I never even thought about the bad stuff

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I did my grocery shopping yesterday. Hate to do it right before a holiday, when the stores are jam packed. And I realized as I finished up, that it never even really occurred to me to get something special for New Year's.

By special, I mean fat laden treats. New Year's used to be the time when I might buy some peanut butter M&Ms (have some languishing in the pantry, actually, they've been there for months), potato chips & dips, maybe some of those little cocktail franks. The stuff I normally wouldn't eat.

Don't get me wrong, we do plan a special meal. Actually, DH has the assignment to bring home sushi. We'll see what happens. We actually did go out for sushi twice last week, he surprised me on his last day off by saying he wanted to go out to dinner again! And I bought a rib roast that I'll make for New Year's Day eve.

But the little snackies? It quite honestly didn't occur to me to even go in search of them. Just not the sort of thing I crave anymore. DH has his own potato chips he bought, and if I'm in the mood, maybe I'll make some popcorn. I'll probably make a nice healthy raw dessert.

I've come a long way in my eating habits in the last decade!

I didn't get much time to tackle my computer problems yesterday. I didn't have a moment to sit down til about 1 pm. Apparently I had some bad electrical aura around me yesterday -- we've been having some weird problems with our DVR (like a Tivo), and it's been getting progressively worse. Long story short is that after about an hour on the phone, they're sending out a new one. Then somehow the washing machine got locked.

I am very grateful that I have my husband's computer to fall back on, but I do want my own back! Especially since he has a short work week, and will probably be coming home early most of the week.

Today I have no plans to go out except to walk the dogs, altho I do have a lot of chores to get done. But hopefully I'll have some time to at least hunt for some of the stuff I need to troubleshoot further.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KUNGFOOD 12/30/2009 8:16PM

Now *that is* progress! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 12/29/2009 12:01PM

Way to go on your shopping! I am going to have shrimp cocktail for New Years, DH & DS can have the cheese, meat and crackers. I absolutely LOVE shrimp and we don't have it too often so it's a treat. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 12/29/2009 11:02AM

Way to go. I am thinking about new years day too, more so because I have a cousin in town, trying to decide if I want to invite over for dinner. I have a DVR too, I've had to replace it a couple of times over the years, I think that since they are mini computers they die eventually too :-) have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/29/2009 9:34AM

Congratulations on your transformation to Lifestyle Change!! I hope your electrical aura change to good! Yikes! Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

MYMONSTERSX3 12/29/2009 9:01AM

I am the same way. When I go to the store unless my hubby specifically asks for a treat himself I barely enter the middle aisles. It's an amazing change. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSWEEZER 12/29/2009 9:00AM

Great job! I got our usual shrimp for New Years but otherwise, it will be without a lot of things. Won't miss them, haven't missed them, and well, I feel better just knowing. I chuckled about the M&M's as I have a bag on the shelf I was given from my secret santa at work LAST year and never opened. I think it is time to say good by and throw them away. Seems sad but...........they're old!! LOL Happy New year! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 12/29/2009 8:20AM

Good for you and the snacks. I have purchased some because hubby can't have New Year's without them, but they are for the rest of the family not me. I think he would rather give up Christmas turkey instead of his cocktail wieners! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 12/29/2009 8:10AM

Same here - SP has certainly changed the habits. I don't even go down the soft drinks or chip aisle other than grab nuts at one end, and haven't been near the bakery /confectionary or biscuits in months HOWEVER in the Health section - I did manage to find some 100% wholegrain RYE crackers - 3 of those with very low fat hummus = 100 cal snack! Not a granule of gluten in sight - Yay! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITKAT2010 12/29/2009 7:57AM

Excellent! Report Inappropriate Comment

TCLARK319 12/29/2009 6:59AM

Bravo! I too try not to buy snacks and treats but these are things my mother likes to have on hand and I can't deny her. I have been checking out Hungry Girls web site and she has a lot of eat this not that suggestions. Found a Jello chocolate Mousse for 60 cals at her recommendation. I keep trying receipe's from Spark and have really yet to hit some that are a supper hit. Ah well. Hope the electronics start behaving! Off to the treadmill. Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 12/29/2009 6:06AM

Forgetting to get your usual New Year's Eve snacks because you haven't even thought about them... THAT is the secret of your success, my friend. Congratulations! Boy... You have had a LOT of electrical issues these past few days... Are they on a 10-year Y2K delay? Good luck getting all of your electrical problems resolved. Report Inappropriate Comment

YIGOBUTTERFLY 12/29/2009 6:00AM

Isn't it great when you realize junk food does not have the hold on you it once did? What a blessing! Jane on Guam Report Inappropriate Comment

Winter motivation

Monday, December 28, 2009

I was pondering why it can be so hard to come by motivation during the winter. And I had a thought that had never occurred to me before. One of the most motivating things about losing weight is noticing the changes in our bodies, AND showing off those changes.

It's so much harder to notice OR show off those changes during the winter, because we're cocooned in so many extra layers of clothes. I get cold easily, so I am often swathed in at least 2 layers inside, often 3 (if we're not counting that big ole down jacket) outside. I feel like the little mummified kid who can barely move. All those clothes seem to literally weigh me down.

It's harder to feel good about myself. Well, I'm sure it would be easier if the scale were moving -- THAT's sure motivation. I am in awe of all the people who have continued to lose weight throughout the holidays, and if you are one of them, you deserve a big pat on the back.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not depressed, and exercise is my constant companion. It's just harder to see all the changes I've wrought.

What do you do to stay motivated through the winter?

On a side note, as noted in my friend feed, I'm having computer problems. I'm writing this on my husband's computer. Mine just locks up. It's a virus, I'm pretty sure, but I don't know WHICH virus. I've been trying to boot into safe mode, but so far I haven't been able to, and that is pretty much killing all my troubleshooting ideas. There isn't much troubleshooting that can be done when your computer is frozen!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 12/29/2009 5:57AM

I hope your computer will be up to speed soon. I'm glad at least meanwhile you can use your husband's. The willingness to share a computer is a sign of true love! I guess trying to stick with as many routines as possible is my way of staying motivated through the winter. Of course with both my own and the gym's holiday schedules, I haven't been taking as many exercise classes. I do look forward to everything going back to normal next week. I don't want to get used to missing too many workouts! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 12/28/2009 9:49PM

I do hope you get the computer cleaned up....I hate when that happens...as to motivation, that's hard sometimes.....my reason for joining the quickfire challenge and the spark your body bootcamp.....something new and something which I feel I have to do or I'll be delinquent or something LOL....yes motivation comes from within but it also comes from without so I'm going to get a boost from these tools and then with accomplished challenges I know the inner motivation will rise to the surface....At least that's the plan! Report Inappropriate Comment

KUNGFOOD 12/28/2009 5:43PM

Sorry to hear about the computer. I hate it when modern technological advances turn to the dark side. About finding motivation... I find it in the same place I find "spare" time. Haha. I *make* it. If I want to see my friends, sometimes I really have to work to coordinate schedules. It can be frustrating, but when you finally succeed in pulling it together and have a great time, well... I wonder why I don't do it more often. Sometimes I take myself out for a "me" date... looking at magazines, books, blogs, having a cup of coffee. Just to sit and work a crossword in my favorite coffeehouse can be a good motivator. It gives me an opportunity to observe others and just *take* time alone to think about where/which/what I want to do/go/be. Yeah, someone might say you can also take your car in for an oil change and do the same thing while your car gets taken care of too. But that defeats the purpose. It's because *I* need the "tune up" that I give myself the time and attention. Some of my friends treat themselves to spa days, or new hair dos. But for me, I'd rather look at books, browse the perfume counters, or take a steamy hot shower and watch a favorite movie on DVD. Some of my friends even travel alone just for enjoyment. I don't think that would do it for me, though. What I mean is... I treat others well and I treat myself well. It motivates me to keep moving in the "right" direction. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 12/28/2009 12:10PM

Great blog. My motivation comes from how my clothes feel, my level of exercise and most obviously, weight loss. But even if I don't do great with weight loss, exercise makes me feel so good! Good luck with getting your computer problems resolved. Carolyn Report Inappropriate Comment

WANNABESEXYMOM 12/28/2009 10:10AM

Sorry about your computer. Hope you can find the problem soon. My motivation comes from some of my spark friends. We do small challenges between each other and have fun with it. Each day. I hope this suggestion helps. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 12/28/2009 9:29AM

I got a new computer for Christmas, and had a ton of problems with my last one. Being a non-techie, I really can't offer any advice except to listen to Leo Laporte on the radio. I've learned a lot. Thanks for your response to my blog. Once again, you've given me great advice on reasearching the exercise dvds first, before buying. (smiling) Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/28/2009 8:35AM

That's an interesting idea! For me it is probably due to the short daylight hours and the cold weather which makes it harder to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine. I sure hope you get that computer problem corrected soon! It doesn't sound like it will be an easy one to ferret out if it's frozen, though. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 12/28/2009 8:30AM

Hopefully you will find the computer problem. I hate when I have to us our son's laptop, don't like the little keyboard. I would have to say motivation comes from within ones self no matter what time of year, at least mine does. Report Inappropriate Comment

No guilt trips!

Friday, December 25, 2009

How is your holiday going? Are you sticking to your plan? Drinking your water? Tracking what you eat?

If not, that's okay! Just get right back on the horse. One "bad" meal won't kill you. What will derail you is thinking you can start again tomorrow, on Monday, or heaven forbid, next year!

Nobody is perfect. We all eat too much or drink too much at times. That's not what makes us fat. What makes us fat is the guilt trips -- I already ate so much, I might as well just keep going.

One of the things I've learned this past year is that I tend to gain on vacations, no matter how careful I try to be. I still try to be careful, but I accept that I will most likely gain -- and get right back to my healthy habits as soon as I get home. And that weight comes off really quickly.

OTOH, several weeks of overeating can lead to more than just a few pounds, and we all know that those few extra pounds take forever to take back off.

Let's just say goodbye to all or nothing thinking with 2009!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_GRIZZ 12/28/2009 12:07PM

For me, being cold is motivation. When I was big I was never ever cold - winter was a relief. Another point of motivation is shopping for clothes now - there was never much selection when I was a 4X, but now as an M there is selection galore! Even if I have to dress in layers now to stay warm; they are layers of Mediums - lol. In the winter it is hard, as I tend to go into hibernation mode........ :D Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 12/26/2009 4:14PM

Thank you for the timely pep talk! I had been in two relatives' homes for two days straight, and the amount of food has been RIDICULOUS... I was just telling my SIL that just one bite of everything was enough to stuff anyone. Thanks for the reminder to get back on track ASAP. I look forward to soldiering on with you and other Spark friends and make 2010 a year of great health! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 12/26/2009 1:14PM

I did ok - just didn't get the exercise in that I was hoping too. Today is a new day!!! Carolyn Report Inappropriate Comment

ROCKYCPA 12/25/2009 10:44PM

I agree there are bad days and good days. Being conscious of what you are eating is very important and getting back on track is also important. You can keep on tracking and accepting whatever shows up. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLYN1213 12/25/2009 6:52PM

I couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you for the glimpse of the reality of a healthy life. Sometimes we make unhealthy decisions, sometime we are short on time, patience, etc. One days choices didn't get me overweight. I am tracking and I am staying as active as the holiday schedule will allow me. Have a blessed and happy holiday! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/25/2009 6:43PM

We had a lovely day! I did not track and I did overeat but it's ONE day! The kids just left and I am pooped! Merry Christmas!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ASHERAH38 12/25/2009 5:17PM

Doing pretty good today. I am actually tracking, can you believe it? Comment edited on: 12/25/2009 5:17:55 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 12/25/2009 5:16PM

Yes, I have been, and I need to go fill in the tracker right now! Report Inappropriate Comment

YELLOWDAHLIA 12/25/2009 12:13PM

BahaHaHaha- stick to my plan today?? BahaHahaha....umm...NO!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 12/25/2009 12:06PM

I couldn't agree with you more! Great advice. I hope all of the people who read this take it to heart. It makes all the difference. Report Inappropriate Comment

Tracking works

Thursday, December 24, 2009

I know most of you are really busy today. I know some people like to take a cheat day, or just take a break from tracking on a holiday. But it's funny how tracking helps keep you on track.

Do you really want that cookie, or are you eating it because it's there? Because it's tradition? Because you're stressed? What do you think will happen if you have to put it in your tracker or write it down?

This may be too late for some of you, but if you're traveling, there's a printable tracker, too. It's under "Printable resources" on your Spark home page. I always print one out and take it with me when I'm traveling.

When I first began with SP and back at WW, I tracked both on SP and with WW trackers. I found most of the time I was hitting my nutritional goals, so I only track my points on paper now. I prefer to use a 6 month journal; that way I can go back and look at something I ate from several weeks ago or flag a really good day or week (only I never actually seem to do that -- maybe a goal for the new year).

Whatever works for you. There's a reason almost every "diet" out there asks you to track your food. Don't throw it all away over the next couple of days. Don't worry about friends and relatives thinking you're "weird". What's more important -- what other people think, or how you feel? And in the end, you're going to feel better if you track your food, even if you overindulge.

Track on, my friends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KUNGFOOD 12/24/2009 6:06PM

It is strange, isn't it? Tracking worked for me for awhile, but I got obsessed and frustrated with it, and would really beat myself up for bad days. Lately, I haven't been tracking, though have made significant changes in eating habits, and voilá! I also am a fan of raw food-ing... I have an Excalibur dehydrator which is a great tool for monitoring food temps. As a gadget person, you'd love it, too. Am a licensed food safety service manager, and am keenly aware of the importance of food handling/temps. I haven't made almond milk myself, just because I'm lazy! Will have to try it sometime. I like the Blue Diamond brand, and rely on them to make sure I'm getting either 40 or 60 calories per serving, depending upon the packaging I select. Yep, squash is on the menu for tomorrow's dinner, but only if I don't eat it all for breakfast. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 12/24/2009 9:01AM

Great reminder. Thanks! Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_GRIZZ 12/24/2009 8:53AM

So true, so very true! :D Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 12/24/2009 7:46AM

We don't talk about cheating. I just had caramel corn for breakfast, I'll go fix a grapefruit and that should make me feel better about the corn, but at lease it wasn't a cookie, and only a handful. Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTSPARKING 12/24/2009 6:31AM

One of my favorite SP features is the nutrition tracker. Thanks for another great blog post, my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/24/2009 6:29AM

Well, goodness, the things I learn by reading my blogs! I did not know that there is a printable tracker! Thanks for the tip! I do keep a WW 3 month journal so I have a hard copy of my habits. Wishing you a very blessed Christmas! Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

Do you have a plan?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's trite, but it's true: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It's something my husband definitely doesn't get. He hates to plan. For instance, since there's just the 2 of us, and I rarely eat bread, I keep the bread in the freezer. If he wants it, he either has to remember to take it out of the freezer to defrost (or use the microwave). Most of the time he chooses something else instead, and gets angry that there isn't any bread available. If I don't keep it in the freezer it either gets hard or moldy.

Do you have a plan for your holiday? It is NOT too late to get one. Going to someone else's house? Can you bring a dish? Some food for yourself? Your pedometer or some resistance bands? What will you put on your plate? Can you ask what food will be served?

Are you doing the holiday meal? Great! You have control! Are you making all the old favorites? Can you lighten them up somehow? Can you add some healthy food in there? Have you decided how much you'll eat? Which dessert you'll eat, if at all?

What about exercise? Can you get the family started on a new tradition? Maybe a walk after dinner? Some touch football, if that's your thing? Can you maybe squeeze 10 minutes in every couple of hours (in one day, you could get in an hour's worth of exercising that way!)?

There is still time. You CAN do it. So make a plan, and work your plan. Don't say you'll start anew on New Year's. New Year's is too far away. Today is what you have -- make it count!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VAL503 12/23/2009 10:15PM

Great blog, and a timely reminder for all of us to plan! I am having dinner at the in-laws, and since it is potluck, I am bringing a healthy dish to share. I have been gone for a while, and just saw your pictures from this summer. You are really looking fantastic, way to go! Keep up the good work and have a wonderful holiday season. Namaste, Val Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY2DAY2 12/23/2009 9:56PM

I agree! Always have a plan. Happy Holidays! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/23/2009 6:37AM

My hubby is a fly by the seat of his pants kind of guy, too! I am stickin' to my plan and doin' good! Hubby took me out for steak yesterday and I had a small one and grilled veggies then had soup and salad for dinner. The calorie differential report is a great help! Merry Christmas!! Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

KMIRANDA2000 12/23/2009 6:03AM

My plan is to just enjoy the time with both sides of the family, make healthy food choices, and start the day off with 1/2 hour treadmill and maybe a yoga dvd. If I take care of myself first thing in the morning, I'm more likely to be good to myself throughout the day. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYARIZONA 12/23/2009 5:49AM

Ok, well this is a positive idea for sure. Keep looking up! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITKAT2010 12/23/2009 5:46AM

So true! Yes, I have a plan. Yes I am implementing the plan. Always! Thanks for the blog and reminder. Stay strong! Report Inappropriate Comment

MELOSPARKLE 12/23/2009 5:41AM

I'm going to my in laws this year so I have no control over what is served. I do plan on using their treadmill while I'm there, so at least I can get my cardio (and some strength exercises) done while I'm away for the next few days. As far as food goes, I'm going to make good choices with what I have available to me. It's only four days, so whatever I eat won't change my life or new healthy habits. Good luck to you during the next few days! Enjoy the holidays and stay healthy! Report Inappropriate Comment