A Reason A Day #11

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:34:27 EST

To help SPARK the fire I need to get back on track, I plan to post a new reason every day for 30 days reminding me why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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11. With more strength, greater flexibility, and less weight, I may find myself in less pain.
10. When I was outside more, I was sick less.
09. Although my cholesterol is still in a healthy range, it has been on a steady rise over the past months, up 45 points in just one year.

10 Great Reasons

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:37:44 EST

I have gained 8.8 pounds since my last weigh-in April 1. Obviously, my motivation has been lacking. To help SPARK the fire I need to get back on track, I plan to post a new reason every day for 30 days reminding me why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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10. When I was outside more, I was sick less.
09. Although my cholesterol is still in a healthy range, it has been on a steady rise over the past months, up 45 points in just one year.

A Reason A Day #9

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:04:26 EST

To help SPARK the fire I need to reach my goals, it is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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09. Although my cholesterol is still in a healthy range, it has been on a steady rise over the past months, up 45 points in just one year.
08. To be a positive influence on my diabetic husband.
07. I hate my double chin.
06. So I can easily reach my goal of finishing the 2014 Figh...

A Reason A Day #8

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:29:06 EST

To help SPARK the fire I need to reach my goals, it is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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08. To be a positive influence on my diabetic husband.
07. I hate my double chin.
06. So I can easily reach my goal of finishing the 2014 Fight for Air Climb in under 40 minutes.
05. Regular exercise clears my head and evens my moods.
04. I feel more in control of my life when I ...

A Reason A Day: #7

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:05:45 EST

To help SPARK the fire I need to reach my goals, it is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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07. I hate my double chin.
06. So I can easily reach my goal of finishing the 2014 Fight for Air Climb in under 40 minutes.
05. Regular exercise clears my head and evens my moods.
04. I feel more in control of my life when I take care of myself.
03. I liked it better when I fit i...

A Reason A Day: #6

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:52:42 EST

To help SPARK the fire I need to reach my goals, it is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight.

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06. So I can easily reach my goal of finishing the 2014 Fight for Air Climb in under 40 minutes.
05. Regular exercise clears my head and evens my moods.
04. I feel more in control of my life when I take care of myself.
03. I liked it better when I fit in L shirts instead of XL.
...

A Reason A Day: #5

Thu, 9 May 2013 06:46:29 EST

05. Regular exercise clears my head and evens my moods.
04. I feel more in control of my life when I take care of myself.
03. I liked it better when I fit in L shirts instead of XL.
02. When I exercise regularly, I have more energy.
01. When my face is thinner, I have a prettier smile.

* * * * * * * * * *
It is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight. I have forgotten why I started and have sunk i...

A Reason A Day: #4

Wed, 8 May 2013 06:17:46 EST

04. I feel more in control of my life when I take care of myself.
03. I liked it better when I fit in L shirts instead of XL.
02. When I exercise regularly, I have more energy.
01. When my face is thinner, I have a prettier smile.

* * * * * * * * * *
It is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight. I have forgotten why I started and have sunk instead into a pit of excuses. This should spark the fire in me...

A Reason A Day: #3

Wed, 8 May 2013 00:12:34 EST

03. I liked it better when I fit in L shirts instead of XL.
02. When I exercise regularly, I have more energy.
01. When my face is thinner, I have a prettier smile.

* * * * * * * * * *
It is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight. I have forgotten why I started and have sunk instead into a pit of excuses. This should spark the fire in me again to take my health seriously.

Another Day, Another Reason

Mon, 6 May 2013 22:03:59 EST

02. When I exercise regularly, I have more energy.
01. When my face is thinner, I have a prettier smile.

* * * * * * * * * *
It is my goal to post a new reason every day for 30 days for why I want to live healthier and lose weight. I have forgotten why I started and have sunk instead into a pit of excuses. This should spark the fire in me again to take my health seriously.

A Reason A Day

Sun, 5 May 2013 14:47:15 EST

For the next 30 days, it is my goal to post one more reason I want to live healthier and lose weight. I have forgotten why I started and have sunk instead into a pit of excuses. Thinking each day of another reason why the healthy lifestyle is more desirable for me I hope will serve as a jump start to my motivation.

01. When my face is thinner, I have a prettier smile.

Better sleep

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:08:00 EST

Last night's sleep was not as good as the one the night before, but still pretty refreshing. I woke up early this morning and wanted to go back to sleep because it was early and the bed felt nice, but I was rested enough and hungry, so I couldn't go back to sleep. I had my breakfast and immediately set to cleaning. I had much more energy than I usually do, so was able to keep at it for a while. I stopped as much as because I was hot as because I was tired. That and I have homework I need...

Not looking good

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:12:01 EST

I said, "April 1 is Day 1." I had such grandiose plans. I was really going to do it! I had it all mapped out; all I had to do was follow the plan.

Why does life never work out as we plan? I can tell by the way my clothes fit (or don't, as the case may be), the feeling I get when I bend over to tie my shoes, and the breathlessness I experience going up just a flight or two of stairs that when I weigh in on Wednesday, I am not going to like what I see.

But all is not l...

Inspiring myself

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:18:12 EST

I love all the "fitspo" and other motivational graphics out there. My desktop background right now is simply, "Yes you can." It reminds me that, even though it can be tough to accomplish my dreams, I can. I can finish my homework. I can say no to a piece of cake. I can go to bed at a reasonable hour. I can take it all one step at a time.

I have often thought it would be neat to design some of those myse...

Tell me

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:37:55 EST

Go ahead and try to tell me that sugar is not addictive... I had a DREAM where I was buying cookies and other sweets. Even in my dream, my mind was racing and my emotions out of control because they didn't have enough of every option, even though I probably had about six cookies picked out!

Some people believe that saying sugar (or any other food) is an addiction is a cop-out for those who choose not to control themselves. I believe that admitting sugar is an addiction still requ...

Proud of myself

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:07:27 EST

I bought ice cream Wednesday night. I haven't had a bite of it!

The right words

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:17:24 EST

The right words can make all the difference. Earlier today, I lamented on my Facebook page, "I am going to be a house by the time I graduate. Homework requires so much sitting, and I eat to take the edge off. {sigh}"

I got a "your making excuses" response from my niece and a couple of nice encouragements from friends. One in particular really struck me. He said, "You have worked hard to be where you are today." What a great reminder. Instead of beating myself up for all the mi...

Stress Study

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 23:51:04 EST

Since realizing that stress has played a larger (negative) role in my life than I realized, and that working on stress management would be beneficial to me, I have been thinking of some of the things that cause me stress. I believe listing them out here may help me address some of them to create a quality stress management plan for myself.

Some of these things are related to (or drive) each other. I am not going to address the issues or make the plan in this blog; that is for ano...

Focus

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 23:38:51 EST

Today is my last day of the free trial of SparkCoach. Each day, one of my fast track goals has been to post my goals somewhere I can see them. I have three major goals: lose five pounds, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and keep up with my stair climbing regimen. I have not felt motivated. I have felt overwhelmed and apathetic. Yes, my injured hip is part of it, but some of it is my lack of focus. I see now that if I focus my attention on those three goals, the rest can fade into the background and ...

Stress Management

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 14:45:57 EST

I have this graphic printed in color and posted on my bathroom mirror.

I look at it multiple times a day, and have for months... maybe even more than a year.

Why is it then that only yesterday I noticed the part about stress management? I do believe this should be an integral part of my plan, especially right now. I am in school, working toward my Bachelor's degree, along with my weight loss efforts, fu...

Kick it

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 22:55:48 EST

First thing in the morning, I am going to weigh myself. I am getting out the scale tonight so I don't forget. It is time I face the music and admit to myself what my clothes have been showing me for the last several weeks: I am gaining weight. I am no longer just maintaining. I have been making excuses and allowing myself too many treats and too many rest days. I have been wasting time instead of creating the life I want.

Granted, I have to realize that time is not unlimited a...

Community Team Member

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:20:26 EST

Whenever you see a message board post by me, you will see this nifty little icon by my name indicating that I am a Community Team Member. What does that mean? It means I agree to each of the following:

1. Start your own blog on your SparkPage and post in it at least once a week, updating people on your progress.

2. Post a comment on someone else's SparkPage blog at least twice a week.

3. Leave a comment on someone else's SparkPage at least twice a week.
...

Do you know?

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 21:22:56 EST

Do you know how hard it is to stick to a plan of breaking the sugar addiction during finals week? It's even harder than normal!

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My little BIG goal

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:14:57 EST

My New Year's Resolution is to gain control over my sugar addiction. I have a monthly step-down plan and am on-target. Surprisingly enough, sweet drinks seem not to stimulate the addictive effect like sweet treats do. Therefore, I allow myself (at least for now) to have sweetened drinks at will. Now I cannot drink coffee unless it is sweetened and flavored so much you can barely tell there is coffee in it, and I have been in serious need of coffee lately.

I have today, tomorrow...

Seeking balance

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 00:13:40 EST

For the first time in my life, I took a second job at age 39. I am a cashier at the best grocery store in town, which also happens to be within walking distance of my home. Not only does it offer the best produce, but management is great, my coworkers are both fun and kind, and we could not ask for better customers. Sure, there is the odd nasty customer, but they are rare. Even the pay is pretty decent for a second job.

I hate having a second job. In spite of all these great t...

Waking Up Is Hard to Do

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:46:56 EST

Some days, it is hard to wake up because I did not get enough sleep the night before; other times it is hard because of the early hour and the darkness. It may because my bedroom is cold and I would rather stay under the covers, or maybe just because the bed feels so darn comfortable. And then there are the times I do not want to get up because I do not want to do what I am getting up to do.

Yesterday I woke up pretty easily. I think I still had caffeine in my system from the da...

Lisa's Amazing Year (with pictures)

Tue, 1 Jan 2013 16:32:53 EST

"Lisa's Amazing Year" is how my mom has dubbed 2012. In 2012, I marked my five-year anniversary at my primary job (the longest I have ever stayed with one employer), blasted past my goal time in my first-ever stair climb race (35 flights!), adopted a cat, took on a second job, ran a 5K for the first time in years (I have been doing them for a while now, but this is the first one where I ran the whole thing), trained for and ran my first-ever half marathon, celebrated my 10-year wedding anniv...

I needed that.

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 06:49:11 EST

We are almost two weeks into our 21-Day No Junk Food Challenge. It has been harder than I expected. I have caved a couple times, I still haven't figured out why I am so tired, and I am feel like I am hungry all the time too. When I got on the scale last week, my number was higher than six days earlier. I was discouraged and frustrated. Yesterday though, a coworker called me over to her desk as I passed by and said, "You have been losing weight." She said she had not been sure whether ...

Just keep plugging

Sat, 1 Dec 2012 19:12:39 EST

I felt more energetic today in spite of the short night's sleep last night. Was it because instead of my morning Shakeology, I had a Cool Chocolate Mint Clif bar (with caffeine)? Was it because I had no breads of any sort today? Is it because, six days in, the no-junk-food challenge is starting to show a result? Or maybe it is the long nap I took in the evening. I don't know! I just don't know!

I had pasta for dinner and am now about ready for bed even though it is early. It...

All is not lost

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 06:21:51 EST

Today begins Day Five of the No Junk Food Challenge. My results are not yet what I expected, but we may be getting there. The challenge does not require that I give up caffeine, but I did have to quit drinking coffee because I put as much junk in it as there is coffee! I have mostly stayed away from tea even though it is extremely healthy because I thought now would be as good a time as any to break my dependence on caffeine. I don't think I realized the extent of my dependence though. I...

Will it get better?

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:11:56 EST

Of course it will! But on days like yesterday, it can be hard to remember that. I was tired and unfocused. All I wanted to do was come home. I was not particularly sleepy most of the day; I just felt worn down and lethargic. Was it because I did not drink my morning Shakeology? Was it my messed up sleep pattern? Could it be because I have been working at logging more steps and stairs on my FitBit? Maybe it's junk food withdrawal.

Taking out the trash

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:24:47 EST

It is Day 1 of 21 in the No Junk Food challenge. I followed all the rules, plus I took the stairs, took a walk at lunch, and unintentionally avoided caffeine. That last set of stairs was hard to climb (seven flights!), but somehow I made it. You know, it really does not take any longer than riding the elevator, but it makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I was in the car about two minutes when I sa...

Reset begins tomorrow.

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:40:36 EST

The 21-Day No Junk Food Challenge begins tomorrow. I have been weaning myself off sweets for the most part, have several healthier choices available, and a little bit of my grocery budget saved for stuff like salads. I have triscuits to replace chips, Greek yogurt to replace ice cream, Shakeology to prevent cravings, and several higher protein choices to keep hunger at bay. I had my BEFORE pictures taken on Nove...

Go me!

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 09:56:17 EST

I am a computer junkie. I often lose focus on my goals. When there is chocolate available, or I feel "too tired" for a workout, it is easy to figure this one treat or one missed workout won't hurt. Sometimes, I just don't even think about it. I have settled into habits (again) of laziness and poorer eating choices (though not as bad as I once was). I need a reminder.

So I -- the computer junkie -- took this, my "before" picture, and made it the background on my computer. Now,...

Outward Signs of Inward Change

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:22:57 EST

A couple coworkers and I are planning to begin this no-junk-food 21-day challenge on November 26. As it is a radical turn from the direction I have been headed the past couple months, I am taking steps to prepare. I have made a list of meals and snacks that will keep me full and satisfied, and help keep cravings at bay. Today, we are going to go to the grocery store to purchase many of the items on my list. Wh...

Preparation, and hot mess pix

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:30:05 EST

Weight does not determine worth. Body size does not equal beauty. Why do we place so much emphasis on the way our bodies look when we are here for just a little while? Our lives are but a blink of an eye, and then we are gone. There is much more to live for than just the dream physique, yet our bodies are indeed important. Weight is a measure that can indicate if our efforts are working, or if we have been eating more junk than our bodies can process. Body size and strength can affect h...

The Reset Button

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 21:27:55 EST

Some of us at work are going to take this 21-day challenge starting November 26. They talked me into it. I wanted to wait until the first of the year, but they said we should start now. I said I want pumpkin pie, let's wait until after Thanksgiving. Truth be told, I cannot afford to wait until after the first of the year. I have let "moderation in all things" become a habit of apathy. I have eaten mostly jun...

Well that explains it!

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:45:18 EST

As I was walking home from work tonight, I was pondering why I felt so tired. As I thought about it, I realized that from the time my husband left town Saturday morning at 6:00, to the time I would see him again at 6:00 p.m. Monday, I have worked 20 hours, walked 19 miles, done homework and dewormed the dog. I'm ready to get some rest!!!

Wouldn't it be cool?

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:20:05 EST

You know what would be cool? If you could go to a restaurant's website and sort the menu by various qualifications, similar to what they do on floral websites. You could sort by price, lowest to highest or highest to lowest. Then you could change it to sort by number of calories, lowest to highest or highest to lowest. Or by grams of fat, protein or carbs, or levels of sodium or cholesterol. Or by most popular items. All kinds of neat things instead of just a hard-to-read PDF menu.
...

It must be love

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:29:30 EST

My husband and I got home at the same time tonight. We opened the door to what he deemed "total carnage." There was torn up stuff EVERYwhere! Even the charging cord to my iPod was ripped to bits! There was dog doo on the floor, and the remnants of a bag of half eaten potatoes was scattered throughout the living room. We couldn't believe our eyes! But there was our darling new doggie, so excited to see us. He was scolded but it wasn't long before we were all snuggly-upped to each other ...

Success Breeds Success, Day One

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:18:35 EST

A few of you may recall a blog I wrote a few months ago about my Success Breeds Success Journal ( www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=4905097 ). I am pleased to report that it did indeed help turn things around, getting me out of my funk and back into moving toward the future I desire for myself. I did not need it for long. It is amazing what a change in perspective can do for our attitudes! Unfortunately, I have once again found myself in ...

Gunner (with pictures)

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 13:55:24 EST

We adopted a doggie on Saturday and FINALLY got to bring him home last night! We named him Gunner. I came up with it as a tribute to Tim Gunn from Project Runway. Just two days before my first half marathon, Tim told one of the contestants on the show, "Channel your inner winner." I used that phrase to help me get through my face. Plus, we have always liked Tim Gunn.

My husband liked the name because he likes to watch all those shows on the Military History channel about warpl...

Good thing there's tomorrow!

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:34:31 EST

I made four promises to myself yesterday: for seven days, I would track everything I eat, drink my eight glasses, go to bed by midnight, and get my 25 SparkPoints per day.

{Sigh} I have indeed tracked everything I ate today, but am so sad that I forgot to put on my FitBit before I left for work today. It records my movement so I know how much I get to eat in any given day. The more I move, the more I get to eat... HOORAY! I probably could have eaten a little more today (I went ...

Seven days

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:08:55 EST

I am going to make a seven-day commitment to myself.

Promise #1:
For seven days, I am going to track EVERYTHING that I eat. Even those really hard to track things, like jumbled up salads or casseroles that other people bring in to work. I will find a way to track it all!

Promise #2:
For seven days, I will work diligently to drink my eight or more glasses of water per day. I have a half marathon Saturday, so hydration this week is KEY!

Promise #3: ...

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:57:26 EST

Not long ago, in a land not so far away, a young maiden struck out on a new adventure. (Well, she felt young in spirit even as she felt old in body.) This beautiful maiden had been held captive in the small world of "I Can't" for far too long and was ready to break free!

She had slowly been stretching her boundaries, occasionally walking over the border into the land of "Maybe One Day I Could." She tripped and fell. Often. Sometimes she cried because it hurt. Other times she ...

Is your doctor myopic?

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 19:11:05 EST

Merriam-Webster defines myopic as, "a lack of foresight or discernment: a narrow view of something." www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/m
yopic

Does your doctor have a narrow view of health? Has he (or she) bought into the Hollywood hype that thin is in, overweight is unhealthy? Some doctors are blinded by the BMI, so they are concerned by those who are "all muscle" and so fall outside the normal range. Others seem to think a person can't be healthy if she's...

Every race I finish is a good one.

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 08:27:19 EST

Although every race I finish is a good one, I am particularly pleased with today's 5K. I ate OK most of the day yesterday and hydrated fairly well, but then last night ate myself miserable, and drank soda pop to boot! What was I thinking? Well obviously I wasn't. That happens when you're as tired as I was yesterday. So between being exhausted and overstuffed, I was ready to call it an early night. I needed to leave at 5:00 a.m. for the race.

Then the power went out in half th...

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Empowered in the face of addiction

A Reason A Day #12