Every day we make choices. You and only you are responsible for the choices you make.
So where did this come from? Yesterday, I posted on my Facebook that I wanted a cookie, a cupcake and ice cream sundae. Several people said go for it. I mentioned that I was going to get a frozen Greek yogurt from Pinkberry on my lunch hour and my sister basically told me not to "be good" but to go for the bad stuff.
Now granted, I didn't see that comment until late last night, long after I went to Pinkberry, but I'm pretty sure I still wouldn't have done what she said. (Ok, she said to go get a frozen custard because she lives in IL now and forgets that MA doesn't have frozen custard. We have ice cream, but still, you get the idea.)
Even though I was craving something sinful, I chose to find a satisfactory alternative. And not only that, but I went to my kickboxing class last night too, so I worked off that frozen yogurt. But it was my choice. I could have chosen to get a cookie or a cupcake or a regular full fat ice cream, but I didn't. I chose to go for something better. But not matter what I chose, I would have owned it because it was my decision.
Every day we make choices about what we're going to do and what we're going to eat. It's not always going to be easy to make the healthy choice, and there are going to be times when you decide you really want that Big Mac instead of the 6 inch turkey sandwich with just veggies, no cheese, no sauce, from Subway. But other days, you're going to choose the healthier option. Either way, it is your choice. You own it. You are responsible for it. And you know what you need to do if you want to lose the weight and get healthy.
I'm not going to say that I never choose the cupcake because that would be a big fat lie. But it's my choice. And I'm the one who has to live with it. I'll be proud when I make the healthy choice and disappointed when I make the unhealthy choice, but either way, it's all me! Don't let others make the choice for you. This is your life and your journey. You decide where and how it goes.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Excuses vs. Reasons
I didn't blog last week because I didn't really have much to say. Weight wise, I was up 0.8 but I wasn't surprised since there was no kickboxing class the week of July 4th. I should have found something else to do, but I didn't. And that leads me to this week's topic actually...excuses vs. reasons.
I think there is a fine line between the two and it's very easy to blur that line or to pretend it doesn't exist. But we have to try not to let that happen. The way I see it, excuses are the easy way out. Reasons are legit.
Not having class last week was my excuse. Sure, I couldn't control that there was no class, but that didn't mean that I could take the week off. That fact that I didn't do some other activity instead is the reason that I gained weight. That is the reality. Had I done something else instead, the results would have been different.
This past week, my weight stayed the same. So what's the reason for that? I need to figure that out. I did the class and I've been working harder to get my steps in. It's been really hot out, and I could use that as an excuse, but it would be just there. There are other things I can do that don't mean being outside in the heat. Yes, the heat is keeping me from my power walks at lunch, but that means I need to step it up when I'm in the air conditioning. I find reasons to go up and down the stairs at work. I do more running/jogging at home at night. Adding those extra steps helps.
Now, if I was laid up in bed because of illness or injury, that would be a reason not to work out. It's "too hot" is just an excuse. See the difference?
I think there is a fine line between the two and it's very easy to blur that line or to pretend it doesn't exist. But we have to try not to let that happen. The way I see it, excuses are the easy way out. Reasons are legit.
Not having class last week was my excuse. Sure, I couldn't control that there was no class, but that didn't mean that I could take the week off. That fact that I didn't do some other activity instead is the reason that I gained weight. That is the reality. Had I done something else instead, the results would have been different.
This past week, my weight stayed the same. So what's the reason for that? I need to figure that out. I did the class and I've been working harder to get my steps in. It's been really hot out, and I could use that as an excuse, but it would be just there. There are other things I can do that don't mean being outside in the heat. Yes, the heat is keeping me from my power walks at lunch, but that means I need to step it up when I'm in the air conditioning. I find reasons to go up and down the stairs at work. I do more running/jogging at home at night. Adding those extra steps helps.
Now, if I was laid up in bed because of illness or injury, that would be a reason not to work out. It's "too hot" is just an excuse. See the difference?
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Still celebrating!
Today's weigh-in has me down another 0.8 to put me at 205.2 lbs. When I started in January, I was at 217, so that means I've lost 11.8 lbs. I'd say that's a pretty good pace since I want to be under 200 by December 31st. I'm confident I can not only get under 200, but do it well in advance of December. And of course, there is that 185 goal for May 1, 2014.
The Fourth of July has arrived. This is the celebration of America's independence. A time for barbecues and fireworks. It's also the month of my birthday - another celebration. Cake and ice cream and hopefully a special dinner. Do you notice a theme here? Celebrations tend to involve food!
So can you celebrate and still lose weight? Of course you can. You just have to be smart about it. Take time to plan. And don't kid yourself. You are not going to be able to avoid some of those favorite celebration foods. I can tell you right now that I will not be giving up ice cream. No way. No how. I'm also going to be enjoying potato salad. That's a favorite of mine. But I'm going to focus on smaller portions. Ok, who am I kidding, there will not be a smaller portion of ice cream.
In addition, I will be making sure that I'm getting my workouts in. That kickboxing class will help, but there are no classes this week, so I have to find other things to do. And "It's hot!" is not a valid excuse. Find something you can do indoors or get out early before the heat really sets in. Yes, in this area, it is ridiculously humid so you're practically sweating as soon as you step out the door, but that is not a workout. Hit the track. You don't have to run. Just go for a walk. But make sure you drink plenty of water. You need to stay hydrated. And when you finish the walk, jump in the shower....lukewarm to actually wash off the sweat and then a nice cool shower to refresh! You will feel amazing.
I also do little things throughout the day. When I'm at work and I'm standing at the copier waiting for it to finish, I'll walk in place. I also do this at various other times of the day. It is not unusual to just seem marching in place. When I'm doing the dishes, in the bathroom washing my hands, waiting for the toaster or the microwave. If you really think about it, there are so many times during the day when you are just standing still and you could be marching or jogging in place. You're not going to drop tons of weight doing just this, but the little things will add up and will keep you moving. And if you wear a step counter, even better because you'll see those numbers climb.
Watching tv at night. Get up off the couch and jog in place. I do this all the time. You can do it during commercials. Or jog during the show and do something else during the commercials, like climb the stairs. I actually count as I'm jogging. At the pace that I count, I get about 800 steps for every 100 count. So I'll do 100 or 200 or 500, take a break and then do another count a little later. There are some days/nights that I get in 8000-10000 steps just from jogging while watching tv.
When I get home from work at night, I change into workout clothes. Since I have them on, I'm more inclined to do something physical. I'll do my jogging, use my kettle bell weights, use my exercise ball, do some stretches, or any combination of these things. It's easy and does make a difference.
So find the little things you can do to increase the physical activity while you're going about your daily routines.
And remember, you can enjoy the summer season with all the ice cream, bbq, potato salad, but do it in moderation and find ways to work it off. Instead of just sitting at the bbq, get up and walk around to mingle. Or if you're really feel rambunctious, play with the kids. You know they are out there running around doing something active. Why aren't you?
Happy 4th of July!!
The Fourth of July has arrived. This is the celebration of America's independence. A time for barbecues and fireworks. It's also the month of my birthday - another celebration. Cake and ice cream and hopefully a special dinner. Do you notice a theme here? Celebrations tend to involve food!
So can you celebrate and still lose weight? Of course you can. You just have to be smart about it. Take time to plan. And don't kid yourself. You are not going to be able to avoid some of those favorite celebration foods. I can tell you right now that I will not be giving up ice cream. No way. No how. I'm also going to be enjoying potato salad. That's a favorite of mine. But I'm going to focus on smaller portions. Ok, who am I kidding, there will not be a smaller portion of ice cream.
In addition, I will be making sure that I'm getting my workouts in. That kickboxing class will help, but there are no classes this week, so I have to find other things to do. And "It's hot!" is not a valid excuse. Find something you can do indoors or get out early before the heat really sets in. Yes, in this area, it is ridiculously humid so you're practically sweating as soon as you step out the door, but that is not a workout. Hit the track. You don't have to run. Just go for a walk. But make sure you drink plenty of water. You need to stay hydrated. And when you finish the walk, jump in the shower....lukewarm to actually wash off the sweat and then a nice cool shower to refresh! You will feel amazing.
I also do little things throughout the day. When I'm at work and I'm standing at the copier waiting for it to finish, I'll walk in place. I also do this at various other times of the day. It is not unusual to just seem marching in place. When I'm doing the dishes, in the bathroom washing my hands, waiting for the toaster or the microwave. If you really think about it, there are so many times during the day when you are just standing still and you could be marching or jogging in place. You're not going to drop tons of weight doing just this, but the little things will add up and will keep you moving. And if you wear a step counter, even better because you'll see those numbers climb.
Watching tv at night. Get up off the couch and jog in place. I do this all the time. You can do it during commercials. Or jog during the show and do something else during the commercials, like climb the stairs. I actually count as I'm jogging. At the pace that I count, I get about 800 steps for every 100 count. So I'll do 100 or 200 or 500, take a break and then do another count a little later. There are some days/nights that I get in 8000-10000 steps just from jogging while watching tv.
When I get home from work at night, I change into workout clothes. Since I have them on, I'm more inclined to do something physical. I'll do my jogging, use my kettle bell weights, use my exercise ball, do some stretches, or any combination of these things. It's easy and does make a difference.
So find the little things you can do to increase the physical activity while you're going about your daily routines.
And remember, you can enjoy the summer season with all the ice cream, bbq, potato salad, but do it in moderation and find ways to work it off. Instead of just sitting at the bbq, get up and walk around to mingle. Or if you're really feel rambunctious, play with the kids. You know they are out there running around doing something active. Why aren't you?
Happy 4th of July!!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Find your mojo!
My birthday is 4 weeks from tomorrow and while I hadn't set a goal for that event, I'm going to set one now. I'm going to aim for losing another 2 lbs between now and then. I think 2lbs in 4 weeks is perfectly reasonable. When I weighed in this morning, I was down 1.2 to 206lbs. So for my birthday, I want to be at 204.
The most important thing for me is to work out. Last week, I took that first kickboxing class and I'll be going again tonight. There was a lot of stuff that I couldn't do. I could hit and kick the bag just fine, but the strength exercises in between almost did me in. I know that I'll get better over time. And everyone was so supportive, so that was a big help.
On Friday, my foot was a bit sore. That was the foot where I'd torn the ligaments in December 2011. On Saturday, everything was sore. Every joint and muscle ached. But it felt good knowing that I'd done the work and that if I just kept at it, the pain would disappear and I'd get better, stronger, leaner. I did buy an ankle brace over the weekend too, so I intend to wear that tonight and I'm hoping that will help with the ligament issue.
I read something recently that said that you need to change up your workout routine because that is one of the top reasons we hit a plateau. So while I'll still walk/jog, I think adding the kickboxing will be a big help. And who knows what that might lead me to try in the future. There are so many things out there, fun things, that are more than just exercise.
I think that's a big key to success. Find an exercise, workout, activity that you enjoy, and then find something else too. If you don't enjoy it, you won't want to do it. But you also can't quit after the first try. Give it a couple of tries and then decide. If you really don't like it, find something else. And just keep searching for things you enjoy. But try to find more than one thing that will keep you interested, keep you motivated, keep you moving. One thing could probably lead to boredom and most definitely will lead you to a plateau, but having more than one activity will keep you interested and that can only lead to good things.
Find your mojo!
The most important thing for me is to work out. Last week, I took that first kickboxing class and I'll be going again tonight. There was a lot of stuff that I couldn't do. I could hit and kick the bag just fine, but the strength exercises in between almost did me in. I know that I'll get better over time. And everyone was so supportive, so that was a big help.
On Friday, my foot was a bit sore. That was the foot where I'd torn the ligaments in December 2011. On Saturday, everything was sore. Every joint and muscle ached. But it felt good knowing that I'd done the work and that if I just kept at it, the pain would disappear and I'd get better, stronger, leaner. I did buy an ankle brace over the weekend too, so I intend to wear that tonight and I'm hoping that will help with the ligament issue.
I read something recently that said that you need to change up your workout routine because that is one of the top reasons we hit a plateau. So while I'll still walk/jog, I think adding the kickboxing will be a big help. And who knows what that might lead me to try in the future. There are so many things out there, fun things, that are more than just exercise.
I think that's a big key to success. Find an exercise, workout, activity that you enjoy, and then find something else too. If you don't enjoy it, you won't want to do it. But you also can't quit after the first try. Give it a couple of tries and then decide. If you really don't like it, find something else. And just keep searching for things you enjoy. But try to find more than one thing that will keep you interested, keep you motivated, keep you moving. One thing could probably lead to boredom and most definitely will lead you to a plateau, but having more than one activity will keep you interested and that can only lead to good things.
Find your mojo!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Opinions needed!
I've been thinking about creating a blog about all the books I read. I'd be posting my opinions and reviews on books I'm reading. I'd also be campaigning, stumping, pimping for my favorite authors...just like I did in yesterday's post.
So what do you think? Is this something you'd be interested in reading/following?
I wish there was a way I could do it right from my Kindle, but so far I haven't found the right app and I don't think blogger has one for the Kindle. If anyone knows of one, please let me know!
I sorted tried Wordpress last week on the Kindle, but I can't seem to figure out how to design it and make it personal to my style. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but it just wasn't as user friendly as this one is. Only problem is that I can't seem to publish to this one from the Kindle. I think I can type to it, but I just can't publish it. I need to get onto a computer in order to publish it.
Anyway...is that enough rambling for you? Seriously...please let me know what you think about me creating a Book Blog!
Hit the comment button and leave your opinion please!!
So what do you think? Is this something you'd be interested in reading/following?
I wish there was a way I could do it right from my Kindle, but so far I haven't found the right app and I don't think blogger has one for the Kindle. If anyone knows of one, please let me know!
I sorted tried Wordpress last week on the Kindle, but I can't seem to figure out how to design it and make it personal to my style. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but it just wasn't as user friendly as this one is. Only problem is that I can't seem to publish to this one from the Kindle. I think I can type to it, but I just can't publish it. I need to get onto a computer in order to publish it.
Anyway...is that enough rambling for you? Seriously...please let me know what you think about me creating a Book Blog!
Hit the comment button and leave your opinion please!!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Completely Off Topic! But it's my blog so I can do what I want! :-)
This would be considered shameless self promotion except for the fact that I'm not promoting myself. I'm promoting my friend Lacey Weatherford and her new book, Smitten, which was just released this weekend.
Here is the link to the book on Amazon: Smitten
So why am I promoting this book? Well, because I can. It's my blog and I can do what I want. Hehe! But really, I'm a huge fan of Lacey. I first read her Of Witches and Warlocks series and instantly fell in love. I had to read her other books, which include Chasing Nikki and Finding Chase in the Chase series, and Crush, to which Smitten is the followup.
Each series she writes has one basic premise, they are all about true love. And who doesn't love LOVE? But each series is also uniquely it's own. Of Witches and Warlocks is about, well, I think the title says it all, witches and warlocks. The main characters are Portia and Vance. The Chase series and the Crush series don't involve any supernatural beings, but they are still great stories that will make you want to read the next in the series. I have enjoyed all of them and can not wait to read more of Lacey's books.
I'm so glad that I discovered Lacey's books and I now consider her a friend, even though so far we've only met through Facebook, and sometimes I do wonder if she might be afraid that I could be a stalker. Honest, I'm not! Really! I'm just a rabid fan. Ok, rabid might not be a good word to use. I do call her my obsession, but I mean that only in the most loving way possible. Ok, even that sounds creepy. I should just quit now.
Bottom line...if you love to read, go look for Lacey Weatherford!! And if you have a Kindle, click that link above and buy Crush and Smitten now while they are still 99 cents!!!
I'll even make it easy for you, so you don't have to search for Crush...here's the link: Crush
So click this one for Crush and the one all the way up there at the top of this post to get Smitten. Hurry up? What are you waiting for? Why are you still reading? I'm done. Over and out! Sayonara!
Here is the link to the book on Amazon: Smitten
So why am I promoting this book? Well, because I can. It's my blog and I can do what I want. Hehe! But really, I'm a huge fan of Lacey. I first read her Of Witches and Warlocks series and instantly fell in love. I had to read her other books, which include Chasing Nikki and Finding Chase in the Chase series, and Crush, to which Smitten is the followup.
Each series she writes has one basic premise, they are all about true love. And who doesn't love LOVE? But each series is also uniquely it's own. Of Witches and Warlocks is about, well, I think the title says it all, witches and warlocks. The main characters are Portia and Vance. The Chase series and the Crush series don't involve any supernatural beings, but they are still great stories that will make you want to read the next in the series. I have enjoyed all of them and can not wait to read more of Lacey's books.
I'm so glad that I discovered Lacey's books and I now consider her a friend, even though so far we've only met through Facebook, and sometimes I do wonder if she might be afraid that I could be a stalker. Honest, I'm not! Really! I'm just a rabid fan. Ok, rabid might not be a good word to use. I do call her my obsession, but I mean that only in the most loving way possible. Ok, even that sounds creepy. I should just quit now.
Bottom line...if you love to read, go look for Lacey Weatherford!! And if you have a Kindle, click that link above and buy Crush and Smitten now while they are still 99 cents!!!
I'll even make it easy for you, so you don't have to search for Crush...here's the link: Crush
So click this one for Crush and the one all the way up there at the top of this post to get Smitten. Hurry up? What are you waiting for? Why are you still reading? I'm done. Over and out! Sayonara!
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