The Best of Both Worlds

The Best of Both Worlds

Something has dawned on me. The further I get into my journey of living a healthier life, the less I think about it. I believe this is a good thing. I'm not spending all my energy thinking, worrying and wondering...I'm just doing. I don't have to ask myself, which food option is better, I just instinctively grab the healthier alternative. I no longer remind myself not to look for the closest parking spot, I automatically park on the far side, away from where I'm going. 



The downside to this, is that I'm not thinking so much about my blog and the fabulous support group my fellow bloggers & Twitterers are. I just vanish for days and weeks at a time, and reappear just as suddenly. Shame on me. They must think I'm a total flake. It's funny, I was so into it when I first started this journey, blogging every day, logging in to Twitter as soon as I turned on my computer. I could spend all day reading and responding to tweets and blog posts. Then life caught up and said "Excuse me, but did you forget you have a job to do, a business to help run, a son to teach, a husband to pay some attention to, family and friends you are neglecting, dogs who want to play, a house to clean, and many other responsibilities to take care of?" At which point I realized I had been neglecting all the other aspects of my life. Oops. Kinda hard to do the things I need to when I'm sitting at the computer blogging and tweeting all day long. So I pulled away from that, go so involved in everything else that I didn't have time to blog or tweet at all. OK, so something in me likes the extremes, it's like it's all or nothing. So here's my attempt at the best of both worlds. Lets see how long it lasts....

Healthy and Happy Living

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Where does the time go?

Where does the time go?

I just realized how long it's been since I've posted an update. Totally forgot to mention my 1 lb loss last week. Got caught up in a parking lot sale at the local Senior Citizen's home that my mom and I had a booth at. We have a little company, and like to do a couple boutiques around this time of year (I won't bore you with the details, but if you are curious our company blog is over at vvvw.captiveillusions.com).



We anyway, now that one is over and the next isn't until December. You think I'd have more time on my hands. I think that is part of my problem when it comes to losing weight, no time. Everything I'm supposed to do takes time, and many days I plan to do something, like hit the gym, or go for a walk, or something. Then I look at the clock, and the whole day is gone & I haven't gotten up from my desk to do more than use the restroom. Where do the days go? Someone has got to be turning the clocks forward on me when I'm not looking. So, I know with how little time I'm making for my efforts, that it is going to be very slow going to reach my weight goal. But slowly heading down the right path, is better than giving up and going back again.

Healthy and Happy Living

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Fork In The Road

Fork In The Road

There comes a time in every journey, when you come to a fork in the road. In the middle of the fork is a big sign that says "Both paths will lead you to your destination". One path has a gentle downward slope, smooth soft ground, and looks very relaxing and easy. The second path has an upward slope, and a rocky path, it looks like a lot of hard work. My first inclination would be to take the easy road, after all, it's about working smarter not harder, right? But here's what you can't see from that spot in the road. The easy path gently curves off to the side, and continues in a long subtle curve, until eventually you find yourself right back on the same path, but set back quite a way. It fools you into a false sense of accomplishment, thinking you are getting somewhere. On the other hand, that other path is a lot of hard work and determination, but after getting through all those obstacles, you reach your goal. 


I had one of those forks last night. I didn't even realize the significance until after I had decided on my path. For the last couple weeks I have been craving a Whatchamacalit, my FAVORITE candy bar. They are very hard to find here. I was getting gas, and went inside the little shop. Something drew me to the candy aisle. There sitting on the bottom rack off to the side, was a box of Whatchamacalits. I grabbed one so fast it would have made a magician look twice. I stood for a moment staring at that candy bar. The crispy insides, the gooey caramel, the chocolate coating, that sweet deliciousness. I could taste it already. Suddenly, something in my mind whispered to me "Are you sure you want that? Or do you need that?" Where'd that voice come from? I don't remember that one. That was my healthy voice. The one I've ignored for so long, I didn't recognize her when she spoke to me. I waited a moment, hoping she'd speak to me again, help me to make the right decision. "Is the candy craving controlling you, or are you making a conscious decision to enjoy a treat?" Oh, that's what she meant. I wasn't grabbing a snack that I knew I had counteracted with exercise and healthy foods. I was feeding a craving that was winning over all the hard work I was doing. I was headed down that easy path. So, what was it going to be? For about 30 seconds (which felt like hours) I held that bar in my hand, and looked at it. Then I took a step that is one of those pivotal moments in a journey like this, and one that I think I'll be remembering for a long time. I set that candy bar back on the shelf! I got my gas, and drove home. 


Now, all this happened without me realizing that it was as significant of a moment as it was. It wasn't until I was driving home that the full weight of my decision hit me. I just did something I've never done before. I turned down a Whatchamacalit. Today as I write this, the craving has dissapated, and I'm overjoyed with my decision to stay on that rocky uphill path. I feel very good about myself and my journey. It's the little steps in the right direction that will eventually get us where we are going. 


Healthy and Happy Living

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Bye Bye Trainer Paul

Bye Bye Trainer Paul

I recently had my last session with my personal trainer. By last, I mean I used the last one in my package, and unfortunately can't get another one...yet. Boy did he make that last one a good one. Jumping from one thing to the next, I did split squats (they're like a cross between a lunge and a squat), moved right into wall/ball squats, then ball crunches, then back to the split squats. He had me do 2 sets of everything without a pause. By the end of the second set, I was sweating hard, breathing hard, and weak in the knees. On to the arms, used the chest press machine (he bumped up the weight), then did a push up thing where he had me put my hands on a weight bench, get in a push up position, and hold it for a minute! Then some leg lifts. By the end of the first round of these I was at the point in a workout where you know you have hit your limit. The place where you aren't sure if you are going to pass out or throw up first. I sat down, my trainer got me some water, and I waited it out as my eyes got the sparkley spots on the side that tell me I'm dehydrated and about to black out. Wow, what a workout! By the time I could walk again, my session was over. Whew.


The good thing about pushing that far, is I know where my current limit is. That gives me a starting place, so I know when I've gotten better. So, I figure I'll keep up my workouts, keep up my healthier eating, and in a few weeks, I'll put myself through that same workout & see if I can get further before hitting the wall. 


Life has been so busy lately, I haven't had time to do my workouts as regularly as I should, and unfortunately I'm seeing the results (or lack of results) of that on the scale. I have maintained my 20 lb loss, but I haven't lost any more. I've got to step it up though. I'm going to a big convention (work related) in mid November, and I'd like to try and drop a bit more before then. Last year when I went to this convention I took a lot of pictures & put together a presentation to share with my department when I got back talking about why I went & what I learned to help the team. Well, I saw a couple pictures of myself in there, and had to do a double take. I'm usually on the taking side of the picture, not the "smile" side. And I was surprised at how big I was. I'd like to take a picture a little more representative of the industry I'm in. I'm sure people are a bit surprised to find I work for a fitness gym chain, looking like I do. We'll see if I can't look a little more like a fitness person this year. Wish me luck!

Healthy and Happy Living

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One Man, One Bike, One Fight

One Man, One Bike, One Fight

Today I had the pleasure of meeting a great man of our time. Drew Marinelle, after 2 years in the Peace Corps, set out on a journey. He didn't consider himself an athlete, but set his mind to do something many of us would have thought him crazy for. His goal, to raise money to fight hunger, by biking across the country. And not just straight across the shortest distance. No, he started at the southern most tip of Florida, rode a "scenic" route including up to Washington and back down to San Francisco. You can read more about his journey, see the map of his trip, lots of pictures from across the US and donate to help him reach his goal of $10,000 for WPF, on his website at www.onemanonebikeonefight.com


Now, his journey wasn't all sunshine and roses. Between the bike problems, rain and wind, he had some tough going, but starting at April 1st (go figure, starting on April Fool's Day), and ending a week ago Saturday, he made it to his final destination of San Francisco. You may have seen him on the news since his arrival, shortly after which he had that very bike stolen. What a horrible way to end a journey! But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Now to how I got to meet him. It was brought to the attention of the CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, who called all us corporate employees to the executive area this afternoon. Where we met Drew and heard his story. At the end of Drew's story, Carl (that's the CEO) presented him with a goody bag including a biking jersey and jacket, and some other little things. But the best part was when they wheeled out the new Trek bike, to replace his stolen bike. Makes you feel good.


I thought to myself a few times while I heard Drew talking, "Here's a guy, who didn't consider himself an athlete, that accomplished something that many of the professional athletes in this world wouldn't dream of. So what's stopping me? He biked over 6,000 miles. Took under 6 month's to do it. That's more than 1,000 miles a month! And I think twice before going for a 2 mile walk? Well, now I won't think twice about it now. Drew is an inspiration, not only did he accomplish such a feat, but he did it for a good cause too!

Healthy and Happy Living

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The Biggest Loser Challenge 2009

The Biggest Loser Challenge 2009

Just came across a fun challenge I'm going to join, but only for the camaraderie, not to try and win (because that doesn't work so well for me). It's a Biggest Loser challenge and you can read all about it on The Biggest Loser Challenge 2009 blog. 






Just the word "challenge" is almost enough to send me screaming into the other room, where I can hide under the covers and nothing can get me. But I'm thinking of this as less of the challenge it is designed for, and more of a little club of people working towards the same goal, and encouraging each other on. Which most definitely works well for my efforts to live a healthier life. 


So, For this challenge we are supposed to post our weight, measurements and a current picture. Well, I don't have that info ready just yet, so I'm going to post it on my blog main page to show my journey and results. Should be fun!

Healthy and Happy Living

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Did you miss me?

Did you miss me?

I know, I've been doing a rotten job of keeping touch this month. I went a little blog crazy, and burned myself out. But now I've cleared the cobwebs. So, did you miss me? Well, here's what I've been up to.


I officially reached my first mini-goal of 20 lbs lost!! I'm so excited. I've also noticed some changes. There is the saggyness in my once tight clothes. The reduction in pain in my knees. The fact that people keep asking me if I've lost weight (isn't that a great feeling?) And today, I was standing at my desk, waiting for our IT gal to install a new program, and I had my hand on my waist. As I was standing there, I realized suddenly that my waist felt smaller. There was just less of it there to grab on to. Now, seeing myself every day, I haven't really noticed a change in the way I look, but my body feels smaller. Love it. 


Now, here's the biggie. I haven't mentioned it before, but a few years ago I was told that my weight had caused a hormonal imbalance (too much Estrogen), and it was suggested I go on the Pill to correct it. Well, I don't do pills unless absolutely necessary (I hate pharmaceuticals and all their nasty side effects), so I told the doctor "No". What I didn't say to her way, why treat a symptom, and not the underlying problem? Well, a couple weeks ago, I was delighted to find that the weight I have lost so far was enough to bring my imbalance back in line. It just goes to show you, that living a healthier lifestyle can most definitely make an internal difference, in addition to the external. 


But wait, there's more! Yep, I've been gone a while, so I've got more to catch up on. This past weekend, I participated in the American Heart Association's "Start! Heart Walk". It was a 5k walk, and I accomplished it in my best time for a 5k. Not a fabulous time mind you, it took me an hour, but that beats my last time for sure. I noticed during & after the walk that my calves didn't hurt at all. When I started back up walking, I would get cramps and stabbing pains in the side of my calves. The doctor said I was doing too much too soon and I had to back off and slow down. Well, I'm officially over that hurdle. 


One more change in me that makes me eager to see what I can accomplish next! 

Healthy and Happy Living

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The Trouble with Competitions

The Trouble with Competitions

As I type, I am walking on my treadmill, fretting about tomorrow's final weigh in for the Biggest Loser challenge at work. During this challenge I realized something about myself. That when I think of losing weight for the challenge, I can't. When I stop thinking about the challenge, I can. Weird. Glad it's almost over, I can get back to normal again.

I've always thought that challenging myself, and competing against others was the best way to get motivated in my journey. Turns out that was the exact opposite of what I should have been doing. I spend so much time worrying about it and thinking about it that I forget to do anything about it. All that stress just adds up to emotional eating, and everything backfires. There's also a little voice in my head that tells me how great it would be to see a certain other person win. That they want it more or need it more or deserve it more. And being the giving personality I am, I think I'm subconciously sabotaging myself to give them a better chance. I know, silly huh, but there you have it.

So, no more weight loss competitions for me. Just healthy choices and let the weight handle itself.

Healthy and Happy Living

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