What do you really want?

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

I am back home. My car is fixed. The cats slept with us last night. First time in years Giz has slept with us; he won't sleep with us when the dogs are here, and doesn't even usually sleep with us anymore on the rare occasion they're not -- guess the cold was really getting to them! In the low 20s, and not likely to get warmer anytime soon.

So, I was faced with lots of food decisions the last few days. You'd think staying in someone else's home would make life easier -- and it does to some degree -- but it also comes with its challenges -- and surprises.

Like one night we had Chinese. My SIL picked it up, and did ask what we wanted, but since we didn't have a menu I really didn't know what to say. Thankfully my MIL is not supposed to have sodium (her high BP is now damaging her kidneys with all the stress and that is obviously very upsetting) -- so they got here steamed veggies (and I ate most of them). Dodged a bullet there!

Talked MIL into some roast asparagus with the roast beef she made, and along with the salad enough to fill me up.

Luckily my SIL made brussel sprouts AND broccoli to go with the beer butt chicken, so I was good there.

Got deli one day, but since I was the one to buy it, thankfully I had control and got myself a veggie sandwich.

So about those choices -- my BIL also went out to get us fresh bagels & lox one day. The bagels were even warm. I chose not to have one. I can have bagels & lox anytime, and we have some in the freezer back home. Granted, they're not fresh bagels, but I have millet & flax bagels that I really enjoy and they even have a tiny bit of nutritional value.

It's all about choosing when to splurge and when not to. As I said, I can have bagels & lox anytime. I chose to splurge more in Hawaii, on things I don't normally eat -- and only when it was really good too.

So when you're faced with all those choices, ask yourself if this is something you could make yourself? Is it something you can have anytime? Or is it something you really want, and rarely have?

You don't have to be on the see-food diet (see food, eat food). You DO have choices.

I even had a choice last night -- our plane was late getting into Atlanta, so we had no time to get dinner. I always travel with protein bars. ALWAYS. For this very reason. I was able to eat a protein bar, we did get a snack box and I had some pita chips & hummus as well, and one square of Lindt chocolate that I had with me.

This time I also chose to go light on the exercise. I like to take one week off of running every month or so, and I'd already planned for that to be this week. I had planned to do some yoga, OTOH, but that never happened. I knew I needed some rest since I wasn't feeling 100% and it seemed like there were people coughing up lungs next to us on every flight. So far, so good.

I did get lots of walking in tho. FIL must be in constant motion. The man doesn't sit down from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed -- literally. And there is nothing that he enjoys doing anymore (other than eating). Eating and being in motion are the only times he's calm and/or happy.

We took him out on longer walks than my MIL normally does, without my MIL, on the hills she doesn't like to walk on (altho it would be good for her). It's the only thing that prevents meltdowns. We spent about 8+ hours a day with them, so my MIL could also have a break and shower or just lay down, things that are difficult for her.

She does have help most days, and normally my SIL will take my FIL for an hour or so every day, but she took a break too obviously while we were there. I truly don't know how my MIL does it. Imagine having a toddler who never naps and can't entertain itself even for a second -- and just like a toddler, you have to watch him so he doesn't try to eat something inedible. She didn't have any help except for that last day we were there, which is when we went on the chocolate tour.

We feel guilty that we can't help more, but what can you do when you're clear across the country? She's good about it, but I know my SIL resents the fact that we can't help more -- she's human.

Well, anyway, I'm rambling. Remember, you have choices. When presented with all those holiday goodies, don't just dive right in. Give it some thought. And always remember why you're making the choices you are. Write down your goals. Put them where you'll read them every day. Put before & after photos where you can see them -- to remember how far you've come, and to motivate you to make healthy choices.

You CAN lose weight before the end of the year.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDOORN 12/9/2010 9:07AM

Sounds like a well-thought-out, healthy and fun time! Now: betcha need a vacation from your vacation! :-) Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 12/9/2010 8:12AM

Glad you're back and sounds like you made it through the food challenges with flying colors. You are so right about having a choice, it's up to YOU. You did great. I know it's very hard taking care of elderly parents, some of the simple everyday things for us to do are very hard for them to do, we do what we can. Again, glad you're back, your blog got me thinking about my choc cake - is that something I want to splurge on or can I have it any time? I can have it anytime, maybe that's why I can easily walk away from it now. Enjoy your chilly day. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 12/8/2010 12:53PM

Welcome back and congrats on good choices and carrying the protein bars etc Glad you were able to give MIL a bit of a break too :) Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 12/8/2010 12:43PM

You made excellent choices!! I'm sure you got plenty of walking in. It's understandable that SIL is resentful. It would be very hard not to be to some extent. You are correct, they are always choices. I try to make them good ones (but every once in a while, I don't...but hey, I'm human). Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/8/2010 10:31AM

What a week you had and you did well with your choices! We have a low key holiday season so I shouldn't have too many hard decisions to make but I'm definitely for saving the splurges on things that we don't have year around. It's the same with traveling; why eat what you can eat at home! Cindy in very cold Indiana Report Inappropriate Comment

Almost best present ever

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Every day DH has asked if I wanted my Hannukah present & I kept saying no since I didn't have his yet. Last night he gave it to me: 2 Eco friendly house cleanings! I've never had anyone clean my house despite my mom having someone in once a week for as long as I can remember. Very excited!

The trip has been pretty much as expected: tiring & boring. Didn't feel great the first couple of days but thankfully nothing seems to be developing.

Gave SIL & MIL a tiny bit of a break from their caretaking duties.

Didn't exercise as much as usual but still a fair amount of walking. Tried to eat as healthy as I could.

My SIL did take us to a tour of Theo Chocolates yesterday. Highly recommend if u're ever in Seattle. Even just visiting the store is well worthwhile - lots of samples!

And ate more fruit than normal now that it's all "free".

Very cold back home & apparently snowy too. Winter sure is starting early this yr.

Will be catching back up with y'all over the next few days.

Oh and the present was a groupon, of course.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 12/10/2010 12:10PM

Wow! I've never had the nerve to have someone in to clean - I'm too ashamed of the clutter. Something to aspire to. And yes, when I was growing up we had full-time help (until I was 12.) Seriously, your hubby did an awesome job! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 12/8/2010 10:02AM

So glad you're back and how exciting to have someone clean your house, that was a thoughtful gift. Bundle up, winter is definitely settling in. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 12/8/2010 9:40AM

Your hubby has done really well in the gift department first your kindle and now this! What's next? Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 12/8/2010 9:30AM

Sounds like a great gift - and one that recognized who you are and what you think about things....also, he sees how hard you work around the house! Pretty sweet!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 12/7/2010 6:39PM

I would love that present - I really hate cleaning house :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 12/7/2010 4:15PM

That is a great present. I would love for somebody to get that for me. Enjoy it!!! I'm glad you "eh-ness" hasn't turned into something else. I think it would be hard to exercise as much as you usually do but walking definitely helps. I will try to remember Theo Chocolates if we're ever in Seattle. Maybe an early start to winter means it will end early as well. Have a good rest of your trip! Report Inappropriate Comment

REESEYMAY 12/7/2010 4:11PM

Nice! Your hubby is so thoughtful! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 12/7/2010 4:11PM

I've actually heard that your area doesn't have as much snow as most places. That could change this weekend though. Enjoy the rest of your trip and I hope you have an uneventful flight home. Report Inappropriate Comment

Pushing out of our comfort zone

Friday, December 03, 2010

I chose to walk with Leslie this morning. No, no snow here Kate (and yes, 5 hrs is a long drive & since we're visiting family hard to meet u halfway somewhere ... someday).

Just started feeling eh last night, but not bad enough not to workout at all.

I do feel I've been getting too comfortable again. Reaching for fast & easy rather than healthy, even knowing a little more effort would ultimately keep me full longer.

It's time to push past my comfort zone & be more uncomfortable to be more comfortable in the long wrong. If I can lose weight over Thanksgiving I know I can continue to lose weight this yr.

Being heavy is hard.

Losing weight is hard.

Choose your hard! And get uncomfortable with me.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDHEART 12/4/2010 6:01PM

Oh yeah! Comfortable is well, um, comfortable!!! Will we always need to remind ourselves of these things? The answer to that for me anyway is yes....and if I forget to remind myself, I am lucky enough to have you, and Kate, and Mike, and Pat, and Tina and, and, and, and................................ .................... Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 12/3/2010 2:33PM

Yes, that's the heart of it... would I rather go through the discomfort of having to exercise & make healthy food choices... or would I rather feel like I'm buried alive under layers of fat? Glad you're still choosing healthy! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/3/2010 1:47PM

I am using ideas from the Kick Start Guide and have not been hungry since I started the new plan on Monday! I am not familiar enough with the changes to be comfortable...yet! Hope you have a wonderful trip and stay the course while traveling. You've been doing an awesome job, Judy!! Cindy in Indiana awaiting ... Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 12/3/2010 11:57AM

Thx for the reminder of the "hard" line...! These days it does seem to take more effort...! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 12/3/2010 11:31AM

I'm uncomfortable right along with ya. We can do it and WE WILL !!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 12/3/2010 11:28AM

I'm sure Leslie was glad you joined her ;-) I will do my best to get uncomfortable with you! I will make healthy choices at lunch today (I'm meeting a friend). I hope my choices will help her make good ones as well. I hope the eh doesn't turn into something worse. Have a good time with the family!! You'll totally lose weight this month. You're on a roll! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 12/3/2010 11:14AM

Yes, I vow that I will never be heavy again! Once is enough and not fun at all! Report Inappropriate Comment

To run or not to run?

Thursday, December 02, 2010

2 blogs in one day, it's been a while!

Well, the question isn't for today, cause I just got back from my run. The question is for tomorrow.

I did run 3 times this week already. I'm going to miss my swim tonight -- couldn't get my act together early enough in the day, gotta wash my hair, too much to do, blah blah blah. I really do enjoy my evening swims; I don't push real hard, it's more a way to wind down at the end of the day. I suppose I could do some yoga tonight, I haven't worked my core yet today anyway . . .

But tomorrow. I was sort of thinking an easy run. Like only 30 minutes. No pushing. Cause I'll be stuck in airplanes and airports for most of the day. There should at least be some moving at the inlaws, as FIL needs to be in almost constant motion.

Still, between Thanksgiving, this trip, my parents coming up when we get back, and then DH having time off at the end of the month -- which really ought to be a good thing but tends to be not so much when it comes to eating . . . it's a rough month! And I don't even celebrate Christmas, and thank God I don't drink, either.

So, back to the question: to run or not to run? Truly, the main drawback is that a) it'll be very cold b) I'll get sweaty without much time to clean up and c) DH would probably like some time with me.

I know so many of my running buddies would give their eye teeth just to be able to have that dilemma. To run pain free.

It is getting harder to push myself out that door. Damn, it's not even winter yet and it's still really cold! I procrastinated today, altho that sort of worked in my favor cause the mail was finally delivered just minutes before I finished so I didn't have to go out into the cold twice.

To run or not to run?

P.S. And funny how sometimes I wish for some time away from the dogs, so I can do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want . . . and now that I dropped them off at the pet sitter this morning I'm missing them terribly.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KEAKMAN 12/3/2010 7:32AM

Well, it's tomorrow. Not sure if the big snow dump hit you or not. That would have decided your question! Hope it missed you. So let us know what you decided and have a safe trip and a pleasant holiday season. I wish I lived closer to Seattle so we could at least meet up for coffee, but 5 hours is a long drive for a cup of coffee, even with a friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 12/2/2010 10:50PM

The cold is getting to me too...and heck yes, so early in this season of the long, dark months! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 12/2/2010 7:56PM

Tough call as there are benefits both ways. I'd play it by ear and see what time you get up. You can always walk laps at the airport. It's not as intense, but you're moving. And, you'll have lots of time with hubby there. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 12/2/2010 7:50PM

A quandary...you need the yoga of that I am certain....then, what's happened with that treadmill? I think you could more easily hop on the mill for a bit early tomorrow morning without the cold to hold you back...a compromise? I want to wish you a safe trip and happy holidays but I know that the trip will be filled with the mixed blessings of a family visit that is difficult to say the least. Just keep yourself calm and you'll be ok. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 12/2/2010 3:34PM

You could do some yoga tonight. I know it doesn't really seem to feel like much of a workout (not that it isn't difficult, it just doesn't seem to burn any calories) at least that's how I feel about it. I guess you can see how you feel in the morning. How cold is it? How early can you get out to do it and still maybe spend some time with DH before your trip. It is nice to get some movement in before being stuck on an airplane. Okay, I'm not very helpful. Sorry. Whatever you decide will be perfect. Report Inappropriate Comment

One cause of post-workout hunger

Thursday, December 02, 2010

I never thought much about this before, but an article I was reading this morning made me go d'oh!

Ever finished a workout and felt famished?

Finish the same workout another day and not be hungry?

Maybe the difference is in the amount of water you drank. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. I know when I don't get my normal amount of liquids in in the morning, I tend to be really hungry all day long, no matter how much I drink later on.

Just another reason to make sure you stay well hydrated, especially during and after tough workouts.

No wonder I have no trouble downing 2 glasses of water after a run when normally that might take me a while.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MZSLYDE01 12/2/2010 12:45PM

HMMM - I have had this thought many times. AND we know these things too. Ha Ha Ha. I am going to be drinking tons of water after my workout on the way to work and getting ready for work. I bet that will take care of that GROWL during my drive to work. Report Inappropriate Comment

139TOGO 12/2/2010 10:40AM

I agree - I wish water didn't play mind games with me like it does. Ugh. Actually if I just listened and stayed off the scale I probably wouldn't feel that way either. I'm going to fill up my water again now. Thanks for the reminder. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 12/2/2010 10:30AM

Just thinking this morning that my 16 bottle of water is too small for work... I need a 32 ouncer! More water = less food to fill the tummy. And that is a GOOD thing for me! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 12/2/2010 10:24AM

Thank you for the reminder. I do try to make sure I drink some water before and plenty after I exercise (if I can I also drink while exercising but when I'm running it's kind of difficult...you might say I have a drinking problem). Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 12/2/2010 8:35AM

Thanks for the reminder, Judy! I have this problem if I'm helping my husband with the firewood sometimes and it's probably because I didn't drink much before we left since there are no restrooms in the woods. And I am usually starved when we get home despite that I always eat a good breakfast. Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 12/2/2010 8:21AM

Makes sense...I *try* (not always successful...!) to think of this as my first line of defense against hunger...douse it with water first! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 12/2/2010 7:51AM

Experts say is you drink a glass of water before a meal it will cut down how much you eat, and it works, I do it all the time. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYJOANNA 12/2/2010 7:40AM

So true about drinking water if you think you are hungry. Who can figure? Report Inappropriate Comment