My Stick Out of Quicksand - An Ode to Sparkfriends' Support

Sunday, February 21, 2010

After going on a bender yesterday, and rebelling by blog like a smirky teen, I was going to go list my huddles as "I need support." But like any good little recovering food junkie, I've still got that wee bit (okay maybe more than that) of denial. I told myself nope, I didn't need any support.

However, my sparkfriends knew better. When I saw that I had responses to the blog, I thought, "oh no, they're going to yell at me." (smiling) Nope, I know better than that. I've never gotten anything other than kindness, warmth, understanding, and wisdom from the folks here a SP.

After reading the responses, I smiled and realized (once again) how important this support is in my progress. My wish for all of you is that, whenever you have a day that goes sideways, you will remember to be just as kind and understanding with yourself as you were with me.

On another note, today I made guacamole. I got a great deal on avocadoes yesterday. However, I failed to check calories. Wouldn't you know it, the guac had (notice past tense) more calories than yesterday's ton of apple strudel!!!!! Go figure! Looks like I've got lots of working my tush off to do and will proceed accordingly.

Wishing you all a day full of laughs, fun, peace and joy. And thanks again.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLMOMX2 2/22/2010 10:03AM

We are learn from our mistakes. At least you are learning and not in denial. Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 2/21/2010 10:48PM

The guac may have more calories, but it's way healthier -- IF you didn't scoop it up with a huge amount of tortilla chips :) I had an off day today with my eating and I feel so sluggish tonight it really isn't worth it. Tomorrow, back on track -- I need the energy boost that exercise and clean eating gives me! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/21/2010 10:13PM

I had the lyrics to a Kevin Johansen song about guacamole going through my head ,I too like guacamole .Like everyone said guacamole is healthy though! Sadly I tend to pair it with nachos not so good ! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/21/2010 8:22PM

Send the guac my way! Seriously!!! While I'm not following the flat belly diet, I did look into it and have incorporated a lot of what I learned into my new way of thinking. Avocados are full of GOOD fat! And it fill you up! I know it's high in calories, but look at all the nutrition! Remember - balance and looking at the whole picture. Great - now I want guacamole. And I don't have any clantro in the house! (I have avocados though. I put 1/2 of one in my salad each day. About the same calories as Ranch dressing, gives every bite the same creamy feeling, and WAY more nutrition!) Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORIDASUN 2/21/2010 4:59PM

Oh...my sweetheart! You must go RAW..or at least give it a shot. Gucamole is the love child of RAW eating. Incidentially..when you really do get into RAW/CLEAN eating you will have to be so much LESS concerned about calorie count. I rarely worry about calories, I just eat heathfully. I also find that I am content on much MUCH less food because it is so packed with nutrition my body isn't constantly screaming for MORE just to try and gather some nutrients. When I do get to the food tracker with my daily food ration I'm always PLEASANTLY surprised. You can eat a boatload of veggies for very, very modest calorie counts! Whoop da! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 2/21/2010 4:14PM

Guacomole is actually very healthy . . . in moderation. I rarely make it, tho I love it, because I can never finish it off before it turns brown (altho leaving the pit in is supposed to help with that -- can't say as I've really seen it help much). Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 2/21/2010 3:46PM

LOL...that was so funny. but hey, the nutrition content of guacamole has got to be better than apricot strudel right?? and although avocadoes are high in fat..it's the good one. coincidentally hub brought home 4 avoc. yesterday. Report Inappropriate Comment

Okay, so I'm Slip-Sliding Away

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Yes, I had a ton of apricot strudel today. And don't feel at all guilty about it. And every bite was delicious.

Why am I rebelling? For one thing, even though I try like mad not to let this plateau get to me - some days it really does. In fact, I've had it.

Also, the more I exercise, the hungrier I am. And honestly? I'm very tired of being good and watching this and that to eat. Wild abandon felt good today.

Hoping that this rant will relieve the pressure to perform well and tomorrow I'll get back to being a good girl.

Wishing everyone a fun weekend.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKYEFYR 2/21/2010 8:28PM

Honey - you know I've been upping the exercise. I update all my numbers on spark and it's giving me a lot more calories to eat per day. I started eating them and the scale moved. Not a lot, but it moved! If you're hungrier, eat a little more. Your body knws what it wants. I have been using a hrm for my calories burned instead of Spark because Spark always came in so low. Maybe you're having a similar issue? (Once I reset all my numbers based on the HRM numbers my minimum calories went up by over 200 caloies a day!) At the very least, I'd suggest eating at the top end of your calories for a couple weeks and seeing what happens. Oh, and you're very cute when you're being bratty.... Comment edited on: 2/21/2010 8:34:03 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 2/21/2010 2:31PM

"Yes, I had a ton of apricot strudel today. And don't feel at all guilty about it. And every bite was delicious." This line says it all.....you enjoyed it....you understand that you don't have to feel guilty......it's done. Plateaus are more than frustrating.....I was basicly stagnated for months which is why I got down to adding in a pretty aggressive ST program...just that change up kicked it into gear...mind you a very low gear...it's much harder to lose now since I'm really already in a normal range for myself...now te running season is about to get into gear for me and I am hoping that'll be another jump start. I'm glad you had a good rant and a good treat..(it really sounded good to me)...tomorrow is another day! Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 2/21/2010 10:41AM

Don't wait until tomorrow. START WITH THE VERY NEXT BITE! I bet you "a ton" to you these days isn't near what it used to be. You may find that as you exercise more and feel hungrier that your body is trying to tell you you are requiring more calories. I was stuck on a plateau and faithfully tracking. SP comments kept saying I shouldn't under eat and that I should eat more carbs. I finally followed their suggestion and picked good complex carbs to increase and lo and behold the weight came down! Smart folks, those Spark food police :) Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

RICH530 2/21/2010 8:48AM

No one could continue on this journey without a treat now and then. If all we did was force ourselves NOT to do things we would all give up eventually!!! You had a treat. You enjoyed it. It is over. Move on forward because you can do this!! You are positive and that comes through in all your writing. That positive attitude and your will to succees will get you to your goal! SO today you will get back to normal and do all things you know you should and who knows... maybe in a week, a month or whenever you will treat yourself again because you deserve it. Hope the weekend was fun!!!!! Lee Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSKIT 2/21/2010 7:49AM

You are still focused. And every now and then it is okay to have something that you truely want and enjoy it. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 2/21/2010 6:00AM

Thanks for sharing honestly. You are an effective and expressive writer, so you really come across meaningfully. Someone gave me a darling red-and-white felt gift bag. But it had fudge-covered caramel corn in it. It's an amazing substance; I never knew such a thing existed until six months ago, yet I managed to become almost 100 pounds overweight. Yesterday I ate the stuff. I have empathy with you. Yes, tomorrow you will go back to being a good girl. And soon, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, you will break through that plateau. My prediction is that when it breaks, you'll see some very encouraging movement. Lots of times plateaus are like that--followed by a big surge. Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 2/21/2010 5:21AM

I know how frustrating it can be. Sometimes it definitely seems like what's the point if we can't get to where we want to? But the point is feeling better about ourselves, having more energy, feeling joyful. Here's to a new day with new choices! Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 2/21/2010 1:15AM

i have days too...and as long as i can accept it for what it is...just a nice splurge...why not?? glad it was good...personally i love apple crisps! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYMLE 2/21/2010 12:49AM

A slip (or purposeful jump) now and then isn't such a problem. Just don't let it go too far too long. I think you'd eventually regret it more than the apricot strudel can make up for. And remember to not just weigh, but measure, too. You're body IS changing if you stick within your Spark calorie range and calories burned range. If you're so hungry, maybe you need to adjust your calories and eat more...nuts, low-fat cheese and other good protein. Hang in there, this plateau, too, shall pass. Amy Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/21/2010 12:12AM

Hey wild abandon is good for the soul every once in a while .I too am suffering from the plateau blues .Not to be confused with the plateau blahs that is for another day! I like to think that noone is going to stop us now though we will rise up from the ashes and overcome !We can do anything we want if we stick to it long enough!I have two favourite Hellen Keller quotes:I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. Then ...Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all -- the apathy of human beings.So go with the devil made me do it and as long as you enjoyed the apricot strudel all is well! Report Inappropriate Comment

Absolutely Nothing...

Friday, February 19, 2010

...to say today. After a year of daily blogging, I find it harder to think of topics. But still wanted sparkpoints so I can give my pals those goodies.

Wishing all a good evening.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JCORYCMA 2/20/2010 10:42PM

It's good to blog even if you don't have a HOT topic. I have to remind myself that. I took one kitty to the vet today for his check-up and he is doing super! The vet is a self-confessed "cat person" and that helped because I think Ezzie sensed it. Keep up the good work and keep blogging. You never know when something seemingly simple will click with someone and inspire them! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/20/2010 7:41PM

And here I am babbling multiple times a day! But I do know how you feel. Sometimes, we all just get that way. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 2/20/2010 7:06PM

have a good evening also. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 2/20/2010 1:42PM

ALWAYS happy to hear from you. Besides, we get to look at your pretty kitties one more time! for the kitties: Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 2/20/2010 12:56PM

Funny! Saying hello is great too! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLMOMX2 2/20/2010 10:25AM

good for you!! Rock on! Report Inappropriate Comment

RICH530 2/20/2010 8:45AM

Glad you got your points!1 Hey, just saying hi is good enough for me!!! Have a great day!!! Higs, Lee Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/20/2010 12:35AM

Some days my brain goes on sabbatical LOL !I am trying to keep coming up with something LOL! Report Inappropriate Comment

DWEGIENKA1 2/19/2010 8:40PM

Hey I second that I just earned my points also Report Inappropriate Comment

PSYCHABOO 2/19/2010 8:35PM

That's funny......just earned my points too;) Report Inappropriate Comment

New Rule, No New Shorts for Summer

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Okay, it's been a warm bunch of days here in SoCal and during my walk this morning, I made a new rule for myself. Which I know better than to do as my rebellious self automatically decides to disobey. (smiling)

I'll need new shorts this summer. But I will not buy any until I'm a size smaller. That's the rule. No shrinkage, no new stuff.

Thinking - again - about doing a caffeine detox. I really have to kick this demon that makes me feel yucky even though I do not drink much coffee. Really affects me adversely. But when I eliminated it in October, I truly felt like a zombie for the five weeks I went without. A dillemma, for sure.

Have a good evening, sparkfriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WATERMELLEN 2/21/2010 2:30PM

No new shorts: I ge that. But: how about some really pretty lacy undies?? They stretch, they feel pretty -- and it's highly motivational! (my fave weight loss book, "Making the Case for Yourself", recommended this to me when I started with weight loss at 230 and: yes it helped!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/20/2010 7:43PM

Have you talked to the dr to see if anything can help you detox? Have you tried a colon cleanse or some kind of body cleanse to help get the stuff that's hanging around out faster? That might help. Extra vitamin B should help with the energy also. Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 2/20/2010 7:05PM

great rule easier for me to follow as we have no extra income for any thing Report Inappropriate Comment

FLMOMX2 2/19/2010 9:34AM

Great motivational goal. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 2/18/2010 11:49PM

I like your creative motivational tool! Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 2/18/2010 11:41PM

I just went to caffeine only before noon. I gave up soda so that leaves a cup of coffee in the morning. Afternoon or evening is water or decaf tea only! I like your rule. That ought to motivate you! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 2/18/2010 11:41PM

I just went to caffeine only before noon. I gave up soda so that leaves a cup of coffee in the morning. Afternoon or evening is water or decaf tea only! I like your rule. That ought to motivate you! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/18/2010 9:59PM

Excellent new rule I think I'll adopt that rule myself .Of course I have an advantage ...another three months before summer LOL! Report Inappropriate Comment

Sunshine walks, A/C, Calories by Brunch, and Day 1 -Again.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Just some random thoughts for the day. Just got in from a sunshine walk and am sweaty and thinking of all the things I should be doing, but haven't been because my internal engine is stalled out. Maybe forever. So, I'm thinking of what my options will be if I continue to flake for much longer - a beachbum in Mexico (I'm near the border, so that's convenient), a white collar crime so that prison will take care of me, etc. I know, I aim high.

Came into a house that's 80 degrees and my fur babies are wilting. As much as I hate to, I had to turn on the dratted A/C that will cost me a fortune on my next bill. It's either turn it on or not breathe and watch my cats die.

It was one of those days when I had all my calories by brunch. That is, I was sooo proud after reading JLITT's blog before I left, to be reminded of licks, bites and tastes. I was like the little train that could. Sure, I can do that I thought, as I picked up a huge organic milk chocolate bar at the grocery store. And how proud I was that en route home, I only had a "bite." Which is relative since the bite was about a third of the bar. As I got home and thought of all my recent accomlishments (like getting through the day), I rewarded myself with another "taste." Oh my... you know the rest of the story. And frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a (bleep).

And as for yesterday's blog and my life being like that movie Ground Hog Day in some ways, I did fine until around noon (no, the behavior isn't eating, although that would be a good guess), and then WHAMO. Day 1 - again. Ask me if I care. Yes, it's one of those attitude days. (smiling)

Wishing all a great evening.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKYEFYR 2/20/2010 7:45PM

I am really curious what day 1 you keep repeating. My first thought is caffeine.... Somehow I don't think it's that innocent though. Good luck sweetie. You can do it. You CAN make day 2! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORIDASUN 2/18/2010 6:23PM

Hey there you silly, silly girl. I love your tongue in cheek humor! Reminds me of my Josh man! He could crack me up seriously! I miss him so much so he must have sent you as his fill in for dead pan humor! Thank you! Big big hugs and a squeeze...I think you might like RAW/CLEAN eating...well....maybe??!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 2/18/2010 12:04PM

So sorry your days are feeling like the hamster wheel of discouragement. Sometimes when a string of days seems so bleak, it is hard to feel that you're doing anything right. But I do see many hopeful elements: You're still here on this site. That's critical. You're still humorous. (I'm a great fan of gallows humor myself.) You're making responsible choices as a caretaker. You tracked your food and knew you'd had all your calories by brunch. You did get through the day. You did smile. You thought of others and wished them well. When we're feeling so low, we often feel that we're doing nothing that counts. But these are worthwhile, significant behaviors. You're still doing a lot right. I am not kidding. February's calendar is already odd. We can fill it up with a few more Day 1's. You're gonna get through this. I really appreciate your keeping us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 2/18/2010 5:39AM

Well, I'll tell you what. I ate more than I wanted to yesterday. But I was very, very, VERY mindful of every single bite I took. It made me feel good. In control. We'll see how good I feel at my WI today -- shouldn't matter, but it always does. Hey, and you could live somewhere like NY where it costs more to heat your home than to cool it (altho actually our house really heats up in the summer -- even tho it's not very hot -- and I have to run the AC more than I'd like). Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 2/18/2010 12:01AM

you had me laughing from the white collar crime prison all the way to the end. we need that sense of humor on this journey or we'll hae to resort to prunes. i'll opt for laughter. hang in there girlfriend, it only gets better. Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 2/17/2010 11:41PM

I am sooo NOT sympathetic with you having to turn on your AC! I'm out here in the armpit of the world - as Des Moines has been referred to. We finally had sunshine today, though. Yeah! But out here you go from furnace to AC in one week. We ceased having spring and fall a long time ago... I'm glad you made the sacrifice for the kitties though :) Have a great rest of the week! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/17/2010 11:04PM

I seem to have a line from a song for everything today so I'll say "There's got to be a morning after ..." LOL! Getting through the day can be huge .Any dip in confidence is only temporary,because deep down ,you know you have what it takes to succeed :ability,a positive attitude and high aspirations! Besides extreme heat like extreme cold can excuse almost anything!!!!I'll tie this up with another line from a song "Whatever gets you through the night..." Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 2/17/2010 9:09PM

you are walking and trying to be good. life is hard. day two starts tomorrow Report Inappropriate Comment