Plateau Thoughts

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Over time, I've learned to be patient with plateaus, but I scrutinize my habits to see if there is anything I do which I could change which could help me move down to the next level.

My patience comes from thoughts like these: "So what you haven't lost weight! Look what you've accomplished! Besides, what are your choices...get mad, throw it all out the window and give into the old trigger foods once again? No WAY! You've worked too hard to build your healthy lifestyle and even if you never lose another pound, you are accomplishing a tremendous amount by simply maintaining your progress! You can actually feel the bones and muscle under your skin! Woo Hoo!"

I blew through my last plateau (I'm in another one now...3 weeks same weight) by realizing that although peanuts, sunflower seeds and nuts are healthy foods, I was snacking too much on them while driving. So I gave them up for a while. Additionally, I had opportunities to add a bit to my workouts...both in terms of amount of time and variety...switching over to elliptical while traveling.

Before I knew it, I dropped from 235 to 230. Now I'm holding again. We'll see how long. If I get impatient enough, I'm sure I'll find a way to kick it further down yet again.

One strategy I've been forestalling BIGTIME, which is a true disservice to my efforts from all we're hearing about recent research showing how beneficial a food log is...I don't measure my foods, and I don't log my foods. I rebel against this for some reason. I take pride in developing an intuitive sense of what I should or shouldn't eat. But I realize too that the day may soon arrive when I have to tackle portions and logging if I want to proceed to lower weight levels. We'll see if I'm stubborn enough to do it without resorting to such measures...lol!

Don

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PAMIJANE 7/16/2008 10:49PM

Hi Don! Total props for all the excellent things you have already accomplished in your journey, but I have to say, I wouldn't be a true friend if I didn't share my thoughts with you, that I think you are doing yourself a great disservice by not counting your calories in your portions. I mean obviously you have done exceptionally well, but this tool is one of the absolute most effective that I've come across, and even having to enter my meals manually doesn't take that much time, and I get to track not just my calories, but my sodium, potassium, calcium and etc. It allows me to "fine tune" my eating habits and troubleshoot my problem areas. When I had to just count calories by keeping a hand written food journal I so didn't do it...lol, but SparkPeople have made it so easy, and it's such a blessing! You really should use it in my humble opinion, but then only you can determine what's best for your needs. As always, even in this, you continue to motivate and inspire me, just with your honesty! Blessings, Pami xoox Report Inappropriate Comment

JDELESKI 7/16/2008 10:34PM

Thanks for these thoughts DDoorn! I've been in a plateau for a few weeks and that helped me to be a little more patient. I don't know why, but reading about other people's plateaus eases my concerns. I'm sticking with my healthy eating habits and working on a few things here and there to improve, so I know that sooner or later, I'll bust through the plateau myself. Joe. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYGAL01 7/16/2008 2:25PM

Don, I had to chuckle at myself with your comments about the food logs. That is one of the reasons I had friction with my friend and personal trainer who is a nutritionist. I just could NOT fill out the food records she wanted me to fill out. For some reason I can fill them out on SparkPeople and it makes me feel good to see where I am at the end of the day - sometimes there is even room for a snack if I want it. I've even forced myself to use the logs when I know I have gone over. I also like the way I can see how I am doing in nutrition (I always seem to have trouble getting in enough protein). Generally I log once or twice a day. I think you are so right. I am focusing on not having to wear 3X scrub pants (which were getting tight) and appreciating how strong my body has become. Thank you for thoughtful thoughts Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

REDNECKFEMINIST 7/16/2008 11:37AM

I needed to hear that, thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

One Step Back, TWO Steps Forward!

Monday, July 14, 2008

I had been down on myself for having broken a 13 day cardio streak yesterday...could come up with lots of excuses, but I truly COULD have done my cardio if I had pushed myself. Earlier on, I had hoped to go biking instead of using the treadmill, then Mother Nature kicked in with stormy weather and by then it just seemed like somebody pulled the plug from me... Next time I'll know to just get it done, out of the way, and THEN if I can bike TOO, it'll be all that much better a day!

BUT am back in the saddle again today, up and at 'em, treadmill done first thing this morning!

Then after work I had the pleasure of taking the car in to have a new headlight replaced...woo hoo!

So what, you ask? Cuz our local walking / biking trail is just on the other side of the shopping plaza where I left the car so I could work in an extra hour of walking while they worked on the car! :-)

PLUS, I figured out what I needed to do in order to get my bicycle to fit into the extended trunk of my Ford Taurus: have to lower the bicycle seat. A bit of an irritation to have to do this and keep the pliers in the car, but I think the convenience of having my bike handy for those moments when I'm inspired either on lunch break or after work will be well worth it!

It's important to me to make it HIGHLY convenient to fall into workout opportunities...so we'll see how well this pays off! I'm enjoying biking SO much more this year...looking forward to having an alternative cardio outlet!

Don

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HEALTHYGAL01 7/15/2008 5:10PM

Good thinking Don (I don't look at the streaks - the perfectionist in me might get agitated). 13 days in a row is great but sometimes the body does need a rest. If you are lowering the saddle on your bike you might want to mark the column with a sharpie to make it easy to get the seat back in adjustment. I had all sorts of leg problems from biking with my seat in the wrong position. Bike fit is really important. I love bike riding too. It is the only cardio that I can do for hours and enjoy. Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

CHARIZMA207 7/15/2008 4:33PM

I think 13 straight days of cardio is amazing and should in no way invoke guilt. I've never worked out so many days in a row. Plus you need some days off, anyway. As per your comment, I know you can get below 200. Look at how far you've come!!! But I hear you, sometimes you don't know if it is the health nut or just the nut speaking. That 200 lb milestone is quite the psychological doozy. I've ruined entire months of progress when the scale went back above that seemingly unattainable point. I will be rooting for you the entire journey into onederland. Having a cheerleader will make it easier, so keep me informed. I'll start now - Go Don, go go go Don, go Don, go go go go!!!!!! PS Can you believe I wanted to make sure that the 199 was in fact right and not a result of me stepping on the scale wrong? Psychological mark, I tell you. But guess what........it said 198.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is me in utter shock and disbelief . Comment edited on: 7/15/2008 4:34:40 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

REDNECKFEMINIST 7/15/2008 1:13AM

Be proud of your streak, your body needs rest sometimes too! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMIJANE 7/14/2008 11:15PM

Don't feel too badly Don, sometimes our bodies just need to rest a bit and get refreshed and restored for the next streak. You're doing fantastatic you know, you really are, and such an inspiration. Your keeping the bike in your car is a great idea! Being prepared for a impromptu bike hike is awesome! Keep up the terrific work you're doing but don't forget to rest your body. Even the experts all agree on this. Hugs, Pami xoxo Report Inappropriate Comment

KASONSMOMMA 7/14/2008 10:57PM

Good for you for working in that cardio! I LOVE biking to and it's nice to take advantage of that beautiful summer weather! Cheers! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Visitor / Revisiting "Alive In The World"

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

For those of you resonated with the lyrics of "Alive In The World": SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

The Visitor!

Watch this stuffed shirt college professor who is among the "living dead" (for very legitimate reasons, but nonetheless admits to himself that he isn't really living his life) gradually thaw and find his heart once again.

I found this movie to be so enthralling! I cannot recommend it highly enough!!

Links for more info:

www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10008820-vi
sitor/

www.imdb.com/title/tt0857191/

If anyone else has seen it, has any thoughts about this movie, post away below!

Don

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PAMIJANE 7/10/2008 2:59PM

I just clicked on the link that provides a trailer and I remember that my husband and I both want to see this movie. It looks like one I'd like to have in my collection...can you send me a sparkmail message and let me know if it is a clean language movie? We don't watch movies where the Lord's name is blasphemed, and it doesn't seem as if this one would...but you can never tell today. Thanks! Pami Comment edited on: 7/10/2008 2:58:11 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMIJANE 7/10/2008 2:53PM

Hi Don- It didn't come to our town, so I will have to wait for distribution and then rent it. Thanks for the recommendation, I love movies that have heart and are built on life experiences. Is this based on a true story? Hugs, Pami Report Inappropriate Comment

Christmas in July!

Monday, July 07, 2008

It all began yesterday when my wife planned an outing...to visit an online friend who was coming to town for an overnight while en route to another place. As they talk a lot about crafting, etc...i.e. not the most stimulating conversation for yours truly...lol...I thought, okay...we're already into July and you have YET to get your bicycle out this YEAR!

We have a beautiful park nearby where my wife was going to be visiting, so I resolveed that I would bring my bicycle and go riding while they caught up with each other.

The last time I biked was last fall...and that happened to be the FIRST time I biked since my college days over 20 years ago! That experience was less than pleasurable...I couldn't peddle over even slight hills and when I was done my backside hurt for days. So...I dropped biking from my list of things to do and put the bike away for storage after leaving it stowed in my car to unsuccessfully tempt me into trying it again last year.

However yesterday's ride was a WHOLE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE! I felt like the former college student of yore who used to zip around Michigan State's forty-some acre campus...the only way to survive! But yet THRIVE as well!

I found myself able to peddle over hills and even the overpass which brings one over our local interstate so I could catch up with my wife.

It felt so WONDERFUL to fly like the wind again!

And THEN, this morning I wake only to find that I am featured on the Motivational SparkPages (go to "Community" then to "SparkPages" and you'll see me there!

I only found out indirectly because new folks, not on my SparkTeams, begain posting oodles of praise on my SparkPage. I began to wonder...what's this all about? Then somebody mentioned my being in the "SparkLight" and piqued my curiosity even MORESO...finally someone was kind enough to get back to me to guide me so I could find out where I was being featured....WOW!

What a feeling!!! Like Christmas in July! :-)

I headed out to my 'mill for a wonderful 45 min. (instead of the usual 35...lol) and my mp3 player was picking some gems!

It wrapped up with Oregon's instrumental ode to fulfilling oneself, titled "Yet To Be" ( www.amazon.com/Oregon-Concert/dp/B00
005RDJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid
=1215453176&sr=1-1 ) and finally, Santana's song "Everybody's Everything" ( www.amazon.com/Best-Santana/dp/B0000
062FZ/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1
215453474&sr=1-8 )...what a BLAST that last song is! I was so pumped I nearly fell off the 'mill boogie-ing along with the band...lol!

Thank you, thank you everyone for your praise and pats-on-the-back! I'm not accustomed to basking in the limelight...so I appreciate the opportunity to "exercise" that ability! :-)

Hope everyone had a stupendous Fourth weekend!!

Don

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TAZMOMSGOL 8/22/2008 4:33PM

I'm so glad that someone helped you find your way to the spot where you were in the SparkSpotLight!! I've been travelling since early June and couldn't get backatcha till now! Thx for the lovely bouquet goodie! You really do rock, man!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYGAL01 7/8/2008 8:35PM

Well deserved accolades Don and bicycling is FUN Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

REDNECKFEMINIST 7/8/2008 2:42PM

You rock! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRI$$Y 7/7/2008 9:14PM

Hey Don - that is super cool and you should be so proud! Recognition always feels great and also being a motivator to others is something spectacular..congrats! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALASKAMOE 7/7/2008 8:19PM

Great Job Don! Quite and inspiration! This is a great reminder that this is more than a diet, more than just trying to lose some numbers on the scale. IT's taking your life back and really it's a lifesyle change, a permannent one. Keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHY_CAROLYN 7/7/2008 8:19PM

No more invisibility for you, Don! Woohoo on the bike riding and the "sparklight!" Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMIJANE 7/7/2008 5:43PM

Don! I am so chuffed for you and delighted by your happiness. It will be a couple of years before I can ride a bike again, but because of your ebuillent joy in describing your experience, my reward for reaching 250, a hundred pound loss, I will purchase my first bike since I was in my early 20's and will commit to the experience of riding it at least 3 times a week, and once a week with my hubby. What fun that will be....AND you look FANTASTIC! Or should I say SPARKtastic? You are an inspiration! I've subscribed to your blog so we can stay in touch that way. Blessings, smiles and high fives! Pami xoxox Report Inappropriate Comment

NYDIA07 7/7/2008 5:22PM

Congrats! I'm a total stranger not on your teams passing by to say "congrats" you've done amazing and now I want to go hear your song "Alive in the World" that will remind me of you :) Enjoy it you deserve it!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GENTLESPIRIT1 7/7/2008 5:06PM

You deserve it Don!! So enjoy the moment! Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYMOM8 7/7/2008 4:21PM

What an amazing job you have done! We are all mighty proud of you!! Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

HOLYCANNOLI 7/7/2008 2:09PM

Your blog so inspired me today. I, too, have a beautiful new bike in the garage that I haven't taken out yet this year. Why? Because people will look at me!! And I must say there's nothing like Lake Michigan to restore your soul. I will definitely be downloading the song from Jackson Brown. It expresses exactly how I feel. Thank you for sharing your amazing story! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZELLAZM 7/7/2008 11:55AM

Congrats on the well-deserved recognition! You're reaping the rewards of months of hard work and it shows. PS The shades in your new profile pick makes you look like a real hipster ;) Next thing, we'll be seeing you in a black turtleneck with a paor of bongos! Blessings today, Michelle Report Inappropriate Comment

ONESWEETSHANNON 7/7/2008 11:34AM

Woo hoo! Nothing like riding your bike! What a measure of the success you've earned, too, how much easier and enjoyable it is now. Congratulations! Congrats as well on having the featured SparkPage! You've earned that distinction with all your hard work and progress. I also wanted to tell you I think your new profile pic is great! Report Inappropriate Comment

...and MORE Celebrating!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Saturday one of my aunt's and her partner had invited many family members to their home which is outside Kalamazoo tucked away in a small community and on the edge of a lake.

They have a SunCatcher pontoon-style boat which comfortably seats 10-12 folks or so and has a 115 hp engine which can MOVE when it wants too...my uncle named it the Flying Couch...lol! It sits so comfortably. It even has a stereo system and plays CDs! We were jamming to the tunes and sometimes a quiet one would come along, suitable for the quiet, marshy wetlands we would travel a bit through.

The lake is very sedate with few boats on it and one side is totally undeveloped marshlands. As we puttered through we could see a few families of swans, scores of redwing blackbirds and an occasional beaver bobbing along in the water...one had a lilypad in its mouth.

The weather was made to order! Times of brilliant sunshine, but a nice breeze so it didn't get too hot. Later it rained as we pulled up to the dock (trip #2) and later YET it cleared and was heading for 10 pm as we went out on our last trek as one could still see twilight circling the lake with the slightest glow...magnificent to catch the lake with extended family members, some of whom I hadn't seen in over twenty years!

My only disappointment was not being able to get out on the lake in a kayak. I've never used a kayak and have been REALLY craving the idea of it. My uncle earlier promised me we'd get out together, he in one, me in another...however the rain came along and it just didn't seem right to scoot off together when there was so much catching up to do with various family members. So it never happened. But I'll tell you, it is a MIGHTY strong draw to get back there again...FAR sooner than TWENTY years from now! My aunt welcomed my family and I to come stay with them anytime. Of course 12 1/2 hours travel time and gas prices will certainly slow me down a tad! But I figure this is probably one of the best opportunities I have to nab a kayak and get a chance to see if this is something I'd like to pursue further...i.e. buy one for myself!

All in all it was a very special time. I stuck with my healthy eating for the most part, with my only planned exception being to enjoy a piece of my uncle's home made lasagna. Other than that, passed up on the beer, passed up on the sweets, brought my veggie tray and chowed all day on it.

Hope everyone gets to spend some great times with friends and family in some way this summer!

Don

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REDNECKFEMINIST 7/1/2008 9:51PM

Sounds wonderful, I am at in-laws, you can read about it on my blog, it is wonderful and relaxing, we went sight seeing in Vermont today! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINOF4 7/1/2008 9:13PM

Ooooh, I'm jealous, that sounded like a wonderful, relaxing time. I'd loved the lake late at night, the sounds of night animals and so on. Congrats toyour son, again, and to you for raising a smarty-pants! And especially congrats for being able to resist the temptations of all that food. Even if you ate some lasgana, who cares, you skipped the EMPTY stuff ... I'm not sure I could've stayed away from the beer! LOL I feel about beer the way a lot of other people feel about wine -so much variety! So good for you! Are you home again now? I wasn't sure from your post... Hope your return trip wasn't too dreadful. Sometimes the return seems to go faster than the out, doesn't it!? Report Inappropriate Comment

WONKGRRRL 7/1/2008 4:53PM

Congratulations on your your son's residency -- and on staying on track during the trip. Good for you for rising to the challenge of travelling rather than allowing it to become an excuse to abandon your goals! Enjoyed the description of the boating trip. Next time, stop by Evanston on the way home -- we've got a great little channel of the Chicago River in which we occassionally go canoeing (kayaks are also available to rent). Report Inappropriate Comment