Okay, so I am a slacker. I haven't been blogging the questions and answers so well this week. I am, however, successfully on Day 9! I've only had one major slip up, and I didn't let it wreck the rest of my day or diet. I've lost 4lbs so far, and I am looking forward to loosing another 4 over the next 9 days!
On to the questions!
1.) What thoughts, images, or emotions do you associate with the word plan? Are you the kind of person who says, "I love it when a plan comes together!" or are you more likely to say, "Plan-schman, can't we all just go with the flow?" I personally am a planner. I try to plan so much that I seriously over plan! Sometimes I need to just go with the flow. A plan gets me excited, it helps me see the goal as achievable. A plan keeps me focused on the outcome and keeps me in line with my progress to reach that outcome. A plan is a good thing!
2.) Are there areas of your life in which having a plan works well for you? For example, in your finances, for vacation trips, accomplishing daily tasks, reaching professional goals, reading through the Bible in a year. In these areas of your life, does having a plan feel empowering or restrictive? Do your feelings change when the plan is about food, what you will eat and not eat? Having a financial plan empowers me, and a vacation plan too! I like preparing ahead and finding the main attractions ahead of time. I like to leave a little time for whatever may just look good upon arrival. Professionally, I am working on outlining a plan as we speak. I am praying and planning a profession I had never considered before. I have tried using Bible reading plans, and sometimes I find success, and sometimes not so much. As for food...I usually feel extremely restricted and deprived when I can't have the things I want.
3.) "My changing body revealed all my secrets.... Poor choices with food will rat me out every time". What is the relationship between food and secrets? What secrets do you think your body reveals? Well, I guess it's probably easy to eat food in secret. I don't know, I've always been one to say that I love food too much to deny myself the pleasure of it. I eat for comfort and stuff too, like crazy, but I don't usually feel like I have to hide my overeating.
4.) Choosing a healthy eating plan that works for you may require research, experimentation, and consultation with your doctor or other health care professionals. How does the prospect of doing these things make you feel. Does it energize you and help you to feel equipped or does it overwhelm you and make you feel discouraged? Honestly, I would love to seek the advice and assistant of a nutritionist, however, I could turn this post into the evils of our health care system. I am uninsured and can't afford to just run out and see a nutritionist every month to weigh in and check up on my progress. I think it's a great idea and very smart to do so. I think that seeking help is good, because sometimes it takes time and encouragement to find what truly works for us.
5.) Lysa described her food plan but emphasized the importance of choosing a healthy plan that works for you. What words or phrases would you use to describe the kind of plan you think would be realistic for you over the long term? On a scale of one to ten, how hopeful are you that you can find a realistic food plan, on that you can grow to love just as Lysa grew to love her food plan? I would say 10 for sure! I think a realistic eating plan for me is whole, raw, natural foods - as much as possible. I like to cut out over-processed foods. I would prefer to eat all farm fresh meat, veggies, and fruits, from local farms. Actually, I'd prefer to own my own farm and raise lamb, and chickens for meat. Have my own eggs, have goats for milk, possible a cow. I want a huge garden and even a few fruit trees. I love the idea of eating food that is grown in a healthy manner, without the use of chemicals.
Thank you for joining me for today's question and answer session! Don't forget to get your copy of "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst! It's worth the investment and will help you with your healthy eating plan.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Replacing My Cravings (Chpt 2)
I'm still at it! I missed blogging yesterday, but I started my healthy eating plan and lifestyle change, and I followed through again today, THANK GOD! I've had a bit of struggle with it today, but I know God is carrying my through the temptations, and each small victory is paving the path!
1.) Lysa describes her morning ritual with the scale and her failed efforts to eat healthier as a vicious cycle she felt powerless to stop. When it comes to your relationship with food, what repeated behaviors or events describe the cycle you experience and feel powerless to stop? For me, it's generally a once a month weigh in, that leaves me angry. My weight is either the same amount of too much, or higher. I was addicted to sweets, I was addicted to all food, really. I just loved to eat. All the time. Any time. If I had just eaten, and someone invited me to eat with them, I'd do it. It was the one thing in my life I felt like I had NO control over. I would try to eat less, but if I got too hungry, then I would just binge eat for two days. God is leading me out of the cycle and into something better now!
2.) There are many reasons we have for wanting to eat differently - losing weight, fitting into a favorite pair of jeans, looking good for an important event. What reasons motivate your desire to eat healthier? Do these reasons give your struggles with food a purpose strong enough to help you resist unhealthy eating? How do you respond to Lysa's statement, "I had to see the purpose of my struggle as something more than wearing smaller sizes and getting compliments from others...It had to be about something more than just me"? I don't want my joints to hurt from carrying around the weight, I want my asthma to improve. I hate the way I look when I see myself in the mirror. Even my kids have commented on my weight. Yet, those motivations have never been enough. Realizing that I idolized food, and ran to it for comfort, in joy, in sorrow, in celebration...in all times, made me realize that I wasn't running to God in those times. Also, realizing that God wants to help me, and that He is strong enough to do what I can't, has given me a sense of the coming victory!
3.) "I had to get honest enough to admit it: I relied on food more than I relied on God. I craved food more than I craved God. Food was my comfort. Food was my reward. Food was my joy. Food was what I turned to in times of stress, sadness, and even in times of happiness". Consider your eating experiences over the last few days or weeks. Using the list below, can you recall specific situations in which you turned to food for these reasons?
Comfort: If my feelings get hurt, I reach for the candy.
Reward: I do this all the time! Look, I did dishes. Candy. Look, I vacuumed. Candy. Look, we did lots of school. Candy.
Joy: When I want a big pick me up, we head off to the restaurant. Lately, Buffalo Wild Wings.
Stress: When my baby daddy stressed me out a couple weeks ago, I ate a huge bowl of chips and queso.
Sadness: I want warm, chili, soup, goulash, etc. when I'm sad.
Happiness: When I'm happy about a new photo shoot, we go eat!
Keeping the same situations in mind, how do you imagine your experiences might have been different if you had relied on God, craved God, instead of turning to food? I imagine that I would have learned from each experience more, and more quickly. I also think my relationship with God would have been deepened as I learned to depend on Him and recognized how trustworthy He truly is. Food is so disappointing.
4. How do you respond to the idea of using your cravings as a prompt to pray? How has prayer helped or failed to help in your previous food battles? I think it is a brilliant idea, and I've been praying when I start craving! God has been faithful to answer each prayer, and I'm feeling His hand guiding me through this process!
5.) Brick by brick (or craving by craving), Lysa dismantled her tower of impossibility and used the same bricks to build a walkway of prayer, paving the path to victory. Brick by brick is an effective way to dismantle something but it also takes time and careful work. In your battles with food, are you more likely to choose a drastic, quick-fix approach or a moderate but longer-term approach? What thoughts or feelings emerge when you consider dismantling your own tower of impossiblity one craving at a time? I always wanted the quick fix! I wanted to be done craving, done over eating, done with all of it RIGHT NOW. Yet...when I failed...then I just wanted some magic formula that would make my body look great no matter what I ate. I feel like this is what I ultimately want, but giving up the sweets and candies and all the excess food is a challenge. I'm on day 2 of my healthy eating plan, and the thoughts that are emerging are SWEET VICTORY. Two days down...and forward I shall carry on. Learning to pray away cravings...learning to just pray when I'm craving. That's going to be my new challenge tomorrow. Instead of just pleaing a desperate prayer of craving removal, I'm going to pray for someone or something going on in the world, that way, as my eating habits are changed, my prayers are growing and not self-centered!
1.) Lysa describes her morning ritual with the scale and her failed efforts to eat healthier as a vicious cycle she felt powerless to stop. When it comes to your relationship with food, what repeated behaviors or events describe the cycle you experience and feel powerless to stop? For me, it's generally a once a month weigh in, that leaves me angry. My weight is either the same amount of too much, or higher. I was addicted to sweets, I was addicted to all food, really. I just loved to eat. All the time. Any time. If I had just eaten, and someone invited me to eat with them, I'd do it. It was the one thing in my life I felt like I had NO control over. I would try to eat less, but if I got too hungry, then I would just binge eat for two days. God is leading me out of the cycle and into something better now!
2.) There are many reasons we have for wanting to eat differently - losing weight, fitting into a favorite pair of jeans, looking good for an important event. What reasons motivate your desire to eat healthier? Do these reasons give your struggles with food a purpose strong enough to help you resist unhealthy eating? How do you respond to Lysa's statement, "I had to see the purpose of my struggle as something more than wearing smaller sizes and getting compliments from others...It had to be about something more than just me"? I don't want my joints to hurt from carrying around the weight, I want my asthma to improve. I hate the way I look when I see myself in the mirror. Even my kids have commented on my weight. Yet, those motivations have never been enough. Realizing that I idolized food, and ran to it for comfort, in joy, in sorrow, in celebration...in all times, made me realize that I wasn't running to God in those times. Also, realizing that God wants to help me, and that He is strong enough to do what I can't, has given me a sense of the coming victory!
3.) "I had to get honest enough to admit it: I relied on food more than I relied on God. I craved food more than I craved God. Food was my comfort. Food was my reward. Food was my joy. Food was what I turned to in times of stress, sadness, and even in times of happiness". Consider your eating experiences over the last few days or weeks. Using the list below, can you recall specific situations in which you turned to food for these reasons?
Comfort: If my feelings get hurt, I reach for the candy.
Reward: I do this all the time! Look, I did dishes. Candy. Look, I vacuumed. Candy. Look, we did lots of school. Candy.
Joy: When I want a big pick me up, we head off to the restaurant. Lately, Buffalo Wild Wings.
Stress: When my baby daddy stressed me out a couple weeks ago, I ate a huge bowl of chips and queso.
Sadness: I want warm, chili, soup, goulash, etc. when I'm sad.
Happiness: When I'm happy about a new photo shoot, we go eat!
Keeping the same situations in mind, how do you imagine your experiences might have been different if you had relied on God, craved God, instead of turning to food? I imagine that I would have learned from each experience more, and more quickly. I also think my relationship with God would have been deepened as I learned to depend on Him and recognized how trustworthy He truly is. Food is so disappointing.
4. How do you respond to the idea of using your cravings as a prompt to pray? How has prayer helped or failed to help in your previous food battles? I think it is a brilliant idea, and I've been praying when I start craving! God has been faithful to answer each prayer, and I'm feeling His hand guiding me through this process!
5.) Brick by brick (or craving by craving), Lysa dismantled her tower of impossibility and used the same bricks to build a walkway of prayer, paving the path to victory. Brick by brick is an effective way to dismantle something but it also takes time and careful work. In your battles with food, are you more likely to choose a drastic, quick-fix approach or a moderate but longer-term approach? What thoughts or feelings emerge when you consider dismantling your own tower of impossiblity one craving at a time? I always wanted the quick fix! I wanted to be done craving, done over eating, done with all of it RIGHT NOW. Yet...when I failed...then I just wanted some magic formula that would make my body look great no matter what I ate. I feel like this is what I ultimately want, but giving up the sweets and candies and all the excess food is a challenge. I'm on day 2 of my healthy eating plan, and the thoughts that are emerging are SWEET VICTORY. Two days down...and forward I shall carry on. Learning to pray away cravings...learning to just pray when I'm craving. That's going to be my new challenge tomorrow. Instead of just pleaing a desperate prayer of craving removal, I'm going to pray for someone or something going on in the world, that way, as my eating habits are changed, my prayers are growing and not self-centered!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Finding My "Want To" (Chpt. 1)
As promised, here is the first set of personal reflection questions from "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst, along with my answers to those questions!
1.) One weight loss company personifies craving as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods. Take a moment to reflect on your own experience of craving, recently and over time.
a.) If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form might it take? Would it be like the little orange monster or would it take a different shape? Describe what your craving looks like and how it behaves.
For me, craving is probably a lot like that little monster. I decide to do better, put away the snacks, then I realize some event or get together is coming up, and I decide to let that be my splurge day, but once I've made up in my mind to have a splurge, then I have several of them. Then I wait to start getting healthy because I want to indulge at said events or get togethers - and those are never-ending! Craving nags at me about .254837 seconds after I decide to stop eating unhealthy foods.
b.) If you could sit down and have a conversation with this imaginary craving, what do you think it might say to you? What questions would you want to ask it? How do you imagine it might respond?
It would promise satisfaction, but secretly it would know that satisfaction is VERY temporary, and only lasts until the next craving hits. I would ask it why me?! I imagine it would respond by telling me how great it really is and that it is my friend, helping me recognize what "really" tastes good.
2.) How do you respond to the idea that God made us to crave? Have you ever pursued a craving - a longing, passion, or desire - that made a positive contribution to your life? What do you think distinguishes that kind of craving from the craving that leads you to eat in unhealthy ways?
I think this idea makes sense to me. How would I ever dig deeper into His truth and His will and purpose for my life without craving it? Cravings make me crazy for whatever the object is. If I'm craving something, I can't get enough of it. It would make sense that God made to crave Him - I won't be able to get enough of Him. I think I've only identified craving as a negative thing thus far in life. When I crave unhealthy things, I'm leaning on my own strength, and putting things before God, when I'm craving God - then I'm desiring to make Him my focus in life...my Sustainer, Healer, Comforter.
3.) If it's true that we are made to crave, how might it change the way you understand your cravings? Do you believe there could be any benefits to listening to your cravings rather than trying to silence them? If so, what might those benefits be? If not, why not?
I will be able to focus my attention on God, and scripture. I will fulfill my hungry soul with the Bread of Life as opposed to junk food that only fills my belly. I believe there will be many benefits to listening to my cravings and directing them toward God. I will grow closer to Him, be better able to recognize and serve Him. My life will glorify God more by my obedience - and I will be open to receive only the strength that He can give me.
4.) The Bible describes three ways Satan tried to lure us away from loving God: cravings, lust of the eyes, and boasting (1 John 2:15-16). Lysa explains how Satan used these tactics with both Eve and Jesus. Using the list below, think back over the last twenty-four hours or the last few days to see if you recognize how you may have been tempted in similar ways.
a.) Cravings: meeting physical desires outside the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires for things such as food, alcohol, drugs, or sex? I am addicted to food. I have struggled with other addictions before - cigarettes, drugs, and even sex. I've used drugs to make me feel better, sex to make me feel loved/accepted, and cigarettes for stress relief and to be "cool". I am proud to say that I am sex, drug, and cigarette free. I am not over my addiction to food. In fact, it rules my thoughts and actions. I eat to celebrate, I eat to destress, I eat when I'm angry. I turn to food for comfort and even companionship. Like food is the answer to all things wrong in my life. Then I feel guilty for my physical appearance and lack of energy, so I vow to do better - after tomorrow's big shindig, because I want some of the treats there.
b.) Lust of the eyes: meeting material desires outside of the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires for material things - clothing, financial portfolio, appliances, vacation plans, cosmetics, home decor, electronics, etc.? Well my current struggle is home decor. I seem to think the right decor will make my house a home. I am trying to get out of debt, and yet I am willing to sacrifice debt free living to decorating my house the "right" way.
c.) Boasting: meeting needs for significance outside of the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires to prop up your significance - perhaps by name dropping, exaggerating, feigning humility or other virtues, doing something just because you knew it would be observed by others, etc.? I need to think on this one - I'm not claiming innocence, but nothing comes to mind...I tend to think I'll be more significant if I loose weight and look better.
Of the three kinds of temptations, which is the most difficult for you to resist? Which is the easiest to resist? Why?
Cravings is the hardest for me to resist, because I want comfort and use food to comfort me and fill the void - but it only lasts temporary, so I'm feeling stuck in a vicious cycle. Easiest would be boasting, I think. I truly enjoy helping people to help them and to honor God. I want to be the hands, I want to live the action of love, not just say I have it/give it.
5.) Jesus quotes the truth of Scripture to defeat temptation. Have you ever used Scripture in this way? What was the result? How do you feel about the idea of using this approach to address your unhealthy eating patterns?
I have thought to a time or two, but unfortunately it seems like I give in to temptation or rely on myself more than God or His Word to get through it. I want to change this pattern of failure. I believe using Scripture to guide me on toward victory in Christ is a beautiful gift from God!
That's it for tonight! I'll be back tomorrow!
1.) One weight loss company personifies craving as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods. Take a moment to reflect on your own experience of craving, recently and over time.
a.) If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form might it take? Would it be like the little orange monster or would it take a different shape? Describe what your craving looks like and how it behaves.
For me, craving is probably a lot like that little monster. I decide to do better, put away the snacks, then I realize some event or get together is coming up, and I decide to let that be my splurge day, but once I've made up in my mind to have a splurge, then I have several of them. Then I wait to start getting healthy because I want to indulge at said events or get togethers - and those are never-ending! Craving nags at me about .254837 seconds after I decide to stop eating unhealthy foods.
b.) If you could sit down and have a conversation with this imaginary craving, what do you think it might say to you? What questions would you want to ask it? How do you imagine it might respond?
It would promise satisfaction, but secretly it would know that satisfaction is VERY temporary, and only lasts until the next craving hits. I would ask it why me?! I imagine it would respond by telling me how great it really is and that it is my friend, helping me recognize what "really" tastes good.
2.) How do you respond to the idea that God made us to crave? Have you ever pursued a craving - a longing, passion, or desire - that made a positive contribution to your life? What do you think distinguishes that kind of craving from the craving that leads you to eat in unhealthy ways?
I think this idea makes sense to me. How would I ever dig deeper into His truth and His will and purpose for my life without craving it? Cravings make me crazy for whatever the object is. If I'm craving something, I can't get enough of it. It would make sense that God made to crave Him - I won't be able to get enough of Him. I think I've only identified craving as a negative thing thus far in life. When I crave unhealthy things, I'm leaning on my own strength, and putting things before God, when I'm craving God - then I'm desiring to make Him my focus in life...my Sustainer, Healer, Comforter.
3.) If it's true that we are made to crave, how might it change the way you understand your cravings? Do you believe there could be any benefits to listening to your cravings rather than trying to silence them? If so, what might those benefits be? If not, why not?
I will be able to focus my attention on God, and scripture. I will fulfill my hungry soul with the Bread of Life as opposed to junk food that only fills my belly. I believe there will be many benefits to listening to my cravings and directing them toward God. I will grow closer to Him, be better able to recognize and serve Him. My life will glorify God more by my obedience - and I will be open to receive only the strength that He can give me.
4.) The Bible describes three ways Satan tried to lure us away from loving God: cravings, lust of the eyes, and boasting (1 John 2:15-16). Lysa explains how Satan used these tactics with both Eve and Jesus. Using the list below, think back over the last twenty-four hours or the last few days to see if you recognize how you may have been tempted in similar ways.
a.) Cravings: meeting physical desires outside the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires for things such as food, alcohol, drugs, or sex? I am addicted to food. I have struggled with other addictions before - cigarettes, drugs, and even sex. I've used drugs to make me feel better, sex to make me feel loved/accepted, and cigarettes for stress relief and to be "cool". I am proud to say that I am sex, drug, and cigarette free. I am not over my addiction to food. In fact, it rules my thoughts and actions. I eat to celebrate, I eat to destress, I eat when I'm angry. I turn to food for comfort and even companionship. Like food is the answer to all things wrong in my life. Then I feel guilty for my physical appearance and lack of energy, so I vow to do better - after tomorrow's big shindig, because I want some of the treats there.
b.) Lust of the eyes: meeting material desires outside of the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires for material things - clothing, financial portfolio, appliances, vacation plans, cosmetics, home decor, electronics, etc.? Well my current struggle is home decor. I seem to think the right decor will make my house a home. I am trying to get out of debt, and yet I am willing to sacrifice debt free living to decorating my house the "right" way.
c.) Boasting: meeting needs for significance outside of the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires to prop up your significance - perhaps by name dropping, exaggerating, feigning humility or other virtues, doing something just because you knew it would be observed by others, etc.? I need to think on this one - I'm not claiming innocence, but nothing comes to mind...I tend to think I'll be more significant if I loose weight and look better.
Of the three kinds of temptations, which is the most difficult for you to resist? Which is the easiest to resist? Why?
Cravings is the hardest for me to resist, because I want comfort and use food to comfort me and fill the void - but it only lasts temporary, so I'm feeling stuck in a vicious cycle. Easiest would be boasting, I think. I truly enjoy helping people to help them and to honor God. I want to be the hands, I want to live the action of love, not just say I have it/give it.
5.) Jesus quotes the truth of Scripture to defeat temptation. Have you ever used Scripture in this way? What was the result? How do you feel about the idea of using this approach to address your unhealthy eating patterns?
I have thought to a time or two, but unfortunately it seems like I give in to temptation or rely on myself more than God or His Word to get through it. I want to change this pattern of failure. I believe using Scripture to guide me on toward victory in Christ is a beautiful gift from God!
That's it for tonight! I'll be back tomorrow!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
It's been too long.
I started this blog to document my journey toward eating better, moving more, and living healthier. Yet, just as the blog has turned into nothing, I have done nothing. There are random days I try, but not anything that does any good. I am continually beat up by the way my pants fit, the number on the scale, and the way I feel. I then stuff my face some more because in the moment that I am satisfying my taste buds and filling my stomach, I think it is enough. I think that is the satisfaction that will make me feel better. I think wrong.
I am reading a book called "Made to Crave" written by Lysa Terkeurst, and eight chapters in, I am realizing that my struggle with my weight isn't about my weight. It's about food. This is a battle of self-control. Lysa has pointed out that Jesus gives us freedom and power. The power to overcome, the power of self-control. This won't be by my own doing. This will be the power of Christ in me.
Each chapter has a set of questions to answer, and I've decided to post the questions, and my answers to them, on here. I'll start tomorrow, as tonight I'm just trying to get through the whole book. Then I'm going to re-read, and answer the questions at the end. I'm excited about this journey, but I'm also nervous.
I know that God has a lot in store for me. I know He has a plan, and lately He has been really speaking to me about what I put into my body. I have let my stomach be my king. I have let it rule over me. God sent confirmation to me...and here is how:
I was reminded of the story of Esau and Jacob and the stew. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of SOUP. Because he'd been hunting and was hungry. Yet, I'm quite certain this guy hadn't gone like a week without a meal or something. It had probably just been since breakfast. So, here he is, hungry from hunting. Instead of telling Jacob no, and making himself something to eat, he agreed. He sold his birthright to satisfy his stomach.
Here's the confirmation part:
In the book I'm reading, Lysa references this same story, and God reminded me that I do arrange my life around food. Like when I'm going somewhere this week that will have treats, I wait a week to start my diet because I don't want to miss out. I am always waiting for the right moment, instead of making the right moment. So, I am going to prayerfully embark on a new outlook about how and what I'm eating. I'm going to pray for God to break the chains of addiction. I'm going to ask Him to help me rely on Him, instead of a bite of something, for comfort, in times of joy, when I'm stressed....always.
I am reading a book called "Made to Crave" written by Lysa Terkeurst, and eight chapters in, I am realizing that my struggle with my weight isn't about my weight. It's about food. This is a battle of self-control. Lysa has pointed out that Jesus gives us freedom and power. The power to overcome, the power of self-control. This won't be by my own doing. This will be the power of Christ in me.
Each chapter has a set of questions to answer, and I've decided to post the questions, and my answers to them, on here. I'll start tomorrow, as tonight I'm just trying to get through the whole book. Then I'm going to re-read, and answer the questions at the end. I'm excited about this journey, but I'm also nervous.
I know that God has a lot in store for me. I know He has a plan, and lately He has been really speaking to me about what I put into my body. I have let my stomach be my king. I have let it rule over me. God sent confirmation to me...and here is how:
I was reminded of the story of Esau and Jacob and the stew. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of SOUP. Because he'd been hunting and was hungry. Yet, I'm quite certain this guy hadn't gone like a week without a meal or something. It had probably just been since breakfast. So, here he is, hungry from hunting. Instead of telling Jacob no, and making himself something to eat, he agreed. He sold his birthright to satisfy his stomach.
Here's the confirmation part:
In the book I'm reading, Lysa references this same story, and God reminded me that I do arrange my life around food. Like when I'm going somewhere this week that will have treats, I wait a week to start my diet because I don't want to miss out. I am always waiting for the right moment, instead of making the right moment. So, I am going to prayerfully embark on a new outlook about how and what I'm eating. I'm going to pray for God to break the chains of addiction. I'm going to ask Him to help me rely on Him, instead of a bite of something, for comfort, in times of joy, when I'm stressed....always.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Somethings not working right...
So, it's Monday, and I weighed in. I was a little concerned, and I'm not sure why, maybe past failures creating a voice of doubt in my mind? Well, I gained weight. I weighed in at 203lbs. I was disappointed. 2.2lbs gained means that I didn't loose the 1.5lbs I wanted to. I am trying to remind myself that my activity level is severely limited due to the recovery from being in the hospital. I also am trying to stay positive. This means I need to continue my work on portions.
Success: It's been 18 days since I've had any form of soda. I'm mostly drinking water, with some occasional herbal tea, and a cup or two of coffee (three cups in 18 days, if we're counting here...).
I'm also eating fresh, raw produce every day. Broccoli, cauliflower, grapefruit, apples, bananas, spinach, something fresh and raw every day. I've been trying to reduce my portion sizes, and I've started using child sized plates so I can have a full plate, and still not be over-eating.
I walked for 30 minutes yesterday, and I'm going to try to do 30 minutes of step on the Wii Balance Board tonight. I'm going to get there. This was a frustrating weigh in for me, but it just goes to show that I need to continue to improve, build on what I'm doing, Eat Smarter & Move More!
Dinner tonight consisted of brown rice, chicken breast, sauteed mushrooms, gravy, corn, and green beans. Yes, two vegetables...in my attempt to fill our tummies with healthy foods, I decided that offering two vegetables might aid us in eating less of the more calorie dense foods, while still providing the necessary nutrition to live healthier lives! I also had about 3 cups of fresh spinach with about 2 TB of light italian dressing and 1/8 cup of cheese.
Success: It's been 18 days since I've had any form of soda. I'm mostly drinking water, with some occasional herbal tea, and a cup or two of coffee (three cups in 18 days, if we're counting here...).
I'm also eating fresh, raw produce every day. Broccoli, cauliflower, grapefruit, apples, bananas, spinach, something fresh and raw every day. I've been trying to reduce my portion sizes, and I've started using child sized plates so I can have a full plate, and still not be over-eating.
I walked for 30 minutes yesterday, and I'm going to try to do 30 minutes of step on the Wii Balance Board tonight. I'm going to get there. This was a frustrating weigh in for me, but it just goes to show that I need to continue to improve, build on what I'm doing, Eat Smarter & Move More!
Dinner tonight consisted of brown rice, chicken breast, sauteed mushrooms, gravy, corn, and green beans. Yes, two vegetables...in my attempt to fill our tummies with healthy foods, I decided that offering two vegetables might aid us in eating less of the more calorie dense foods, while still providing the necessary nutrition to live healthier lives! I also had about 3 cups of fresh spinach with about 2 TB of light italian dressing and 1/8 cup of cheese.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Slow start...oops!
Wow, so I started this blog with great intentions of documenting a healthier year, and landed myself in the hospital on a ventilator...not the start I had thought I was going for, but definitely reassurance that I need to get healthier.
I was a bit scared to weigh myself today, I didn't know if I'd be shocked by how much weight I lost in the hospital....or disappointed that it wasn't much. I feel like I've lost a lot of mass. I know I've lost a lot of muscle - I'm very weak, and can't lift the same things I could before I got sick.
Well, it wasn't so bad. I weighed in at 200.9lbs. I lost 7.7lbs. This would be great news if muscle didn't go first...but it does. So I have a long road to recovery - but I have a lot of motivation to be healthier.
Today, I walked to the office to pay my rent, and I spent 3 minutes on the Wii Basic Step game. That 3 minutes wasn't much, but my legs were shaking, and I have to go slow. Slower than I want to. I've been more active today than all week though, and it feels good. On ward and up ward! I'm going to continue eating small portions of healthy foods, and work on increasing the amount of exercise I can tolerate - without pushing myself backwards into another health crisis.
One step at a time, one healthy meal at a time, trusting God the whole time!
I was a bit scared to weigh myself today, I didn't know if I'd be shocked by how much weight I lost in the hospital....or disappointed that it wasn't much. I feel like I've lost a lot of mass. I know I've lost a lot of muscle - I'm very weak, and can't lift the same things I could before I got sick.
Well, it wasn't so bad. I weighed in at 200.9lbs. I lost 7.7lbs. This would be great news if muscle didn't go first...but it does. So I have a long road to recovery - but I have a lot of motivation to be healthier.
Today, I walked to the office to pay my rent, and I spent 3 minutes on the Wii Basic Step game. That 3 minutes wasn't much, but my legs were shaking, and I have to go slow. Slower than I want to. I've been more active today than all week though, and it feels good. On ward and up ward! I'm going to continue eating small portions of healthy foods, and work on increasing the amount of exercise I can tolerate - without pushing myself backwards into another health crisis.
One step at a time, one healthy meal at a time, trusting God the whole time!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Day 2
The second day of my lifelong health & wellness journey has begun. In case you missed the first post you can find it here: http://perceptionsby1.blogspot.com/2010/12/early-new-years-resolution.html
I know, 2011 hasn't even started yet, but I'm decided that instead of spending yet another week pigging out in preparation for a diet, I would just start now.
I got on the Wii Fit again tonight - I weight in at exactly the same 208.6lbs. Monday will be my official weigh in day each week, but I was glad to see that it was the same and not worse. I truly expected to continue gaining weight for a few more days in honor of all of the great food we had for Christmas. I made divinity - enough said, right? I should have brought some home...oh wait wait, back on track.
I did yoga and strength on the Wii Fit for 28 minutes. That's two days in a row and I'm feeling pretty pumped about it!
Needless to say, this is a struggle starting out. I did read an article today that made me realize I don't want to put fast food garbage in my mouth and body anymore.
Read this: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/truth-about-your-weight-gain - YUCK
Today I ate fairly light. I had a fig newton cookie, a peanut butter & honey sandwich, 1/2 cup (approx.) baked acorn squash (with no butter, sugar, honey, or syrup!), 1 cup (1/2 cup at dinner, 1/2 cup an hour later) Hamburger Helper (made with turkey burger), too many animal crackers (probably 3/4 - 1 cup worth), 2 packages of instant oatmeal, and my vitamins. I also have had lots of water today. As I read back over this I'm not sure this would be considered "light" - but I'm starving! I'm going to get my rear to the store for some fresh produce, so I can snack on carrots and celery, broccoli and cauliflower, when I need a snack.
Well, it's a start. I'll work harder at it tomorrow and each day forward.
I know, 2011 hasn't even started yet, but I'm decided that instead of spending yet another week pigging out in preparation for a diet, I would just start now.
I got on the Wii Fit again tonight - I weight in at exactly the same 208.6lbs. Monday will be my official weigh in day each week, but I was glad to see that it was the same and not worse. I truly expected to continue gaining weight for a few more days in honor of all of the great food we had for Christmas. I made divinity - enough said, right? I should have brought some home...oh wait wait, back on track.
I did yoga and strength on the Wii Fit for 28 minutes. That's two days in a row and I'm feeling pretty pumped about it!
Needless to say, this is a struggle starting out. I did read an article today that made me realize I don't want to put fast food garbage in my mouth and body anymore.
Read this: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/truth-about-your-weight-gain - YUCK
Today I ate fairly light. I had a fig newton cookie, a peanut butter & honey sandwich, 1/2 cup (approx.) baked acorn squash (with no butter, sugar, honey, or syrup!), 1 cup (1/2 cup at dinner, 1/2 cup an hour later) Hamburger Helper (made with turkey burger), too many animal crackers (probably 3/4 - 1 cup worth), 2 packages of instant oatmeal, and my vitamins. I also have had lots of water today. As I read back over this I'm not sure this would be considered "light" - but I'm starving! I'm going to get my rear to the store for some fresh produce, so I can snack on carrots and celery, broccoli and cauliflower, when I need a snack.
Well, it's a start. I'll work harder at it tomorrow and each day forward.
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