Personal Best (Warning: More Bragging!)

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Yesterday I managed, in good form, to complete 2 sets of 15 reps at 220 pounds on the horizontal leg squat machine. WooHoo!! I started at the Y and on this machine at the end of February 2010. It was either 77 or 88 pounds that I started with and found challenging. I probably have it written down at the gym, but whichever it was, I've come a long way. I'm definitely getting stronger -- more than doubled the weight I can handle on this machine.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 12/6/2010 9:43PM

Wow! Not only does it make your muscles stronger, it makes your bones stronger! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLA-216 12/6/2010 2:10PM

That's some heavy weight! Great progress, Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 12/5/2010 10:45PM

Marsha, Congratulations and you can brag all that you want to, what you have accomplished with the weight is amazing. Each time that you accomplish something it needs to be announced. Someone is going to read it and be motivated to do better. You are one of greatest motivators and a great example on how to be successful. Thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 12/5/2010 12:22PM

The bragging is justified! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 12/5/2010 9:41AM

Excellent, keep right on bragging!!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 12/4/2010 8:59PM

You have every right to brag! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 12/4/2010 3:28PM

Yep, bragging rights earned! WTG! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 12/4/2010 2:58PM

you have definitely earned bragging rights! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 12/4/2010 2:21PM

You ROCK !! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 12/4/2010 2:18PM

Slender AND strong! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 12/4/2010 2:00PM

Well done Marsha!! You rock!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Cooler Weather Brings an Unexpected Challenge

Friday, December 03, 2010

For months I have given hardly a thought to making the goal of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. When it is hot and when I am working out I just automatically drink far more water than that.

But this week the temperature has plummeted. I got out my long sleeve shirts, my flannel nightgowns, and a couple jackets. I put blankets on the beds. Soup (sodium reduced) is a welcome addition to our table. But, surprise, something I have taken for granted for months is missing. My usual desire to drink water almost disappeared and last eve I realized I was way behind. Drinking a lot of water late is not a good option for obvious (yawn, yawn) reasons.

Today I will be more aware of my water consumption and get it in earlier. I vaguely remember going through this phase last year. It just took a couple days to reset my thirst in the cool weather if I remember correctly. I do believe that drinking enough water is an important factor in my success, and I will not neglect it.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JHADZHIA 12/4/2010 2:05PM

I am freezing cold here in this bitterly bad weather, but I always drink my water because I exercise in the morning, and am warmed up and feel thirsty. The dry, dry air wreaks havoc on the skin and lots of water helps keep up with the moisture loss. It feels better on a dry throat too. You could always try putting a bottle by your bed, to drink as soon as you awaken.. I drink 12 cups plus by noon, but only have 2 cups before supper and some herbal tea. I don't want the excuse for my insomnia having to wake up to go to the bathroom.. Good luck with it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

EILEENV3 12/4/2010 5:38AM

Great catch--you may have missed one day BUT you picked up on what is going on. I have trouble drinking enough water when I'm at work. I have a task reminder set up on the Outlooks program. I have it set to come up at 9am. I then snooze it every hour. I'll admit there are sometimes the reminder comes up and all I do is snooze it; however, there are enough times that I will take a drink because of the reminder. At the end of the day I mark it as complete. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 12/3/2010 9:50PM

I find that if I drink more in the morning, it isn't as difficult to get it all in by the end of the day. Like you, I have a harder time drinking all the water in the cooler weather. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 12/3/2010 3:40PM

It's funny how the seasons change our urges and habits. Thanks for the observations. I know that you will respond positively to the challenge that you have set yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 12/3/2010 3:22PM

Hi Marsha Great blog and a good reminder for those that don't drink as much water when it gets cool or cold. I don't have a problem, I guess I never thought of it as a hot weather idea. I have my water constantly with me and also able to keep track of my 10 glasses. Knowing you, I know that you will make the adjustment. Your awareness of yourself allows you to see or feel when something isn't right and one of the things that have made you so successful on your journey. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 12/3/2010 11:21AM

I needed this reminder. Yes, thirst is not "around" in these cooler temps like in the summer. So it takes a conscious effort. I'm gonna take Lori's idea & find a cute water bottle!!!! Thanks for reminder. brenda Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 12/3/2010 10:12AM

Great reminder! Thanks! You're right, of course, and the dry air pulls even more water from our bodies; we just don't notice it. And yes, earlier in the day makes for a better nights sleep! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 12/3/2010 9:59AM

When the weather is cooler, my water intake...tanks, I will be more conscious today! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBRACE_SUCCESS 12/3/2010 9:59AM

I know what you mean-- it's so much harder to remember when it's cold out. Your self awareness serves you well. Drink that water! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/3/2010 8:34AM

I just love water and since I have my water bottle on my desk, it's always there all day long. Do you have a favorite water bottle? Maybe that will help? Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 12/3/2010 8:24AM

You are up to every challenge! Report Inappropriate Comment

I Know My Limits

Thursday, December 02, 2010

I just read the DailySpark blog about Cherry Berry Oatmeal cookies. They look wonderful. However, I won't be making them this year.

Despite the fact that I've kept off my 80 pound loss for more than a year now, I know I could not bake this recipe and eat a proper portion. I probably could avoid eating the entire batch now, but I could not stick to one or two cookies a day. I so wish I could be normal. But for now I'll forego cookie baking to stay at a normal weight.

I'm okay making a cake or pie or something whole to take somewhere. But cookies can just jump in my mouth too easy. I grew up thinking that a proper portion size of cookies is about 6 tablespoons of dough, all the broken ones, and about a dozen fresh warm whole ones. Then my share of any that make it to the table. At least now I know what a reasonable portion is. But knowing and doing are two different things.

Perhaps sometime I'll find a friend who wants to bake without overindulging and we'll try to monitor and encourage each other. I'll set that as a challenge for next Christmas season. This year my focus is a no gain holiday!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TINASWEEP 12/3/2010 1:42AM

Thank you for posting this, Marsha. I'm afraid the temptation of baked goods this holiday season will be too much, and it's a comfort for me to know there are others undergoing the same battle. You're fighting and inspiring me to do the same. I would also suggest finding a friend to bake with so you can monitor each other, and then donate the rest to local bake sales and organizations. I have a friend who contributed to a bake sale for the local animal shelter to help them raise money. Instead of eating, each baked good you don't eat is contributing to a noble cause! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 12/2/2010 3:50PM

I hear you my friend! No point in risking temptations when we know our own triggers. The trouble with cookies - like peanut M&Ms for me - is that they're so darned moreish and so much more calorie dense than intuition suggests. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 12/2/2010 3:28PM

I am right there with you Marsha. I most likely won't be baking for the same reason. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBRACE_SUCCESS 12/2/2010 1:50PM

You are wise to know what you can and can't handle! I too struggle with single serving items, like cookies, or other items that aren't for a specific purpose. Way to go:) Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 12/2/2010 1:27PM

I'm with you; used to bake mountains of cookies at Christmas. Even had years that I abstained; packaging soon after making. But, once I take that first one; I've lost the battle. I will continue to enjoy such treats when I'm out and more able to impose portion control on myself. Any home made baked goods put my maintenance at risk. Sometimes, if in my mind I label it as someone elses, I can leave it alone. As in; this ice cream is for . . . . .. To thine own self be true. Have a great holiday! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 12/2/2010 12:25PM

I've been so terrible about portion control lately too.... I try not even to buy or make anything that will tempt me into eating more than I should!! Good call on justing SKIPPING them! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/2/2010 11:49AM

Oh, I am RIGHT THERE WITH YOU! I have such a tough time if they are available, even if they are healthy! I don't think I'll be baking a whole lot this Christmas! MAYBE just some gingerbread boys for my grandson! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 12/2/2010 11:22AM

Cookies are on my "No-No" list too. It's ok Marsha, we still have lots of things we can eat just a portion. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 12/2/2010 11:22AM

Good choice. Its hard to stop at one all right. Don't get me near any chewy ginger snaps or the container will be gone. Good thing I don't bake and am not a cookie fan in general (except for snaps).. Sounds like you have your plans already in place how to conquer this season! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 12/2/2010 11:14AM

Hi Marsha Yes, my mouth watered when I saw the recipe and the amount of calories in a cookie wasn't bad, but that is 1 cookie. I will not bake or buy cookies, I am like you, I would not stop at 1 or 2. At least that is the way it use to be and I can not take a chance that I could resist the whole batch. I would eat a cookie, if out someplace where I could not be tempted to eat al;l of them. That was part of what my blog was about , making reference to why we gain during the holidays and it is not worth the few minutes of pleasure. We will find other ways of enjoying the season. Great blog and thank you for sharing. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

CASJ57 12/2/2010 10:49AM

Knowing your limits is a good thing. I am with you on this one. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 12/2/2010 10:35AM

I am right with you on this one, can't eat only 2 cookies regardless if they are healthy...the entire batch would not be good. Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 12/2/2010 10:33AM

Smart move. To not have those tempting things around. That's why you have lost and kept it off, you are smart enough to know what NOT to hve in your house!! Kudos to you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 12/2/2010 10:32AM

on skipping the cookies. I made it through Thanksgiving with a small loss and I want to make it through Christmas with a loss also. So we will motivate each other. Report Inappropriate Comment

Comfortable Acquaintances

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

I've been thinking that I need to look for at least one good before picture. I sure enjoy reading other people's SparkPages and success stories, especially when they show dramatic before and after pictures. I have pictures of me 40 pounds overweight in my gallery, but I don't have any taken near my highest weight -- over 80 pounds heavier than I weighed this morning. I was pretty good at avoiding the camera when I was overweight, so I'm not sure what I am looking for exists.

I do know one thing for sure. Whether I can find the picture I want or not, I certainly have changed my attitude for the better. When I was overweight I would not look in the mirror below my face and now I check out my whole image almost every day. The camera used to be an arch enemy and now, if I can't say we're friends, at least we are comfortable acquaintances.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 12/2/2010 3:16PM

It doesn't matter that you don't have a picture of what you used to look like because you aren't going back there. Staying in the here and now is all that matters and you are doing a wonderful job of it! Making friends with yourself as you are now is important and you are doing it! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 12/2/2010 12:27PM

Great job on a changing attitude. I tried to find a good before pic but it was hard, because I didn't let people take photos of me when I was overweight. I don't mind the camera as much now either!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 12/2/2010 8:52AM

Although what I have are dramatic enough; I not only don't have an accurate before picture, I also don't have an accurate before weight! I avoided both the camera and the scale; I had just given up! Exploring here I realize I may very well have been 240 or more at a size 24--had to buy clothes so couldn't avoid that number. None of that matters; I too am comfortable with what I see today. But, I understand Marsha; the desire for an accurate picture of your journey now. Monty's right, it's today that counts. You look great! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONKEYSNUFFER 12/2/2010 12:19AM

You are beautiful! Pose for that camera baby lol Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 12/1/2010 11:33PM

That is exactly how it was with me -no before photos. I was very good at avoiding the lens, made easier by being the one designated to always take the photos. Being a maiden aunt has its privileges, only the kids with families need photos. I also wore good cover up clothing, and would hide in the back row behind the taller members of my family for any group shots. I have never looked in the mirror, thin or fat, and continue not to bother. Other than making sure I have no food stains on my face, there is no reason for me to mirror gaze at myself. I will allow body shot photos now, but you still can't make silk out of a sow's ear, so I prefer not to be photographed at all. Well done changing your attitude about it!! Just one more measure of your fabulous success!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 12/1/2010 10:57PM

Hi Marsha It would be nice if you had a before picture, but it is really wonderful to look in the mirror at who we are now. The 2 before pictures were done the day I started my program and I did not see them until I hit my goal weight. I was so shocked, I guess I really never looked in the mirror when I was heavy. You should be so proud of your self, you have done an awesome job on you and you continue to work hard at this. You have and will continue to be an inspiration to many people. Forget the before picture, I like your pictures I have seen recently. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/1/2010 10:47PM

Awww, I loved your blog tonight! I could relate, too. It's so wonderful to be getting healthier all the time! I'll be glad when I get to my goal weight like you are! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 12/1/2010 10:20PM

Gosh, I am the same way.....I don't have a good before photo. I too love the stories. Hope you can find one to remind you how far you have come. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

Right Answers

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

I answered the last six questions correctly on trivia and ended up the month at 90%. Hooray! I am a happy trophy junkie!!

I try to apply the information I learn in trivia as well as SparkPeople articles to improve my nutrition and exercise program. There are only two things I can think of that I simply have not yet adopted: 1) sticking to no more than 4 sweetener packets a day and 2) drinking tea and coffee without milk. Evidently the protein in milk blocks antioxidants that are good for you. The artificial sweeteners, well, I guess that should be obvious. We should limit artificial things we eat. I know people who say they taste terrible. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter whether it is saccharine, aspartame, sucralose, or stevia, I like anything sweet.

I would like to become a person who drinks glasses of nonfat milk with meals and drinks plain black tea and coffee in reasonable amounts between meals. But I have enjoyed artificially sweetened decaf and regular coffee and tea with skim milk ever since I started losing weight. It is a pleasure and comfort I'm having a hard time giving up. I have managed to do it for a week or two, but found myself repeatedly slipping back to my comfort drinks.

Perhaps I see a New Year's resolution staring me in the face. We'll see.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 12/1/2010 8:07PM

Way to go Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 12/1/2010 3:43PM

on the trivia and the plans. You are making great progress - continually building on the basis of such considerable achievements during your Sparklife. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/30/2010 11:08PM

sounds like some resolutions to me... Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYME162 11/30/2010 11:16AM

I keep trying on the trivia, but stay in the 70's Equal in my coffee is one of my last guilty pleasures. I gave up all diet soda and am still patting myself on the back for that one! I must have saved $1000 by now, given my 4 Diet Cokes/day habit! You will do whatever you set your mind to....Look at how much you have already accomplished! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 11/30/2010 11:00AM

LOL, I love trivia and do it everyday. But (isn't there always), I am only in the 85% Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 11/30/2010 10:51AM

My trivia scores are improving but still in high 70's.. Good for your knowledge!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 11/30/2010 10:44AM

Congratulations on the trivia!! Well done!! Interesting, your addiction to sweeteners. I had an an out of town friend stay with me once. All I had for breakfast was strawberries and a standard cereal. When my friend asked for sugar, I couldn't understand what for, she said to put on the strawberries!! I was shocked! I can't imagine many things sweeter than strawberries! I don't drink coffee and never have. So putting milk in it seems strange to me (wouldn't it mask the flavor?). I started drinking herbal teas while on the diet, especially green tea as it was supposed to be so good for you, but it never occurred to me to consider adding milk or sugar to it. I guess if you are not used to something.. Water remains my number 1 drink of choice and is what I drink the most of. Its not that I don't like sweets, nothing better get in the way of me and any buttercream icing cake (I get so mad at those who actually scrape the icing off -me I look for the most icing LOL) ;) But I am not in the habit of eating this stuff, so I don't crave it... Its all about habits.. Your automatic response to something. Milk and sugar in the coffee is what is ingrained in you.. If you can break this habit, it would be amazing.. I don't know that milk is all that bad, you do need the calcium.. Good luck with it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 11/30/2010 10:10AM

Hi Marsha congratulations on trivia. You are amazing. On this road to healthy living, there are so many things suggested to either give up or should be doing or eating. Marsha, you have done so many wonderful things on your journey, you eat well, exercise more than most and probably at a good weight although you want it a little lower. So, I am saying to you, if you are enjoying your coffee and tea withmilk and sweetener, DO IT!!!! Thank you for sharing and enjoy your coffee and tea. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 11/30/2010 10:01AM

Congrats on your trivia score! I love winning :P and trophies! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 11/30/2010 9:52AM

Does soy milk block the antioxidants too?? I need to look that up somewhere.... I drink herbal tea and herbal coffee but except for the mint teas, I don't like them without soy milk at least. Report Inappropriate Comment

HUMLADY1 11/30/2010 9:48AM

The only suggestion I would make is this: Nope, can't think of one!!! It appears to me as if you have done a wonderful job in achieving your goals. And YOU are probably the one who could give ME (US) suggestions what I/WE should do differently!!!! Congratulati ons on your NO GAIN HOLIDAY wreath!!! And THANK YOU for being an inspiration to the rest of us!! ~~Jocelyn Newton~~ Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 11/30/2010 9:14AM

Rather than give you an opinion - I am just going to say that you can do anything you set your mind to. If you wish to cutback on milk and artificial sweeteners - then I know you will do it! **P.S. WTG on another trophy!! I think my average remains around 67% on Trivia. Comment edited on: 11/30/2010 9:15:19 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 11/30/2010 9:02AM

As vices go, I say enjoy your comfort treats. But, I'd prefer a little sugar to the artifical sweeteners. You do so many things right Marsha; have to have some simple pleasures! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/30/2010 9:00AM

Hurray! I love to win the trivia, too, but I'm only at 78%. Report Inappropriate Comment