I'm on the right track, baby

Thursday, August 11, 2011

At least it feels that way. Altho I'm a bit fearful about today's WI. I KNOW I have done every thing in my power, but I'm still feeling bloated. Course lately it seems as tho I gain when I think I've lost & lose when I think I've gained.

Basically I am simply tossing almost all sugary snacks. Even the good ingredient granola bars. Even the homemade boatmeal (baked oatmeal). I allow myself one treat a day - after dinner. Sometimes it's a sweet, sometimes it's not.

It's just that simple.

I'm tracking my water & fitness minutes on spark again. Those things are almost never a problem for me, but I find I'm just more focused when I'm tracking.

Each morning I look at that necklace I want as a reward this week.

I've been using the mantra "I take the steps necessary to reach my GW".

I've been doing my morning yoga - just 10 minutes most mornings! - and I can actually see the difference that makes in my body.

When you cut the sweets, it's actually pretty easy to eat MORE food. Who.e foods. Things you might not have been able to squeeze in before.

I made pancrepes for dinner one night & the chocolate almond butter I used as a filling actually gave me a mild headache & made slightly nauseous. Funny how sugar can do that to you when you cut back on it - and when you open yourself to noticing it.

I'll leave you with an amusing anecdote. My husband had been reading some article on nutrition & read that some women can lose their periods because of exercise. He thought maybe that's been my problem because of "all" that running.

I explained to him that that only happens when your body fat is very low - definitely not my problem - & that I don't really run that much. 10-15 miles a week does not qualify as "all" that running!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

XFITSTRONG 8/11/2011 5:22PM

Men are so funny!!!! I don't think my DH who is a nurse would ever initiate or even participate in a conversation with me about periods. THanks for the laugh! Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 8/11/2011 3:55PM

I'll be waiting to see how how the low sugar thing works for you. Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 8/11/2011 2:13PM

Men, sheesh . The necklace will be yours next week. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 8/11/2011 12:16PM

Funny story about hubby. It's really a matter of perspective, isn't it? Last year, someone called me the "crazy exercise lady" - which was flattering & highly amusing since I didn't count 5 hours/week as particularly "crazy". Now this year is a different story... Great job sticking to your plan this week. I'm sure your sugar plan is having an effect & hopefully the scale will reflect it. Gotta love whole foods - so much volume for the calories! Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 8/11/2011 12:01PM

When I lost my period, it was due to undereating - not overtraining. Common thought now is that a lot of women with perfectly healthy BF% and not-too-crazy workout schedules lose their periods simple due to underfueling. Or even just stress from training. If you don't have enough calories, your body is like "no baby for you, lady, we can barely feed ourselves!) Very low BF will also do it, but far too many normal BF (me!) women lose their periods during normal training. :) OH! Edited to add, I am not counting calories anymore, just eating when hungry (and a bit when not.) My weight is probably up a bit BUT I haven't had a single injury/stress fracture even with much higher mileage training AND my period is really regular. So, eating more food seemed to fix me up. I think it's probably really common for female distance runners to be undereating for their activity levels. Probably the same is true for any endurance athlete who is female, too. Comment edited on: 8/11/2011 12:03:29 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 8/11/2011 11:51AM

Sounds like you are on track! Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 8/11/2011 11:29AM

How flattering that your DH thought it was due to your low body fat and not perimenopause. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

REDEMILY 8/11/2011 10:33AM

10 minutes every morning? What a great practice! I might have to take a page from your book and maybe just throw in a few daily sun salutations (or something similar I can do without a video/podcast) just to see what it does for me, physically and hopefully mentally & spiritually. Thanks for the inspiration! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 8/11/2011 10:27AM

YAY for morning yoga!! Good luck on the weigh in! Compared to some people, 10-15 miles a week is a lot of running but not nearly enough to lose your period. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 8/11/2011 9:16AM

I have also given up my granola bars and "healthy" candy. In my quest for the holy abs, most of my reading has said if you want a flat stomach and well defined abs you can't eat sugar. I still have not had the nerve to try yoga. Glad to hear it is working out for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 8/11/2011 8:05AM

Funny that DH thought your running was causing your perimenopause! So glad to hear you're feeling on track. Sounds like you are giving it your all. I really do feel like reducing the sugar is the key to you meeting your goal. I'm crossing my fingers and sending positive thoughts your way for your weigh in. Report Inappropriate Comment

Mythbusting

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A few people took a remark I made about Gywneth Paltrow the wrong way yesterday - they thought I was being rather catty & that actually wasn't my intention. Normally I wouldn't write a blog to refute comments, but I think they missed what is - to me - a rather important point.

She said on a tv show that she has to work hard for her body; it isn't good genes.

I wasn't disputing whether or not she works out - I don't really know & frankly don't really care but am willing to accept what she says as truth.

The part that bothered me was her claiming to not have good genes. Quite obviously she does. For those who don't know, the actress Blythe Danner is her mother. Another tall, thin, blonde, attractive woman.

A bit of trivia: in the movie 1776, Blythe was 5 months pregnant with Gwyneth. You'd never know. Maybe corsets are a wonderful thing.

So why is any of that important? Because by not acknowledging her good fortune to have good genes, she is perpetuating the myth that anyone can obtain a body like that, just by working out hard.

I'm 5'1" and my legs are short. According to the info she shared, I work out just as much, if not more. I will never look like her because that simply isn't my body type. It isn't sour grapes, it's the cold, hard truth.

Statements like that perpetuate the myth that anyone can have a hollywood body if they work out hard enough just as much as saying they eat whatever they want & never work out. Or maybe I am just too sensitive, but I do like my curvy body after all.

I admire Lisa Kudrow much more for stating that the money she earned on Friends has made her life much easier. She still works hard & she worked hard for that money, but at least she acknowledged that the money helps.

Do you think it's potentially damaging to women, especially, when celebrities downplay good genetics or pretend they don't have work out & eat right?

I've got my flame retardant suit on.

  

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XFITSTRONG 8/10/2011 5:32PM

Very interesting topic! What comes to mind is these beautiful blond local TV newscasters that look amazing on TV... but yet when I have seen them out in public sometimes I have to do a double take. They look SO different on TV than they do in real life. Maybe GP is like that? I love it when celebrities show themselves make-up less to show they are real people. Great topic and very thought provocing! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 8/10/2011 4:57PM

Oprah comes to mind. Here is a woman who, in public, has struggled with her weight. She has a chef & a personal trainer & every other support that money can buy. She has the will, the determination & all the resources... and yet, she doesn't look like a model. Of course genes are important. And really, when it comes down to it, I'd rather be Oprah than Gwenneth any day! lol Report Inappropriate Comment

MELISSAISAFOX 8/10/2011 9:27AM

I think it's a little bit of both, but I'm going to take your side on the argument. People carry their weight in different ways which is genetics. Some people carry it all in their belly, some people carry it all over. Some people have skinny little chicken legs which I am envious of, and I have long legs but they are very muscular (I'll never be a model for razor blades!) Every leg workout I could throw at my body won't change how they are designed. I'm sure she has trainers and dieticians helping her as well. If I had that, of course I'd look like a model! Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 8/10/2011 9:24AM

It is definitely all in the genes. My wife and her whole side of the family is tall thin and they all look younger than they are. My wife still gets carded for cigarettes and eats ice cream and candy bars every day and never gains a pound. My side of the family is short and fat. I have to swear off sugar and work out like a maniac to get the weight off. If everyone was the same this would sure be a boring planet ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

REDEMILY 8/10/2011 9:20AM

Eh... I am sure it was a bit of both. I mean, she does have great genes, but maybe Blythe also works super hard for her body? I am blessed to be naturally thin, but I am working CRAZY hard to develop the muscle I am working for, so I guess it all depends on your goals? Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 8/10/2011 9:04AM

Genes have a lot to do with it. I don't care what the celebrities say. I'm not discounting diet and exercise but that will only get you so far. I will always have my mother's hips and thighs..no matter what I do (short of liposuction and then the fat would show up somewhere else later). Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 8/10/2011 8:31AM

I personally believe that it is definitely in the genes. Some people are never going to have the hollywood body, not even with personal training, a personal chef and best stuff money can buy. Let's face it, we are all different for a reason and our traits are hereditary and unique. I will never have lean, long legs, I'm built like my dad - I have beefy muscle thighs, well defined calfs, but definitely wasn't blessed with Rockette legs. All the workouts in the world will not redefine your genes. You always have great insight and glad you pointed out the hollywood myth to others. Report Inappropriate Comment

Honesty is a full length bathroom mirror

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

We installed a new medicine cabinet over the weekend to go with the new vanity. We took the mirror that was there & hung it on the bathroom door. My husband complained that he doesn't lime seeing himself naked getting into & out of the shower but I like it!

Nothing will keep you honest like seeing your full body naked.

Until now, I had to make the effort to see myself in my birthday suit. The good news is that even tho my weight isn't where I want it to be right now - and I can see that "reflected" in certain areas - I'm also still pretty pleased with my body.

Oh, I'll never be as toned as some of my spark buddies or look like Jillian (who's actually about my height - did you know she's short?) - but I still like what I see & look forward to seeing my progress down to my GW.

Caught Gywneth Paltrow on Rachael Ray yesterday. She was talking about how she doesn't have good genes & how hard she has to work to get her body. Oh please. I could work out 24/7 & I will never in a million yrs look like her. And just look at her mom!

I do appreciate the fact that she's not skinny-fat, but s little sensitivity for those of us who are not blessed with movie star bodies no matter how hard we work out would be nice.

To end on a positive note, I've been reading Dara Torres "Age is not a Number" & I would definitely recommend it. Very inspiring!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PROVERBS31JULIA 8/10/2011 6:54PM

Ummmm ELEANORRIGBY13 I'm getting the sense that she's talking about Gwyneth's movie star parents - her mom also looks great. Now maybe Gwyneth does work hard with exercise and all, and maybe her mom and grandparents did as well? A family that eats clean and has always been vigorous and active tends to pass those attitudes and habits about lifestyles along to their children and grandchildren etc, so THAT part of it could be controlled by any of us (especially as we attempt to "break the chain" of previous dietary abuses that some of us may have grown up in.). Even if my parents and grandparents had always eaten properly and exercised and kept to a really low body weight, we'd still be dark eyed and dark hair - and that aspect of "genes" we can't really change (aside from bleaching or coloring hair, wearing colored contact lens, but not trying to get ridiculous here.). So in that sense of not having "good genes", maybe Gwyneth's comments could be misinterpreted by some - just depends on how one defines "beauty" so far as the hair color or eye color. However, even if I was at perfect body weight and strong muscles for my height, I'd still NEVER be mistaken for Gwyneth or her beauty!! I'm just too short legged!! ;-) Julia> Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 8/9/2011 9:21PM

I'm with Eleanorrigby13. Walk a mile in someone's shoes and all . . . It's nice to appreciate what you see in the mirror, isn't it? :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 8/9/2011 5:50PM

We didn't have a good full-length mirror but recently bought one for my daughter's closet door. I was in her room last night and said that I liked her mirror because it made me look thinner. She was like, "Mom, quit checking yourself out in my mirror." Oh well...someday she will understand! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 8/9/2011 4:19PM

Laughing at PCOH051610's comment! And then I had an evil chuckle thinking about how this might motivate your hubby to make some of the changes you'd like him to make. hee hee Yup, nothing like looking naked in a full length mirror. Glad you're liking what you see. I like what I see too - even though I'm not anywhere done yet. Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 8/9/2011 1:19PM

I have been thinking about getting a full length mirror. Maybe now is the time! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELEANORRIGBY13 8/9/2011 12:52PM

Love your attitude about the mirror! I have a big full length mirror in my bathroom, and it keeps me accountable. Think twice before you doubt Gwyneth's words about her weight. She probably does work very hard for the body she has. I in general find Gwyneth to be stuck-up and unlikable, but I appreciate her honesty here; many Hollywood stars act like they don't work hard for their figures. Possibly, even probably, she doesn't have a propensity to be overweight. That doesn't mean that, without hard work, she wouldn't be average-to-slightly overweight. She's a movie star, but she's also a woman in her late 30s. Most people don't look like she does at her age without work, so it's hardly fair to assume she's the exception. I think, in living a healthy lifestyle, we're all fighting the same fight despite appearances, and it's best not to judge people based on how they look, from the person who is obese(but has lost a substantial amount of weight) to someone like Gwyneth who is thin (but consistently must eat well and exercise to maintain that figure). I also noted a little backhanded negativity in your comments, about people who could never look like Gwyneth does. I think many women technically could have her figure, but most people have different goals and priorities than she does. Celebrities both have more resources (trainers, catering, and time) and more of a "need" to have "perfect" bodies than the rest of us. I know I don't need to look like her, even if I could. I think that's the more positive point of view to have on that. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 8/9/2011 11:15AM

I wish we had a full length mirror. I'll have to pick one up sometime soon. I'll never be as toned as some of my sparkbuddies either but it's something to shoot for. Gwyneth...not good genes...is she kidding? She does exercise, though. I think I'll check out Dara. Is it on kindle? Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 8/9/2011 10:43AM

My favourite line out of your blog was "My husband complained that he doesn't lime seeing himself naked getting into & out of the shower but I like it!" because at first I thought you were referring to seeing his naked body in the mirror....and I burst out laughing! Glad you are more comfortable with seeing your body! I have to admit that I've been looking for any "changes" to mine but have yet to see any. Maybe I should be taking some pictures instead of relying on my memory. Will have to look for that book! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 8/9/2011 10:08AM

Whew, mirrors are a double-edged sword. Some days a diamond, some days a stone. (smiling) I have always felt that age is irrelevant and that the number doesn't matter. I'll try to check out that book. Funny that I have over 1600 books on Kindle now, and adding more each day. Yet, I often have a hard time making a choice. Sometimes there's too much variety. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 8/9/2011 9:59AM

Mirrors...tough stuff, they are! Have a full length one in my workout room at home. Don Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 8/9/2011 9:17AM

We have a lot of big mirrors in our house. My daughter has graduated from elementary school to middle school and tomorrow she has a full day at the school to learn how to use the lockers and which group she will be in. So last night she was trying on cloths to find the perfect outfit and my wife put her hair in curlers and painted her nails. It was fun watching her put on a fashion show in front of the mirrors. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 8/9/2011 7:36AM

So happy to hear you are liking what you see in the mirror - mirrors DON'T LIE. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

Chatarungas & planks, oh my!

Monday, August 08, 2011

I could really feel my triceps aching last week & finally figured out that it's due to those extra 10 minute morning yoga sessions. Yes, small things really do add up!

They can add up in a bad way, too. All calories are NOT created equal, it isn't as simple ad calories in & calories out. Too much sodium (aka processed foods) can bloat you. Sugar isn't evil in & of itself, but it's empty calories that could be replaced by whole foods. Diet soda is just a bunch of chemicals that frankly nobody needs & the real stuff is chemicals + sugar.

Paying closer attention to & switching up my snacks have me hopeful that maybe thus is the final piece of the puzzle. Course i've been hopeful at least 10 times over the last 2 yrs. Hope springs eternal . . .

I've revamped my rewards, too. I realized that there are a few things I really want, so:

Lose weight this week: necklace from fashionjunkee.com

Get back under 140: WW serving spoons

Maintain my weight while visiting inlaws: use massage certificate

Get below 138: necklace from robertachiarella.com

Both necklaces are on sale, so there's always a danger they'll sell out before I meet my goal. More motivation! The first is quite cheap, the last isn't expensive but is still significantly more.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEMPEST272002 8/8/2011 2:02PM

So right about all calories not being equal. Hopefully the switch up on the snacks is what you're looking for. Thanks for your comment in my blog about the training you do with the dogs. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 8/8/2011 10:13AM

Chatarungas will definitely do a number on your triceps. I hope the snack switchup works!! Some great stuff...great motivation! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 8/8/2011 9:35AM

I like both necklaces - if I had to choose, I would pick the green one - love it. And I know you will earn your reward. YOU GO GIRL !!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 8/8/2011 9:19AM

I had sore triceps a few days ago for the very same reason. It had been a while since I'd done yoga, and apparently I chose the right DVD, because my triceps are one of the areas I need to tone most. Looks like a fun reward list. Look forward to seeing you earn them! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 8/8/2011 9:11AM

Since they are on Sale - why not buy them but do NOT wear them when they arrive - keep them as your rewards for when you do deserve them :) You haven't used your massage voucher - so you'll hold onto the other prizes - just as Beejay is keeping her sunglasses until she has earned them! Report Inappropriate Comment

Yesterday's report card

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Started out the day with my tuna waldorf salad. Gotta love a plan cause I sure wouldn't choose that if I hadn't planned it & I'm glad that I did. Actually, I started out the day with a 10 minute yoga session followed by 10 minutes of flexibility stretches from Core performance.

Walked the dogs. And there ended my exercise - yes, it was my rest day, I knew I wouldn't have much time for working out. Had a snack of a banana, apple & PB2. Changed, then we headed out. Dropped the dogs off at daycare & drove the 1 1/2 hour to my sister's. Sat around chatting while waiting for my parents, who were late as usual (like almost an hour late - my dad is very narcisstic, which drives me nuts, but he's unlikely to change at 85. Still drives me nuts).

My sister had decided on a different restaurant - so no quesadilla. A veggie panini instead, which was actually worse according to WW points, but sure tasted good. Left a little on my plate. It was a very nice restaurant - right on the Hudson river & we sat outside.

Went back to my sister's house, where I tried to help my dad understand his new kindle, which naturally hadn't been charged & was in danger of turning itself off at any moment. Just now realized I could've continued to tutor him on mine, but I didn't think of it at the time. I did get him registered & showed him the basics. I think I should've shown my mom . . . well, maybe on their next visit up. Obligatory photos (but I didn't tske any so none to share).

Drove the 1 1/2 hrs back up in the pouring rain, unfortunately. Snacked on some dry roasted edamame in the car. Decided to go out for dinner, too, since we were tired, the plan was to grill & it was raining. Had 2 large slices of white pizza with broccoli - left some on my plate again. Thin crust, not too much cheese & actually a good amount of broccoli.

Picked up the dogs who acted as tho we'd been gone 8 yrs rather than 8 hrs, came home, fed the cats, watched a little tv, went to bed.

I apologize for a boring post! But I figure sometimes you want to see how others handle certain situations.

Grade? B+? or maybe just a B. Weren't the best choices at the restaurants, but not the worst, either. Yes, I could've chosen salad, but it's not always the healthier choice & frankly i already eat a ton of salad. Not to mention I hate when you find out afterwards that for that salad you might as well have had pizza!

  

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SKINNYPOWELL1 8/8/2011 9:06AM

I give you an "A" for the day - you spent time with your family, you walked the dogs and enjoyed a slice of the finer things in life, pizza !!!! And yes, we do eat a lot of salad. Every now and then you have to feed the body pizza, sounded yummy. Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 8/7/2011 2:23PM

I think you did great! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 8/7/2011 10:06AM

I think you did great...B+ at least!! No, salads aren't always a healthy option at restaurants and you don't always want one. Yes, you do eat a ton of them already. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 8/7/2011 10:00AM

I'd give you a B+ because I know that family time can be really stressful & you made pretty decent decisions all day. Isn't is outrageous that a restaurant salad can have 500-1500 calories? What - are they injecting sugar & fat into the lettuce? lol Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 8/7/2011 9:21AM

Sounds good to me - especially since you were eating out! I LOVE broccoli on pizza. Yum. Funny about the dogs. They do tend to do that. That's one of the things I miss most - coming home and finding Sunnie there, acting like I'm the most important person in the world. Report Inappropriate Comment

XFITSTRONG 8/7/2011 8:26AM

Sounds like a nice day with the family. We need those! Hve a great week!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment