Thursday night I met Carol at the gym. We started with 10 minutes on the elliptical (yeah!!!). We moved to the stepper including a riser. What happens when I take my first step.....I catch my sneaker. In my head I am thinking....OMG....I am going to fall....the 2nd riser is too much.....red alert, red alert Donna is a klutz.....she broke her arm a few years ago tripping over a basketball at a basketball game!!!! Carol just stood there looked at me, made sure the risers were properly placed and even jumped on it for good measure. So I take my first step and surprise, surprise, surprise....I make it up and down and up and down and up and down.....over and over again. Then we move to the weights....some of those suckers were really heavy!!! Back to the stepper....tap, tap, climb, climb..... Breathe through your nose not your mouth. Why oh why is that so hard to do??? I inhale and exhale but the nose thing is such an effort. By the time the workout is done.....I am not only dripping with sweat but I am also pretty proud of myself. Except for drinking water and stopping to wipe off the sweat, I have kept moving the whole time.
Carol thinks I probably burned a few hundred calories. Weight Watchers gives you credit for "activity" (they don't use the word exercise). I don't add those in to my daily points for extra food. I just consider it calories burned.
I am hoping to get to the gym at least 4 maybe 5 times this week ( I am off Monday so that makes it easier). A couple of times in the pool (since they regulated the temp) and a few sessions on the elliptical. I have to focus on calorie burn....
This week Weight Watchers talked about alternatives to getting your activity points in.....parking the car farther away from where ever you are going, stairs vs. elevator....
I am going to try the stair thing....it is only 2 flights at the office but 2 flights everyday....sometimes more than once a day. And I will make every effort to not drive around the parking lot (no matter where I am) again and again looking for a closer spot.
I will TRY.....but if you see me in the elevator or pulling into an up front parking spot.....no pointing at me and saying "I thought you were going to....."
OK so that is my new goal....more steps....walking and climbing....no specific number....just more each day than I usually do.....I am trying....really trying......really....
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Facing the Scales...
After the last 2 disastrous weigh-ins, I was concerned about how I would do this week. On the way to my meeting, once again I thought about what would be a good weight loss? If I am down anything at all would be OK...not!! I have been working so hard I needed to see a good number. I had weighed myself during the week on that dreaded scale I bought a few weeks back (see post about buying a scale for the house). It kept showing I was down but it had shown that last week and we all know how that turned out....
I have been really focusing on veggies, veggies, veggies and fruit, fruit fruit.
Please dear God let me not have gained again !!!!!!
Whew.....I was down at the scales....and a good amount!!!!
I know that I keep saying it is not all about the scale....AND IT IS NOT....but at least I didn't see the number going up.
I shared my blog entry from last week with my meeting leader, Kay. I will love getting her feedback.
The new program still poses some challenges....this week I found out the Egg Drop Soup that used to be 1 point per cup is now 3 points per cup. The point value on steamed dumplings has gone up too.....I have to remember to check EVERYTHING I eat to make sure I know the points values....I cannot assume any more....
Well at least for the day.....I felt positive....the problem is.....I am only a week away from my next weigh in.....
I have been really focusing on veggies, veggies, veggies and fruit, fruit fruit.
Please dear God let me not have gained again !!!!!!
Whew.....I was down at the scales....and a good amount!!!!
I know that I keep saying it is not all about the scale....AND IT IS NOT....but at least I didn't see the number going up.
I shared my blog entry from last week with my meeting leader, Kay. I will love getting her feedback.
The new program still poses some challenges....this week I found out the Egg Drop Soup that used to be 1 point per cup is now 3 points per cup. The point value on steamed dumplings has gone up too.....I have to remember to check EVERYTHING I eat to make sure I know the points values....I cannot assume any more....
Well at least for the day.....I felt positive....the problem is.....I am only a week away from my next weigh in.....
Lunch with the Ladies and Italian Lessons
As I try to focus on good things that are not always weight and health related here are two more from last week.....
It had been ages since I had lunch with Kathy, Debbie and Debra. Last Sunday, we finally met. The nice part about old friends is that you can just pick up your conversation mid-sentence. You can catch up and move forward all within a few minutes. As I shared with all of you last Saturday was not a great day for me. By Sunday, I was still struggling and not quite ready to move on. Did I want to go to lunch? Should I stay home and feel sorry for myself? I finally decided that lunch with the girls might be good for me. And it was....
The conversation moved from the kids, to Kathy's trip to Poland, to hair color, to the holidays......and on and on.....
Going to lunch with the girls.....just what the Dr. ordered. Can't wait to do it again !!!!
The second thing was starting Italian Lessons....
Can I speak a work of Italian? No
Can I understand a word of Italian? No
A very kind lady from the Sons of Italy has offered to teach Italian......free. Wednesday night, Jenn and I headed of to Marika's house. Most of you know this is way out of my comfort zone. Going to a strangers house to learn a foreign language. I was never the greatest student so I was a little intimdated. Off we went with our notebooks and Italian/English dictionary. We started off by going to the wrong house.....not the best start. There were 7 people present. All at varying skill levels but that was fine. Marika went over some history of the country and told us about where each of our families came from.....that was interesting. We began with the real basic....pronouncing vowels. I wrote as much as I could phonetically....it will make it easier for me later on. I also came home and ordered my textbook.....a big 75 cents....it cost more to ship it!!
I will keep you informed about my progress....this should be interesting!! A while back I posted I wanted to continue working out so I could go to Italy and be able to do all the walking required to really take in all that Italy offers. Well now I will be able to communicate while there...
To stand in front of Trevi Fountain.....to see the Sistine Chapel.....to climb into a gondola in Venice.....part of my dreams.....eating healthy and exercising will make it possible...and at least for today.....that is why I continue my journey....
Ciao....
It had been ages since I had lunch with Kathy, Debbie and Debra. Last Sunday, we finally met. The nice part about old friends is that you can just pick up your conversation mid-sentence. You can catch up and move forward all within a few minutes. As I shared with all of you last Saturday was not a great day for me. By Sunday, I was still struggling and not quite ready to move on. Did I want to go to lunch? Should I stay home and feel sorry for myself? I finally decided that lunch with the girls might be good for me. And it was....
The conversation moved from the kids, to Kathy's trip to Poland, to hair color, to the holidays......and on and on.....
Going to lunch with the girls.....just what the Dr. ordered. Can't wait to do it again !!!!
The second thing was starting Italian Lessons....
Can I speak a work of Italian? No
Can I understand a word of Italian? No
A very kind lady from the Sons of Italy has offered to teach Italian......free. Wednesday night, Jenn and I headed of to Marika's house. Most of you know this is way out of my comfort zone. Going to a strangers house to learn a foreign language. I was never the greatest student so I was a little intimdated. Off we went with our notebooks and Italian/English dictionary. We started off by going to the wrong house.....not the best start. There were 7 people present. All at varying skill levels but that was fine. Marika went over some history of the country and told us about where each of our families came from.....that was interesting. We began with the real basic....pronouncing vowels. I wrote as much as I could phonetically....it will make it easier for me later on. I also came home and ordered my textbook.....a big 75 cents....it cost more to ship it!!
I will keep you informed about my progress....this should be interesting!! A while back I posted I wanted to continue working out so I could go to Italy and be able to do all the walking required to really take in all that Italy offers. Well now I will be able to communicate while there...
To stand in front of Trevi Fountain.....to see the Sistine Chapel.....to climb into a gondola in Venice.....part of my dreams.....eating healthy and exercising will make it possible...and at least for today.....that is why I continue my journey....
Ciao....
The Sunday New York Times
A while ago I did a list of some good things from my week. Here is one from this week. And you know what I love about it? It is not weight or health related. Sometimes I have to remember to think about things other than what I am eating and how many calories I am burning.....
Last Sunday, I tried downloading the Sunday New York Times onto my Kindle. It cost a big 99 cents. I love the NY Times.....the Book Review, the Arts and Leisure section, the Travel section....
I know there are those of you who will remind me of their liberal slant....I know, I know. But there is something wonderful about reading a newspaper that uses big words that I have to look up!!! I am not being snobby or elitist.....there is just something comforting about sitting in my recliner and reading about far off places and controversial issues....like spending time with a good friend.
But now it is even better.....I can down load it in less than a minute and when I read the articles they are in order and complete. People complain because the Times Crossword puzzle isn't there....I never did it any way. Some complain the ads are not there....once again not an issue for me.
I only buy the Sunday edition because it usually takes me a week to read it all....LOL....that last statement shows you I am no rocket scientist....but the Sunday Times on my Kindle.....life is good !!!!
Last Sunday, I tried downloading the Sunday New York Times onto my Kindle. It cost a big 99 cents. I love the NY Times.....the Book Review, the Arts and Leisure section, the Travel section....
I know there are those of you who will remind me of their liberal slant....I know, I know. But there is something wonderful about reading a newspaper that uses big words that I have to look up!!! I am not being snobby or elitist.....there is just something comforting about sitting in my recliner and reading about far off places and controversial issues....like spending time with a good friend.
But now it is even better.....I can down load it in less than a minute and when I read the articles they are in order and complete. People complain because the Times Crossword puzzle isn't there....I never did it any way. Some complain the ads are not there....once again not an issue for me.
I only buy the Sunday edition because it usually takes me a week to read it all....LOL....that last statement shows you I am no rocket scientist....but the Sunday Times on my Kindle.....life is good !!!!
Encouragement......
Last week I asked the readers of this blog for encouragement. As you all know it had been a rough week. I came into my workspace and my friend Mary had taped up inspirational quotes all over the place. They came from such diverse people as FDR to Dr. Seuss to a few from unknown sources. It made me smile!! I am going to share these with you during some of my posts.
Today's entry......from Winston Churchill....
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
I love that.....
My hell as it were can be watching some people eat whatever they want and knowing that I will gain weight just watching them. Or it can be beating myself up when the results on Saturday are not what I think they should be. Or driving by a clothing store knowing buying off the rack is not an option for me (right now).
There are some things I can do something about and some will never change. I will always know people who will be able to eat whatever they like and won't gain an ounce....it is what it is.
I can do my best each week to workout and eat what is right.....some weeks the result will be good and other no matter how hard I try will not be good. I just have to get it in my head that as long as I do my best.....eventually I will be successful.
The part about buying off the rack....will come in time....and when it happens.....trust me...you will all know about it.....
To paraphrase Churchill (do I have nerve or what?)....I have been in my own personal hell (it was my own doing) but I am going to keep going and climb out....the steps out are labeled.....working out, eating healthy and believing....I have to fight this battle everyday.....didn't someone famous say "War is hell"....it sure is....
Today's entry......from Winston Churchill....
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
I love that.....
My hell as it were can be watching some people eat whatever they want and knowing that I will gain weight just watching them. Or it can be beating myself up when the results on Saturday are not what I think they should be. Or driving by a clothing store knowing buying off the rack is not an option for me (right now).
There are some things I can do something about and some will never change. I will always know people who will be able to eat whatever they like and won't gain an ounce....it is what it is.
I can do my best each week to workout and eat what is right.....some weeks the result will be good and other no matter how hard I try will not be good. I just have to get it in my head that as long as I do my best.....eventually I will be successful.
The part about buying off the rack....will come in time....and when it happens.....trust me...you will all know about it.....
To paraphrase Churchill (do I have nerve or what?)....I have been in my own personal hell (it was my own doing) but I am going to keep going and climb out....the steps out are labeled.....working out, eating healthy and believing....I have to fight this battle everyday.....didn't someone famous say "War is hell"....it sure is....
10 Minutes on the elliptical
Friday, I finally got on the elliptical again for the first time in months. Carol stood right next to me and told me what I was doing right and wrong. Every time I leaned forward she would point it out to me. I was also trying to go fast. Carol wants me to move at a steady pace not racing speed. From now on our time together will start and end with the elliptical. Ten minutes in the beginning and five minutes at the end. She says we will build up my time until I can get up to 1/2 hour. I was really sweating and breathing hard. We checked my heart rate several times. I asked her if I was going to die while it I was on the elliptical......she laughed and said no.
I have my marching orders. No getting on the elliptical without Carol .....right now. She has threatened to put a dowel in front of me to make sure I do not lean forward (wouldn't that be a pretty sight). Pace myself and keep my heart rate steady. I am hoping within a short period of time I will be able to use the elliptical every time I am at the gym. Sometimes as a beginning and ending and other times do all of my time at the gym on it.
I love the feeling of sweating (at the gym only).....I may look like crap since wet hair stuck to my head and a t-shirt that is stuck to me due to the sweat is not an attractive sight but for some reason the sweating makes me feel accomplished. Weird huh?
Each turn on the elliptical in my head I hear Cardio, Cardio, Cardio which to me equals calories, calories, calories......I have to believe this will make me more successful in my quest for good health......and that's what it's all about (no I am not doing the hokey pokey while typing those last few words)!!
I have my marching orders. No getting on the elliptical without Carol .....right now. She has threatened to put a dowel in front of me to make sure I do not lean forward (wouldn't that be a pretty sight). Pace myself and keep my heart rate steady. I am hoping within a short period of time I will be able to use the elliptical every time I am at the gym. Sometimes as a beginning and ending and other times do all of my time at the gym on it.
I love the feeling of sweating (at the gym only).....I may look like crap since wet hair stuck to my head and a t-shirt that is stuck to me due to the sweat is not an attractive sight but for some reason the sweating makes me feel accomplished. Weird huh?
Each turn on the elliptical in my head I hear Cardio, Cardio, Cardio which to me equals calories, calories, calories......I have to believe this will make me more successful in my quest for good health......and that's what it's all about (no I am not doing the hokey pokey while typing those last few words)!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Yesterday Was Rough....
I cried more yesterday than I have in a long time....
I went to Weight Watchers and was up a pound. That equals 4 sticks of butter!!! I didn't stay for the meeting....I just couldn't. I cried all the way home. I cried for an hour when I got home (I was ironing while I cried....so the time wasn't a total waste). I was so upset and frustrated.
I worked out at the gym twice (thank you snowstorm for preventing me from getting to the gym ....that is sarcasm in case you can't read between my lines). I wrote down everything I ate.
I wanted to throw in the towel. OK so I will stay fat and die early.....what does it matter. No, I have not changed my mind about gastric bypass surgery!!! No, I am not willing to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser!!!! This is my private war and yesterday I lost a battle....
I spent so much of the day trying to regroup. I went for a pedicure. I went to Publix and bought a new variety of veggies for the steamer (asparagus, cabbage, onions, bean sprouts and water chestnuts). I also bought some grapes (at $2.49 a pound). I even splurged on a pound of shrimp to try in the steamer.
Even with all my best attempts to improve my mood and Jenn's encouragements....I still head a voice in the back of my head saying "You are a failure....you will always be fat." Very, very painful....
Did I blow the day by eating what I shouldn't? NO. Not that I didn't think about it.
This was one of the worst day I have had in a long, long time....
What I need is .....I am not sure.....but I do know I do not need more advice.....I am up to my eyeballs with advice. I guess I just am asking for encouragement. No, I am not asking anyone to join my pity party and say "Oh Donna, it's OK." I need "Donna, I know you can do it." or "Donna, hang in there you are doing OK" or "My Donna, your ear lobes are looking thinner."
I need my cheering section.....
This is my private war to get healthier but I decided to make it public by writing this blog. I think you will agree most times my entries are positive and upbeat. So please allow me this entry to be just a little down.
Today is a new day and I didn't screw up yesterday (eating wise). So here I go again into battle....chasing my demons away....
Take notice: THIS IS A WAR I FULLY INTEND TO WIN....one day at a time....
I went to Weight Watchers and was up a pound. That equals 4 sticks of butter!!! I didn't stay for the meeting....I just couldn't. I cried all the way home. I cried for an hour when I got home (I was ironing while I cried....so the time wasn't a total waste). I was so upset and frustrated.
I worked out at the gym twice (thank you snowstorm for preventing me from getting to the gym ....that is sarcasm in case you can't read between my lines). I wrote down everything I ate.
I wanted to throw in the towel. OK so I will stay fat and die early.....what does it matter. No, I have not changed my mind about gastric bypass surgery!!! No, I am not willing to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser!!!! This is my private war and yesterday I lost a battle....
I spent so much of the day trying to regroup. I went for a pedicure. I went to Publix and bought a new variety of veggies for the steamer (asparagus, cabbage, onions, bean sprouts and water chestnuts). I also bought some grapes (at $2.49 a pound). I even splurged on a pound of shrimp to try in the steamer.
Even with all my best attempts to improve my mood and Jenn's encouragements....I still head a voice in the back of my head saying "You are a failure....you will always be fat." Very, very painful....
Did I blow the day by eating what I shouldn't? NO. Not that I didn't think about it.
This was one of the worst day I have had in a long, long time....
What I need is .....I am not sure.....but I do know I do not need more advice.....I am up to my eyeballs with advice. I guess I just am asking for encouragement. No, I am not asking anyone to join my pity party and say "Oh Donna, it's OK." I need "Donna, I know you can do it." or "Donna, hang in there you are doing OK" or "My Donna, your ear lobes are looking thinner."
I need my cheering section.....
This is my private war to get healthier but I decided to make it public by writing this blog. I think you will agree most times my entries are positive and upbeat. So please allow me this entry to be just a little down.
Today is a new day and I didn't screw up yesterday (eating wise). So here I go again into battle....chasing my demons away....
Take notice: THIS IS A WAR I FULLY INTEND TO WIN....one day at a time....
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