DEEGIRL50's SparkPeople Blog

What's That Noise?

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:45:26 EST

Around three in the afternoon, I heard this rumble gurgle sound. Guess what? It was my stomach. I realized that I was "hungry."

Surprise! I hardly ever let myself "feel hunger." It wasn't painful. A little uncomfortable, but easily ignored until I had time to grab a snack. Luckily, I had some healthy options packed.

Just a little reminder to self... eating is fuel for my body. Imagine putting too much gas in your car. That's a waste of money. Plus, the tank wo...

It's Not Too Late

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:15:12 EST

I saw this blog "At age 68, I'm in the Best Shape of my Life."

www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?po
st=at_age_68_im_in_the_best_shape_of_m
y_life

I'm thrilled for Carol. I love the pictures she posted. She looks so much younger after losing weight.

You know the saying... "The best is yet to be." That's what Carol's blog made me think about. It's not too late. I can be in the best shape of my life in my 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond. ...

Small "Aha"

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:40:01 EST

My SP Buddy posted a spread recipe for low-fat cream cheese, crushed pineapples drained, and pecans. I spread it on a whole wheat bagel this morning. It was every bite as delicious as the cheese Danish I was craving.

"Aha"... more nutritious, not empty calories, and still delicious!! I think I'm onto something here!

Today I'm menu planning before grocery shopping! 195 341

I'm going to cook up a spicy chicken soup (includes black b...

Spring Challenge Update

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:07:33 EST

On January 7th, I took up the challenge to fit into a "Too Tight T-Shirt" by the first day of spring. This would be my goal instead of focusing on the scale. I went 72 days without weighing myself.

Does the T-shirt fit or does it not 38

I honestly don't feel a lot of difference in the way the t-shirt fits. It's still too tight to wear.

However, I'm happy to say that I did lose 9 pounds! 104

This was a pleasant surprise b...

72 Days until Spring

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:50:51 EST

PIXIE-LICIOUS set a mini goal for herself. She wants to fit in a special t-shirt by the first day of Spring.

Pixie posted a picture of the t-shirt and wrote: "I can get it on, but it's way too tight. So my goal is for it to fit perfectly by the first day of Spring."

I love this goal. 122

I've been Sparked by a Sparker AGAIN! 244

72 Days to fit into a too tight t-shirt. I'm joining Pixie and adding this as my goal. ...

Action Steps for January

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 22:30:25 EST

My top 3 goals for January and my actions steps:

#1 Less Fat Fast Food

a. Cook at home more.
b. Meal plan and advance prep.
c. Turn down invitations to eat out.
d. Bring my lunch to work.

#2 Keep Up My Exercise Habit

a. Exercise 15 minutes in the morning before anything gets in the way.
b. Schedule classes.
c. Try new things.
d. Make it a social event -- call a friend, challenge a team mate, play a physica...

Instead...

Tue, 1 Jan 2013 19:47:49 EST

Instead of gaining the traditional holiday 10 pounds...
I'm starting 2013 with 13 fewer pounds!

It took me 4 months, but that's okay.
(254 pounds on 09/01/2012 -- 241 pounds on 01/01/2013).
If I have my way... 'They ain't ever comin' back!"

I'm celebrating My Success. I'm not adding any comments like "I wish it was more" or "If only I hadn't done this or I had done that." Thirteen pounds is a great start.

"To get through the hardest...

Reflection

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:33:18 EST

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So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

John Lennon -- Happy Christmas (War is Over) Lyrics

Another year is ending. What have I done?

...

Dancing with the Rockettes

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 06:28:29 EST

Florida Woman, 87, Lives Dream of Dancing with the Rockettes

www.nydailynews.com/new-york/rockett
es-give-big-kick-article-1.1216266

I want to live life like this cute great-granny! Chase my dreams. Try new things. Believe I can. Never stop! Young at heart.

"Throw the doors wide open to life." ~Unknown Author

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"
~Unknown Author

"Start of another ...

Expect to Lose Weight

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:57:24 EST

"Expect to Lose Weight" 9

I love that phrase! 122

It's easier to make the "Better" choice when I "Expect to Lose Weight!"

Another workout? Do I have to? Think... I'll lose weight if I do it.
34 317 318 311 319 Bring it on!!

Oh, that donut looks so good. Just one won't hurt me. Think... if I pass it up today, I'll lose weight.
481 ...

Do You Want To Walk?

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:12:41 EST
One of my sisters called me on Sunday. "Let's go for a walk on the trails." It's deer hunting in our area so my DH said the trails would be closed. "Sorry we can't go." Not to be put off... sis replied "Then should I come to your house and we can walk in your neighborhood?"

I had no intention of walking that day. After all, I had cookies to bake and laundry to wash and dishes to do and ...

I dropped it all and put on my walking shoes. It was a beautiful sunny after...

I'm So Vain... LOL

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 06:50:42 EST
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I think you'll understand.

I can see improvement in my stomach muscles. In the privacy of my bedroom or bathroom, I've been lifting my shirt and watching the muscles as I do little crunches. I've got some muscles now.

I tried on a button down blouse last night. One that hasn't fit in a very long time, I could button it now!

It feels good to be seeing progress. 334

Find Your Song

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:11:07 EST
"Those who wish to sing always find a song." ~Swedish Proverb

Picture from MotiveWeight.blogspot.com

Future Vision

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 07:21:45 EST
Allow yourself to dream and fantasize about your ideal life, what if would look like, and what it would feel like. Then do something every day to make it a reality." ~Brian Tracy

Putting on my thinking cap and vision glasses...

I will be fit 'n healthy. I'll be able to ride my bicycle, hike in the woods, dance, play games like kickball, and go sledding with ease. (I can do all these things now, but it would be much easier with less weight and more muscles.)

Infinite Possibilities

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 07:28:53 EST
For now, the key had infinite possibilities. It would be nice to have a day of infinite possibilities."
~Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

Infinite Possibilities... I love that thought. We own our choices. We have free will. We can create the life we've been dreaming about it.

I hope you take a step towards your dreams today! Me? I'm getting off the computer and going to workout this morning!

I'm using "Positive Anticipation" to inspire me to make healthy changes that I can live with for a life time! When I step on the scale on New Years Day... I want to be Amazed!!

<...

Scale or No Scale

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:21:09 EST
193 Scale or No Scale 193

After three weeks of my "No Weigh to News Year Day" challenge, how am I doing?

I'm curious if I've lost any pounds. I haven't noticed a big difference in my clothes yet.

I have a super kicked up attitude!
I'm eating a lot more fruits and vegetables.
I'm exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week.
I've brought my lunch to work with me every day.
I plan my meals on Sunday. ...

I'm Amazing

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:24:16 EST
Now, a word from my Spark Buddy DebbieDay....

"You CAN AMAZE YOURSELF in the next 4 months!!!! .....so put on the walking ( or dancing shoes) and make it a goal to move your princess booty for the 30 minutes a day and pamper yourself by eating REAL (nutritious) food !!!! you CAN do it...Are You Ready? Get set....Goooo Deee!!!!"

334 This is me after reading Debbie's message! 353

I love her phrase "Amaze Yourself." I'm using it as my n...

Quiet Voices in my Head

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:11:21 EST
Ever made a New Years Resolution and then didn't keep it? I'm making mine early this year.

I'm going to weigh myself on September 1st. Then the scale is going into hibernation. I will focus on a healthy life style. (More on that later.) I'm planning a Big New Years Celebration when I step on the scale and see what I was able to accomplish in 4 months!!

What is it I want most? It's not a number on a scale. It's quality of life. I want to be able to travel, ride a ...

Get Inspired

Wed, 4 Jul 2012 06:07:49 EST
I made this beautiful meal plan, but I didn't follow it. I was lead astray by eating for entertainment. I went out to lunch with a girlfriend (2 days in a row). We had a great time, but ate too much and not the right stuff.

I picked up an old Weight Watcher's magazine this evening. I found some very helpful advice in their "Get Inspired" column. It features advice from people on Weight Watchers.

"Start small. At first, I added one vegetable to every meal. If that'...

The Plan

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 06:21:36 EST

I've been trying to jump in the deep end. Now, it's time to try getting use to the water before the plunge!

1.) I will concentrate on eating fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal.
2.) I will drink a large glass of water before each meal.
3.) I will cook more meals at home.
4.) I will exercise at least 15 minutes every day.

I will do this for one week. Then I will incr...

Powerful Women

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:09:00 EST
I found this quote in May/June 2012 Weight Watchers magazine:

"During my weight-loss journey, I wanted to be consistent and stay committed whether I lost or not. When you stick to it, you win, and you learn so much about yourself in the process. At any point, I had the power to decide to stay on the wagon or get off, and I chose to stay."
~Taekeah Scott

We have the power! 344

For You, From Me

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:34:03 EST
If you think this poem is about you... It Is.

I was the shirt hanging on the line
You were the breeze that helped me to dry

I was the vegetable all alone
You were the lettuce to make me a salad

I was the sea shell bobbing in the ocean
You were the beach I came to rest on

I was the loose photo with no where to go
You were the decorated page holding a place for me

I was the mountain climber reaching new heights
You...

Saturday Morning for Women Recap

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 04:54:14 EST
I attended A Saturday Morning for Women program at my church. It was educational, spirit-lifting, healthy food, and tons of fun!

Here's a little bit of what I learned...

If you get it through your car window, it may not be "real" food.

Eat more that swim and less that walk.

If God made it - Eat it.

Fruit & Veggies, More Matters
www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

"Peace -- It does not mean to be in a pl...

Thoughts

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:02:37 EST
We all know that our weight didn't come on overnight. I was reading a book and the author said we often put on 2-3 pounds a year and don't even notice. Over time it adds up. Our clothes become too tight or someone makes a comment about our weight. Then we realize how much we've gained.

Now, apply that to losing weight. Those two or three pounds we're losing are going to add up. Soon our clothes will become loose and someone will make a comment. Then we'll realize how much we...

Every Day Wish

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:59:14 EST
I wish every day was like Valentine's Day!

What the world needs now is love, sweet love... 335

My DH is recovering from back surgery. He shopped early for Valentine's Day to surprise me. He arranged red, pink, gold and silver Hershey kisses into a heart on the kitchen table. He bought me special bubble bath and three magazines about cabin living (my dream life).

I feel so loved! 342

304 223
My pa...

Happy Valentine's Day

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:38:50 EST
This is a silly blog, but I think Sparkers will Get It.

I was helping my DH adjust his ice pack on his back. I could see him trying to look around me to see what was on TV.

I jokingly asked "Are you trying to look around my big butt?" Paul replied "You have a very nice rear end." Simple & Sweet.

30 {{Smile}}
227 Stop the negative tape that plays in my head.

I'd like to be a smaller size, but I still have a good bod...

Remembering Dad

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:38:22 EST
Sunday is the 3rd anniversary of my dad going to Heaven. I miss him!

I was a Princess in my dad's eyes and he was the King of Hearts. My family is getting together tonight for pizza, cards, memories, and laughs! Dad loved when we were all together. He was proud of his family and loved our mother with all his heart.

My dad did woodwork. He made sunbonnet girls and boys on swings. My husba...

Don't Zap Your Own Joy

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:11:14 EST
My mother-inlaw bought herself a Hummel church. My father-inlaw was making a joke about how much it cost. Thus, zapping her joy. Mom said "Why do always do that?"

Which got me to thinking. Why do I discount all my efforts? Why do I look for my faults instead of my successes?

Let's make a pact to take pride in our efforts. Greet ourselves with a smile and encouragement. Chase our dreams. Enjoy the journey.

Don't Zap Your Own Joy!
Even Santa, with h...

Observations of a Water Aerobics Princess

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 17:18:10 EST
Here are my observations about water aerobics:

Women are more interested in the color, pattern, and style of your swimsuit than the shape of your body!

Be fearless -- jump in and get moving!

Island/Calypso music is a mood lifter. It's fun to exercise to. It leads to jokes about grass skirts and jumbo coconuts! {{Giggle}}

Did you know there's a muscle that goes from arm...

My Gift to Me

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:16:52 EST
Day 1 of a 27 day streak. I am going to exercise every day until Christmas! This is my gift to me.

To be absolutely positive that I get my exercise in....
I danced for 20 minutes first thing this morning!

Celine Dion "A New Day Has Come"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaGLVS5b_ZY&
feature=BFa&list=AVGxdCwVVULXeHRRUq9eC
sveaGTyc-j0CY&lf=list_related

Plus, my gym bag is packed and in the car. I'm going to the YMCA right aft...

"I" Dee-Cide

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:45:03 EST
SparkPeople never fails to inspire me! Today I found the article:
Mind Over Body -- 10 Step Program.

Step 1 ---- Put the "I" back into your vocabulary
by Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellnes
s_articles.asp?id=690&page=3

Try to define the problem in writing. What specifically are you doing (or not doing) that you need to change.

My response: food choice, portion control, ...

Filling My Bucket

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 04:39:59 EST
Filling my bucket with cookies!

Please don't hiss and boo yet. Part of my personal journey is to find more joy. Sugar cookies are my favorite. I've always wanted to be able to decorate one like a pro.

I enrolled in a cookie decorating class. It was just one class that lasted two hours. We saw a Cookie Artist do her stuff. Then we got our chance to use all her supplies and decorate our own cookies. ...

My First Spinning Class

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 03:33:37 EST
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I survived my first spinning class! It was extremely hard. 244

To quote my sister, "You didn't come here to waste your time!"

It was interval exercise. I could keep up when we sprinted. I could increase the tension when instructed to do it.

The part that I had trouble with was standing and pedaling. The in...

I Made It Up That Hill

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:26:07 EST
Today... DH and I went bicycle riding on our favorite trails at Peninsula State Park.

332 309

We always end up walking our bicycles up this monster hill on the trail. Last year, we saw a grandmother and her two teenage grandchildren ride up the hill. She said her secret was: to not look how far it was and just keep pumping.

Today....
I rode up that hill. I made it all the way without stopping. It felt great!

Bicycle Thoughts

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:57:02 EST
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While riding my bicycle, I was thinking "this is harder than it use to be." That's when I discovered I was in a higher gear than normal.

3 When the going gets tough --- sometimes we need to check what gear we're in.

Am I sabotaging myself? Have I been thinking "I Can't" instead of "I Can"? Have I been making excuses in...

Virtual Walk and Food Blog

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:45:05 EST
Ladies... we need to get ourselves to Kansas City Missouri. Let's Virtual Walk!!

Randy tipped me off to the Hallmark Crown Center (because, of course, he beat me there)!!
334

I would so act like a kid and run through these fountains! Mona, wouldn't this be a great way to cool off on those 100 degree days?

When I woke up this morning, I thought "how about a bike ride?" My second thought was... "You have water aerobics tonight so you don't need to exercise this morning."

I think we all know that plans can change. We have our To-Do list for the day and not everything gets done.

I decided to ride my bike first thing this morning. Then if something comes up and I can't make my water aerobics class... I still got my exercise done!...

Finding My Inner Strength

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 14:52:09 EST
I'm making a journey journal (scrapbook style). This is my August page. My weight is on the page, but also some positive mantras, images of my goals, and how I'm feeling.

My favorite part of this page is the luminary candle which I put next to the phrase "finding my inner strength."

I found a picture of a very fit woman standing on a dock with her arms wide open. The caption reads: ...

I'd Like To...

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 00:25:37 EST
I did a journal exercise. I wrote a list of things I'd like to do. I wrote as fast as I could without censoring my thoughts. Whatever came to mind --- I put it on the list.

The challenge was to come up with 50 Things I'd Like To Do. I came up with a lot more than that! I'm not going to list them All, but here's a few.

1. A "Wow" factor fireplace mantel display.
2. Sleep out under the stars.
3. Get a fabulous hair cut.
4. Try Tai Chi
5. Make ...

For My Virtual Walkers

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 13:41:51 EST
I found a picture of the River to River Trail in Illinois!

Gorgeous!!! 463 295 256

And for our lighthouse lover....

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

I learned this about the American Discovery Trail. The trail is part city, part small town, part forest, par...

What Would You Get?

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 11:47:57 EST
This just fits so well with our August "Let's Get Visual" Challenge!

I'm reading Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister. In the chapter about Marion, she's thinking about getting a tattoo.

"But Marion had never wanted a gallery of ink. She had always wanted the one image, the one that was, in fact, her essence, but that image had never settled, never stayed, which made her parents' refusal to let her get a tattoo a relief as much as anything --- and before she had eve...

Underwear & Joy

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:21:52 EST
I've raised a boy. Plus, I work in an elementary school library. Believe me when I say, any book that says the word "underwear" will make children giggle.

I'm affected the same way by the word "Joy". Every time I say "Joy", I get a warm happy feeling. {{Desire}} I want Joy in my life!

I want to be Fit & Happy! I want to stop using food as entertainment and companionship. Stop hiding in the dark and sneaking food. {{Guilty Pleasure}}

I want to feel mo...

Joy for Beginners

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:36:58 EST
I'm reading a great book! I don't want it to end. I love the characters. They feel like they're my friends.

Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister

I just wanted to share this one page with you. See if it doesn't get you pondering your garden and your life...

"Well, it seems like almost all the flowers that were planted in this garden are white."
"Hmmm..." Marion smiled. ...

RWB Challenge -- Family Gatherings

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:31:38 EST
FSC Red, White & Blue Challenge -- July 2011

How do I deal with food centered get-togethers?

Good question -- just this week we had a family wedding, family picnic, and family birthday party!
4 29 40 2 39

My strategy...
use smaller plate
only one trip
nothing is off limits, but keep the portions small
bring a healthy item to share
skip cake or split it with someone else
be...

Things I Learned This Weekend

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:34:14 EST
Red, White & Blue Blog Challenge --- Things I Learned This Weekend

4 I like fresh blueberries in my Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal.

227
If I have a binge, stop immediately. No Free-Pass to continue eating all day. One bad day can lead to another and another. The opposite is also true...
one good day can lead to another even better day!

104
If I go to bed thinking: "Tomorrow I will exercise."
I'm more li...

Red, White, & Blue Challenge

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:37:36 EST
As part of the Red, White, & Blue challenge --- I need to blog about my next mini weight loss goal.

I would like to lose 5 pounds in July. I'm setting a goal of losing 10% of my body weight in 5 months.

5 months x 5 pounds = 25 pounds (10% of my body weight)

How 38

1. Eat 1,800 calories during the week and 2,100 on two weekend days.
2. Exercise Daily. A minimum of 15 minutes.
3. Track my food.
4. Include a fruit and/or v...

My Friend

Sun, 29 May 2011 12:38:19 EST
My friend is retiring after 22 years of teaching Kindergarten. At her party, she shared this story with us.

Mary was a nurse prior to getting married and starting a family. She was a stay at home mom with 3 small children. One day her husband arrived home from work and Mary greeted him with this statement: "I would like to reinvent myself."

To his credit. DH supported Mary whole heartedly. He took a second job to pay for her tuition. Mary typed her papers up in ...