Friday
Tuesday
Day 54: 100 days challenge - Eating to Feel Better
Well, things have finally settled down from Holy Week and the bathroom remodel. I went way off track. This is one of the things I really need to work on. I have a tendency to start stuffing my face when I feel like my world is spinning out of control. I got up this morning and did 23 minutes on the treadmill. I argued with myself for about 20 minutes before actually getting on.
*********************
Today's topic is "Eating to Feel Better."
I think we can all identify with this one. I can remember as a child, when my mom was so sick, how I often ate because I couldn't control anything else. After my mother died, I ate to keep from having to face my grief. I can remember stuffing my face with donuts the day my dad died. I didn't even notice I was doing it until my cousin touched my arm and I became aware of what I was doing. We do it because it works. It temporarily suspends our thinking and keeps us from having to deal with life.
*******************
*********************
Today's topic is "Eating to Feel Better."
I think we can all identify with this one. I can remember as a child, when my mom was so sick, how I often ate because I couldn't control anything else. After my mother died, I ate to keep from having to face my grief. I can remember stuffing my face with donuts the day my dad died. I didn't even notice I was doing it until my cousin touched my arm and I became aware of what I was doing. We do it because it works. It temporarily suspends our thinking and keeps us from having to deal with life.
*******************
Sunday
Friday
Wednesday
Day 53: 100 Days Challenge - Food is my best friend
I didn't get an extra workout in on Monday. I had intended to do a video, but the VCR wasn't working. Yesterday was pretty stressful. It went very well, but was still stressful. I got up this morning and did a 38 minute workout so I have 63 minutes in so far this week. I did an interval changeup on the treadmill. It's a combination of steep inclines, fast walking, light jogging and then a wind down. It was great!
**************************
Today's topic is "Food is my Best Friend." Yep, that about sums it up. Sad, isn't it? Cigarettes used to be the same way. The difference is, you can quit cigarettes. You can't quit food. I often find myself reaching for food to avoid something - people, work, jobs I don't want to do, facing things I don't want to face - you name it. This is another case of emotional eating. It's all about changing patterns.
**************************
Today's topic is "Food is my Best Friend." Yep, that about sums it up. Sad, isn't it? Cigarettes used to be the same way. The difference is, you can quit cigarettes. You can't quit food. I often find myself reaching for food to avoid something - people, work, jobs I don't want to do, facing things I don't want to face - you name it. This is another case of emotional eating. It's all about changing patterns.
Monday
Day 52: 100 Days Challenge - Food is an instant fix
Got up this morning and got in 25 minutes outside. I've been using Calorie King instead of Diet Power lately because I like the "good job" aspect and the tracking. I was one of the early subscribers so my cost is about $20.00 a year. Calorie King has you set a goal of so many minutes of exercise per week. I opted for 210 minutes a week. Tomorrow I won't get a workout in because I am going to Saginaw for the Chrism Mass. Talk about emotional eating. Tonight I am sitting on my hands. I am leading a couple of acclamations. When I started in the choir I was about 60 pounds lighter. So, besides being nervous about being up at the microphone, I am also stressed about how I look. But I need to remember, this is not going to be a shocker to anyone. It's not like I was a sylph last year. What I am doing is being as organized as I can about the things I CAN control. I have my music ready to go. I have my other liturgical issues taken care of. I have a to-do list for tonight. I have my dress pressed and ready to go. We wear black and white. I had a very nice suit, but the pants were too tight. Those pants are going to be a short-term "fit into" goal. I am doing a lighter workout tonight with a Leslie Sansone video to make up for missing tomorrow's workout. The bathroom is pretty much finished so that stressor is gone. I have the living room straightened up and dusted. I did a little bit of decluttering - not much, the dusting was more urgent.
************************************
Today's topic is "Food is an instant fix."
The sub-topics are Procrastinate and Escape and Eating to Avoid Life. These are two of the main emotional reasons I eat. I smoked for the same reasons. A job was too big and I didn't want to get started so I'd light a cigarette and pour a cup of coffee. I would finish the cigarette, but still had half a cup of coffee, so I'd light another cigarette. I'd finish the coffee but still have half a cigarette left. And so on and so on. I quit smoking and guess what took its place.
************************************
Today's topic is "Food is an instant fix."
The sub-topics are Procrastinate and Escape and Eating to Avoid Life. These are two of the main emotional reasons I eat. I smoked for the same reasons. A job was too big and I didn't want to get started so I'd light a cigarette and pour a cup of coffee. I would finish the cigarette, but still had half a cup of coffee, so I'd light another cigarette. I'd finish the coffee but still have half a cigarette left. And so on and so on. I quit smoking and guess what took its place.
Sunday
Day 51: 100 Days Challenge - What is emotional eating?
I'm strapped for time this morning, but am popping in to report a loss of 2.2 pounds for this week. Ditching the sugar seems to have paid off - and it was fairly painless. I'm off to try out our new shower!!!! Updates later.
Update: Our new shower is fantastic. Our new bathroom is fantastic. I never imagined it would turn out so beautifully!!
*****************
100 Days of Weight Loss - What is emotional eating?
Emotional eating: Eating when you aren't hungry or in need of nutrition. Period! Boredom, stress, depression, joy, enjoyment - all of it is emotional eating. Emotional eating is my biggest problem with food. Actually, it is really my only problem with food (other than blood sugar issues which would probably resolve themselves if I got the weight off.) If I could conquer this I most likely would not have a weight problem.
Update: Our new shower is fantastic. Our new bathroom is fantastic. I never imagined it would turn out so beautifully!!
*****************
100 Days of Weight Loss - What is emotional eating?
Emotional eating: Eating when you aren't hungry or in need of nutrition. Period! Boredom, stress, depression, joy, enjoyment - all of it is emotional eating. Emotional eating is my biggest problem with food. Actually, it is really my only problem with food (other than blood sugar issues which would probably resolve themselves if I got the weight off.) If I could conquer this I most likely would not have a weight problem.
Saturday
Day 50: 100 Days Challenge - 10-Minute Solution
I have taken steps this week to lessen the stress level for next week. I got some of my work done early. The bathroom remodel is almost finished, but sometimes those little last minute details are more stressful than the big picture. This morning when the guys were putting in the vanity top, the wall on either side was gouged. I had to remind myself that it was fixable. When they were finished putting in the top, the wall didn't look as bad as I though it would. It will need to be touched up, but that's the beauty of a faux finish - those little imperfections are all part of the design. It's unsettling for me to have the guys working in the house. It's my problem, I know, but it's still a problem. I am trying to keep focused on the time when everything is complete and I can start putting the house back together. I took the vacuum apart this morning to clean it. I feel insecure without my vacuum. It's this kind of minor stress that will drive me to the cookie can. But, if I keep my focus today, I think the news from the scale tomorrow will be very good!
****************************
SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING
Today's lesson is entitled the 10 minute solution. I have actually been employing this little pearl. Except that I use 15 minutes a la Flylady. It is amazing to me what can be accomplished 15 minutes at a time. There are some mornings I just can't seem to roll out of bed. I still do at least 15 minutes (usually 20 because glycogen (carbs) are used up in the first 20 minutes and then fat burning begins)
Ms Spangle suggests making a sign but I already have one that says I can do anything for 15 minutes except whine.
****************************
SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING
Today's lesson is entitled the 10 minute solution. I have actually been employing this little pearl. Except that I use 15 minutes a la Flylady. It is amazing to me what can be accomplished 15 minutes at a time. There are some mornings I just can't seem to roll out of bed. I still do at least 15 minutes (usually 20 because glycogen (carbs) are used up in the first 20 minutes and then fat burning begins)
Ms Spangle suggests making a sign but I already have one that says I can do anything for 15 minutes except whine.
Thursday
Day 49: 100 Days Challenge - Just Do Something
Got up early this morning to get a workout in. I only had 20 minutes so I did an interval workout on the treadmill. I am coming up on one of the toughest weeks in my year. As a church musician, Holy Week is very stressful - not just because of my musical duties but because there are so many details to keep track of and implement. I am determined to stay focused on my "healthy life-change" skills. They will make me better at my job!! I have 2 sugar free days behind me and the urge to continually eat is gone. Processed carbs make me crave more processed carbs. It is much easier to let them go than to continually fight against that urge to eat just one more chocolate chip cookie. I noticed this last time the even though I was eating, nothing really tasted all that good - at least not good enough for the price I was paying.
*****************
ONE STEP LIGHTS THE FIRE
Today's discussion is about overcoming inertia. This is one of my biggest problems from exercising to major projects. It's kind of like when I was a kid and we went to the lake. That first plunge into the water was very unsettling. That's pretty close to the feeling I get when I need to get started on something. Once I'm into it, it's great, but the initial plunge is very hard for me. Ms. Spangle suggests doing the tiniest piece of the project and repeat that for a few days. This is kind of like the Flylady principle. Set the timer for 15 minutes and then just do something. This past week, when I put up the wall border in our bathroom, I broke it up into segments. It got done. It drives Harold nuts because he will get right into something and keep at it until he's finished. I can't work that way. I need to baby step my way into the whole business.
*****************
ONE STEP LIGHTS THE FIRE
Today's discussion is about overcoming inertia. This is one of my biggest problems from exercising to major projects. It's kind of like when I was a kid and we went to the lake. That first plunge into the water was very unsettling. That's pretty close to the feeling I get when I need to get started on something. Once I'm into it, it's great, but the initial plunge is very hard for me. Ms. Spangle suggests doing the tiniest piece of the project and repeat that for a few days. This is kind of like the Flylady principle. Set the timer for 15 minutes and then just do something. This past week, when I put up the wall border in our bathroom, I broke it up into segments. It got done. It drives Harold nuts because he will get right into something and keep at it until he's finished. I can't work that way. I need to baby step my way into the whole business.
Wednesday
Day 48: 100 Days Challenge - you gotta want to
Woke up this morning feeling really good after having a sugar free day yesterday. I'm getting ready to head outside.
Biggest Loser last night. Hmmmmmm. Don't know what to say. Lance went home, but it looks like he's doing well there. Say what you want about his wife, she is a very strong support for him. I felt bad for Mike when he went home. Everyone one else had huge crowds and balloons and everything. His family seemed less than enthusiastic. It could be because of the grandmother though.
****************
This morning's workout was great, but I am walking quite a bit. That's okay. Walking is good. I keep my heartrate in the zone so it's good.
Day 48: Do you remember the old saying "can't died in the cornfield?" Can't usually mean "don't want to." Ms Spangle suggests substituting that every time you are tempted to use the word can't. It's really more accurate, don't you think?
Biggest Loser last night. Hmmmmmm. Don't know what to say. Lance went home, but it looks like he's doing well there. Say what you want about his wife, she is a very strong support for him. I felt bad for Mike when he went home. Everyone one else had huge crowds and balloons and everything. His family seemed less than enthusiastic. It could be because of the grandmother though.
****************
This morning's workout was great, but I am walking quite a bit. That's okay. Walking is good. I keep my heartrate in the zone so it's good.
Day 48: Do you remember the old saying "can't died in the cornfield?" Can't usually mean "don't want to." Ms Spangle suggests substituting that every time you are tempted to use the word can't. It's really more accurate, don't you think?
Tuesday
Day 47: 100 Days Challenge - Kick the Can't
I don't know if it's the time of year or what, but lately I have really been down on myself. I think I have been too careless in my food choices. I don't want to face up to the fact that I just can't eat whatever I want. Even with counting points or whatever, there are certain foods I just cannot have. Sugar is poison to me, but for some reason I keep telling myself that if I just contain it within a certain amount of points, I'll be fine. I probably don't need to tell you that I am not able to contain sugar within a certain amount of points. Sugar makes me want more sugar. An example: The other day I was looking for a snack. I picked up a bag of Quaker Mini Chocolate Rice cakes. For anyone else, this would be a great alternative to a candy bar or whatever. But not for me. I ended up eating the whole bag. I might as well have eaten a Snicker's bar. I didn't stop at one serving which would have been okay. I COULDN'T stop at one serving. That ought to tell me something.
That being said, let's look at day 47 from 100 Days of Weight Loss.
It is "Kick the Can't." Okay now this can't is something different than "I can't eat sugar." Of course I CAN. What I should have said was, I feel really crummy when I eat sugar. I have a difficult stopping when I eat sugar. I feel tired when I eat sugar. No, the CAN'T that Ms Spangle is talking about is telling ourselves that we can't exercise, or we can't stick to an eating plan. We are advised to change that thinking to, "it may be hard, but I'll find a way." And then plan a way to succeed.
Earlier today I was hearing that sabotaging voice that said, "You can't give up sugar. You'll cave." Well, that may be true, but I KNOW that I can refrain from eating sugar for today. I've done it before. I don't know what next week will bring, or the next holiday, but for today I CAN do this!!
That being said, let's look at day 47 from 100 Days of Weight Loss.
It is "Kick the Can't." Okay now this can't is something different than "I can't eat sugar." Of course I CAN. What I should have said was, I feel really crummy when I eat sugar. I have a difficult stopping when I eat sugar. I feel tired when I eat sugar. No, the CAN'T that Ms Spangle is talking about is telling ourselves that we can't exercise, or we can't stick to an eating plan. We are advised to change that thinking to, "it may be hard, but I'll find a way." And then plan a way to succeed.
Earlier today I was hearing that sabotaging voice that said, "You can't give up sugar. You'll cave." Well, that may be true, but I KNOW that I can refrain from eating sugar for today. I've done it before. I don't know what next week will bring, or the next holiday, but for today I CAN do this!!
Monday
Day 46: 100 Days Challenge - If not food, then what?
Last night I watched Kirstie Alley's new show. (Between flipping to Fox to find out what was going on with the Health Care bill.) I used to love Kirstie Alley, but I find her vulgar language a huge turnoff. I have controls set to block out the F bomb and other words, but the constant bleeping paired with the fact that you can clearly see by their lips those offending words makes for a very annoying experience. I would love this show if not for that because it is real as far as weight loss. I like Biggest Loser, but, let's face it, most of those people will go back to what they were doing. The changes are too huge and too sudden to last.
Things are starting to come together now. The messiest work in the bathroom is done so I can now start doing some cleaning. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day so I am planning on getting in a workout this afternoon after my little sweetie pie goes home. I just love this little peanut!
From day 46 of 100 days Challenge: If not food, then what? I can remember when I was a smoker, I asked the same question. If I don't smoke, what do I do? I think only a smoker could understand this. But I remember experiencing this long before I was a smoker. What do I do? It's hard to explain, but it's a restless feeling of needing to do something, but not knowing what. Ms. Spangle suggests making a list of things to do - clean out a junk drawer, file some papers, make a batch of candles, make a grungy lamp - those would be on my list of what to do instead.
Things are starting to come together now. The messiest work in the bathroom is done so I can now start doing some cleaning. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day so I am planning on getting in a workout this afternoon after my little sweetie pie goes home. I just love this little peanut!
From day 46 of 100 days Challenge: If not food, then what? I can remember when I was a smoker, I asked the same question. If I don't smoke, what do I do? I think only a smoker could understand this. But I remember experiencing this long before I was a smoker. What do I do? It's hard to explain, but it's a restless feeling of needing to do something, but not knowing what. Ms. Spangle suggests making a list of things to do - clean out a junk drawer, file some papers, make a batch of candles, make a grungy lamp - those would be on my list of what to do instead.
Sunday
100 Days Challenge
Well, in the chaos that is this house, I have managed to misplace my Challenge book. It amazes me that one room remodel can take over an entire house. I have found myself using it as an excuse for my lack of focus lately. I'm not sure which one is affecting the other. The workouts have come to a standstill. Yes, my treadmill is covered with drawers and other stuff from the bathroom, but I have workout tapes and there is always the great outdoors. My routines have gone out the window which has greatly contributed to the all round spinning out of control.
Okay, today's weigh-in. My total loss so far is 4.8. I don't know what the week's loss is because I forgot to weigh in last Sunday. I am very disappointed in my lack of commitment to this challenge, but I have to say, it's typical of my history to start out gung-ho and then fizzle out. But . . . I am not quitting. Good or bad, I will see this challenge through. I am angry - very angry - that I have let my issues with food control my life for so many years. Some how I will find a way to maintain focus when I am surrounded by chaos.
Last night we went out to dinner. We ended up at a different restaurant than we had intended. I got into the "before dinner nachos," (we were at La Senorita), but I did box up half of my order to take home. I am proud that I ignored my inner brat who was nagging me to just give it up for the evening since I was already on a downward spiral. I have learned over the years that it isn't what I do when things are going well that determines my success or failure - it's what I do in times like these when I am discouraged at myself for letting other things take over.
I am not looking forward to running the Syrup race because I can't even run a mile anymore. I will most likely walk it. I WILL NOT bow out of the race. I want to wear the tee shirt I paid for knowing that I'm not a quitter.
Update - 20 minutes later: I have cleaned off the treadmill. No more excuses!!
Okay, today's weigh-in. My total loss so far is 4.8. I don't know what the week's loss is because I forgot to weigh in last Sunday. I am very disappointed in my lack of commitment to this challenge, but I have to say, it's typical of my history to start out gung-ho and then fizzle out. But . . . I am not quitting. Good or bad, I will see this challenge through. I am angry - very angry - that I have let my issues with food control my life for so many years. Some how I will find a way to maintain focus when I am surrounded by chaos.
Last night we went out to dinner. We ended up at a different restaurant than we had intended. I got into the "before dinner nachos," (we were at La Senorita), but I did box up half of my order to take home. I am proud that I ignored my inner brat who was nagging me to just give it up for the evening since I was already on a downward spiral. I have learned over the years that it isn't what I do when things are going well that determines my success or failure - it's what I do in times like these when I am discouraged at myself for letting other things take over.
I am not looking forward to running the Syrup race because I can't even run a mile anymore. I will most likely walk it. I WILL NOT bow out of the race. I want to wear the tee shirt I paid for knowing that I'm not a quitter.
Update - 20 minutes later: I have cleaned off the treadmill. No more excuses!!
Friday
Day 46 and 47: 100 Days Challenge
Good morning.
Again I am behind on my blogging, but I WILL catch up sometime today. Still struggling, but finding my way out of the muddle. Once the stress of the bathroom and Easter is behind me, I am guessing that things will be a little easier. That persistant inner brat of mine is nagging me to put everything on hold until then, but I'm not listening. Remember my post of a couple days ago about "the right time." It's always the right time. I could put things on hold until after Easter and then be tempted to veer off track until the next stressor is past. There are always stressors in our lives. I can't keep using those as excuses.
Today is going to be one of those intensely stressful days. For today I am going to have to maintain focus hour by hour.
Back later.
Again I am behind on my blogging, but I WILL catch up sometime today. Still struggling, but finding my way out of the muddle. Once the stress of the bathroom and Easter is behind me, I am guessing that things will be a little easier. That persistant inner brat of mine is nagging me to put everything on hold until then, but I'm not listening. Remember my post of a couple days ago about "the right time." It's always the right time. I could put things on hold until after Easter and then be tempted to veer off track until the next stressor is past. There are always stressors in our lives. I can't keep using those as excuses.
Today is going to be one of those intensely stressful days. For today I am going to have to maintain focus hour by hour.
Back later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)