy in it...I am in agony again.
Steve wants me to do an elimination diet to verify it is dairy causing the problem. I want to take a test. Do they have a test for something like that? Like a blood test? or an allergy test? That would be so much easier....
In the meantime...I will avoid dairy & do some research. Ugh!!!!
Happy Walking!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Day194: Ironic Twist
Ironic twist in life...I find myself not feeling at all well today. Barely managed to get my walk in. This is only ironic because I am 100% positive my ailments are linked to my diet....which I just talked about yesterday.
Anyway, hoping to feel better tomorrow. Gonna get a good night's sleep tonight.
Happy Walking!
Anyway, hoping to feel better tomorrow. Gonna get a good night's sleep tonight.
Happy Walking!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Day 193: Half the battle
I have written & rewritten this post several times today. Having a tough time finding a way to convey my thoughts in a concise matter.
Here is the upshot:
Diet and exercise go hand in hand.
I can walk (or do some other form of exercise) every day, but if I still eat unhealthy foods than I am going to be unhealthy. It might not be heart disease, but it could be not losing weight, having digestive problems or just feeling tired & run down all the time.
I can eat healthy all the time, but if I don't exercise than I am still going to be unhealthy. I might still be overweight, I might still feel tired & run down. I might have trouble breathing.
Here is the thing though - why is it so hard to stay consistent with both? I know I feel better & look better when I do both, but I just can't seem to get it together. It really drives me nuts actually.
The saying goes that admitting the problem is the first step. Well, I have admitted the problem...now what? GI Joe says knowing is half the battle. Well, I know...so what is the other half of the battle?
How do I go from a person who does not seem capable of doing both consistently at the same time, to someone who does?
Maybe the answers will come through my journey? maybe?
Happy Walking!
Here is the upshot:
Diet and exercise go hand in hand.
I can walk (or do some other form of exercise) every day, but if I still eat unhealthy foods than I am going to be unhealthy. It might not be heart disease, but it could be not losing weight, having digestive problems or just feeling tired & run down all the time.
I can eat healthy all the time, but if I don't exercise than I am still going to be unhealthy. I might still be overweight, I might still feel tired & run down. I might have trouble breathing.
Here is the thing though - why is it so hard to stay consistent with both? I know I feel better & look better when I do both, but I just can't seem to get it together. It really drives me nuts actually.
The saying goes that admitting the problem is the first step. Well, I have admitted the problem...now what? GI Joe says knowing is half the battle. Well, I know...so what is the other half of the battle?
How do I go from a person who does not seem capable of doing both consistently at the same time, to someone who does?
Maybe the answers will come through my journey? maybe?
Happy Walking!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Day 190: Nutrition
This past month, I have been talking health & fitness with the cub scouts (I am a bear leader). At our last meeting, one of the other leaders (we had a couple of dens combined that night) taught the cub scouts about nutrition. He chose to use the food pyramid.
That got me thinking how many times nutrition guidelines changed - I was raised with the very simple 4 food groups. I think the most current mode is the "plate" and how it is divided.
So, how does the average person insure they have eaten a nutritious meal? Or are eating healthy every meal, every day?
I don't have an answer. I just try to insure that I have fruit/veggies and a protein at each meal. Curious to know how others ensure a healthy meal....hmmm....sounds like this might be my next study/reading.
Happy Walking!
P.S. I wrote this on the correct day...have no idea why it didn't get published. Weird.
That got me thinking how many times nutrition guidelines changed - I was raised with the very simple 4 food groups. I think the most current mode is the "plate" and how it is divided.
So, how does the average person insure they have eaten a nutritious meal? Or are eating healthy every meal, every day?
I don't have an answer. I just try to insure that I have fruit/veggies and a protein at each meal. Curious to know how others ensure a healthy meal....hmmm....sounds like this might be my next study/reading.
Happy Walking!
P.S. I wrote this on the correct day...have no idea why it didn't get published. Weird.
Day 192: A little bit of Spring
We are getting hit with a lot of rain. Flowers are still blooming, but it feels more like autumn than spring...despite loving the rain, I decided to post the picture give me "pick me up". This was some of our first flowers this year. One of the children took the picture.
Today, I spent the day cleaning my kitchen - when I don't know what to do with the rest of the house, I start with the kitchen!
Kind of like, when I don't know what to change or improve in my health, I always start with drinking more water!
Funny thing is, my kitchen doesn't stay spotless (and the rest of the house is somewhere between chaos & organized chaos) and my health doesn't drastically change or permanently get better.
Perhaps, I need to learn how to maintain the one (kitchen & water) while implementing something new (like the school area and eating slower).
Thankfully, I have been consistent with walking...well, consistently walking each day, but how hard I push myself seems to vary. Perhaps, I need to get better at that too?
Happy Walking!
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