2012 Wrap Up

Monday, December 31, 2012

So I'm not much of one for doing New Year's Resolutions. I tend to slide off of them quickly and then there is a sense that I can/ought to wait until January rolls around again to make new changes.

But this was a year that I took my eating and fitnes in hand and did make a lot of changes. They weren't big New Year Changes, but were daily choices to do better.

1. I talked to my medical provider about making changes. This was hard. I didn't expect to get emotional asking for help, but so it was. Something about asking for help made my failings very real. On the other hand, the people I see are both encouraging and not willing to just let me slide. So there is a sense that I'd be letting them down if I don't put in the effort.

2. I'm working out much more. I've gone from 1-2 days a week to 5-7 days a week. This has had the extra benefit of encouraging my kids to stay active. And when I see them getting out there for a run or a long swim, then I feel like I can't shirk either. So it is a wonderful positive spiral.

3. I'm eating more sensibly. There is a lot more to do here. But just increasing my vegetable intake has helped a lot. If there is a salad or a big side of roast vegetables, I'm much less likely to take a second helping of meat or bread.

These are all actions I can take and choices I make. I can't just wake up and decide to weigh 10 pounds less. But I can make the choices that will let my body become stronger and more healthy. And at some point, that will include lower weight, lower body fat and lost inches.

I've lost about 12 pounds since the summer and I can't wait to put in another six months.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ZOORHO 1/2/2013 10:41PM

Good job I know just making healthy choices has been such a difference in my life this year. Thanks for being along for the ride with me. Report Inappropriate Comment

Met a Weight Loss Goal During the Holidays

Friday, December 21, 2012

I was shocked and really, really pleased to read the scale this morning. I was down another pound and met my mini-goal for the month with another week to spare. Not bad for the middle of the holidays.

Now I know that I'm about to start baking and cooking and celebrating. And that will mean a few more pounds when I get on the scale at the end of next week. But that is ok too. Because what I haven't done is feasted constantly from October through January. I kept most of the Halloween candy out of the house. I didn't start baking for Christmas weeks and weeks early. When I felt a little stressed and wanted to bake, the results were given away or put into the freezer (with packing tape across the mouth of the the gallon bags). I got on very good terms with roasted veggies. I kept walking, even though it's gotten cooler and rainer and a lot darker.

I am strong enough, stubborn enough and mean enough to keep up with the good habits I'm forming.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JEANINNEWCASTLE 12/21/2012 11:48PM

Good job! That's great that it is becoming really part of your usual even now during the Holidays. Report Inappropriate Comment

I Need a Better Walking Route

Thursday, December 20, 2012

My walking route is getting a little stale. I can now do the full 3 miles pretty comfortably in under an hour. But planning a new route is stumping me a bit.

The routes I'm coming up with are either not much longer or too much longer. I may end up resorting to walking in and out of all the culdesacs on the route just to gain another 1/3 mile.

I have a cool walking plan that takes you from couch to marathon distance in about a year. I'd love to do that. But I've got to find some better routes.

I wonder if the local running store has any suggestions.

  

Lessons and Carols

Monday, December 17, 2012

I've been hearing of lessons and carols for a couple years. Yesterday I finally got to attend a service. It was so lovely.

Like a Jesse Tree, it walked us through the Bible to see the need for redemption and restoration, to prophecy, to the story of Jesus' birth. Each lesson had carols sung by a choir and hymns sung by all.

Most of these services are over for the year, but a few churches in our area are doing them on Dec 23, so you might still have a chance if you want to bask in one yourself.

  

Joyful Joy

Monday, November 26, 2012

Well, my little tracker icon isn't where I'd like it to be this morning. I put on a couple pounds in the week of having family here, not tracking what I ate and not getting enough exercise.
On the other hand, I took a lovely walk with my mom around our neighborhood and chatted with her while she walked a half mile farther than she thought she could.

We did a turkey trot and while I bowed out after the first lap of a very hilly route, two sons completed the whole run. The only one who didn't run the whole thing, was satisfied with walking two miles (having just come from a two hour swim practice). The much improved family fitness makes my heart glad.

And I got several nice gym workouts in with dh.

I had more pie than I should have, but also got to delight in seeing my youngest son make a wonderful pecan pie, starting with cracking the home grown pecans with his grandfather and then doing every step of the baking. That was a wonderful pie.

Maybe could have done with more moderation, but some was there. And there was a whole lot of joy.