Motivation to Live Well - July 1, 2009

Don’t look back on yesterday with despair.

Look at tomorrow with hope.

Motivation to Live Well - June 21, 2009

Imagine your goal at the top of a mountain. You’ll never reach it if you don’t start climbing.

I know I'm not saying anything from my heart right now. Blogging time is limited, but some of these quotes from the Motivation to Live Well site, just charge me up...and I need all the charging I can get.

Motivation to Live Well - June 19, 2009

Why change your life tomorrow, when today is such a perfect time?

Motivation to Live Well - June 17, 2009

The daily renewing of our minds by the Spirit of truth is key to gaining wisdom. It’s the very thing that lays out our inner road map directing the paths by which we should go.

Motivation to Live Well - June 15, 2009

If your life is slipping out of control, move over and let God take the wheel. It’s when we let go and let God, that we can finally see the road ahead.

Motivation to Live Well - June 12, 2009

Knowledge is power, but without action it’s useless. Renew your mind daily through the truth of the Word, then use that wisdom to guide your body and soul.

Motivation to Live Well - June 9, 2009

"With God all things are possible. Maybe it’s time to rely on His strength."

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted. Life has been a bit crazy. Extra people at the house for several weeks. I have been way out of focus-very lethargic in my efforts to lose weight. I haven't gone crazy with eating, but have not made much room for working out.

So...as I seem way to often to say, "I haven't made much forward progress, been idling, but I haven't given up and I won't! "

Time to refocus...
Time to choose the right path...
Time to rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit that enables and empowers me to walk out that path.

I'm back on track!!!

Motivation to live Well - May 12, 2009

211.8

Knowledge is power, but without action it’s useless.
Renew your mind daily through the truth of the Word, then use that wisdom to guide your body and soul."

This is such a true statement. I know God's Word and meditate on it. Additionally, I have a library of health and/or weightloss materials. All of this knowledge is a wonderful tool to a better, more victorious life, but the benefit of all that knowledge is limited if I don't apply it to my life through action. The greatest benefit is through more consistent application.

Motivation to Live Well - May 11, 2009

"If you take two steps forward and one step back, you’re still getting someplace. Don't give up the moment you slip up. Press on!"

For most of my life I have felt like a complete failure any time I haven't been 100 percent or if I blew my eating or failed to workout. I tend to be an all or nothing person. All that has ever done for me is cause me to spiral downward in my spirit of failure. I might take a break, rag on myself, or I might give up all together---feeling it was useless and I'd never be successful and reach my goals.

As time has gone on, the quote from Motivation to Live Well has given me encouragement. I am not 100 percent all of the time or ever, for that matter. I am on a journey to make more right choices every day. In that, I am feeling successful.

I am also working more on my thought processes. I've honestly thought I wouldn't succeed. I've thought I will fail and, therefore, that's exactly what I do. Even as I walked on the treadmill today (good choice, step forward), I recited to myself that I can and I am going to do this and be in good physical shape. I believe I'll be in better mental shape as well. Mind and body!

Proverbs 23:7 "As a man thinks in his heart. SO IS HE."

I want to be different so I'd better keep working at thinking differently!

Motivation to Live Well - May 3, 2009

Start each day in prayer asking God to guide your steps.
That way you’ll be walking on a firm foundation.

Motivation to Live Well - May 1, 2009

Don’t look back on yesterday with despair. Look at tomorrow with hope.

It's so easy to beat myself up for my mistakes and failures of yesterday, but I am choosing to look at TODAY with hope.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
Muscle Helps, Too! Every pound of muscle burns three times more calories than does a pound of fat. Muscles scoop up blood sugar and enhance your body's insulin sensitivity — the more muscle you have, the more cells are available to absorb glucose, and you won't have to produce as much insulin after meals. Your muscle cells will be more efficient at using glucose for fuel, so your body won't have to store as much food as fat.

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Motivation to Live Well - April 29, 2009

4/29/2009
Seeds of discipline produce a harvest of
strength. Keep planting them daily.

Choices

I MUST CHOOSE AND THEN
HE EMPOWERS AND ENABLES ME
[TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES]
(From Trina at http://www.asijournalalong.blogspot.com/)

212.8

Motivation to Live Well - April 26, 2009

213.4

Motivation to Live Well:
Yesterday’s mistakes are not an excuse to continue damaging behavior, but
rather reinforcement as to why you need to change.

I needed this word today. It's been two steps forward and one step backwards, but I'm determined to focus on the one step increase forward while looking for solutions in order not to fall one step backwards. I've worked so hard at transforming my inner self in respect to health and weight loss, it is time for it to make some major transformation on the outside of me.

My mind and heart are being gradually transformed and it will leak out into my outer self! That's been my goal for the past 6 months. For most of us who struggle with our weight and looks, we've spent a large portion of our precious lives being negative about ourselves and feeling defeated. That's why I have felt my first transformation had to be within.

I know that God has graciously been transforming me from the day I met Him and gave my life to Him. He can do the same thing for me in respect to my mindset when it comes to emotional and physical health. I'm counting on it!

DAY 5, Magic Notebook

Sidenote: I'm not really doing this book in 100 Days, but a day here and there.

Day 5, Magic Notebook (100 Days of Weight Loss by Linda Spangle)

"When I journal, I stay on track. It helps me catch the times when I'm slipping into emotional eating or getting discouraged with my efforts. Then I can make changes and correct those issues right away."

"When a food thought crosses your mind, remind yourself that you don't have to act on it."

"Practice the skill of observing food cues, then letting them go."

The journaling practice is a way to get in touch with myself, my habits, and my thoughts. It has also been a way to really notice what I'm eating and how much I'm actually working out. Too often, we progress mindlessly through our day when it comes to exactly what we are putting into our bodies and how much and often we are really working out. I have also had times when I just didn't want to write down something I'd eaten (Reeses Cup) because I didn't want to see it on the paper. That should tell me something =) I wouldn't say it's a "Magic Notebook", because we all know there is no magic in losing weight, but it is a "Helpful Notebook".

Motivation to Live Well - April 23, 2009

Take some steps today, if only a few, and tomorrow you’ll be that much closer to your goal.

I really do like the Motivation to Live Well gadget-little post-its across my mind each day.

Healthily Selfish

I only worked out minimally the last two days. Other obligations took over my time. I HAVE TO start being a little "healthily selfish" and guard and protect my time to workout. In my heart, being selfish, has never been an admirable quality, but when it comes to my weight loss and healthier lifestyle efforts, I must be "healthily selfish" in order to be all I need to be for those I love and yes, for myself. God desires that I be a good steward of all things and that includes my body and health. This I have neglected.

I have another full day today, but I WILL MAKE THE TIME to workout.

Motivation to Live Well - April 21, 2009

212.9

Imagine your goal at the top of a mountain. You’ll never reach it if you don’t start climbing.

Motivation to Live Well - April 20, 2009

One of the most satisfying feelings--more satisfying than the temptation itself is when one can say, ’I could have, but I didn’t!’

This blog is a great form of accountability for me. I am using the written diet and workout journal also. I don't like to use the word diet, because I want to live a lifestyle change instead, but that's what's the journal is called. =0

I have worked out on the treadmill and the strength training workout as well. While I was doing both I felt so accomplished. I just have to get my head where I love it so much that I would miss it if I didn't do it. At that point I think I will have succeeded at one lifestyle change.

Tomorrow I will also do the Holy Yoga DVD.

After spending some time online looking for blogs of others who are on a journey to be healthier and lose weight, I found there are MANY of us rowing in the same boat. This journey of lifestyle change is such a huge and important step in our lives we seem to all be looking for every bit of the inspiration and encouragement we can find. I am already thankful for finding these blogs to enhance my efforts.

This weekend I came across a magazine that's new to the market, Best You-Health and Joy Begin Here. After reading the Premier Issue, I will pick up the next issue when it's released. It contained some great articles and looked at the journey to be the best me inside and out.

These are only a few "snippets" as my blogging friend, Trina, calls them and is in no way reflecting the abundant content in the magazine.

"GET 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE MOST DAYS. In the handful of minutes it takes to watch some TV shows or browse the internet, you could slash your risk of diabetes by 34 percent, of stroke by 20 percent-and sharpen your thinking skills, whittle your waist and put some sparkle in your mood. So what are you waiting for." (I've already spent 30 minutes browsing blogs this morning).

"...finding a new identity requires a hard look inside and changing your life is a process."

These, of course, aren't anything that I haven't already heard, read, or spoken myself, but when traveling this road to change and commitment, little reminders are like post-it-notes across my heart and I need them.

I also received this from a friend, "The truth is, we're being changed by what obsesses us. We're becoming like the things that occupy our minds. Our character is being influenced and impacted by whatever has hold of our hearts." Wilkerson

212.0

It may seem trivial to some, especially my model thin friends, but those tenths of a pound encourage me. When I was in my 20's, I'd have been appalled by such minute changes, but in my 40's and with weight loss being so much harder...I'm greatly encouraged to fight the good fight today.

212.6

Light Switch Is Turned On

213.7

I've been going through a slight personal crisis and have been somewhat off track. I have been working out doing my strength training so I give myself a thumbs up for that.

To me, the biggest battle in the weight loss journey is the battle of the mind. It's the same battle that defeats most areas of my life. I do believe that satan battles us in our thinking more than anywhere.

All that to say, I think the mental thing is finally clicking in for me. I can want to lose weight, want to be physically fit, want to be healthy, want, want, want all day long, but there comes these moments where the light switch is turned on and mentally I'm ready to be committed to the process. I think that day has finally arrived! THANK GOD! Literally.

I am also finding numerous weight loss journey blogs. Those are a great inspiration.

Okay, I'm on my weigh (word usage intended) to less weight, better health, mental victory, and physical fitness. I am going to enjoy life again!

212.4

Day 4 Boundaries, Not Diets

214.2

Bought a food journal and I'm logging what I eat and how I workout.

Day 4, Boundaries, Not Diets
Notes from:
Linda Spangle "100 Days of Weight Loss"

"This all-or-nothing approach never works because when you are off your diet, you cancel out the progress you made while you were on it."

"Instead of getting stuck on the word diet, learn to think of it as setting boundaries for your eating plan."

"Unlike strict or rigid diet plans, boundaries stay flexible. They provide guidelines, but at the same time they allow for common sense and good judgment."

"Boundaries should give you benefits, not punishment!...Depending on your needs, you can simply adjust the edges of your plan to match where you are in life [and what situation or occassion arises]. By doing this, you'll be far more successful than if you punish yourself every time you step off the road."

Too often with me it is an all-or-nothing world. That leads to over- indulgence and then self-recrimination. Under this approach I could allow small deviations under special circumstances. For instance, this weekend is Easter and I am going to make cookies for the kids and grandkids. So instead of denying myself a cookie (which I know I won't do) or going completely off the wagon, I could allow myself one cookie, maybe two, but set a limit on the boundary I will follow ahead of time.

I'll try it.
The diet journal has proven to be a good tool this weekend.

214.2

The sugar binge got me. Today's a new day.

Beginning Again...

This may be the story of my life thus far..."beginning again".
I've been out of pocket most of the last couple of weeks and haven't concentrated on my weight loss goals, lifestyle change objective, or this blog.

Thank God for new beginnings. Tomorrow I "begin again". I wish that was the last time I ever used that phrase....Maybe it will be =) Amidst the negativety of having to begin again is a positive-at least I haven't given up.

I can say that being off my lifestyle change program and going back to some old habits of sugar, a few sodas, and some fast food has left me feeling blue, sluggish, and pretty much miserable. Good lesson. I do feel better physically and emotionally when I'm eating healthy and reduce if not completely cut out sugars.

I'll post my weight in the morning, but it's sure to be a gain. My hope is that it will be losses after that. Again the question-am I interested in living a healthy lifestyle or am I COMMITTED TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? Only I can make the changes.

From Losing It at Jillian Michaels today. Fitting!
(You can subscribe to her daily email at http://www.jillianmichaels.com/

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
Learn From Your Slip-ups If you did catch the show [Biggest Loser], you saw how the players' binge at the temptation made them feel...Filipe was sick to his stomach, and Tara practically turned gray and started shaking from the sugar rush. When your body gets used to eating healthy food, it will revolt against you if you binge. When a slip-up happens — and let's be realistic; it probably will at some point — pay attention to how your body reacts. You feel like crap, right? GOOD. Remember that feeling, and then the next time you're tempted, think your actions through. When you realize how much better you'll feel when you don't go on that binge, you'll be better equipped to resist the temptation.

212.6
Post to come later

DAY 3 Do It Anyway

212.7

Linda Spangle, "100 Days of Weight Loss"

"I don't feel like exercising today! Does this sounds familiar?"

"To improve your commitment, learn to focus on your actions, not just your feelings. On days you're not in the mood for exercising or eating right, tell yourself to do it anyway."

"If you're really committed to your goals, you'll make these choices no matter what, rgardless of whether you feel like it or not. Each day, take a few steps that will move you forward, even if you don't feel like it. Remember that when you're truly committed, you do it anyway."

What is is that I'm putting off or making excuses not to do? Today, I will get on the treadmill and do strength training no matter what obstacles get in my way. In Christ I am more than a conqueror!

DAY 2

213.3

Interested or Committed?

"When you're truly committed to achieving your goals, you have an entirely different outlook. Unlike being interested, where it doesn't take much to detract you from your goals, being committed means you stick with it, not matter what."

(From 100 Days of Weight Loss by Linda Spangle) She adds,

"Start adopting a 'no matter what' atitude, then convince yourself you can stay with your goals regardless of your daily challenges."

There is a difference and I'm guilty of being interested without real committment for the long-haul.

She challenges me to do at least one
thing today that demonstrates I am truly committed. So...regardless of whatever excuses I tend to give way to,
I WILL DO THE TIME ON THE TREADMILL.

DAY 1...50x50

212.9

Still not eating sugar and drinking lots and lots of water, but the weight changed directions again. It gets discouraging. But, I'm trudging forward.
My weight always goes crazy with PMS and MS. I try not to let it discourage me though.

My new objective....50X50
50 pounds by the time I'm 50 years old, 6 months from now. It won't get me to goal weight, but it's real close.

Day 1

From "100 Days of Weight Loss": "Your past does not determine your future. In fact, your previous failures have absolutely no effect on your ability to succeed now. Starting today, eliminate the belief that things always go a certain way or that you never stay with your goals. Whenever those doubts creeepback in, immediately give yourself this new message:
I used to be that way, but now I'm different!...Rather than being fearful tht you'll repeat the past, build a new way of thinking."

Mental objective: Eliminate "can't" and "always" from my vocabulary. Say aloud, "I used to be that way, BUT now I'm different."

210.7

210.8

Some Reflection

212 lbs.

This week, so far I have filled up on lots of water and I have not eaten sweets so I'm feeling pretty good. The resolve is still strong and every day that the resolve is strong builds the foundation for the next day and for my life. Yea!

As much as I love to drink water, I'd stopped drinking very much of it over the past months. I'd been drinking too many other things in its place-tea, coffee, soda. The soda is a definite no-no. I didn't drink them in excess, maybe one a day, but one a day adds up.

From all I've read about nutrition over the years all the sugars are playing havoc with my system. So I also want to watch to see how my body and emotions are feeling without all that sugar going through me. I go through spells of eating a lot of sugar and other times it is minimal, but recently I've been consuming quite a bit, which would explain some of the extra weight I put on in the past two weeks.

I've been contemplating what next week small changes will be. I know for sure I will add working out on the treadmill again. As far as what I'll eliminate the list of possibilities is large, keeping in mind that I'm really trying to do this one SMALL change at a time. I could eliminate bad fats (mayo, butter) or negative things I say about myself (this tears down my progress on a deeper level). Again I don't eat a lot of mayo or butter. I use cooking spray or Smart Balance for those needs most of time time. I eat mustard more than I do mayo, but when you as overweight as I am, every smidgen adds up one way or the other.

I'll just continue to pray and ask God about my Small Change Plans. I know I can't do this without the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

214.3 lbs

Progress

214.9 lbs.

I drank a lot of water yesterday. I didn't eat sugar. Yea! I did do some time on the treadmill, but not as much as I'd planned. I will continue this week with these 3 objectives before I add any more elements to the mix.

Starting Point

217 lbs
That's 3 pounds heavier than this time last week.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

It's been a long battle to lose weight.
I have hated myself and am coming to love myself, but I still want the excess weight gone.

This, my most recent plan, is to add something healthy or that promotes my goal while I also eliminate something that is standing between me and my goal each week. I am going to start tomorrow with two objectives to begin with:

1) Eliminate sugar from my diet. At least at this time, I am in bondage to sugar and can't eat any without wanting more. I need to get it out of my system.
2) Drink 8 glasses of water or more. This one is generally fairly easy for me, because I like water and drink a lot of it.

I'll log my weight tomorrow. I want so much to be successful. I must commit to the long term process of weight loss and also be committed to lifestyle changes not dieting for results. I am very overweight. People still tend to compliment me on the way I look, but being just over 200 lbs is appalling to me. I haven't always been overweight. I was once a slim size 5, even after having my babies. It was after their birth that the weight came on and it came on quickly at first and then steadily crept up. That was 20 years ago.

Some of the reasons I want to lose weight:
1) To be fit and healthy
2) To feel my best physically
3) To be able to jog again; I once loved running
4) To look good for myself
5) To buy the clothes I want to wear and not size 18's.
6) Even though my husband thinks I am beautiful, I want to really look good for him again. He deserves it.
7) To conquer my biggest obstacles and be victorious.