AUNTB63's SparkPeople Blog

Another week on my journey.

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:09:13 EST

So today's weigh in showed no loss, no gain. Before SP I would have been terribly disappointed after having a good week of healthy eating and fitness. But today I just accepted reality. I am more than that number on the scale.
I am 11 pounds from my ultimate (new) goal with the dreaded last 10 pounds right around the corner.
Today I switched my Spark Coach program to "plateau busting". So for the next 4 weeks I will listen to new tips and ideas. I really like the Spark Coach... I...

I want I want I want

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:07:19 EST

Saw this on another blog (MILLISMA) who found on another blog and just needed to pass it on for others to read. Have a good day! Hugs!

7 weeks back on track

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 10:25:14 EST

I lost my way, like so many, and I came back also like so many. I'm almost back to the old "new" me. My energy level is up. My motivation is high (most of the time). My food choices are back to 95% healthy. My fitness needs some tweaking, but I am working on that. For the past 3 weeks I had to curtail my exercise due to an awful cough, however, that is getting better every day.
I have integrated a new Spark recipe every week to broaden my menus. I have been working on the April cha...

Worth looking at

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:51:25 EST

Note to self...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:38:19 EST

Today's Spark Coach for me was about moderation. I know this is the way to go. Whether it is in food intake or exercise and with my attitude. I believe this was part of my down fall. I took that all or nothing attitude instead of everything in moderation. I will work at keeping this "moderation" attitude in the front lobe of my brain and continue moving forward on my journey. Let's all keep this in mind and we will be successful. A happy, healthy Monday to all....HUGS!!

First week back.

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:32:43 EST

This journey never ceases to amaze me. Only one week back and so many of the ideas/tricks and words of wisdom from Sparkers just started flowing back into my brain. Or maybe I should say "out of the files tucked in the back of the brain, these learned habits came forward again".
It wasn't an easy week, but it wasn't all that difficult either. Planning and tracking my food made portion control easy. Getting back to regular exercise made sitting for extended periods of time impossible. (en...

Coming "home"....

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:25:50 EST

Been spiraling downward long enough. Now is not the time to speak of the past, but rather the present/future.
Will work on getting back on track, starting with portion control, consistent exercise program and drinking that oh so important water.
Thanks to all who kept sending supportive comments. I'm getting my spark back...ONE day at a time.
Sometimes life "sucks", but it's how we handle these times, no matter how long it takes, that will make the difference.....I DO BELIEVE !...

I need to "own" my plan

Mon, 8 Oct 2012 09:29:28 EST

After a couple of years of working with my plan trying to balance healthy eating and exercise, tweaking it when things weren't going well. I did reach my goal. Now I am again back to trying to balance healthy eating and exercise on a different level. Sometimes it gets frustrating with numbers going up and down, but I know these are like growing pains. Each "pain" needs to be addressed and tweaked as I go along.

These past couple of weeks I have come to the conclusion that what I ne...

New things from today....

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 20:13:51 EST

So DH had a touch of the flu (so I think) today. He wanted a couple of "comfort foods" which would be off limits for me....so I did some running around and three stores later I found all of them and was on my merry way home. While shopping I did come across a three good finds for me. I don't grocery shop at Target, but today I found Yoplait light Pumpkin pie yogurt.....was pretty good. Think I will add some pumpkin pie spice to the next one. The second item was Archer Farms reduced fat Smok...

So much has been going on ....

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:49:17 EST

I never expected to be gone for a month, yet I was. Our days are getting better.
Even though I didn't comment on Spark I did check in every once in awhile and you will never know just how much your love and support helped us get through this time of mourning. DH is doing well (so am I). This is a time when one would think the family would rally and put aside any differences, not so in this case, but we WILL move forward from here.

On a lighter note...my friend Mary has finally...

May be away from SP for a few days

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 08:34:52 EST

My Mother-in Law passed away unexpectedly Thursday night. Will be spending time with family for the next few days. Please say an extra prayer today for her soul and for the family. Still processing this. Thank you, Barb

Three weeks into maintenance

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 11:20:15 EST

So it's been three weeks that I have been working the maintenance phase of my journey. Feeling a little bit more relaxed with the whole idea. Have to admit I was a little scared (not what I expected to feel like). I am taking those baby steps, like in the beginning of this journey. One day at a time for me. Today when I weighed in I actually lost 1/2 pound....think that was do to all the walking at the fair on Thursday. Been trying to add 100-200 calories a day....which after two years of eat...

So yesterday was the big DAY....Harley and state fair.

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 18:53:49 EST

As most of you know on my bucket list was riding on a Harley. My "baby" brother and I had plans to go to our state fair and he suggested taking his Harley as parking would be so much easier/cheaper and I said yes. Never have been a "rider" on a Harley I was a little apprehensive. But thanks to my friends, SP and others, I was given great advice and was very calm about the whole idea. He arrived at 7:45 AM and we were on our way...

Bucket list....Harley ride.... a little help...Please?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:31:23 EST

So far I have a short "bucket list"...still working on it. However, riding on a the back of a Harley is on that list.
My "baby" brother (50+) and I have plans to go to our state fair this year....neither of our mates get into going to the fair.
DBB has a Harley, and has for many years.....he suggested using this as our transportation for the day. Of course I said OK.
Now anyone out there who might have some tips for me....would greatly appreciate them. Like easiest way ge...

For any one on maintenance.

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:35:08 EST

I am starting my maintenance phase today. Looking for any advice. How was your transition to maintenance? What was the easiest thing for you to do? What was the most difficult?
I have read most of the articles on maintaining weight from SP (good info) ......looking for some real life experiences...
Thanks for stopping by and helping a fellow "Sparker".....Hugs to all who read this.

WooHoo....I reached goal today!

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:30:11 EST

Although I am doing THE happy dance and my SMILE will be big all day, I will admit this is only a milestone in this journey. some say, "now the hard part begins"....I say I'm up for the challenge.....I have been able to change a number of old habits into healthy lifestyle choices. My plan is to continue on the course. Remembering the ups and downs that got me here, along with those learning experiences. Using them as stepping stones to what lies ahead...Today is my normal "rest" day from m...

Just a few thoughts......

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:05:23 EST

I haven't written a blog in awhile so I thought I'd put down just a few thoughts.
: the heat wave we've been having has ceased for a couple of days....our winter was a mild one and June's temps were more like August's usually are...can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the summer. Who said "there is no global warming" ?

: trying to stay creative in the kitchen, here's a couple of examples.
- for a treat/dessert yesterday I took 1/2 cup strawberries ...

Harmonica at Carnegie Hall

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:10:08 EST

Some one sent this to us and it is too good not to pass along...Enjoy!

www.wimp.com/harmonicacarnegie/

If you can't get it directly from here it is worth it to copy and paste it.

335

What size plate do you use?

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:34:52 EST

About a year and a half ago I got a "tip" from SP about using a smaller plate. You know what they used to call a salad or sandwich plate...that's what came to my mind. So I thought if I'm going to portion control my food maybe a smaller plate would help with that. So I started to use that size plate for all my meals at home. I believe my mind always visualized a plate full of food. So using a smaller plate and portion control my mind still"saw" a plate full of food. As time past I rummaged fo...

He's home (sigh!) and I'm back to sparking

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:57:55 EST

As some of you are aware our son came in from Portland late last Wednesday.
So good to see him (been a couple of years). He put on a little weight, but looks healthy. He loves to cook and take anything in the kitchen and make it into a feast. He also is into healthy eating with lots of veggies and fruits. We were able to spend 2 1/2 days together catching up and just "hanging" out. I knew he wanted to spend time with some friends also while he was in town. We did manage to get the family...

Two Year SparkVersay.....

Sun, 27 May 2012 10:10:55 EST

Two years ago today I joined the SP site. Today I call this my extended family.
YOU have been here for me through thick and thin (no pun intended). The most important thing I have learned: it is the journey not the destination that is truly important.
Replacing old habits with new ones is not easy. After all the old habits had many years to develop and the new ones only a couple, but putting these new habits in place has been enlightening. Although I could eye ball the food I put ...

No weigh in today/ they "got me"...

Sun, 20 May 2012 09:52:18 EST

I have used Sundays for my weigh in day since starting SP two years ago, because weekends were always difficult for me. I decided this would "teach" me to embrace this journey 7 days a week and it has worked for me.
Today I will not weigh in.....yesterday DH and I were to another couple for a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant (had my meal planned out and knew if I stayed away from the guacamole I would be on track). Well, we met up with the couple and I thought we were going to our tabl...

Update on my friend Mary...

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:19:14 EST

Prayers once again prevail. What was a very difficult night is turning into an optimistic outlook today. Mary's surgery went well. The surgeon put 7 coils into the aneurysm (this is to keep it from rupturing again. He also said (hence the good outlook) when Mary is stronger and her vitals a better he will go back in and put clamps in. With the research that I did the coils are less invasive and the clamps are more permanent. She has moved both her hands and opens her eyes every once in a whi...

Work in progress" turns into:

Sun, 6 May 2012 10:48:14 EST

Since this is the second week in a row where that pesky scale is sending "raspberries" my way, I decided to take this opportunity to "train" for maintenance......at least in my mind. That way I won't look at the "no loss", but rather just continue on my merry way. I joined the "Spring Challenge" (working on week 2) mainly to change up my exercise routine. I'm also going to add some dancing to my daily routine: this is to practice that Happy dance when I do reach my goal.....Onward and Forward...

It was a good week, even though....

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:20:36 EST

I didn't lose weight this week. I am OK with that because on this journey I have learned that if I do my best.....THAT is what counts. Not a number on my pesky scale. I have been fortunate with mostly weekly weight losses. Now that I am heading to the last stretch of meeting my main goal I know I will step things up a notch and be grateful for all that I continue to learn here on SP. I know I will get to goal....does it matter when (?) to me ...not really. Should I have a date for this goal (...

Met my second middle of the road goal.

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:23:26 EST

So yesterday I spun double 7's and asked if this could be a "lucky" sign. Some of you suggested I buy a lottery ticket.....well I did. Spent $8 and got back $30...this is pretty good for me as I usually don't come out even.
Now for the best news. Last week at weigh in went up 2#'s. Sigh! This week down 4#'s. Woo Hoo! Since January 1 I have been losing 1# a week....works for me and my plan. With the gain and then loss I still am losing 1# a week so I am doing a happy dance and shouting ou...

Update on email notification problems

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:50:27 EST

I was ready to blog (vent) on my frustrations this morning as I was choosing to let this get to me. But than my Guardian Angel told me to look further into this problem. So that's what I did. I went back to the "technical" message board and came across another "email" problem. There the answer included info about SBCGlobal/Att blocking some SP emails. A light went off in my head....I have Att internet so I went to their support site. After some time (I am not the most literate computer person...

Just plain frustrated...

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:13:37 EST

I have stopped getting any notices to my email account from SparkPeople. I thought I had it taken care of a day ago, but now I'm right back to where I started. If I don't check my Spark page to see if any one commented on it, or if anyone commented on my friend feed etc. I just don't know what's going on....
I posed the question to "tech support" and so far nothing there either. If anyone has had this problem and knows how to rectify it I would appreciate your in put.
Thanks in adva...

Note to self

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:59:12 EST

Yesterday started out like most days lately. Breakfast, exercise, some running around, lunch and than I turned this nice day into a calorie disaster......been doing some campaigning for our mayor's race coming up on Tuesday. Stopped at a place called Bert's.....this is where the downfall begins....had a glass of Guinness, a handful of salted peanuts in shells topped it off with a cheese burger with fried onions. Went home and had to get ready for a candidate forum (which turned out really we...

Just one more thing I HAVE to share with you....yummy!

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 14:30:25 EST

If you know me at all you know that I love chocolate and I love cheese. Many years ago I changed over to LF cheese and still love my cheese. Almost two years ago while starting my journey here at SP I made a vow that I would only eat dark chocolate and to this day if something is milk chocolate (except a home made chocolate cake that might have milk chocolate frosting) I only eat dark chocolate.
Well last week while grocery shopping I spotted a new Philadelphia cream cheese with dark cho...

Short and to the point: Goal met

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:03:36 EST

Today when I weighed in I ended up with a grin on my face from ear to ear.
I have met my first big goal of the year. It took 49 days and will patiently wait the outcome of the next 49 days....
I'm doing a happy dance and vow to continue what I am doing - it's working!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my news. If you have a minute try a happy dance for all your accomplishments - big or small - it does wonders for the heart and soul.

Have a happy, healthy week ...

So my scale has a sense of humor

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:23:22 EST

When I first started SP I went to weighing myself weekly and than daily just to understand my fluctuations better. I settled into a weekly weigh in. This year I weigh in on Sundays (best day for me to control any weekend over eating). I also weigh myself on Wednesdays to make a check on how my week is going.
If I dare step on the scale on any other day of the week....my scale gives me a better than expected number and than the word "error" scrolls across the screen.
It's like it is...

Looking forward to February

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:55:42 EST

Not just because I did really well this month, but I put a twist on my daily reward
system. I have a wall calendar that I see many times a day. This January I put one "puffy" smiley face (you know one of those stickers you can use on crafts etc) coming in a rainbow of colors for each day I met my goals.....boy all those faces smiling at me is just so motivating.....For February I found some "puffy" hearts that look like those candy hearts with sayings on them. Didn't read the sayings un...

Doing a Happy Dance

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:18:17 EST

January in review: Last weigh in for the month: down 6 #'s; hence the happy dance. I have met my goals thus far (28 day streak); hence the happy dance.

This is certainly a strong start to the year of change, my year to make a difference. Back in 2010 when I joined this incredible site I did well...30#'s down.....than I let my other self (I'm a Gemini) take over: results 10# gain. I made excuses and let it happen......Now I'm back stronger and wiser. I have put into practice (almo...

An "AHA' moment

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:03:32 EST

Not too long ago I read this quote someplace here on SP. I think it was in someones blog or one of those inspirational quotes we share from our Spark page....

"People usually fail when they are on the verge of success. So give as much to the end as to the beginning" _ Lao Tzu

Last year I was doing everything right....tracking food (eating within the calorie range); drinking 8+ cups of water; exercising the way I know I should (and felt good); Sparking every day and enjoy...

No resolutions for me....

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 12:59:10 EST

Every New Years eve I reflect on the past year. Looking at the blessings I have received, the trials I have endured, the things I have accomplished and the things I have not. After this reflection I put together a list of wants and needs for the new year and say a prayer for the strength to get me through....
I am a God fearing person, so I pray daily...
I am still over weight so I will do better this year to become that healthy person I want to be. I have rearranged my goals for ac...

Just had to share

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:18:07 EST

I heard this last night watching one of my favorite TV programs "Bones". Made me laugh at first than thought it really made a lot of sense especially for those of us on this ongoing journey to a healthier lifestyle.
"The only difference between TRY and TRIUMPH is a little UMPH"
If we put a little more "umph" in our journey WE WILL SUCCEED.

On a different note....just love my new washer and dryer. Look out dirty clothes I'm equipped to get rid of you.....

HUGS...

Another habit

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 09:50:28 EST

Today I realized that I picked up another habit. I started talking to my computer. A little "yeah" when I got 20 points for my spin and a "boo" for only getting 2 points on my bonus spin. Than I sang a Christmas carol when I came across a blog "Jogging around the Christmas Tree" (thank you SHERYLDS). I answered a couple of emails not just typing replys, but talking to the people I was writing to. Is this a good or bad habit? Who knows? Who really cares? I'm used to yelling at the TV while w...

E-readers?

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:45:38 EST

I'm looking into e-readers for Christmas. Anyone have one? What kind? Pros/cons? Leaning towards the Kindle keyboard 3G. I love to read, usually use the library...not into buying the latest books for the prices they want for them. The kindle store has thousands of free books/games that I could read/use. If I purchase an e-reader I will be donating all of my books/hand held games to charities. Any info would be greatly appreciated. 247 and have a GREAT DAY!

An undisciplined week

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:40:42 EST

I have a list of goals to meet everyday. It's not a long list, nor is it complicated.
I allowed "life's curves" get in the way of meeting my daily goals. I am not going to beat myself up, but I will analyze and re-group.
When you have a "bad" day/week how do you react to it? do you continue to step backwards, away from your goals or do you forgive yourself and allow yourself to move forward? When we work at our goals one day at a time we will have more days moving forward....let'...

Naked veggies or not?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:33:47 EST

I'm one of those people who prefers my cooked veggies naked, that is to say with a little salt and pepper and at times a spray or two of "I can't believe it's not butter". That being said, last night I changed things up a bit and I'd like to share this with you.
I had some leftover cauliflower so I took 1 cup of it, poured 1/2 cup of chunky pasta sauce over it. (You know the kind with chunks of tomatoes, onions and lots of peppers.) I heated that in the microwave than put 1 oz. of shre...

Words on T-shirts

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:17 EST

This one was just to good not to pass along. "Sometimes I laugh so hard tears run down my leg".............Yes I laughed so hard.....don't want to offend anyone, but this is just so common among us "oldies but goodies".....Have a great day and make sure you laugh today. Do YOU have any favorite words of wisdom seen on a T-shirt? Thanks for stopping by and HUGS to all who read this.

Sparkling water....once in a while!

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:57:02 EST

I am not much of a soda drinker....back in the day my drink of choice was rum and coke...now my drink of choice is cold/iced water. However, every once in awhile I like something "fizzy". A few months ago I found a drink called "Ice" sparkling water with natural flavoring. Well today I tried "pink grapefruit" and it was great. Very refreshing. The only kind of grapefruit I will eat is red, but this flavoring does not have a bitter taste like real grapefruit. If you are in the market for ...

Could you "kick" me back into doing better?

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:43:33 EST

I just lost my goals.........my motivation.........my healthy eating habits etc. I do well for a couple of days and than (like today) I ate each meal/snack as if it were my last. I know I am setting myself up to fail........choices of foods are no where near being healthy. I just can't seem to shake this stepping backwards.
I've read motivational articles....I've read success stories. I track all my food and am way out of range.........my exercise is way done. I (like so many of us)...

Have had better days........eating that is

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:23:51 EST

For what ever the reason yesterday and today have not been healthy.....still trying to get back on track like I was before..........will pick myself up and go forward......must always go forward. Don't want to get stuck again.....Hope everyone is having a good day. 247 Barb

Pedometer back in place.....feels oh so good.

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:38:11 EST

Yesterday I put on the pedometer again after a month of not wearing it. Felt good to start tracking my steps again. When I first got the "meter" I wore it for a week or so and decided to strive for 4000 steps a day.....working toward the ultimate goal of 10,000 steps. I was just getting the 4000 steps consistently.
Now although I don't have to go back to square one I will work on getting to that 10,000 steps (daily) some day.......one step at a time.
HUGS to all who read this.....

Woke up this morning feeling fine.....

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:45:40 EST

As some of you may know I have been away for awhile. Well today I woke up feeling like the "old" me. Not referring to my age.....but how I used to feel after a couple of months at SP. Tracking nutrition, exercise and water is something I truly missed (and didn't even realize how much) I guess the new habits really did sink in other wise I wouldn't feel so invigorated just being back a couple of days. Thanks to all of you and SP just for being there. Hugs to all who read/comment on this....

Been away and why I need a little help....

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:39:36 EST

Shortly after my birthday (the later part of May) I started planting my flower gardens. Although they aren't the biggest on the block there are four of them,
besides the perimeter of our yard (which I am trying to plant perennial so as to cut down on the planting in the future. While working on this I twisted my back in the wrong direction and was pretty much immobile for a week after which I went to see my chiropractor and am in the healing process, back to being mobile again.
My...

A big THANK YOU to all...

Mon, 23 May 2011 07:48:08 EST

I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful/wonderful birthday wishes.
The comments/goodies were over whelming. I so do appreciate them all.
We had a wonderful day.......spent with family and friends. Over ate a bit, but will be back on track today.....always feel better when I eat healthier and will be getting in extra exercise to help compensate for the cake and ice cream. Portion control was just a little bit bigger than the norm.......... 247 and 304...

Fresh Strawberries....

Tue, 10 May 2011 09:38:36 EST

A number of years ago in late spring/early summer I came upon a salad made with baby spinach, strawberries, walnuts, a trace of feta cheese topped off with a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad turned out to be one of my favorites. To this day I make this salad at least once a week or so.
Tasty fresh strawberries are now coming back to us (here in Wisconsin) and I started looking for new recipes to make with these wonderful berries.
Well to my surprise right here on SP I found a reci...