Ugh.... SO GLAD to be back to my usual routine today!

Monday, April 09, 2012

I had my game plan all set for yesterday, and theoretically, I did really well. I didn't track my food, but when I guestimate it, I'd say I still stayed within my calorie range.

Breakfast was my usual oatmeal, then we headed off to church.

Lunch consisted of ham, green salad with low fat ranch dressing, fresh fruit salad, and roasted asparagus ... ALL these are part of my usual diet. BUT! I indulged in about 1 cup of my mom's potato salad (it just doesn't get better than mom's!), 2 deviled egg halves (made with low fat mayo), and 1 cupcake.

And I felt AWFUL! Just plan gross all afternoon. Bloated, gassy, tummy aches, lethargic, etc. Just felt awful.

About 7 pm, I was hungry (hadn't eaten since the cupcake at 3pm). I made a bagel thin with skinny cow cream cheese (my absolute fav item right now) and lean turkey meat. It's 200 calories. That was my whole dinner.

I finally went to bed about 10:30, knowing that I wasn't going to feel any better no matter what I did.

This morning I am back on my usual routine. I eat small amounts frequently. That's what works for me. And I feel MUCH better doing that. I also had time in my schedule to hit the gym already this morning. That also made me feel better.

Ugh.... next time I want to indulge, I'm going to remember how awful it makes me feel. And I didn't even TOUCH my daughter's candy!

  

My Easter holiday game plan!

Saturday, April 07, 2012

This is my first major holiday since I got myself back on track in January. I've gone back and forth about how to approach the meal tomorrow, and all the goodies and treats we usually do. But I think I've come up with a plan that I'm okay with.

First ... I'm not tracking my food tomorrow. I've given myself permission to do this, with a few guidelines that should help me keep my intake reasonable.

Second... Breakfast will be my usual fare of oatmeal. Start out with some good fuel.

Third... A few simple changes to lighten up the meal:
Instead of the usual high sugar fruit salads (usually with marshmallows) I am opting for a fresh fruit salad of strawberries, grapes, bananas, apples, and pineapple. Simple and healthy.

I bought a lean ham without glaze that I'm heating in the crockpot.

We are having a green salad loaded with veggies that I can pair with my Cottage Cheese Ranch dressing (Sooooo good for about 40 calories for 1/4 cup).

Instead of some veggie with bacon or butter added, I'm roasting some asparagus.

I'm lightening up the deviled eggs with low-fat mayo.

My mom is making potato salad but I will keep my portion size small.

I've decided to skip a bunny cake that leaves us with a ridiculous amount of left over cake, or lemon meringue pie loaded with calories. Instead, we bough some cutely decorated cupcakes. Dessert for 200 calories? I can do that. My daughter is thrilled with them, and I'm not stuck with a bunch of left over cake.

Fourth.... After dinner, I'm back to my regular caloric intake.

Anyway.... that's MY game plan. I'm okay with it. What's your plan?

  

Stress, illness, and unemployment

Friday, April 06, 2012

Today was my husband's last day of work. We learned a month ago that his department was being eliminated and he was being laid off, but today was his last actual day. There is no other job waiting in the wings. We have some ideas and plans about possible self-employment, but nothing concrete. For now, I am the sole earner for our family.

I am feeling better, and the sinus infection seems mostly gone. The cold still lingers, but it's not severe. I was able to get in a good workout today at the gym. I hit my usual distance on the elliptical, followed by a good 30 minutes of ST.

My eating has been good. I've been tempted to stress eat, but I haven't given in to temptation.... much. When I have given in at all, I've chosen healthier, lower calorie options. Last night I was DIEING for a bowl of ice cream while watching "grey's anatomy". Instead, I cut up a bunch of fresh strawberries and drizzled a bit of sugar-free chocolate syrup on it, and topped with a bit of fat-free redi-whip. Seemed decadent, but only had about 75 calories.

Over all I'm doing alright, sticking to my goals. I'm just stressed and overwhelmed. I know that is horrible for weight loss, but I don't really know how to change it right now.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STACIA_ANGEL 4/7/2012 2:50PM

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CCASKEY37 4/7/2012 6:47AM

It stinks that this is happening so often. Just keep your head up and try not to let it get you into any bad habits. Report Inappropriate Comment

2BFREE2LIVE 4/7/2012 1:35AM

I am sorry to hear your news of Hubby losing his position. Best wishes on him finding employment very soon. I know being the bread winner in the family is stressful and being in that role myself in the past it is very hard to get through. I know as time passes things will improve and things will be good again. Have faith and try and keep your chin up and keep making time for yourself and keep making those healthy choices. Life sometimes really does put pressure on us but I know the Lord would never put more on your plate than you can handle. Have faith and I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Sandy Report Inappropriate Comment

DABLUECAT 4/6/2012 9:48PM

Hope your husband's plans work out. That treat you made sounds divine! Report Inappropriate Comment

Back to the gym I go!

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Today my fever was gone, and I was able to get back to the gym! After being out nearly a week with a terrible sinus infection and fever, I was going stir crazy! Not to mention the lower back aches from just sitting or laying. I'm still not feeling 100%, but the doctor said it was ok as long as my temp was normal.

I hit the elliptical today, but didn't go for a high resistance and kept my speed low but steady. I usually do about 2.5 miles in 30 minutes. Today I did 2.3. But I feel good about it. My heart rate was in range, and I worked up a good sweat. I also got in a good 20 minutes of ST. I feel good with my first day back.

This illness taught me a lesson. This journey to a healthy life is a marathon. Not a sprint. There will be times I need to take time off from the gym. Illness is going to happen. Life happens. My head was full of doubts.... "I'm sure I SHOULD work out regardless of how I feel".... "I'm sure other people work out when they are sick", etc., etc., etc.

BUT! Those people are not me. I know my body. I also know that I have clients, elderly parents, and a small chile relying on me. That means when I get ill, I have to do everything I can to get better ASAP. It also means that if getting healthy is a priority to me, then getting back to the gym and being consistent is important. I must find the balance. I feel like I did this time.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRACYNOTGIVINUP 4/5/2012 8:02AM

I think it is great that you were keeping your healthy goals in your head, but even more great that you gave yourself the break that you probably needed to get better. I know I have worked out when I was sick, but a couple of weeks ago when I had broncitus, I KNEW deep down I couldn't do it and if I did, I could make things worse. You are right, this is not a sprint, this is something we will have to learn to balance into our lives for the rest of our lives. Way to go and great first day back! Report Inappropriate Comment

CCASKEY37 4/5/2012 6:43AM

It says good things about you that you wanted so badly to keep up with your fitness even though you were sick. It's even better that you thought of those who need you so you could speed your recovery. I'm sure your workouts will be more productive sooner because you waited until you were capable. Report Inappropriate Comment

Under the weather

Friday, March 30, 2012

Just a little check in. I have come down with a terrible cold. The kind that is all in your sinuses... when I sneeze, I feel like my eyes will pop out and pain is shattering my nose. Yep... super fun. Add the aching ears, sore throat, and lovely cough and you have one very unattractive me.

Calories have been a bit low all week. I was coming down with this and didn't have a huge appetite. But what I ate was nutritious and packed with protein. I'm good with it.

I did about 4 hours of heavy yard work on Sunday, worked out Monday, then had to skip Tuesday due to a terrible headache. Worked out again Wednesday and Thursday. Taking today off just to rest. I'll play tomorrow by ear.

Anyway... still on track, just sick. Hope to kick it soon!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRACYNOTGIVINUP 4/4/2012 9:54AM

Hope you are feeling better soon, there isn't much worse than a sinus infection! I used to get them yearly and now it doesn't seem so since the last two years nothing...but this year I did get broncitus and that was not fun either! Those sicknesses are ones that don't really supress your appetite but make it difficult to work out! Take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

CCASKEY37 3/31/2012 6:41AM

Hope you get better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

2BFREE2LIVE 3/30/2012 9:11PM

Hope you feel better soon, I woke u yesterday with the same symtoms so needless to say I know how you feel. Keep fluids going through and eat light, so you can get well. Sandy Comment edited on: 3/30/2012 9:12:18 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SENZ2001 3/30/2012 6:49PM

take care of yourself so you can get back. rest. Report Inappropriate Comment