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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I Feel Like a New Woman Today

Isn't it amazing what a difference a day can make. Yesterday I was "out of control" in my eating and kind of hit a rock bottom.  I realized I was out of control and that change is NECESSARY!  So here I am determined to do this the right way AGAIN! Eating was controlling me and I will now be in control of eating! I have a goal and I'm determined to reach it.  I am helping out with a Biggest Loser competition and I really wish I was a part of it.  Happily I don't have enough weight to lose so it wouldn't make since to be a participant.BUT I needed a goal so I want to reach 190 pounds by the end of their competition.  I am considering giving MaryAnne $50 to hold for me and if I reach my goal I get it back and if not it goes to the winner. Anyway I am back on track. I know I've said that a lot the last year but I mean it!


 I also need to thank Mary and Brenda for really making me have a fabulous morning.  We spent nearly 2 hours talking, sharing ideas,  and even taste testing.  These women are such a huge support to me.  We "get" each other and the struggle to lose weight and eat right.  We have so much fun talking! I look forward to Wednesday morning because I love how I feel after our support group!!!

Next I want to share with you a message I sent to a wonderful friend, Heather,  who had a few questions for me on menu ideas and exercising at home.

Hi beautiful!  You look amazing too!  I keep to a very simple menu.  I typically have a green smoothie for breakfast (recipe on my blog). In the winter it is hard to start the day with something cold so sometimes I'll have a couple eggs with a slice of low calories toast (butter spray) or some regular oatmeal sweetened with agave and some cinnamon and raisins. For a morning snack I have a piece of fruit or a rice cake with some all natural peanut or almond butter on it. For lunch I microwave a 70cal original Boca Burger and put it on an oro wheat  sandwich round with homemade relish.  If I have tomato and lettuce I put that on as well.  Also if I have some laughing cow swiss cheese I'll spread that on the bread rather than having relish.  I add a few dill pickles or celery and carrots or a apple or pear (veggie and/or fruit). If I have baked chips around I'll have a serving of those with lunch.  Afternoon snack is a carbmaster yogurt (Kroger brand only 60 cal) or a low fat 90cal granola bar.  Sometimes I need 2 afternoon snacks so celery, apple, orange, serving of wheat thins or other "healthier" cracker.  For dinner I fill half my plate with veggies then 1 cup of the main dish if it a casserole. Some good dinners are steamed broccoli, baked potato w/butter spray and a chicken breast, or veggie/tomato soup with some multi grain chips or crackers, whole wheat pasta with ground turkey marinara sauce, brown rice with chicken and veggies, quinoa with chicken breast or pork chop, homemade turkey chili, and many more.  One key thing is to drink LOTS of water.  So that water isn't so boring I add lite apple cider (10cal) to water.  I really dilute it and add one packet to 4 cups of water.  Crystal light is also good.  I "healthify" whatever I bake.  All whole wheat and applesauce instead of butter or oil,  less eggs,  less sugar or replace with agave, stevia, splenda or sucanat.

As far as exercising at home (I assume without any equipment) you can do so much.  I found a great article at www.fitwatch.com  Here are some of their ideas and I do all of these as well.

Here are 10 great exercises that you can do at home, without the need for any equipment:

    Walking – If the weather is nice, it’s wonderful to get outside and enjoy the scenery around you while you exercise. However, if the weather has other ideas, you can just as easily get an effective walking workout at home. If you have a flight of stairs, go up and down them a few times. (You could even grab a load of laundry as you’re going that way anyway!) This will help to tone up your legs, while getting some low impact aerobic exercise as well. If you don’t have any stairs available, just walk around the house a few times – it may not be very exciting, but it will do the job!
       Jumping Jacks – These are always fun, as they bring back memories of being a kid! Who hasn’t done jumping jacks for fun as a child? Well, surprise – they are also great cardio exercises, and good for warming up, too.
    Pushups – These are probably not the most favorite exercise of many people, but while they can be hard to do, you can find easier ways to do them. You don’t need to pretend you’re “Rocky”, and do them with one hand; just do what works for you. Do them on your knees, instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, do them standing up against a wall. You will be building up arm strength and working out muscles in your chest area.
    Leg Lifts – These are great for building up strength and muscles in your legs. If you find it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, try bending them slightly.
       Crunches – The best exercise for building up and strengthening abdominal muscles. When you’re just getting started, don’t worry about getting your head all the way up. So long as you’re going up until you feel the stretching of the muscles, you will see some benefit.
      Jogging In Place – Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment you will require is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.
    Squats – These are wonderful exercises for your legs and buttocks. You can even just try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re finding them to be too difficult. As long as you’re able to do a few repetitions, you will be providing some benefit to your body.
    Light Weight Lifting – No, you don’t need to go out and buy expensive weights for this! Just use whatever you can find in your house. Start out with something lighter, such as a can of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles or even water jugs.
    Dancing – Dancing is a wonderful exercise, which is great for your heart. Not only that, but it can lift your spirits as well, and give your overall feeling a boost.
    Step Exercises – Using the steps in your home, you can do repetitions which will tone your leg muscles. (Just remember to be careful!)

Good luck and I hope this helps!


Have a wonderful day and do something for yourself that says, "I am worth the effort!", because YOU ARE!!!!!

2 comments:

  1. Funny, I recommitted today too. No food tastes better than I feel when I'm doing right by my body. I just need to keep reminding myself of that. :)

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  2. What a coinicdence re the home workouts. I just dug out my old chart and trampette and did a mini workout last night for the first time in ages using full wine bottles for weights. It wasn't too bad. I just need to find my fitball and I'll be away!

    Lesley x

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