"Semi-" and "Somewhat" Won't Cut it If I'm To Lose this Last 20 in 2010

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

As my first year of healthy eating and regular exercise draws closer on the October 13 anniversary date, I look at my role model's photo on my SP photo page. Ernestine Shepherd is a 72-year-old fitness trainer, and in AMAZING shape. She glows beauty from the inside-out. On her sports shirt in the photo I have up on my page, it lists "determined, disciplined, dedicated."

I look back on this year with a great deal of happiness over many healthy goals - large and small - achieved. I try not to say "Oh, I lost only 30 lbs and everyone else has lost so much more. " We are all doing our own journey, I realize that.

But when I look at Ernestine's photo, I ask myself, "Have I been determined?" Answer - semi-determined. How about disciplined? Answer- somewhat. Have I been dedicated? Answer - to a certain degree.

Well, friends, the writing is on the wall as I enter year #2 of losing weight. If I am going to pull these last 20 from my bones, I can't be semi or somewhat anything. I've gotta go all-out and give it my everything. My body just hasn't wanted to give up any more weight after these initial 30 lbs, so it's time for tough love.

Have a wonderful day, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JCORYCMA 9/29/2009 9:54PM

Wow! 30 lbs. is Awesome!! I can't count how many times I lost 30 and gained back 40 in the same year. Not anymore. People like you inspire me to keep at goal. Thanks for being my spark friend!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DSCHAMBERS 9/29/2009 5:37PM

You sound like you have had a change of attitude. Good for you. I agree with some of the others set some smaller goals. When you reach each goal reward yourself. I think you will find that helps. Debbie Report Inappropriate Comment

KIZIDOG 9/29/2009 3:13PM

You can do it. I think you have been very determined, and you need to celebrate those 30 pounds that you have shed. You are doing it healthy. We all know that sudden weight loss will just be gained back. Good luck. Star Report Inappropriate Comment

PEDIPOD 9/29/2009 12:29PM

I agree that it takes a very substantial investment and that is hard to maintain over the long haul -- best of luck and HANG IN!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ARTHURTOM 9/29/2009 11:21AM

Semi-determined? Perhaps if you look only at your results or your latest fall back in August...but overall, I would say that you may be a notch above that. As we progress closer to our goal weight, it is necessary to find the right balance to carry us through to the goal weight. While a larger calorie deficit works for a person that is a great deal over their ideal body weight, the only thing a large calorie deficit will do for someone that is close to their goal weight will put that person into starvation mode either causing a lengthy plateau or cause that person to gain weight. I have over the past couple months set my calorie deficit at no more than 250 calories per day (1/2 pound weight loss per week) and my body has been responding. Try to zero in and maintain a balance more so than a larger deficit...those last "stubborn" pounds may just disappear. To use a few quotes from the movie "One True Thing"... "...sometimes, less is more" , and "It's so much easier to be happy. It's so much easier to choose to love the things that you have, instead of always yearning for what you're missing, or what it is that you're imagining you're missing. It is so much more peaceful." Comment edited on: 9/29/2009 11:24:05 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

NERVOUSWRECKIAM 9/29/2009 8:59AM

Good blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATE195 9/29/2009 6:15AM

Don't forget to set up some specific goals and be sure to reward yourself. When my weight got stuck I decided that for each day I stayed within 100 calories of my lowest I would download a new song from I-Tunes. It worked for me. Find something that works for you. Good sparking Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 9/29/2009 5:06AM

the writing is indeed on the wall. make it happen girl friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

Shocked By the Numbers - Again!

Monday, September 28, 2009

The first time I got on the scale, at the start of this healthier eating adventure in October '08, I was shocked. I'd never weighed myself and didn't own a scale. I was a person who never gained weight. But during these past few years, things changed and I knew I had to take hold and get the pounds off. When I got on that scale the first time, I nearly had a heart attack from shock. Nothing like a number to hit you over the head to truly wake up!

Same thing happened yesterday, but in a good way. A couple of months ago, I bought a pedometer. Never got around to opening it. Yesterday I said what the hay, might as well give it a shot. Took my regular walk and couldn't believe my eyes. In fact, I still think something was wrong with the thing. How can a short (2.30 mile) walk have 4800 steps??? In fact, more than that because I restarted it after a few minutes into the walk. Wow! I would never have guessed, and am eager to see how many steps are in my longer routes. I can see how measuring makes a difference in knowing where you're at, as opposed to just ambling around and not setting goals. Yet another time that a number has hit me over the head to wake me up! I think I'm fully awake now. (smiling)

Have a great day, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DSCHAMBERS 9/28/2009 6:52PM

You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work. Debbie Report Inappropriate Comment

DSCHAMBERS 9/28/2009 6:52PM

You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work. Debbie Report Inappropriate Comment

FAMILYTRADITION 9/28/2009 2:55PM

Well done! Nothing like some objective data to reinforce all the good you are doing!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KIZIDOG 9/28/2009 2:34PM

Sounds about right. There is around 1500 steps in a mile. Maybe a little more. So you are probably right on track. It is really interesting wearing a pedometer all day and seeing how many or few steps you take throughout the day. I need to get mine out again and use it for awhile. Congrats. Star Report Inappropriate Comment

PATIPAJ 9/28/2009 12:48PM

Hi Jesse, Facts and figures don't lie! I was a bookkeeper for 22 years and its a rigorous job to keep track of those little devils, but they tell the real truth. Great blog. Like your writing. Its like listening to you speak, and thats how I try to write. My cousins and I used to "penpal" in the summer time to have something to do and something to look forward to. I learned to love writing then. My cousin Janie, in Missouri, still writes longhand with a pencil. She doesn't have a computer (she's stubborn) and wouldn't have one. Aw, shucks, I love her anyway!HA! Keep on keepin' on. Hugs, PJ Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 9/28/2009 10:49AM

Pedometers are fantastic little tools to help us along! You had a great number and I hope you are over the shock! As long as you set it up correctly, seeing is believing! Keep on Sparking! Report Inappropriate Comment

TIME4ME2BFIT 9/28/2009 10:17AM

good for you! I have a pedometer and I too have never opened it, maybe I will grab the dog and the pedometer and head out the door! You should be proud of yourself! keep up the good work! Kelly Report Inappropriate Comment

FREE NIGHT OF THEATER - NATIONALLY, 2 FREE TICKETS TO A PLAY

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Last night, I found this nationwide event and wanted to share the info with my sparkfriends. If you enjoy plays, or have wanted to see one for the first time, now's your chance. Two tickets, totally free. Google "Free Night of Theater" and it comes up with a map of the U.S. Then, plug in your city and it gives you a list of plays. You can pick one and order 2 free tickets. I plan to do this in San Diego in October. Hope someone out there can take advantage of this offer also and enjoy. Have a fun day, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATIPAJ 9/28/2009 1:00PM

Grrrreat News! I will do that today. Thanks Jesse. Report Inappropriate Comment

RICH530 9/27/2009 9:25PM

Thanks for sharing!! Lee Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 9/27/2009 11:26AM

Thanks Jesse....that's wonderful! unfortunately there's nothing for hawaii but i spread the word to my friends and hopefully others can take advantage of this great offer. thanks again!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNSET24 9/27/2009 10:55AM

you GO girl, thank you, hugsssssssssssssssssssss Report Inappropriate Comment

ARTHURTOM 9/27/2009 10:21AM

Wow, what great information! Thanks for the heads up on this Jesse! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEYSARAH 9/27/2009 10:17AM

Thanks for sharing the info...I had no idea and love plays! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Huge Importance of Breakfast

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Before I started eating healthier last October, I rarely ate breakfast. It was another one of those great lifelong habits that caught up with me and eventually bit me in the butt. As a kid, mom would preach about the importance of breakfast and made me eat it. But then that certain age comes when you just don't. "I'm not hungry," I'd protest. Over the past year, I have seen how very important breakfast is for all of the reasons we have read in the SP articles.

Yesterday, I learned a couple of additional interesting things from a magazine that I hadn't realized. The article credited the journal "Obesity" for the following - Eating cereal for breakfast every day may slash your risk of Type 2 diabetes by up to 45%!

Scientists now site a satisfying breakfast as giving us the vitamins and minerals to satisfy the body's nutritional needs that help nix future cravings. Breakfast eaters are said to weigh up to 50% less on average than others who eat nothing for breakfast. Finally, people who eat breakfast are 4.5 times less likely to be obese compared to those who skip it.

Have a fun day, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATIPAJ 9/28/2009 12:50PM

Hey, I'm headed for the kitchen! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYLSLYNN 9/27/2009 6:06PM

THANKS FOR THE INFO. I TRY TO EAT SOMETHING FOR BREAKFAST . Report Inappropriate Comment

WISTFULVISTA 9/27/2009 9:47AM

Thanks for this! And a 45% lowering of diabetes risk?? I've got to get in the habit... - Susan Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 9/27/2009 12:16AM

gotta have my oatmeal and fruit w/ground flax, cinnamon and honey.....yum! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 9/26/2009 7:51PM

I couldn't do without my breakfast! Its my biggest, most calorie-laden meal of the day! But then, I do my heavy workout in the early mornings, so I need to fuel up to make it through the day. I do find the need for evening snacking is next to non-existent. Report Inappropriate Comment

RIPPEDPAUL1 9/26/2009 3:13PM

I misread your title. I thought you wrote the importance of a huge breakfast and ordered the Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast! Ooops! Actually I had my oatmeal in the morning with my cats and then off for a walk. Report Inappropriate Comment

DSCHAMBERS 9/26/2009 1:05PM

Thank you for the reminder of eating breakfast. My mom was the same way about scolding us about eating breakfast. As a child I disliked having to get up early enough to eat breakfast before school. Now I wish I had listened to mom about a lot of things. I eat breakfast daily now. It might be just yogurt. I still eat something before I start my day. Debbie Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 9/26/2009 12:48PM

I've got to start my day with some fuel!! Nothing elaborate, although I do like to go out on the weekend and have a nice omlet somewhere. Thanks for reminding us the importance of breakfast. For many people that's a struggle! (fried with Pam) (lean turkey bacon) (must have coffee) Joanne :) Comment edited on: 9/26/2009 12:48:52 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

JILLSMYTH 9/26/2009 12:27PM

I wouldn't eat breakfast just because I was too lazy to get up the 10 minutes earlier. But once I started, I felt so much better and if I don't eat breakfast now, yikes! Report Inappropriate Comment

Still Battling the Night Munchies

Friday, September 25, 2009

This has been my biggest challenge during this year of healthier eating. It's such a lifelong habit, that it takes a million tons of willpower to resist. I'm doing better, and I've tried every trick in the book. Now I just let myself eat something nutritional (small amt.) and figure it into my calories for the day. It's a deeply ingrained pattern for me, so it'll be awhile before I can get rid of this night time raiding of the fridge. Have a fun day, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATIPAJ 9/28/2009 12:54PM

You can do just about anything you make up your mind to do. Again, ditto MSLZZY! Say, is she a cowgirl? Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 9/26/2009 7:10AM

You can do it! Just keep the healthy snacks close by! Report Inappropriate Comment

DSCHAMBERS 9/25/2009 4:29PM

I have the same problem with night munchies. My DH has complained a little about me eating all the carrots in the house. They are my munchie snack. They are not high in calories. They taste good. I get the sweet baby carrots so they also help my sweet tooth. Good luck with curving the night time munchies. Debbie Report Inappropriate Comment