Two Ways I've Helped My Back Heal

Monday, January 30, 2012

Two weeks ago today, my brother called to say my mother is dying. The intense emotions I felt took residence in my lower back to the point where I could barely move (but I walked daily despite this and it has helped greatly). No prior back pain or injury, I knew what was causing this pain.

Since then, I have done several things to help my back heal. As I said, walking has been a huge doctor, and today I feel 80 percent better.

But two things became obvious to me during these two weeks. They are no-brainers. I suddenly realized how heavy my purse has been that I lug everywhere. I've lightened my load significantly, putting stuff in a small backpack to keep my hands free. I also realized that my smaller size jeans that I was so proud of since losing weight, were fitting in a way that restricted movement and clenched my lower back muscles tighter - thus more pain. So, yes, I put on the more comfie styles (same smaller size) of pants to give my back max comfort.

As I said, these are no-brainers, but I never really realized fully how much these small things can create big problems.

Wishing all a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IAM_HIS2 2/3/2012 4:36PM

Jesse, you are a strong, beautiful & intelligent lady...thanks for this blog. And, I have been praying for you and your Mum. Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 2/1/2012 11:08AM

WTG on your awareness and taking action. Thank you for sharing this, I need to go clean out my purse, Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/31/2012 6:53PM

I'm SO sorry to hear about your mom......you have had to deal with so much death these past few years. I don't know how old you are, but my impression is that you are fairly young and WAY too young to be losing your mom. My heart goes out to you. If it's clear that there is no chance of recovery for your mom, I hope she doesn't suffer and gets adequate pain medication. Does she live close by? I sounds like she doesn't. It sounds like you are trying to do things to take care of yourself during this difficult time. I so agree about heavy purses and back pain. I got rid of my big purses about 15 years ago and have never looked back. I usually just carry what I need in my pockets and if that's not enough, I have a tiny purse for my things. I'm DONE with toting all that stuff around. I also use backpacks when I have to carry more things than what will fit in my purse.....I'd much rather feel comfortable that be fashionable! That's just me! Same goes for pants (and shoes). If I'm uncomfortable, I'm unhappy.....and no fun to be around. I figure people around me would much prefer a "happy Kay" to a fashionable Kay. I only buy pants that have some stretch in them (even my jeans), just because I make it through the day much better that way. I'll be thinking of you in the days and weeks to come dealing with your mom. You are a very valuable Sparkfriend and I've really appreciated your support as I've had to deal with my dad's passing. Hugs, Kay >Edit: I just now read your blog in which you explained about your relationship with your mom....sorry that I read the blogs out of order.....anyway, I'm here for you. Comment edited on: 1/31/2012 7:08:05 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ALASKASKY 1/31/2012 12:08PM

SO sorry to hear about your mother. I will keep your family in prayer. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/31/2012 10:05AM

Wow! Good for you figuring these things out. Hope you are feeling better today. Gentle: Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/31/2012 10:05AM

Wow! Good for you figuring these things out. Hope you are feeling better today. Gentle: Report Inappropriate Comment

MILLISMA 1/30/2012 9:44PM

It's surprising what can cause back pain. So sorry to year about your mom. Sending extra hugs your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 1/30/2012 6:03PM

I know about the purse weighing as much as a boat ancor, but I hadn't thought about pants restricting movement. Thanks for the tip. Report Inappropriate Comment

COMMITEDTOLOSE1 1/30/2012 4:27PM

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Good for you for taking care of yourself. Congrats on the smaller pants! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/30/2012 4:08PM

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Picking An Easier Goal for February

Sunday, January 29, 2012

I think I'm going to reassess my goal for Feb. of no night eating. I've tried to do some practice runs with no luck. It's a lifelong habit that I'm wondering if I should just accept and modify, rather than try to eliminate. I'll decide later today.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/31/2012 6:56PM

Dealing with your mom's situation is hard enough right now. One thing that's really helped me at night in the past is to drink a cup of hot tea....it hasn't eliminated all my snacking....sometimes I just want to eat, but holding onto a cup of hot tea and sipping on it soothes me. Hugs, Kay Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNCHOOSE 1/30/2012 11:40PM

Interesting thought. I'm a night eater, too, and look at what time it is -- post dinner and I'm debating going to get a snack to munch on... Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/30/2012 9:08AM

What has helped me is to plan a healthy snack and change my routine. Doing a project. Knit, Scrapping, Reading. Meditate. Having a warm of tea. Cleaning and moisturizing my face. Brushing my teeth. Going to bed earlier. Report Inappropriate Comment

IDLETYME 1/30/2012 8:29AM

If you are eating small meals throughout the day, you need to plan a really light one for late evening. Otherwise, you'll be overeating in the morning. Don't try to completely cut out your evening snack. Report Inappropriate Comment

MORERED 1/30/2012 7:54AM

A coach once told me that progress goals are good goals. The all or nothing attitude will get you everytime...but making progress, now that's healthy thinking!! good luck...you can do it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 1/29/2012 4:48PM

Modify...that is a very good goal. Modifying what you eat in the evening is much more sane than trying to say no to all evening eating. Whatever you decide, remember that you have success even when you don't have 100% success! Report Inappropriate Comment

KMICHA 1/29/2012 12:57PM

If you are eating small meals throughout the day, definitely plan an evening snack. Even if theat isn't the way your are eating, save enough calories and PLAN a healthy eveing snack. Report Inappropriate Comment

RYDERB 1/29/2012 11:54AM

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NATPLUMMER 1/29/2012 10:33AM

Perhaps if you just have a planned healthy snack that will work best. No point in setting yourself up for failure. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/29/2012 10:30AM

hmmm... yeah- it might be easier for you to have a planned snack then. Find what works for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

Valentines Sweets All Over My Grocery Store

Saturday, January 28, 2012

This morning I went for an early grocery whirlwind to get a few things. In my travels throughout the store, there were Valentine displays everywhere I looked - from gourmet cookie hearts to exotic candies. I've got a no-sugar streak going that is over a month long now, and I haven't had cravings during this time. I was expecting the sugar monster within me to awaken and give me a battle this morning. But it didn't. Instead, I thought about how sugar affects me so negatively and that after the first couple of bites, I don't even enjoy it. So, to all those who can control their sweet tooth, congrats and enjoy. As for me, it is a poison that I can't do any other way than none at all.

Have a fun day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/31/2012 7:09PM

Very smart!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/29/2012 7:49AM

WOW!!! You are... Thankfully our tastes do change. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/28/2012 9:43PM

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JLITT62 1/28/2012 12:48PM

I'd be better off without it, no doubt, bu I'm willing to allow a little I to my life. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZZCHIEF 1/28/2012 12:45PM

Ya, those Valentine's Day Treats are usually the cheapest quality, sugar-y chocolates that you can buy. They're never a temptation for me. I do like a taste of dark chocolate from time to time... and icecream is another treat. But if I leave it in the store, its not a problem. Go you! Doesn't it feel great to think with your head, instead of your tongue? : ) Mzzchief Report Inappropriate Comment

VEUVEGIRL 1/28/2012 12:18PM

Great job!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

My Goal For February & How It Went Down In January

Thursday, January 26, 2012

With only five days left in this first month of 2012 (WOW, did that go fast or what?), I'm looking at how I did with my goals. Still kicking butt with my no sugar streak. But I did lapse on my less carbs/no cheese streaks. Not too sorry about that, for now. It's still in moderate realms.

For February, I've decided to work on my lifelong pattern of night eating. In the past, I have tried (and been semi-successful) all different tips on how to lessen/eliminate it. This coming month, I will kick its butt as well. (smiling) If I DO get hungry, it'll be a healthy snack only that provides the nightcap of food.

Wishing all a fun day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/31/2012 7:10PM

I'm really impressed with how you are doing with the no sugar thing! Report Inappropriate Comment

MZZCHIEF 1/28/2012 12:48PM

Marvelous progress! I like to have a bowl of fruit with some nuts for dinner, usually in my bed, watching the TV with my two pups. Prolly not the best thing for me, but O Well. : ) Mzzchief Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 1/27/2012 5:58PM

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NANCY- 1/27/2012 7:57AM

Overall sounds like a pretty successful January to me. I know you will have a February! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNCHOOSE 1/26/2012 11:31PM

Oh man, that about sums it up for me. Thanks for saving me a blog post, and here's to a better February! Report Inappropriate Comment

RYDERB 1/26/2012 11:19PM

You're rocking the no sugar thing! Good luck with your February goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/26/2012 1:10PM

Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMTHICK2 1/26/2012 12:44PM

Seem as though we both have taken on the same challenges. Cutting out the sugar and not eating at nights. So far I'm doing well my last heavy meal is lunchtime and after that I will have a smoothie for dinner, it's going pretty well. All the best to you. Hope you have a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 1/26/2012 11:54AM

Nighttime eating is a hard nut o crack - thankfully not one of my many faults - good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/26/2012 11:43AM

Have you tried/ do you eat a big breakfast? Works for me. I rarely eat anything after dinner (we eat about 7). DH, who doesn't eat breakfast- munches from supper to bedtime. Report Inappropriate Comment

Exactly Three Years Today...

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

... I signed onto Sparkpeople. Woohoo. Hooray for me.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/31/2012 7:11PM

Happy belated !!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RYDERB 1/26/2012 11:17PM

Happy Sparkversary! Report Inappropriate Comment

JULESRULES78 1/26/2012 7:59AM

I am so glad you did. Congratulations! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 1/25/2012 6:29PM

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ALASKASKY 1/25/2012 5:29PM

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LIVINGFREE19 1/25/2012 5:13PM

Good job!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/25/2012 4:36PM

Happy Sparkaversary! Report Inappropriate Comment

JILLYBEAN25 1/25/2012 2:40PM

HEY!!! Today is my 4 year SparkVersary!!! We're some awesome Sparkers right here, you and me! & Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/25/2012 1:24PM

YAY!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNCHOOSE 1/25/2012 12:45PM

Happy SparkBirthday! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/25/2012 11:02AM

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THROOPER62 1/25/2012 9:18AM

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REGABA 1/25/2012 9:13AM

I'm hopping I'll have a similar post in about two and a half years. Hope your day is wonderful too. Report Inappropriate Comment

JERZRN 1/25/2012 9:12AM

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