Being comfortable

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Clinton & Stacy hate the c-word, but there can be something to be said for being comfortable, too.

Being comfortable in your own skin, for instance.

Getting my hair cut always gives me feedback. There's something about the mirrors in salons - they're very unforgiving. But yesterday I was ok with my face - still room for improvement, probably always will be, but it didn't make me cringe. In fact, it looked pretty good. You should be able to look at yourself in the mirror without cringing.

Being comfortable in my jeans is important, too. Sometimes jeans lie - they stretch & make us feel comfortable when maybe we shouldn't be getting comfortable. But they can be tight, too - always useful feedback.

Actually, I'd like mine to be too loose. I've got a couple of pairs of jeans that are too tight to wear. When they're comfortable, I'm pretty sure I'll be at my GW.

Being comfortable listening to your body. Today I usually do a mini-fast, delaying breakfast by a few hrs - roughly a 12 hr fast. But I woke up STARVING. So I ate breakfast at my normal time. Nothing wrong with that. Flexible things bend; rigid things break.

My hip bothered me just a bit during my easy run yesterday. Just enough to let me know it's not quite back to normal. Oddly enough, my knee had a few twinges at the 10 minute mark. So I took a walking break & it didn't bother me again.

I iced the hip when I got home & even tho it gave me a few aches throughout the day, it feels fine this morning.

As with most things in life, there's a fine line between the good-comfortable & the bad-comfortable.

Have you noticed when it's good to get comfortable?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MZSLYDE01 9/29/2011 9:06AM

I am glad too that your hip is feeling better. Nice pondering - you are getting us all thinking. I so am totally about being comfortable. When I was younger I wore those skin tight jeans. Don't know how I did it because I wouldn't do it now. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGBYFAITH2 9/28/2011 5:34PM

Good thoughts to ponder today! I really like it when I start to find the discomfort during exercise to be my new comfort zone! I have been contemplating changing my clothes to get comfy for a while this evening, but I have to go back to work later and don't think I could bear changing back, so I guess i will have to be uncomfortable for a while longer today. Then I am hoping to get some of those exercise minutes in and come home to get comfy for the rest of the night. Thanks for your thoughts. I can ponder them while I am walking! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYFULSPIRIT920 9/28/2011 4:09PM

I don't know what your hip issues are, but when it hurts in the hip & knee its usually your IT band. I have a lot of issues with mine. Use the foam roller & stretch stretch stretch stretch it out. And I agree, being comfortable with yourself, who you are is good. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISTINA791 9/28/2011 3:58PM

I've definitely noticed this. I used to hate wearing clothes - as soon as I got home from work, it was into the loose yoga pants and a giant t-shirt. Everything else dug and pinched. I had to laugh at the hair comment. I always hated looking in the mirror because I have a short neck and a round face. The wet hair and tight cape would just make things worse, and I'd leave feeling like my face was almost deformed (even though I always loved the hair cut itself). This last time, I still had a short neck and round face, but I looked normal. I could see my cheekbones and everything was in proportion. It was a good feeling. Congrats on feeling more comfortable in your body! It's well earned! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 9/28/2011 11:12AM

Some good food for thought; thanks. I'm glad your hip is already better! Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 9/28/2011 11:12AM

I am happy with the mirror most of the time. I just can't look too close. When I shave I am always wondering who that old man is in the mirror. That can't possible be me. Oh yeah 50! How did that happen, I don't feel old. OK, take three steps backwards, much better! Oh heck I think I need glasses. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 9/28/2011 10:40AM

Hey I've NEVER seen a mirror that WAS forgiving...lol! But I suppose that has a whole lot to do with the "eyes of the beholder!" Tough muscles to work out...those ones that allow us to be kind to ourselves...but not TOO kind! :-) I get aches and pains now & then too...just keep stretching 'em out and putting one foot ahead of the other. Thx for stopping by my blog today! Spark ON! Don Comment edited on: 9/28/2011 10:41:44 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

NIKI778 9/28/2011 10:32AM

Completely agree, about good and bad comfortable. For me when I am comfortable with body, even if I am not at my goal weight or any where close to it is a great thing! I get this feeling from watching the small changes that I am seeing everyday. Bad Comfortable is wearing only pants that have elastic waist bands because they are the only "comfortable" clothes that I have to wear. Also bad comfortable can be when you get complacent and comfortable with situations, and stop challenging yourself to grow, this is why goals are so important not only in weight loss but other areas of our life as well because they keep us reaching and growing. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 9/28/2011 9:41AM

Yes, you should be comfortable in your own skin and definitely be able to look at yourself in the mirror without cringing. I like to be comfortable in my jeans, too. Since that's pretty much all I wear. I hope the knee stays happy and the hip is good for the next run. Report Inappropriate Comment

*ERICA* 9/28/2011 8:48AM

I agree that is a great statement! Great workout today! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 9/28/2011 7:52AM

Glad the hip is feeling better. I liked your statement.... Flexible things bend, rigid things break. Kinda struck a nerve with me today. You never know what little thing you say may leave a lasting impression. Great thoughts today. Report Inappropriate Comment

Smaller portions = smaller appetite

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Who knew?

So I used to use 1/2 cup (dry) oatmeal for my breakfasts & recently downsized to 1/3 cup. And a funny thing happened on the way to my GW: ultimately I find myself LESS hungry - as long as TOM is not knocking at my door.

It was such a struggle for meto make the switch, too. A mental struggle, not physical. Yet I find that most days I eat my morning snack later because I'm simply not hungry.

I suppose it's the old your stomach shrinks so if you're really listening to your hunger cues, they shrink too.

Portion control is probably my final frontier.

Mostly healthy eating? Check. Altho I most definitely could have made a better choice than the salmon Wellington last night . . . chased by the healthy chocolate chip cookie cake. Just means my choices for the next couple of days REALLY need to be healthy.

Exercise? Check.

Tracking what I REALLY eat? Check.

Being satisfied with smaller portions? Progress, not perfection. But I'll keep the whole oatmeal experiment in mind.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SLS-NY2IN 9/27/2011 9:55PM

job. Change our portions and our minds! Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 9/27/2011 6:34PM

Great reminder to all of us to listen to what our bodies are telling us. I used to make popcorn and feel obligated to eat the whole bag but now I stop before I feel full and I'm fine. Of course, we all have different calorie requirements so it does take some time to work out what is best. You are doing so great! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGBYFAITH2 9/27/2011 5:20PM

Congratulations! It is so easy to let eating get out of control one little bite at a time. It sounds like you are working really hard at thinking smart about your eating. Keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

JERSEYGIRL24 9/27/2011 5:08PM

Great job. I think I need to do a better job of portion control myself. I feel like I am doing a lot of the right things but still not losing weight. That is probably the key. Report Inappropriate Comment

VISUALLYRICS 9/27/2011 2:54PM

Portion control is probably my final frontier too! for having a checklist and for such progress!! Report Inappropriate Comment

*ERICA* 9/27/2011 10:54AM

Its so amazing how our bodies work. and once you lose weight, you have to cut your portions...and I know I am always thinking...am I really gonna be full after this little bit of food...but yes! Measuring cups are always a great tool!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 9/27/2011 9:30AM

It sounds like you're doing great. I do think that portion size has a lot to do with mentality. The more I eat, the hungrier I get. Vicious circle. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 9/27/2011 9:03AM

I have yet to find the happy LESS hungry thing. Still working on it - hope I find it soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

NIKI778 9/27/2011 9:00AM

Great experiment. I am working on increasing protein in my morning meal to see if that helps me eat less later in the day, night time is still the hardest for me, and last night I just couldn't stop snacking... Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 9/27/2011 7:31AM

Let's hope this is so - I bought some smaller bowls so I don't go crazy with fruit and yogurt this summer - and last night instead of dipping into the fridge for a second helping, I had a couple of sugar-free chewing gums instead. Then I forgot that I'd had the munchies :)) Good luck with GW Report Inappropriate Comment

BESSHAILE 9/27/2011 6:50AM

you are ringing my bell too - when I get used to ignoring my stomach's messages I not only eat more - I want more. thanks for the reminder. and wayyy good for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 9/27/2011 6:31AM

I agree with this...the more I eat the more I want. The appetite is like a wild beast once unleashed! My current bliss is a T of cocoa in my (1/3 c) oatmeal and a tsp of butter. Gardening and canning are (almost) over and I'm baaaack... Cindy in Indiana Report Inappropriate Comment

WWBH?

Monday, September 26, 2011

We get so caught up in the numbers game - I am definitely no exception. Looking at the 5% challenge made me realize that losing just shy of 1 lb per week in 2 months would get me really, really close to my GW.

But I know myself. I bounce back & forth constantly. I'm still trying to figure out why.

Still . . . it seems so doable. My spark buddies do it all the time. Why can't I?

And then I realize that I'm concentrating on the wrong thing: the numbers. And what I should be concentrating on is WWBH?, aka What Would Be Healthy?

The numbers are really a byproduct of healthy choices. This is what I need to keep in the front of my mind, to ask myself when I'm confronted with choices. If I keep asking myself that, the numbers should follow naturally.

Because I had some pretty ripe bananas waited to be used, yesterday I made ohsheglows.com/2011/05/25/how-to-squ
ash-a-chocolate-craving-in-80-calories/ . I did not add any sweetener. Yes, they would have tasted better a little sweeter but I'm still working on the whole sugar thing & they hit the spot without extra sweetener & were the healthy choice over my planned for vitatop - almost the same number of calories but even healthier, at least to my mind, especially since I used dark chocolate chips.

Next time you're faced with a choice, ask yourself WWBH & watch the numbers go down.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JVANAM 10/7/2011 10:01PM

A few of my WWBH techniques are: 1) When planning a meal have as many different colors on my plate as possible. The more colorful your vegetable options the more your nutrients. 2) Reduce salt, sugar, and fats. 3) Use SparkRecipes as often as possible. 4) Select foods from the market that are fresh, local, and chemical free. No artificial hormones, pesticides, or fertilization. In the Sparkteam CD-NY area that would be from the Farmer's Markets, area Food Co-Ops, Hannaford, and at times Price Chopper. In Malibu, CA that would also be the Farmer's Markets, and Food Co-Ops, added to the list is Ralph's. Comment edited on: 10/7/2011 10:03:08 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 9/27/2011 6:12PM

That is a great way of looking at things - WWBH? I know right now my weight isn't healthy but I am making strides in improving my overall health. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 9/27/2011 9:08AM

That's simple to remember - WWBH, thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 9/27/2011 9:00AM

AMEN SISTER - I love that whole WWBH thing. Thanks for that because your are absolutely right - It's not about focusing and obsessing over the numbers - IT's about being healthy. That's what we are trying to accomplish anyway right? So this was a great for me today. A good reminder about what I am trying to accomplish. I am checking the recipe out right now. I love that blog. She always has great stuff. Report Inappropriate Comment

NIKI778 9/26/2011 10:25AM

I like WWBH!!! I will keep that thought in mind as I am making decisions about what to eat. Great idea!! You are right, making the healthy choices will make the numbers follow. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 9/26/2011 10:09AM

Those look fabulous. Yes, I'll be keeping WWBH in mind. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 9/26/2011 10:07AM

So true! This is all about being healthy not hitting some target number. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 9/26/2011 10:06AM

Very true. Have a fun day. Report Inappropriate Comment

JASI27 9/26/2011 8:43AM

Exactly what I needed to hear right now! So simple, yet extremely effective! Thanks for sharing this!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 9/26/2011 7:52AM

This is so true. I'm a numbers person also. I think it's just the way society drills things into our heads. Oh, and I like that blog too - lots of really good recipes! Report Inappropriate Comment

Month 1 HM training done!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Yes, after a week of rest, I got out for an easy 4 miles yesterday. My hip still isn't completely normal, but I iced it before & after & this morning it doesn't feel any worse. We'll see how it does as I ease back into running 3 x week & a long run of 7 miles next weekend.

I used the E3 grips - no idea if they helped or not but since they didn't hurt, I'll continue to use them. Sadly, the pretzel guy was not at the farmer's market yesterday - I bought something that was like a hostess cupcake only with chocolate filling that was totally awesome instead. The pretzel probably would have been healthier, but it was the last day of the market for this year.

It was also the slowest 4 miles I've done in a long time, but it was quite warm & humid even for early in the morning. But I'm really looking to just finish the HM without pain . . . 2 1/2 hrs would be really awesome, but I suspect it'll take the whole 3 hrs I guestimated. And if it takes longer, c'est la vie!

Thinking aout it now, I didn't eat anything while I was running. It was less than an hour running, after all. Do I really run faster if I eat while running or was it just the humidity & the hip? We'll never know but it's an interesting question.

Hopefully onto a pain-free month 2. Will be interesting training on vacation. Hoping to get some beach running in!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PCOH051610 9/27/2011 6:14PM

You amaze me!!! So proud of you for getting that whole month done and with a sore hip too! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 9/26/2011 1:05PM

that you finished your first month. I'm heading into week 8 of training this week. Glad you are keeping up with the training and glad your hip is better. Humidity and heat will definitely slow ya down, but just take it slow on those kinda days. I always feel completely whipped after a run in the humidity - YUCK !!!! But, we have to train for all kinds of racing conditions, hopefully race day will be perfect, but we have to be prepared for rain, sleet or shine. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGBYFAITH2 9/25/2011 7:33PM

Keep it up!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 9/25/2011 10:06AM

I'm glad your run went well. Since it was a short run, I'm guessing it was the humidity and the hip. But I'm no expert or anything. Boo for no pretzel guy!! The cupcake does sound good, though. Fingers crossed for a pain-free month 2!! A change of location should be fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/25/2011 8:28AM

Glad you took it easy on the run. I don't know about the food - but I know that heat/humidity has a huge impact on how fast I go. Here's to a pain free month 2! Report Inappropriate Comment

More balance thoughts & Tin Cup

Friday, September 23, 2011

So my review of the JLo collection at Kohls: the clothes are nice, but I think overpriced & sometimes the fit is rather odd. Except the jeans - they fit me very well - no gaping at the waist, which is hard to find for me. And I like the jewelry - the fact that there're a lot of hearts, my fav, doesn't hurt; I think it's reasonably priced at the sale price. Yesterday's earrings were from her collection & they were $13.50 on sale.

I think that there is never any one answer, it's the sum of everything you do & maybe that's why balance is so hard to find. It's like the nutrition scientists - they find one component of food that helps you lose weight or stay healthy & the next thing you know that's the next wonder food/drug. When the reality might be that it's the combination of ingredients, not any one single ingredient.

I *think* that the weeks I've had good losses are due to a combination of things:

*Eating at the higher end of my range - but the majority of food MUST be healthy food. Back to the 80/20 rule (80% healthy, 20% treat)

*Better sleep

*Less sugar

*Time of the month - yup, it really does matter

*Enough rest during the day.

Let me explain that last one. Was I overtraining? I don't think so - I'm barely running 15 miles most weeks - but maybe my body thinks so. A coupe of the signs are there: possible overuse injury, feeling tired in the mornings.

I'm beginning to think maybe I need 2, not just 1 rest days. Course I walk the dogs every day, but I actually had DH walk them last week when I did my long run. So maybe the day before & after my long runs should both be rest days.

I'm thinking that may be what *I* need - it might not be what *you* need. But I read a lot about how older "atheletes" need more rest. Well, it's a theory I'm willing to test out.

Tin Cup. It's a movie & if you've never seen it & enjoy romantic comedies, I highly recommend it. Kevin Kostner; nuff said.

What got me thinking about it is there's a scene where Rene Russo brings in all this paraphernalia she's bought to help her golf game.

Recently I bought the Chi Running DVD when active.com had a half price deal on it. That was the first book on running I read & it spoke to me, but at $40 the DVD seemed too expensive.

And I'm reading a book called Run for Life that was on one of the frequent kindle sales. The author raves about something called E3 grips, so I bought them. It's an interesting book, btw.

So here I sm with all my running paraphernalia in the hopes of running pain free . . . I'll let you know what I think of this stuff.

Right now I'm hoping to take my new hypotheses for a spin this week & am hoping at the very least to maintain, since this week was a good weight loss week.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PCOH051610 9/25/2011 8:57AM

I've never been to a Kohls or any of the major US department stores which is probably a good thing as I would probably go broke! It is interesting that you are so aware of your body that you now know what it needs, ie, the second rest day. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/23/2011 5:25PM

Thumbs up on the extra rest day. It's not copping out - it's being smart & maximizing your workout results. I've been taking Weds & Sun off (still walk the dog - otherwise she gets totally squirrelly). I've been eating higher calorie too & have had a big loss. So right about it being a balancing act. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 9/23/2011 11:15AM

There are weird fits in every line of clothing, I think. Good deal on the earrings. What your mind thinks is overtraining and what your body thinks is overtraining can be two different things....witness the boot! I do think that it is a combination of things responsible for good losses. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 9/23/2011 9:56AM

Yes, wishing you a pain-free and enjoyable run. And I so agree that balance entails a combination of many factors. Have a fun day. (BTW, Blue Man Group show was AMAZING!) Report Inappropriate Comment