Laura:
Just thought I would give a quick update. I am 3 weeks smoke free today! Still very enthusiastic about diet change and exercising. Refuse to get on the scale but pretty sure I am losing inches. Staring to get comments. I feel great! :-)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Mondays
Beth:
Mondays…yuck!
It was especially hard this morning – up at 5am to get ready for an appearance on WSTM – CNY Central. I was interviewed by Lisa Spitz regarding my progress with the program (watch the video here:
Mondays…yuck!
It was especially hard this morning – up at 5am to get ready for an appearance on WSTM – CNY Central. I was interviewed by Lisa Spitz regarding my progress with the program (watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SByolia5N-8). It was a great conversation and will hopefully reach some Moms out there (like me!) who will go to the American Heart Association website and check out the BetterU program. If I can do this – anyone can!
Weekends are by far my biggest challenge in terms of making healthy choices. I had family in on Friday and we celebrated my Uncle’s 50th birthday with a delicious cake from Wegman’s…marble cake with whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberry filling…I couldn’t resist. So I had one piece – not a huge piece but I enjoyed every last bite. It’s all about moderation, right?
I didn’t go to the gym on Saturday – instead I did a walk/run around my neighborhood Saturday evening which proved to be wet and miserable. I didn’t work out as long as I would have liked, but it’s better than nothing!
Yesterday I did cheat and had two slices of pizza and about 4-5 chicken wings. I probably should have had a smaller portion or maybe avoided the meal all together, but it was delicious and I was craving some junk food.
I think I can be successful in this program and still indulge in some occasional junk food. I feel great when I eat healthy and I love watching the numbers go down on the scale but I don’t think I will ever stop loving pizza and wings! Moderation, moderation, moderation!
Weekends are by far my biggest challenge in terms of making healthy choices. I had family in on Friday and we celebrated my Uncle’s 50th birthday with a delicious cake from Wegman’s…marble cake with whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberry filling…I couldn’t resist. So I had one piece – not a huge piece but I enjoyed every last bite. It’s all about moderation, right?
I didn’t go to the gym on Saturday – instead I did a walk/run around my neighborhood Saturday evening which proved to be wet and miserable. I didn’t work out as long as I would have liked, but it’s better than nothing!
Yesterday I did cheat and had two slices of pizza and about 4-5 chicken wings. I probably should have had a smaller portion or maybe avoided the meal all together, but it was delicious and I was craving some junk food.
I think I can be successful in this program and still indulge in some occasional junk food. I feel great when I eat healthy and I love watching the numbers go down on the scale but I don’t think I will ever stop loving pizza and wings! Moderation, moderation, moderation!
Making Good Choices
Roseann:
Hope your weekend was fun and healthful!
Saturday, we had to spend some time with my father-in-law, so I did not walk as much as I usually do. I did some housework, so puttered around the house mostly. My steps were the smallest amount since I have used my pedometer, but kept under my caloric goals, so I didn’t feel so bad. It was a productive day, and that is something to be grateful for.
Sunday I spent a lot of time outdoors, moving rocks, tilling, weeding, raking, digging, moving plants, watering, and watering, and watering some more. I haven’t quite figured out how to calculate calories burned during yardwork, but I know that I did, as I was sweating and drank all my 8 glasses of water again, so I know I burnt calories.
I have still been making good choices with food. We went to Aldi’s on Friday, and I looked through their premade pizzas (both my husband and I were craving pizza). I read the nutritional information, and we chose the 16” sausage, pepperoni, black olive, and mushroom, thin crust pizza. I was able to get huge slices, that helped to fill me, without eating way too many calories. Even though it was a lot in one setting, I had minimized my calories earlier, so I was able to eat 3 slices and still stay within my caloric goal! Yeah! I love being able to eat fun food without having to deny my intermittent cravings. The key, keep the frequency and calories low, and keep the portion size down!
On Saturday, I had salmon for dinner. Yum! It was delicious! I am going to try to make sure I eat fish at least 2x/week. That is what they recommend, and I love to do fillets, of tilapia, haddock and salmon, so that is good that I have some variety in choices. And Aldi’s has very good fish!
I made those low fat chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I had spoken of in my last blog. I haven’t eaten any yet, I will tomorrow for snack, but my husband said they tasted good. He is not fond of quick oats, but he said they tasted great. I did make some changes to try to make it as healthy as I could. The recipe made 25 cookies, at about 99 calories each. What I did to maximize health benefits, was, instead of using butter, I used shortening and used 1/2 of what the original recipe called for. It has slightly more fat than butter, but no cholesterol. Then, I used a sweetened cinnamon apple sauce, and decreased the sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup (both the granulated and brown sugar). I decreased the sugar content because the original recipe called for unsweetened applesauce, but I didn’t have any. And I don’t eat the “unsweetened”, we eat the Walmart cinnamon apple sauce. Cinnamon is really good to lower your cholesterol, so why not add a little more by using cinnamon applesauce instead of regular? These are small changes, but by doing this each time I bake, these small changes will add up within the year, and help me to lower my weight and my cholesterol numbers over time, and help me to keep my weight down, once I reach my goals. If you want the recipe, just let me know, and I will be more than happy to send it to you.
Even though it is going to be muggy on Monday, I plan on using my hand/reel mower and my weed eater tomorrow morning, so I will be doing cardio and strength training at home. I should be burning as much or maybe even more than going to the gym. What will you be doing this week to exercise? Remember to just keep moving.
Wishing you all Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Hope your weekend was fun and healthful!
Saturday, we had to spend some time with my father-in-law, so I did not walk as much as I usually do. I did some housework, so puttered around the house mostly. My steps were the smallest amount since I have used my pedometer, but kept under my caloric goals, so I didn’t feel so bad. It was a productive day, and that is something to be grateful for.
Sunday I spent a lot of time outdoors, moving rocks, tilling, weeding, raking, digging, moving plants, watering, and watering, and watering some more. I haven’t quite figured out how to calculate calories burned during yardwork, but I know that I did, as I was sweating and drank all my 8 glasses of water again, so I know I burnt calories.
I have still been making good choices with food. We went to Aldi’s on Friday, and I looked through their premade pizzas (both my husband and I were craving pizza). I read the nutritional information, and we chose the 16” sausage, pepperoni, black olive, and mushroom, thin crust pizza. I was able to get huge slices, that helped to fill me, without eating way too many calories. Even though it was a lot in one setting, I had minimized my calories earlier, so I was able to eat 3 slices and still stay within my caloric goal! Yeah! I love being able to eat fun food without having to deny my intermittent cravings. The key, keep the frequency and calories low, and keep the portion size down!
On Saturday, I had salmon for dinner. Yum! It was delicious! I am going to try to make sure I eat fish at least 2x/week. That is what they recommend, and I love to do fillets, of tilapia, haddock and salmon, so that is good that I have some variety in choices. And Aldi’s has very good fish!
I made those low fat chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I had spoken of in my last blog. I haven’t eaten any yet, I will tomorrow for snack, but my husband said they tasted good. He is not fond of quick oats, but he said they tasted great. I did make some changes to try to make it as healthy as I could. The recipe made 25 cookies, at about 99 calories each. What I did to maximize health benefits, was, instead of using butter, I used shortening and used 1/2 of what the original recipe called for. It has slightly more fat than butter, but no cholesterol. Then, I used a sweetened cinnamon apple sauce, and decreased the sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup (both the granulated and brown sugar). I decreased the sugar content because the original recipe called for unsweetened applesauce, but I didn’t have any. And I don’t eat the “unsweetened”, we eat the Walmart cinnamon apple sauce. Cinnamon is really good to lower your cholesterol, so why not add a little more by using cinnamon applesauce instead of regular? These are small changes, but by doing this each time I bake, these small changes will add up within the year, and help me to lower my weight and my cholesterol numbers over time, and help me to keep my weight down, once I reach my goals. If you want the recipe, just let me know, and I will be more than happy to send it to you.
Even though it is going to be muggy on Monday, I plan on using my hand/reel mower and my weed eater tomorrow morning, so I will be doing cardio and strength training at home. I should be burning as much or maybe even more than going to the gym. What will you be doing this week to exercise? Remember to just keep moving.
Wishing you all Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Friday, July 27, 2012
A Day of Rest
Roseann:
Yesterday was a day of rest. Our friends left and I took a small nap during the day, and then just hung around the house. I was exhausted from our very busy and fun vacation!
One day of rest, sometimes is needed, especially if you are working your body hard. So, I was not concerned, and rightly so, because.... I weighed myself this morning, and I lost another 2 pounds! So, that makes a total of 14 pounds thus far. I am only 21 pounds away from a “healthy” BMI! I am so excited!
Going to the gym today, and going to do some yard work, laundry, baking, and housework. Moving more today than yesterday.
I have a high cholesterol, so I decided to find a low fat oatmeal cookie recipe. (Oatmeal is found to help lower cholesterol) I found some recipes, and I am going to see what I can do to tweak it to make it the healthiest, and let you know how they turn out. Wish me luck!
Remember to move when you can, watch what you eat, and enjoy this journey!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Yesterday was a day of rest. Our friends left and I took a small nap during the day, and then just hung around the house. I was exhausted from our very busy and fun vacation!
One day of rest, sometimes is needed, especially if you are working your body hard. So, I was not concerned, and rightly so, because.... I weighed myself this morning, and I lost another 2 pounds! So, that makes a total of 14 pounds thus far. I am only 21 pounds away from a “healthy” BMI! I am so excited!
Going to the gym today, and going to do some yard work, laundry, baking, and housework. Moving more today than yesterday.
I have a high cholesterol, so I decided to find a low fat oatmeal cookie recipe. (Oatmeal is found to help lower cholesterol) I found some recipes, and I am going to see what I can do to tweak it to make it the healthiest, and let you know how they turn out. Wish me luck!
Remember to move when you can, watch what you eat, and enjoy this journey!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Exercising Outside and Single Servings
Roseann:
It was an absolutely beautiful day today. My husband, my friend Cindy, and her husband Mike, went climbing on Stockbridge Falls, and then Cindy and I walked the long creek bed from my house, to the Falls, (about 1 – 1 1/2 miles). Even though we didn’t get our heart rates up for cardio work, our legs and feet were sore from walking against the current and balancing on the rock bed. It was good exercise, and it was great scenery, especially when we rounded a corner, and there was a beautiful doe drinking from the water!
Yesterday, Cindy and I made our own trail mix at Wegmans, and split it up into individual servings in snack bags. We ate some after our little hike. It was so good, and I was so glad we had already divided into a serving size, because I could have just kept on eating it by the handfuls if I hadn’t!
Even though I made a healthy dinner, I was over in calories today. I’m not too worried, as I know that I probably burnt more calories than I documented.
Feel like I am doing well, in spite of being busy, but give a lot of credit to my friend Cindy for supporting me, and walking with me on this journey during this week. She and I have learned a lot together this week, and we are both so excited about the positive changes in our lives! It made it so much easier to get through this with a partner.
Will probably get back to the gym in the next couple of days.
Had Kefir smoothie this morning, it was a little strange “drinking” my yogurt/probiotic, but it tasted good, just have to get used to the thickness. Also had my mint chocolate chip Luna bar this morning. It tasted delicious! It held me fairly well in the morning, and I didn’t get hungry until a couple of hours later. Felt like I was eating a candy bar instead of a protein bar. They are good alternatives for breakfast on a busy morning, or as a snack in between meals to avoid overeating. If you have never had one, you should try it!
Pedometer read 13,000 steps today. Had to wear it differently while walking in the creek, so not sure of the accuracy yesterday or today. Still feel good that I have been able to stay above 10,000 steps every day though.
Hoping you had a chance to get out there and enjoy the beautiful day!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
It was an absolutely beautiful day today. My husband, my friend Cindy, and her husband Mike, went climbing on Stockbridge Falls, and then Cindy and I walked the long creek bed from my house, to the Falls, (about 1 – 1 1/2 miles). Even though we didn’t get our heart rates up for cardio work, our legs and feet were sore from walking against the current and balancing on the rock bed. It was good exercise, and it was great scenery, especially when we rounded a corner, and there was a beautiful doe drinking from the water!
Yesterday, Cindy and I made our own trail mix at Wegmans, and split it up into individual servings in snack bags. We ate some after our little hike. It was so good, and I was so glad we had already divided into a serving size, because I could have just kept on eating it by the handfuls if I hadn’t!
Even though I made a healthy dinner, I was over in calories today. I’m not too worried, as I know that I probably burnt more calories than I documented.
Feel like I am doing well, in spite of being busy, but give a lot of credit to my friend Cindy for supporting me, and walking with me on this journey during this week. She and I have learned a lot together this week, and we are both so excited about the positive changes in our lives! It made it so much easier to get through this with a partner.
Will probably get back to the gym in the next couple of days.
Had Kefir smoothie this morning, it was a little strange “drinking” my yogurt/probiotic, but it tasted good, just have to get used to the thickness. Also had my mint chocolate chip Luna bar this morning. It tasted delicious! It held me fairly well in the morning, and I didn’t get hungry until a couple of hours later. Felt like I was eating a candy bar instead of a protein bar. They are good alternatives for breakfast on a busy morning, or as a snack in between meals to avoid overeating. If you have never had one, you should try it!
Pedometer read 13,000 steps today. Had to wear it differently while walking in the creek, so not sure of the accuracy yesterday or today. Still feel good that I have been able to stay above 10,000 steps every day though.
Hoping you had a chance to get out there and enjoy the beautiful day!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Wonderful Changes
Roseann:
It was a fantastic day! We had a great conference call, it was great to have Barb and Laura there. Hope that others will be able to attend, if not, hope that you get a lot from these calls, as I know I have. Then I and my friend Cindy went to the Wegman’s tour. We learned a lot! We discussed label reading, portion sizes, balancing your carb/calorie/protein ratios, tried some new foods, (I had sushi for the first time in my life, found out that sushi is NOT raw meat, actually it stands for vinegar-rice, which is what surrounds the food. You can use anything inside, so I tried the vegetable roll, and it was great!), and found some new snack and meal ideas. Kelly was interesting, and funny. After we were complete with our tour, Cindy and I went shopping, and brought home some goodies, can’t wait to try them.
She and I were below our calorie goals today, and got to enjoy a treat of vanilla ice cream with syrup and extras! Don’t know how I did it, but my pedometer is reading 24,000 steps, and I know that I cleared the numbers last night. It is amazing how much walking I did today, and yet I don’t feel tired! Just so excited about the wonderful changes in myself as well as my friends and family! I see and feel the outward changes, really would like to know if the inward changes are happening. Can’t wait for my next bloodwork, hope I have made some major changes in my numbers!
Loved seeing the other members of the program today at Wegmans, miss seeing them at Gold’s since I have been using Planet Fitness, but so glad that they are doing so well.
Week 5 here we come!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
It was a fantastic day! We had a great conference call, it was great to have Barb and Laura there. Hope that others will be able to attend, if not, hope that you get a lot from these calls, as I know I have. Then I and my friend Cindy went to the Wegman’s tour. We learned a lot! We discussed label reading, portion sizes, balancing your carb/calorie/protein ratios, tried some new foods, (I had sushi for the first time in my life, found out that sushi is NOT raw meat, actually it stands for vinegar-rice, which is what surrounds the food. You can use anything inside, so I tried the vegetable roll, and it was great!), and found some new snack and meal ideas. Kelly was interesting, and funny. After we were complete with our tour, Cindy and I went shopping, and brought home some goodies, can’t wait to try them.
She and I were below our calorie goals today, and got to enjoy a treat of vanilla ice cream with syrup and extras! Don’t know how I did it, but my pedometer is reading 24,000 steps, and I know that I cleared the numbers last night. It is amazing how much walking I did today, and yet I don’t feel tired! Just so excited about the wonderful changes in myself as well as my friends and family! I see and feel the outward changes, really would like to know if the inward changes are happening. Can’t wait for my next bloodwork, hope I have made some major changes in my numbers!
Loved seeing the other members of the program today at Wegmans, miss seeing them at Gold’s since I have been using Planet Fitness, but so glad that they are doing so well.
Week 5 here we come!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Sucesses, Inspiration, and Different Choices
Roseann:
Well Friday was weigh in day, and I was very nervous because I had injured myself earlier in the week, and had not put intensity into my workouts. But I kept moving, and it turns out, like I have said before, you don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. Because, I lost 4 lbs! Yes, you heard it right, 4 lbs, for a total of 12 since I started this program! I was happily surprised! We had friends come over on Thursday evening, to stay with us for a week. We went out to Denny’s after the first day of the Syracuse Nationals, and made a not so good choice for dinner. I chose the Brooklyn spaghetti and meatballs. The good news is, I only ate 1/2 of it. Lisa Cavallaro had spoken to us about how we don’t need to feel obligated to eat what is served us at restaurants. We can choose not to eat it all. I have always felt that I was being wasteful, but as she said, what is more wasteful, wasting it on the plate, or wasting it on our hips, to have to work harder to remove later? Not to mention how unhealthy that is for our bodies, to force it to process more than it needs. Thanks Lisa for that very smart advice! Since I have lost over 10 pounds, the online program myfitnesspal, had me recalculate my goals according to my current weight. Therefore, my caloric intake has dropped by 80 calories. So, my challenge has become a little more challenging! I told you I would be walking more, well, I walked 19,000 steps on Friday. Wow!
On Saturday I ate a little better, I was below by 51 calories by the end of the day. I didn’t walk as much due to having to work at the Nationals, and I sat more than I wanted to, so my steps were only 17,000 but still a good amount. I love being a positive influence on others. My friend Cindy who is staying with me, is also now on myfitnesspal and is watching what she eats more attentively. It makes me feel so honored to have helped to change others lives. Because for every person whose life you touch, there are many who are affected by that person’s change, and it just grows exponentially from there. My hope is that we can be an influence on changing the statistics. We women need to be healthier and fight this terrible disease. It starts with you, and by making a simple choice, you too can make a difference in your life, and others.
We slept in on Sunday, so my steps were even less than before, but still over 10,000, it was just over 12,000. I was really tired from all the weekend activity, so I rested later that day. We went to Dunkin Donuts that morning, and before we went, I looked up the nutritional information on their foods. I was shocked to see that a plain chocolate covered donut is the same caloric intake as a turkey sausage egg white flatbread! It is 10 calories less, higher in fat, but has 1/2 the sodium! So, depending on what you need to be watching, even the healthy choices can be not so healthy, depending on what it contains and how it is made. I was naughty and had two donuts that morning. I did however, stay within my caloric goal. Phew! Don’t misunderstand, the egg white flatbread is a healthy choice, but you really need to be attentive to everything, not just the calories. There is a lot of hidden sodium in foods, so please read your labels!
Monday I was busy, busy, busy, and can’t really tell you how I did diet wise, because we lost power on and off, and did not complete my diary online. But I know I did well, because I was good about my choices. I went to the gym and did the circuit, man that felt so good!! I hadn’t visited the gym since mid week last week, and I was so happy to get back there. I walked a lot, and wore my pedometer during exercise, so I did well, over 16,000 steps.
Tuesday, I don’t know if I will get to the gym. I have so much planned Tuesday with the program, and then afterwards with friends, that I don’t know if I will be able to get there. But, as I have said time and time again, I will just keep moving. I have the telephone conference at noon, and our Wegmans tour at 3pm, and lots to do afterwards, so I don’t think moving will be a problem!
Hope you are doing well, making good choices, moving more, and encouraging your female friends to change their lives.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Well Friday was weigh in day, and I was very nervous because I had injured myself earlier in the week, and had not put intensity into my workouts. But I kept moving, and it turns out, like I have said before, you don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. Because, I lost 4 lbs! Yes, you heard it right, 4 lbs, for a total of 12 since I started this program! I was happily surprised! We had friends come over on Thursday evening, to stay with us for a week. We went out to Denny’s after the first day of the Syracuse Nationals, and made a not so good choice for dinner. I chose the Brooklyn spaghetti and meatballs. The good news is, I only ate 1/2 of it. Lisa Cavallaro had spoken to us about how we don’t need to feel obligated to eat what is served us at restaurants. We can choose not to eat it all. I have always felt that I was being wasteful, but as she said, what is more wasteful, wasting it on the plate, or wasting it on our hips, to have to work harder to remove later? Not to mention how unhealthy that is for our bodies, to force it to process more than it needs. Thanks Lisa for that very smart advice! Since I have lost over 10 pounds, the online program myfitnesspal, had me recalculate my goals according to my current weight. Therefore, my caloric intake has dropped by 80 calories. So, my challenge has become a little more challenging! I told you I would be walking more, well, I walked 19,000 steps on Friday. Wow!
On Saturday I ate a little better, I was below by 51 calories by the end of the day. I didn’t walk as much due to having to work at the Nationals, and I sat more than I wanted to, so my steps were only 17,000 but still a good amount. I love being a positive influence on others. My friend Cindy who is staying with me, is also now on myfitnesspal and is watching what she eats more attentively. It makes me feel so honored to have helped to change others lives. Because for every person whose life you touch, there are many who are affected by that person’s change, and it just grows exponentially from there. My hope is that we can be an influence on changing the statistics. We women need to be healthier and fight this terrible disease. It starts with you, and by making a simple choice, you too can make a difference in your life, and others.
We slept in on Sunday, so my steps were even less than before, but still over 10,000, it was just over 12,000. I was really tired from all the weekend activity, so I rested later that day. We went to Dunkin Donuts that morning, and before we went, I looked up the nutritional information on their foods. I was shocked to see that a plain chocolate covered donut is the same caloric intake as a turkey sausage egg white flatbread! It is 10 calories less, higher in fat, but has 1/2 the sodium! So, depending on what you need to be watching, even the healthy choices can be not so healthy, depending on what it contains and how it is made. I was naughty and had two donuts that morning. I did however, stay within my caloric goal. Phew! Don’t misunderstand, the egg white flatbread is a healthy choice, but you really need to be attentive to everything, not just the calories. There is a lot of hidden sodium in foods, so please read your labels!
Monday I was busy, busy, busy, and can’t really tell you how I did diet wise, because we lost power on and off, and did not complete my diary online. But I know I did well, because I was good about my choices. I went to the gym and did the circuit, man that felt so good!! I hadn’t visited the gym since mid week last week, and I was so happy to get back there. I walked a lot, and wore my pedometer during exercise, so I did well, over 16,000 steps.
Tuesday, I don’t know if I will get to the gym. I have so much planned Tuesday with the program, and then afterwards with friends, that I don’t know if I will be able to get there. But, as I have said time and time again, I will just keep moving. I have the telephone conference at noon, and our Wegmans tour at 3pm, and lots to do afterwards, so I don’t think moving will be a problem!
Hope you are doing well, making good choices, moving more, and encouraging your female friends to change their lives.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Almost Halfway
Suzanne:
Well we are going to be starting week 6 of our healthy lifestyle journey! I have to say that things are going pretty good for me. To my surprise I have lost 12lbs already and I'm feeling pretty good! I need to stay positive and keep on working hard at getting healthy! Working hard at the gym and feeling it the next couple of days is really starting to pay off! I bought a couple of new heart healthy cookbooks and I can't wait to start using them! My kids are really excited for me and the progress I have made and that just keeps me motivated even more! This week I plan on buying a bike so I can get out and ride at the lake or just around the neighborhood. My sister is trying to convince me to get roller blades and go roller blading with her. I'm not so sure about that, with two bad knees and a bad foot I'm not sure I can do that! Sorry sista! Well as we approach week 6 I'm staying positive and motivated to make the best of my journey!
Monday, July 23, 2012
A Love Affair with Macaroni and Cheese
Beth:
Have I ever talked about my love affair with macaroni and cheese? No, not the homemade kind (don't tell my mother-in-law because I always tell her that hers is the best!) but the Kraft macaroni and cheese from the box. Yep - the one with the powdered cheese. I use extra butter and make it really creamy...I can easily polish off a whole box alone.
Anyway, my nine year old was begging me to make it for her today but I was worried - can I be strong and not eat her left-overs?? I made turkey burgers (no bun) and a big tossed salad for dinner but that wasn't cutting it for her. I can't blame her - she's very active and has been missing these white starches as much as I have.
So...I did it...I made her a box...just like I always did "pre-BetterU." I completed my work and then took a bite. Yes...I did have a bite. But, guess what? I STOPPED THERE. That's right. One bite and I stayed strong. I just kept the image in my mind of what I want to look like and there is no way Kraft macaroni and cheese is a part of that lifestyle.
If anyone knows of a way to take the sodium, carbs and calories out of that little blue box - let me know because I would spend a lot of money on that!
Have I ever talked about my love affair with macaroni and cheese? No, not the homemade kind (don't tell my mother-in-law because I always tell her that hers is the best!) but the Kraft macaroni and cheese from the box. Yep - the one with the powdered cheese. I use extra butter and make it really creamy...I can easily polish off a whole box alone.
Anyway, my nine year old was begging me to make it for her today but I was worried - can I be strong and not eat her left-overs?? I made turkey burgers (no bun) and a big tossed salad for dinner but that wasn't cutting it for her. I can't blame her - she's very active and has been missing these white starches as much as I have.
So...I did it...I made her a box...just like I always did "pre-BetterU." I completed my work and then took a bite. Yes...I did have a bite. But, guess what? I STOPPED THERE. That's right. One bite and I stayed strong. I just kept the image in my mind of what I want to look like and there is no way Kraft macaroni and cheese is a part of that lifestyle.
If anyone knows of a way to take the sodium, carbs and calories out of that little blue box - let me know because I would spend a lot of money on that!
Looking for Recipe Help
Tonia:
Hello ladies, I am feeling more energetic these days. I completed my first 4 weeks of strong circuit at the gym. Some days seem to be a little more challanging than others staying motivated, especially with my food choices (HELP). I am down 10lbs since our kickoff date but I feel with better nutrition control things would be better. Does anyone have any recipes to share?
Hello ladies, I am feeling more energetic these days. I completed my first 4 weeks of strong circuit at the gym. Some days seem to be a little more challanging than others staying motivated, especially with my food choices (HELP). I am down 10lbs since our kickoff date but I feel with better nutrition control things would be better. Does anyone have any recipes to share?
Smoke Free
Laura:
Just thought I would give an update! I am 11 days today smoke free!! YAY! Doing great with that actually! Been doing well with the gym trying to go Mon thru Fri although my father was taken ill on Wed so I was unable to go then. I am doing well with my diet I think although with the no smoking it seems I am not losing anymore at this point. Apparently it will catch up and I will start to lose. I have decided to make a few changes with my work outs this week and my diet... Maybe that will help! I want to stay away from the smoking but I truly don't want to gain weight! I am still doing good though!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Very Optimistic
Beth:
1.5 pounds lost this week! I'm very optimistic because I spent some time with one of my co-challengers Anna and Sonja from Gold's Gym this morning and they shared with me some new machines and exercises I can do to continue in my effort to get healthy! I am going to add some 'ab' work-outs and also try a few other machines at Gold's that once looked intimidating but now seem do-able!
Have a great weekend! I'll be enjoying my family and my three-year old niece who will be visiting this weekend! I'm sure I will burn plenty of calories chasing her for the next two days!
1.5 pounds lost this week! I'm very optimistic because I spent some time with one of my co-challengers Anna and Sonja from Gold's Gym this morning and they shared with me some new machines and exercises I can do to continue in my effort to get healthy! I am going to add some 'ab' work-outs and also try a few other machines at Gold's that once looked intimidating but now seem do-able!
Have a great weekend! I'll be enjoying my family and my three-year old niece who will be visiting this weekend! I'm sure I will burn plenty of calories chasing her for the next two days!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Staying on the Plan Even in Busy Times
Roseann:
No gym today, was busy preparing for our friend’s arrival. Did yard work and house work. Then, this afternoon walked around the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Liverpool looking at cool cars. Then went shopping, making sure to park at the furthest spot in the parking lot so that we had to walk further. Movement is the key.
Was only 5 calories away from my maximum caloric intake, but I was still below. Was able to have my favorite sandwich (pb&j), and fig newton cookies for dessert after dinner. I love this diet! Need to work on eating more vegetables though.
The next three days we will be busy with our friends at the Syracuse Nationals. Will try to do my best in keeping up the communication.
Weigh in tomorrow morning. Getting nervous, since my exercise was hindered this week.
Leg is almost completely healed, still tight at times, and have to be careful not to walk too fast, but improving daily.
Hope you all have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable weekend!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
No gym today, was busy preparing for our friend’s arrival. Did yard work and house work. Then, this afternoon walked around the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Liverpool looking at cool cars. Then went shopping, making sure to park at the furthest spot in the parking lot so that we had to walk further. Movement is the key.
Was only 5 calories away from my maximum caloric intake, but I was still below. Was able to have my favorite sandwich (pb&j), and fig newton cookies for dessert after dinner. I love this diet! Need to work on eating more vegetables though.
The next three days we will be busy with our friends at the Syracuse Nationals. Will try to do my best in keeping up the communication.
Weigh in tomorrow morning. Getting nervous, since my exercise was hindered this week.
Leg is almost completely healed, still tight at times, and have to be careful not to walk too fast, but improving daily.
Hope you all have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable weekend!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Healthy Choices in a Tough Situation
Roseann:
It was quite a change today from yesterday. I was able to walk much smoother, with less discomfort. I had to go to work this morning, and was moving, moving, moving, getting everything prepared, and then coordinating the physicals. My leg felt really tight afterwards, but decided to go to the gym anyways to try to get some kind of exercise in. I worked on my abs for a little while, and then I thought, why not try the elliptical, just to see how it feels. I got on very hesitantly, and went very, very slow. It didn’t seem to effect my leg at all, so I went to a steady pace and did well. I only went a mile, burned only 124 calories, but it was enough to get my heart rate up, and feel like I was productive. You will be proud of me, I did not push myself. I am learning! LOL
My husband and I are car people, (as I had indicated previously, we will be participating in the Syracuse Nationals this weekend), we went to a car show this evening in North Syracuse. If any of you have been at a car show, you know that they sometimes have food vendors, and they don’t exactly offer the most healthy choices. I was concerned about what I was going to do, when I saw a gentleman eating a Subway sandwich. I inquired around, and found out there was a Subway just across the street, so my husband and I had Subway for dinner. Well, that was an awesome choice. My calories were low enough all day, that I decided to treat myself, and I did. I had a small amount of soft serve vanilla ice cream with peanut butter topping. Well, it was a lot of calories, but because I was good earlier in the day, I only went over by about 31 calories. But not really if you included the almost 400 calories I burnt walking around. Can you believe I took 16,000 steps today! Wow! My largest number yet. Just you wait though, the Nationals are coming, and I know that I will be walking a LOT, so we shall see just how high the count goes!
Today was the start of my husband’s vacation, so we will be very busy this next week and a half, enjoying being together, and having our dearest friends with us starting tomorrow night until Wednesday. Excited and very much looking forward to the next few days. I will do my best to keep in communication as much as I can, but know that if you don’t hear from me, that I am having fun, and will certainly let you know all about it. Friday morning is my next weigh in, wish me luck!
So psyched that some of my friends have begun to make changes in their lives too. Have some friends who have begun a Weight Watchers program, and others who are watching their diets, and increasing their activities. How blessed I am to have been a small part of that. Here’s to healthier U and me!!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
It was quite a change today from yesterday. I was able to walk much smoother, with less discomfort. I had to go to work this morning, and was moving, moving, moving, getting everything prepared, and then coordinating the physicals. My leg felt really tight afterwards, but decided to go to the gym anyways to try to get some kind of exercise in. I worked on my abs for a little while, and then I thought, why not try the elliptical, just to see how it feels. I got on very hesitantly, and went very, very slow. It didn’t seem to effect my leg at all, so I went to a steady pace and did well. I only went a mile, burned only 124 calories, but it was enough to get my heart rate up, and feel like I was productive. You will be proud of me, I did not push myself. I am learning! LOL
My husband and I are car people, (as I had indicated previously, we will be participating in the Syracuse Nationals this weekend), we went to a car show this evening in North Syracuse. If any of you have been at a car show, you know that they sometimes have food vendors, and they don’t exactly offer the most healthy choices. I was concerned about what I was going to do, when I saw a gentleman eating a Subway sandwich. I inquired around, and found out there was a Subway just across the street, so my husband and I had Subway for dinner. Well, that was an awesome choice. My calories were low enough all day, that I decided to treat myself, and I did. I had a small amount of soft serve vanilla ice cream with peanut butter topping. Well, it was a lot of calories, but because I was good earlier in the day, I only went over by about 31 calories. But not really if you included the almost 400 calories I burnt walking around. Can you believe I took 16,000 steps today! Wow! My largest number yet. Just you wait though, the Nationals are coming, and I know that I will be walking a LOT, so we shall see just how high the count goes!
Today was the start of my husband’s vacation, so we will be very busy this next week and a half, enjoying being together, and having our dearest friends with us starting tomorrow night until Wednesday. Excited and very much looking forward to the next few days. I will do my best to keep in communication as much as I can, but know that if you don’t hear from me, that I am having fun, and will certainly let you know all about it. Friday morning is my next weigh in, wish me luck!
So psyched that some of my friends have begun to make changes in their lives too. Have some friends who have begun a Weight Watchers program, and others who are watching their diets, and increasing their activities. How blessed I am to have been a small part of that. Here’s to healthier U and me!!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Making a Promise
Suzanne:
As we start week 4 I am dedicated even more to make this journey the best it can be! I can't lie the last 3 weeks have been a struggle for me, not as far as exercising but bad food choices. I need to get it in my head that just because its there it doesn't mean I have to eat it! I know I can do this and with the help and support of friends and family I am determined to show them I can! Working out at the gym really puts things in perspective for me. It doesn't make sense to work hard there and then eat just any thing! So from this day on I am making myself the promise to do this right and start making healthier choices! Monday I brought my sister to the gym with me and we both worked very hard. It was so nice to have her there to show her some of the things that I do at the gym and the different programs the Gold's gym offers. I went back to the gym on Wednesday and to my surprise I ran into a friend and we exercised together. That was a nice surprise! Yesterday I listened to the conference call from Lisa Cavallaro, she talked about support and how to be self supportive. She talked about us being our biggest critics, and she is right! I have decided to take this journey to make a change in my self and to love who I am! Thank you Lisa for all you support and being part of our journey!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
An Exciting and Positive Change
Beth:
My most exciting and positive change I've seen during this program was experienced today during my annual physical with my primary doctor. Not only was he thrilled with my weight loss but my blood pressure was the BEST it's been in two years!! This has been a constant source of anxiety for me and today my hard work paid off!!
This has encouraged me to double my efforts and maintain this healthy lifestyle. Sure, I've had a few splurges, but I am making better choices 95% of the time (the 5% is reserved for Twin Trees pizza and snickers flurries from Big Dip!) and MOVING with work-outs 5-6 times a day!! Woo-hoo!! I can't wait to see what the next four weeks brings!
Beth
My most exciting and positive change I've seen during this program was experienced today during my annual physical with my primary doctor. Not only was he thrilled with my weight loss but my blood pressure was the BEST it's been in two years!! This has been a constant source of anxiety for me and today my hard work paid off!!
This has encouraged me to double my efforts and maintain this healthy lifestyle. Sure, I've had a few splurges, but I am making better choices 95% of the time (the 5% is reserved for Twin Trees pizza and snickers flurries from Big Dip!) and MOVING with work-outs 5-6 times a day!! Woo-hoo!! I can't wait to see what the next four weeks brings!
Beth
Working Through an Injury
Roseann:
My leg is feeling much better today. I iced and heat packed it yesterday, and took Ibuprofen, and also used an ace wrap to support it. It worked, as I was walking much better with just a hint of a limp. I didn’t go to the gym today, but was able to get a little exercise in.
We have a sugar maple tree that has died, and yesterday, a large limb fell, right in front of our living room window, luckily missing it. We were concerned that more larger and dangerous limbs would fall down with the wind, so my husband took a chain saw and cut a lot of the lower limbs off. I was “picking up sticks” today. I was cleaning up the large heavy limbs, and dragging them to the compost pile, piling up the smaller logs for our outdoor fireplace, and using the wheelbarrow to haul away the smaller debris. I took my time, walked carefully, (my leg was wrapped with an ace for support), and did very well. I know I got a little cardio exercise as I was sweating and my heart rate was up (the heat had something to do with that), plus I was using a lot of arm strength to carry the heavier logs, so I feel good that even though I didn’t go to the gym, I had some form of “exercise” today. I promise though, I will take it easy.
I have something I have to do at the school tomorrow morning, but plan on going to Planet Fitness afterwards, to see if I can do a little workout on the circuit without doing the step portion. A little something is better than nothing, but again, I promise to take it easy and not push myself too hard.
My diet was not “bad”, but because I did not log any exercise, my calories were a little over. (Remember that pizza I had a few days ago? Well, I ate those other two slices, so it was a lot of calories for lunch) I had a light dinner, but I don’t feel bad, as I know that I did have some exercise, so in reality, my caloric intake and output were about even.
We had our conference call today with Lisa Cavallaro. It was good. It was about support, recognizing how others support us, and learning how to be self-supportive. To take what we know about how others support us, and reverse that, and support ourselves. We tend to be our own worst critics, so this is just the first step to self love. We recognize that we are doing this program, because we want to make a change for ourselves, and when this program ends, the change needs to continue. So, instead of relying on others, we are learning to trust and love ourselves enough to be our own best supporters. Thanks Lisa for being part of our support system.
Remember to love yourself, and love your heart. Eat well and exercise, and you too will find your Better U!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
My leg is feeling much better today. I iced and heat packed it yesterday, and took Ibuprofen, and also used an ace wrap to support it. It worked, as I was walking much better with just a hint of a limp. I didn’t go to the gym today, but was able to get a little exercise in.
We have a sugar maple tree that has died, and yesterday, a large limb fell, right in front of our living room window, luckily missing it. We were concerned that more larger and dangerous limbs would fall down with the wind, so my husband took a chain saw and cut a lot of the lower limbs off. I was “picking up sticks” today. I was cleaning up the large heavy limbs, and dragging them to the compost pile, piling up the smaller logs for our outdoor fireplace, and using the wheelbarrow to haul away the smaller debris. I took my time, walked carefully, (my leg was wrapped with an ace for support), and did very well. I know I got a little cardio exercise as I was sweating and my heart rate was up (the heat had something to do with that), plus I was using a lot of arm strength to carry the heavier logs, so I feel good that even though I didn’t go to the gym, I had some form of “exercise” today. I promise though, I will take it easy.
I have something I have to do at the school tomorrow morning, but plan on going to Planet Fitness afterwards, to see if I can do a little workout on the circuit without doing the step portion. A little something is better than nothing, but again, I promise to take it easy and not push myself too hard.
My diet was not “bad”, but because I did not log any exercise, my calories were a little over. (Remember that pizza I had a few days ago? Well, I ate those other two slices, so it was a lot of calories for lunch) I had a light dinner, but I don’t feel bad, as I know that I did have some exercise, so in reality, my caloric intake and output were about even.
We had our conference call today with Lisa Cavallaro. It was good. It was about support, recognizing how others support us, and learning how to be self-supportive. To take what we know about how others support us, and reverse that, and support ourselves. We tend to be our own worst critics, so this is just the first step to self love. We recognize that we are doing this program, because we want to make a change for ourselves, and when this program ends, the change needs to continue. So, instead of relying on others, we are learning to trust and love ourselves enough to be our own best supporters. Thanks Lisa for being part of our support system.
Remember to love yourself, and love your heart. Eat well and exercise, and you too will find your Better U!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
No More Excuses
Jacklin:
Sorry I have been bad with the blogging! I went out of town to Burlington, Vermont last week with my husband for our one year wedding anniversary. The trip was wonderful but I had a hard time being mindful with my eating choices because Burlington has sooo many delicious restaurants!! We did do a lot of walking though, I wish I had a pedometer to track all of my steps like some of the other participants. I plan on getting one this week! Then I was home for 3 days and went away again for a beach reunion with my college friends. Again, wonderful but hard to stay on track. My summer trips are over now though so I have no more excuses!!! I was really excited today be able to listen to the conference call recording with Lisa Cavallaro, she had a lot of awesome tips that I think will help me. Such as making a list of all the excuses I use to not exercise... I am totally someone who can think of just about any excuse to not exercise if I'm feeling lazy that day. Listening to Lisa made me realize just how often I do that and starting now that is going to be my new mantra for the rest of this program... no more excuses! Thank you Lisa for your advice and to all the other participants for motivating me through your actions!
Sorry I have been bad with the blogging! I went out of town to Burlington, Vermont last week with my husband for our one year wedding anniversary. The trip was wonderful but I had a hard time being mindful with my eating choices because Burlington has sooo many delicious restaurants!! We did do a lot of walking though, I wish I had a pedometer to track all of my steps like some of the other participants. I plan on getting one this week! Then I was home for 3 days and went away again for a beach reunion with my college friends. Again, wonderful but hard to stay on track. My summer trips are over now though so I have no more excuses!!! I was really excited today be able to listen to the conference call recording with Lisa Cavallaro, she had a lot of awesome tips that I think will help me. Such as making a list of all the excuses I use to not exercise... I am totally someone who can think of just about any excuse to not exercise if I'm feeling lazy that day. Listening to Lisa made me realize just how often I do that and starting now that is going to be my new mantra for the rest of this program... no more excuses! Thank you Lisa for your advice and to all the other participants for motivating me through your actions!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Staying Positive Through a Setback
Roseann:
I am very frustrated today. I went to the gym to workout, and planned on doing my best to take it easy and not injure my back. Well, my back is fine, but something else happened. I was doing the step portion of the circuit, when I stepped down with my left foot, something “ripped” in my left calf muscle. It was very painful. The personal trainer did his best to help me stretch and massage, but it didn’t help. I stopped where I was, and left for home. I did burn some calories warming up prior to the incident, but my exercise is now on hold until this heals. I will attempt to do some weight and upper body work, but cardio and lower leg work is out. I took some Ibuprofen and have been icing and heat packing it all day. If it isn’t better in a day or two, I will head to the doctor to have it evaluated. Hoping that it heals quickly, and that it is just a minor injury.
I am grateful that they have set up a phone conference so that we can all participate in the support give to us by Lisa Cavallaro, a life coach/weight loss trainer. That way, I don’t miss out on valuable information, and can continue to give and receive support.
My program will continue, I will not give up. This is just a temporary setback, and maybe a very valuable life lesson. That I need to not push myself so much, and slow down just a tad!
I know it is important to rest an injury, but also important to keep moving the muscle to decrease any surrounding inflammation/swelling, and so that the muscle doesn’t stiffen or become too tight. So, I am frequently getting up and moving, so my steps continue. Not at 10,000, that may be too much, but I was able to do about 8,000, so I will keep moving as much as my leg will allow.
Taking it one day and one step at a time.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
I am very frustrated today. I went to the gym to workout, and planned on doing my best to take it easy and not injure my back. Well, my back is fine, but something else happened. I was doing the step portion of the circuit, when I stepped down with my left foot, something “ripped” in my left calf muscle. It was very painful. The personal trainer did his best to help me stretch and massage, but it didn’t help. I stopped where I was, and left for home. I did burn some calories warming up prior to the incident, but my exercise is now on hold until this heals. I will attempt to do some weight and upper body work, but cardio and lower leg work is out. I took some Ibuprofen and have been icing and heat packing it all day. If it isn’t better in a day or two, I will head to the doctor to have it evaluated. Hoping that it heals quickly, and that it is just a minor injury.
I am grateful that they have set up a phone conference so that we can all participate in the support give to us by Lisa Cavallaro, a life coach/weight loss trainer. That way, I don’t miss out on valuable information, and can continue to give and receive support.
My program will continue, I will not give up. This is just a temporary setback, and maybe a very valuable life lesson. That I need to not push myself so much, and slow down just a tad!
I know it is important to rest an injury, but also important to keep moving the muscle to decrease any surrounding inflammation/swelling, and so that the muscle doesn’t stiffen or become too tight. So, I am frequently getting up and moving, so my steps continue. Not at 10,000, that may be too much, but I was able to do about 8,000, so I will keep moving as much as my leg will allow.
Taking it one day and one step at a time.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Monday, July 16, 2012
Dedication and a Cheeseburger Craving
Beth:
As week 4 begins, I am more dedicated that ever to maintain this healthy lifestyle. I look forward to working out and I love watching the number of calories I’m burning go up and up! I took yesterday (Sunday) off from going to the gym. My hubby and I did go for a 1/2hr long brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner and it was nice to connect with him – just the two of us.
I’m always honest though and I’m the first to say that it’s not easy. Especially these last few days I have had ‘PMS’ and I am CRAVING a cheeseburger. A big, juicy bacon-burger with mayonnaise & ketchup... I also want a side of French fries – extra crunchy! And then, an extra thick chocolate milkshake to wash it down…yum!
I’m excited because I’m meeting with our nutritionist today. I desperately need some help in broadening my menu options. I am SICK of tossed salad and grilled meats. I’ll tell you though – this program REALLY WORKS. I am living proof! I stepped on the scale Friday morning and I am down 11 pounds total. I was psyched! That afternoon, I snuck out of work a few minutes early and treated myself to a pedicure! I also stopped at Old Navy and picked up two new tops to wear to the gym. I am purposely not buying clothes right now because my body is changing so much but there is a lot to be said for ‘retail therapy’ so I splurged!
Hope everyone is doing well! And if you find a calorie-free, fat-free bacon cheeseburger – let me know where I go because I would pay an obscene amount of money for that meal right now :-)
As week 4 begins, I am more dedicated that ever to maintain this healthy lifestyle. I look forward to working out and I love watching the number of calories I’m burning go up and up! I took yesterday (Sunday) off from going to the gym. My hubby and I did go for a 1/2hr long brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner and it was nice to connect with him – just the two of us.
I’m always honest though and I’m the first to say that it’s not easy. Especially these last few days I have had ‘PMS’ and I am CRAVING a cheeseburger. A big, juicy bacon-burger with mayonnaise & ketchup... I also want a side of French fries – extra crunchy! And then, an extra thick chocolate milkshake to wash it down…yum!
I’m excited because I’m meeting with our nutritionist today. I desperately need some help in broadening my menu options. I am SICK of tossed salad and grilled meats. I’ll tell you though – this program REALLY WORKS. I am living proof! I stepped on the scale Friday morning and I am down 11 pounds total. I was psyched! That afternoon, I snuck out of work a few minutes early and treated myself to a pedicure! I also stopped at Old Navy and picked up two new tops to wear to the gym. I am purposely not buying clothes right now because my body is changing so much but there is a lot to be said for ‘retail therapy’ so I splurged!
Hope everyone is doing well! And if you find a calorie-free, fat-free bacon cheeseburger – let me know where I go because I would pay an obscene amount of money for that meal right now :-)
Staying Motivated
Tecora:
At the start of week three I am still highly motivated. I keep myself active even if I find myself not getting to the gym. I will ride my exercise bike at home in between home life duties. I have not weighed myself and have not been weighed since the start of the Better U Challenge. So I have no idea of any pounds lost if any? Although, I have been told a few times that my body is beggining to look different & I myself feel better in some of my clothes:) Very encouraging! I thought that a weigh in for my Birthday next week will hopefully be a good Birthday present to myself. Slipping off the food trail and sticking to eating healthy has been the most challenging for me. I am tired of eating salad everyday. I am going to begin to focus more on healthier eating while enjoying other types of food in moderation of course.
At the start of week three I am still highly motivated. I keep myself active even if I find myself not getting to the gym. I will ride my exercise bike at home in between home life duties. I have not weighed myself and have not been weighed since the start of the Better U Challenge. So I have no idea of any pounds lost if any? Although, I have been told a few times that my body is beggining to look different & I myself feel better in some of my clothes:) Very encouraging! I thought that a weigh in for my Birthday next week will hopefully be a good Birthday present to myself. Slipping off the food trail and sticking to eating healthy has been the most challenging for me. I am tired of eating salad everyday. I am going to begin to focus more on healthier eating while enjoying other types of food in moderation of course.
A Successful Weekend
Roseann:
Friday: I lost another pound! Total thus far is 8 pounds. I seem to be losing less and less each week. But, a 1-2 pound weekly weight loss is a healthy weight loss! I have to keep reiterating that to myself. I wore my pedometer while exercising at Planet Fitness today, and by the end of the day, I totaled over 15,000 steps, but that is while wearing it during exercise.
Saturday: Went bicycling in Munnsville, on Rte. 46. I told my husband to never let me do that again on a hot day without water! I did fairly well, I went to the park at the S curves (about 2.4 miles) and turned around, and realized that even though there are lots of hills, and I was up and down, it actually goes more on an incline on the way back than away from the house. I got really tired, and went about another mile, mile and a half, and just had to get off and walk about 3/4 of a mile, until I could catch my breath. I recognized that I was pushing my heart a little too much, and didn’t want to pass out while riding (don’t worry, I was wearing my helmet). That would not have been good. My lips were so chapped I thought they would crack, and was so thirsty! I had forgotten to take my water with me. Bad mistake, one that I will not make again! I came home and drank almost a whole 24 oz bottle of water! Helped me to reach my goal of 8 glasses of water/day though. I ate pizza today! I had such a craving for pizza, that we went and got a Three Meat pizza from Little Caesars. I only had 2 pieces. Before this challenge, I would have had 4 slices. Now that I know how many calories are in one slice, I will stick to two yummy tasting pieces at one setting. See, you really can have what you like, without going hungry or having severe binging, you just have to limit how much you have at one setting. (My other two pieces are in the frig, waiting for me to eat them some time later). I even stayed within my caloric intake! Thanks to my exercise!
Now, for something that almost brought me to tears. In January, I had a couple pairs of size 14 jeans that I bought a long time ago, that I couldn't fit into, I couldn't even pull them closed to button or zip them. Well.... I tried them on, and guess what.... you got it, I COULD BUTTON AND ZIP THEM!! They are still too snug to wear comfortably all day, but I am hoping in a couple of weeks, I will be telling you how I can finally wear them! It was so exciting that I was almost in tears! Thank you AHA!. And to top off my very fantastic Saturday, I made 10,000 steps without wearing it during exercise! It was all just walking during the day. It was the best Saturday I have had in a long time!
Sunday: I designated that today would definitely be a day of rest, for a couple of reasons. 1) You really truly need to rest your muscles to let them heal, so you don't do damage. 2) I think that Friday I did something to my back using the ab machines, because my lower back was aching pretty bad. Didn't help when I had my granddaughter, holding her on my hip, made my back ache more, but it was worth it. I have been so busy with this program that I haven't seen her much, and she is one of my main reasons for doing this. So, hopefully I will be able to exercise hard on Monday. Even though my husband and I walked around Lowe's (walking in stores is a great way to exercise, so long as you have the strength to keep your wallet in your purse), and I did a lot of walking in the house, and with my granddaughter, I didn't make my 10,000 steps. I was between 8 and 9,000. But that is ok, kept my calories less than my daily goal, and got to spend time with family, so all in all, it was a good day, and a great weekend.
Hoping you all had a successful weekend too!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Friday: I lost another pound! Total thus far is 8 pounds. I seem to be losing less and less each week. But, a 1-2 pound weekly weight loss is a healthy weight loss! I have to keep reiterating that to myself. I wore my pedometer while exercising at Planet Fitness today, and by the end of the day, I totaled over 15,000 steps, but that is while wearing it during exercise.
Saturday: Went bicycling in Munnsville, on Rte. 46. I told my husband to never let me do that again on a hot day without water! I did fairly well, I went to the park at the S curves (about 2.4 miles) and turned around, and realized that even though there are lots of hills, and I was up and down, it actually goes more on an incline on the way back than away from the house. I got really tired, and went about another mile, mile and a half, and just had to get off and walk about 3/4 of a mile, until I could catch my breath. I recognized that I was pushing my heart a little too much, and didn’t want to pass out while riding (don’t worry, I was wearing my helmet). That would not have been good. My lips were so chapped I thought they would crack, and was so thirsty! I had forgotten to take my water with me. Bad mistake, one that I will not make again! I came home and drank almost a whole 24 oz bottle of water! Helped me to reach my goal of 8 glasses of water/day though. I ate pizza today! I had such a craving for pizza, that we went and got a Three Meat pizza from Little Caesars. I only had 2 pieces. Before this challenge, I would have had 4 slices. Now that I know how many calories are in one slice, I will stick to two yummy tasting pieces at one setting. See, you really can have what you like, without going hungry or having severe binging, you just have to limit how much you have at one setting. (My other two pieces are in the frig, waiting for me to eat them some time later). I even stayed within my caloric intake! Thanks to my exercise!
Now, for something that almost brought me to tears. In January, I had a couple pairs of size 14 jeans that I bought a long time ago, that I couldn't fit into, I couldn't even pull them closed to button or zip them. Well.... I tried them on, and guess what.... you got it, I COULD BUTTON AND ZIP THEM!! They are still too snug to wear comfortably all day, but I am hoping in a couple of weeks, I will be telling you how I can finally wear them! It was so exciting that I was almost in tears! Thank you AHA!. And to top off my very fantastic Saturday, I made 10,000 steps without wearing it during exercise! It was all just walking during the day. It was the best Saturday I have had in a long time!
Sunday: I designated that today would definitely be a day of rest, for a couple of reasons. 1) You really truly need to rest your muscles to let them heal, so you don't do damage. 2) I think that Friday I did something to my back using the ab machines, because my lower back was aching pretty bad. Didn't help when I had my granddaughter, holding her on my hip, made my back ache more, but it was worth it. I have been so busy with this program that I haven't seen her much, and she is one of my main reasons for doing this. So, hopefully I will be able to exercise hard on Monday. Even though my husband and I walked around Lowe's (walking in stores is a great way to exercise, so long as you have the strength to keep your wallet in your purse), and I did a lot of walking in the house, and with my granddaughter, I didn't make my 10,000 steps. I was between 8 and 9,000. But that is ok, kept my calories less than my daily goal, and got to spend time with family, so all in all, it was a good day, and a great weekend.
Hoping you all had a successful weekend too!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Inspiration from Others
Barb:
Comments from the CNY BetterU Program Participants are both interesting and inspiring! Roseann, you are very creative and motivated in your approach to getting fit. Your ideas about freezing lunch portions and preparing food ahead are so good too.
This week we had a substitute instructor for both the "Aqua Fit" and the "Silver Sneakers" programs. Each instructor approaches the exercise routine in a different manner. I felt so good that I learned new exercises from both. I have muscles I wasn't even aware of. It was fun!
Today, Saturday, my daughter, daughter-in-law and I enjoyed dinner out at a restaurant.and I am proud of the food choices I selected--a green salad and a baked potato with very little butter. At home I ate an apple for dessert. One of my goals is to reduce my LDL cholesterol. I am finding that eating smaller portions at mealtime and adding healthy snacks two times a day results in avoiding overeating at any one meal.
In Week 4, I am looking forward to attending another session with Lisa Cavallaro, a therapist, who is generous in giving her time to us once a week.
All the best to my fellow BetterU program participants as we all strive toward our individual goals to become more heart healthy
Barb Muller
Comments from the CNY BetterU Program Participants are both interesting and inspiring! Roseann, you are very creative and motivated in your approach to getting fit. Your ideas about freezing lunch portions and preparing food ahead are so good too.
This week we had a substitute instructor for both the "Aqua Fit" and the "Silver Sneakers" programs. Each instructor approaches the exercise routine in a different manner. I felt so good that I learned new exercises from both. I have muscles I wasn't even aware of. It was fun!
Today, Saturday, my daughter, daughter-in-law and I enjoyed dinner out at a restaurant.and I am proud of the food choices I selected--a green salad and a baked potato with very little butter. At home I ate an apple for dessert. One of my goals is to reduce my LDL cholesterol. I am finding that eating smaller portions at mealtime and adding healthy snacks two times a day results in avoiding overeating at any one meal.
In Week 4, I am looking forward to attending another session with Lisa Cavallaro, a therapist, who is generous in giving her time to us once a week.
All the best to my fellow BetterU program participants as we all strive toward our individual goals to become more heart healthy
Barb Muller
Friday, July 13, 2012
In a Funk
Sonal:
Yesterday was not a good day. Although I worked out yesterday, I also ate too much last night. And I don't feel good about it. I have to get out of this funk and get back on track.
Yesterday was not a good day. Although I worked out yesterday, I also ate too much last night. And I don't feel good about it. I have to get out of this funk and get back on track.
Changing Recipes
Roseann:
Went to Planet Fitness today. It was great! I did some cardio on my own, and then met their personal trainer. He sat with me, and asked me all kinds of questions, and set up a plan and schedule for a program, specific to my needs. I started with their "circuit" today, and it was just as much fun as at Gold's. They had a couple different machines in the circuit, it also had cardio stations similar to Curves, and it was a great complete body workout. It was also nice being home in about 15 minutes after my workout instead of 45 to 60!
I said yesterday that I knew I was losing abdominal girth because my clothes were fitting better, but today, there was no doubt!. I put on a pair of shorts that used to fit comfortably, not too tight, but not too loose, and thought that if I didn't have the hips I do, they would fall off of me! I told my husband that by the time I am done with this program, I will definitely need some more clothes!
I was thinking about my diet and how I can plan more. I started already this week by opening up a can of tuna, and splitting it into 5 servings, and putting them into containers for lunch. It made it really easy today, when I came home from the gym, I made a sandwich lickety split. Prior to the program, I was already starting to eat "better" by taking soups to lunch for work. I decided today that I would make my own homemade soups and freeze them in single servings for lunch once I go back to work. That way, I know they are low in sodium, and are healthier for me. I am also going to start looking for recipes for low sodium soups and stews, and if I find a recipe that I like but that has too much sodium, fat or cholesterol, I will see how I can change the recipe, so that it is more healthier. I did that this evening with dinner. I cooked instant mashed potatoes, and did not add salt or butter, and used skim milk. They tasted just as good, I added a small amount of butter and a pinch of salt to taste, but used much less than I would have. I even stayed within my caloric intake! Please feel free to share your recipes.
I didn't do 10,000 steps as I had hoped, but was close 9,500. We shall see what tomorrow will bring.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Went to Planet Fitness today. It was great! I did some cardio on my own, and then met their personal trainer. He sat with me, and asked me all kinds of questions, and set up a plan and schedule for a program, specific to my needs. I started with their "circuit" today, and it was just as much fun as at Gold's. They had a couple different machines in the circuit, it also had cardio stations similar to Curves, and it was a great complete body workout. It was also nice being home in about 15 minutes after my workout instead of 45 to 60!
I said yesterday that I knew I was losing abdominal girth because my clothes were fitting better, but today, there was no doubt!. I put on a pair of shorts that used to fit comfortably, not too tight, but not too loose, and thought that if I didn't have the hips I do, they would fall off of me! I told my husband that by the time I am done with this program, I will definitely need some more clothes!
I was thinking about my diet and how I can plan more. I started already this week by opening up a can of tuna, and splitting it into 5 servings, and putting them into containers for lunch. It made it really easy today, when I came home from the gym, I made a sandwich lickety split. Prior to the program, I was already starting to eat "better" by taking soups to lunch for work. I decided today that I would make my own homemade soups and freeze them in single servings for lunch once I go back to work. That way, I know they are low in sodium, and are healthier for me. I am also going to start looking for recipes for low sodium soups and stews, and if I find a recipe that I like but that has too much sodium, fat or cholesterol, I will see how I can change the recipe, so that it is more healthier. I did that this evening with dinner. I cooked instant mashed potatoes, and did not add salt or butter, and used skim milk. They tasted just as good, I added a small amount of butter and a pinch of salt to taste, but used much less than I would have. I even stayed within my caloric intake! Please feel free to share your recipes.
I didn't do 10,000 steps as I had hoped, but was close 9,500. We shall see what tomorrow will bring.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Progress and nerves
Laura:
I know I haven't been blogging much but I've been trying to focus on the smoking thing! I am doing well with that. I have been smoke free now since July 10th and believe it or not I'm still smiling! I am still following my life style change for food intake and working out at gym 3 times a week at least and walking 2 to 3 times at homes per week! Although I don't feel as though I'm losing anything and I'm nervous that if I don't I'll smoke!!! I haven't cheated and feel like I'm doing everything right but I'm afraid to step on the scale and find out the results! :/
I know I haven't been blogging much but I've been trying to focus on the smoking thing! I am doing well with that. I have been smoke free now since July 10th and believe it or not I'm still smiling! I am still following my life style change for food intake and working out at gym 3 times a week at least and walking 2 to 3 times at homes per week! Although I don't feel as though I'm losing anything and I'm nervous that if I don't I'll smoke!!! I haven't cheated and feel like I'm doing everything right but I'm afraid to step on the scale and find out the results! :/
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Surprise Weight Loss
Tonia:
It's been such a busy time juggling work ,family and workouts, but I can tell you I've never felt better. Met with Sonya on Monday for my strong circuit workout and she decided it was time to weigh in. To my suprise I had a 7 lb weight loss. I was overjoyed. Having some difficulty with food choices and menu planning if anyone can help.
It's been such a busy time juggling work ,family and workouts, but I can tell you I've never felt better. Met with Sonya on Monday for my strong circuit workout and she decided it was time to weigh in. To my suprise I had a 7 lb weight loss. I was overjoyed. Having some difficulty with food choices and menu planning if anyone can help.
Feeling Fantastic!
Beth:
It’s been awhile since my last blog – sorry for the delay! Because we live in Syracuse, NY and only have a short window of nice weather, I’ve been taking full advantage of the season!
As of last Friday (July 6) I am down 8 pounds! I can’t tell you how good it feels to step on the scale and see the numbers move down! But weight isn’t the only factor we are considering as a part of this BetterU challenge. It’s overall health and well-being. I can say that after three weeks – I feel fantastic! I have gotten to the point where I can’t wait to go to the gym! My friends and family who are reading this have probably fallen off their chairs! Beth?? Working out?? Seriously? Yes – seriously!
My new love is the elliptical machine. Gold’s Gym has these really cool machines with a TV attached so I can plug in my headphones and watch anything I want! Ellen, Keeping up with the Kardashians, MTV, etc. It’s a great distraction! While I work out, I can see the number of calories I am burning and it really pushes me to continue.
The reason I haven’t blogged recently is because I was on vacation last weekend in Lake Placid. I was a little bit nervous about going away and sticking with my diet and workout routine. I’m not going to lie – it wasn’t easy! The nice thing about our vacation was that it was very active. Lot’s of walking and sightseeing. We also hiked one day at Ausable Chasm which burned a lot of calories. The cool thing is that I didn’t officially ‘work out’ or ‘go to the gym’ but my personal trainer always says that you just need to ‘keep moving’. I was very active while we were away! Between hiking, walking, etc we were always moving. And, it was FUN! I was with my family and we were exploring and seeing new things. Eating was tricky. Looking back, I’m pretty impressed with how I did! For the most part, I made great choices. I did splurge and have Ben & Jerry’s ice cream one day but it was early afternoon and I knew we had a long day of walking ahead of us. The key for me is to never let myself get to the point where I am STARVING. Because then, you eat anything you see (at least I do!) Little snacks throughout the day are KEY. And I drink a lot of water.
In week four, I can say wholeheartedly that I feel really good. I don’t crave sweets and ‘white’ carbs as much as I did before. I look at food as ‘fuel’ and make good choices whenever I can. Tracking my food choices, water and exercise in my mobile app is also a great tool to stay on track.
It’s been awhile since my last blog – sorry for the delay! Because we live in Syracuse, NY and only have a short window of nice weather, I’ve been taking full advantage of the season!
As of last Friday (July 6) I am down 8 pounds! I can’t tell you how good it feels to step on the scale and see the numbers move down! But weight isn’t the only factor we are considering as a part of this BetterU challenge. It’s overall health and well-being. I can say that after three weeks – I feel fantastic! I have gotten to the point where I can’t wait to go to the gym! My friends and family who are reading this have probably fallen off their chairs! Beth?? Working out?? Seriously? Yes – seriously!
My new love is the elliptical machine. Gold’s Gym has these really cool machines with a TV attached so I can plug in my headphones and watch anything I want! Ellen, Keeping up with the Kardashians, MTV, etc. It’s a great distraction! While I work out, I can see the number of calories I am burning and it really pushes me to continue.
The reason I haven’t blogged recently is because I was on vacation last weekend in Lake Placid. I was a little bit nervous about going away and sticking with my diet and workout routine. I’m not going to lie – it wasn’t easy! The nice thing about our vacation was that it was very active. Lot’s of walking and sightseeing. We also hiked one day at Ausable Chasm which burned a lot of calories. The cool thing is that I didn’t officially ‘work out’ or ‘go to the gym’ but my personal trainer always says that you just need to ‘keep moving’. I was very active while we were away! Between hiking, walking, etc we were always moving. And, it was FUN! I was with my family and we were exploring and seeing new things. Eating was tricky. Looking back, I’m pretty impressed with how I did! For the most part, I made great choices. I did splurge and have Ben & Jerry’s ice cream one day but it was early afternoon and I knew we had a long day of walking ahead of us. The key for me is to never let myself get to the point where I am STARVING. Because then, you eat anything you see (at least I do!) Little snacks throughout the day are KEY. And I drink a lot of water.
In week four, I can say wholeheartedly that I feel really good. I don’t crave sweets and ‘white’ carbs as much as I did before. I look at food as ‘fuel’ and make good choices whenever I can. Tracking my food choices, water and exercise in my mobile app is also a great tool to stay on track.
Exercise Plans
Tecora:
Awesome day at the gym. TRX with some of the awesome Better U ladies. Then Elliptical and treadmill. Going to try some different work outs starting next week. Absolutely loved the interview. Awesome representation!!!!!!
Roseann:
Went out to Gold’s again today to do the TRX demo. It was really cool. You use these straps that are tied to a beam and use your own weight as resistance. YOU are the weights, you can work as hard or as easy as you like. But I tried my best to work as hard as I could. The hardest part for me is doing the abdominal work. My core is very weak, and I need a lot of work there. I can’t expect to have a flat abdomen in just a couple of weeks, as it took years for me to create this very large abdominal girth, but if I keep working at it, it will get smaller. And that is very important as it is one of my major risk factors. A large abdominal girth leads to Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. It is one of my major concerns. The doctor told me that I have to lose at least 3 inches off of my waist. I know my clothes are fitting better, so am encouraged about my re-measurement at the end of the program. Wouldn’t it be great if I needed a new wardrobe by September? Every girl likes to shop for new clothes, especially smaller ones!
I have to be honest here and let you know that it has been tough for me, going out to Gold’s gym 2-3x/week, as I live 30 miles away from the gym. So, I decided that I needed to change my focus on how to get my exercise, I need to do more on my own, such as riding a bike (hubby is going to get my bike out tomorrow and make sure it is all set to ride), take more walks, and move, move, move. I also decided to go someplace a little closer to supplement my workouts (but this is not necessary for everyone, just my choice). I went to Planet Fitness yesterday, and got a basic membership. Planet Fitness is only 7 miles away, so it is much easier on the gas bill. I appreciate the staff at Gold’s gym, and they have been so good to me. I will probably only go out there 1-2x/week and try to maximize my time there by doing as many classes as possible while I am there. And by going to Planet Fitness more often, I can maximize my benefits. But you need to remember that you don’t have to go to a gym to get exercise. You can do lots of things at home to burn calories. You can walk, ride a bike, get an exercise video or exercise ball, and exercise right in your own living room. You don’t have to spend money to get healthy. By making healthier choices, eating smaller portions, and moving more, you too can make changes in your life.
I also purchased a pedometer. I bought it late yesterday, so only had done 4,900 steps by bedtime, but I am looking forward to seeing how much walking I will be doing on a daily basis. The goal is to do 10,000 steps a day. Next week is the Syracuse Nationals, and my husband and I go every year, all three days. I had always wondered in previous years how many miles we walked, as my feet would be aching by the time each day was finished, now I will know!
Hope you got a chance to see Sonal and Laura today on Channel 3, they did fantastic!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Awesome day at the gym. TRX with some of the awesome Better U ladies. Then Elliptical and treadmill. Going to try some different work outs starting next week. Absolutely loved the interview. Awesome representation!!!!!!
Roseann:
Went out to Gold’s again today to do the TRX demo. It was really cool. You use these straps that are tied to a beam and use your own weight as resistance. YOU are the weights, you can work as hard or as easy as you like. But I tried my best to work as hard as I could. The hardest part for me is doing the abdominal work. My core is very weak, and I need a lot of work there. I can’t expect to have a flat abdomen in just a couple of weeks, as it took years for me to create this very large abdominal girth, but if I keep working at it, it will get smaller. And that is very important as it is one of my major risk factors. A large abdominal girth leads to Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. It is one of my major concerns. The doctor told me that I have to lose at least 3 inches off of my waist. I know my clothes are fitting better, so am encouraged about my re-measurement at the end of the program. Wouldn’t it be great if I needed a new wardrobe by September? Every girl likes to shop for new clothes, especially smaller ones!
I have to be honest here and let you know that it has been tough for me, going out to Gold’s gym 2-3x/week, as I live 30 miles away from the gym. So, I decided that I needed to change my focus on how to get my exercise, I need to do more on my own, such as riding a bike (hubby is going to get my bike out tomorrow and make sure it is all set to ride), take more walks, and move, move, move. I also decided to go someplace a little closer to supplement my workouts (but this is not necessary for everyone, just my choice). I went to Planet Fitness yesterday, and got a basic membership. Planet Fitness is only 7 miles away, so it is much easier on the gas bill. I appreciate the staff at Gold’s gym, and they have been so good to me. I will probably only go out there 1-2x/week and try to maximize my time there by doing as many classes as possible while I am there. And by going to Planet Fitness more often, I can maximize my benefits. But you need to remember that you don’t have to go to a gym to get exercise. You can do lots of things at home to burn calories. You can walk, ride a bike, get an exercise video or exercise ball, and exercise right in your own living room. You don’t have to spend money to get healthy. By making healthier choices, eating smaller portions, and moving more, you too can make changes in your life.
I also purchased a pedometer. I bought it late yesterday, so only had done 4,900 steps by bedtime, but I am looking forward to seeing how much walking I will be doing on a daily basis. The goal is to do 10,000 steps a day. Next week is the Syracuse Nationals, and my husband and I go every year, all three days. I had always wondered in previous years how many miles we walked, as my feet would be aching by the time each day was finished, now I will know!
Hope you got a chance to see Sonal and Laura today on Channel 3, they did fantastic!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A Different Perspective
Roseann:
Monday: I stayed home and did a lot of housework. Went over in my caloric intake. Felt bad, so made sure I took a walk after dinner, but it wasn’t enough to compensate, so was still a little over by bedtime. Not bad though. Won’t beat myself up like I have before. I know that I made good choices, just need to keep monitoring the intake. Slow and steady....
Tuesday: Went to Gold’s and met with my personal trainer, did some cardio work on something that looks like an elliptical, but is called a “climber”. It was different, but still fun. Then a few of us met with Lisa, the life coach/weight loss trainer. She was great. Gave us a lot to think about. She talked to us about weight loss from a different perspective. It is important to gather all the information you can, from many different perspectives, and do what works for you. We can’t expect that one plan will work for everybody, so it is important to try different avenues, and use what works for us individually. The important thing is that you get started, and try. You will never know if it works, unless you begin. So glad that I have begun to take this journey now, before it is too late.
Wednesday, three of our ladies will be on Today in Central New York. Excited to see them on television. Hope others are encouraged by our stories! Going to Gold’s to do a demo for a program called TRX. The other ladies are saying it is great, so I am looking forward to it. Like I said, you won’t know if you like it until you try it, so here goes......
Monday: I stayed home and did a lot of housework. Went over in my caloric intake. Felt bad, so made sure I took a walk after dinner, but it wasn’t enough to compensate, so was still a little over by bedtime. Not bad though. Won’t beat myself up like I have before. I know that I made good choices, just need to keep monitoring the intake. Slow and steady....
Tuesday: Went to Gold’s and met with my personal trainer, did some cardio work on something that looks like an elliptical, but is called a “climber”. It was different, but still fun. Then a few of us met with Lisa, the life coach/weight loss trainer. She was great. Gave us a lot to think about. She talked to us about weight loss from a different perspective. It is important to gather all the information you can, from many different perspectives, and do what works for you. We can’t expect that one plan will work for everybody, so it is important to try different avenues, and use what works for us individually. The important thing is that you get started, and try. You will never know if it works, unless you begin. So glad that I have begun to take this journey now, before it is too late.
Wednesday, three of our ladies will be on Today in Central New York. Excited to see them on television. Hope others are encouraged by our stories! Going to Gold’s to do a demo for a program called TRX. The other ladies are saying it is great, so I am looking forward to it. Like I said, you won’t know if you like it until you try it, so here goes......
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Challenging Workouts
Suzanne:
Well here it is Monday so soon! I had a great weekend, went to the gym on Sunday and did cardio. That was pretty intense but not as intense as Fit-traxx! That class works your whole core and you feel it for a few days, but I guess that's a good feeling! Wednesday I will be doing the TRX class with my sister, that should be fun! I meet with the nutritionist today and leraned a lot from her to start making health choices. With all the help and support from every body you just can't help but to try and do your best.
Tecora:
Had a great workout today. TRX class with Raelynn is Awesome. She is a great trainer and I found the class to be a lot of fun. Although some parts were very challenging. Everyone should try it out. Hope all is well with everyone.
Well here it is Monday so soon! I had a great weekend, went to the gym on Sunday and did cardio. That was pretty intense but not as intense as Fit-traxx! That class works your whole core and you feel it for a few days, but I guess that's a good feeling! Wednesday I will be doing the TRX class with my sister, that should be fun! I meet with the nutritionist today and leraned a lot from her to start making health choices. With all the help and support from every body you just can't help but to try and do your best.
Tecora:
Had a great workout today. TRX class with Raelynn is Awesome. She is a great trainer and I found the class to be a lot of fun. Although some parts were very challenging. Everyone should try it out. Hope all is well with everyone.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Weekend Successes
Roseann:
Friday: I lost 2 more pounds! It may not seem like a lot, but it is perfect, and a healthy weight loss. I am very psyched! I have lost more pounds these past 2 weeks, than I did in 3 months trying to lose weight on my own. Already, I am a success story, but my story is not completed, there is still a lot more of this journey left! I am hoping that I will be able to reach my goal of a 20 lb weight loss by the end of the 12 weeks. A lofty goal, but an attainable one, if I keep up the momentum and not give up! I saw Barb and Anna at Gold’s again today. We are all so excited about some upcoming events. On Tuesday, we will be meeting with a life coach who will give us lots of encouragement and advice, not just for these next 10 weeks, but also for our continuing journey after this program is complete. On Wednesday, 3 of our challengers will be on television. Channel 3 will be interviewing the ladies on the Today in Central New York show. So, please stay tuned Wednesday morning to see our inspiring and motivated challengers!
I worked hard today at the gym. I went to two classes I hadn’t before, and really enjoyed them. They were Group Power and Group Active. They were fun and I loved the weight work in Group Power, and the combination of cardio, weight work, and yoga with the Group Active. Having fun during your workout, makes it so it doesn’t really seem like work, sort of. LOL
Saturday: Well today I was not able to exercise at all. I took my parents to a memorial service for my dear cousin. The trip was long, and we spent a lot of time with family afterwards. The timing of the drive caused me to not be able to eat lunch. I was pretty hungry by the time the service was over, but I did good. I didn’t go overboard. I sampled a lot of different foods. The hardest part about eating other people’s homemade food is that you really don’t know what the nutritional value is of the foods you ate. So, I did my best guessing and just entered all the food in my log, hoping that I was close to the true caloric intake. I made sure though that I kept the portions low. I had to estimate there too (no measuring cup), so I made sure to keep the portions small. I can tell you however, that if you put a serving spoon of food on your plate, that is approximately 1/4 cup. It is about 3-4 forkfuls, but it is enough to enjoy. I even had desserts! That is what is great about this program, I don’t have to eliminate foods, I just have to be careful about the cholesterol, fat, and sodium content. I can eat foods that I enjoy, I don’t have to starve, as a matter of fact, the log that I use yells at me if I don’t have enough calories by the end of the day, all I have to do is watch my portions. That is very helpful to me, so that I don’t gorge on the bad stuff because I am so hungry, and then give up because I feel that I am unable to continue with the diet. That is what has happened in the past. So, even though I didn’t exercise, I still stayed within my caloric limit. Another successful day.
Sunday: I made up for the lack of exercise on Saturday. I was outside doing yard work from 11:15 am to 6:00 pm. I spent a lot of calories and drank a lot of water! I actually drank the 8 glasses of water per day they recommend, as well as the 2 glasses of lemonade I drank during the day, and the glass of milk I had with dinner. So, I hydrated well, and worked a lot! I have a beautiful yard all nicely mowed and trimmed (so does the neighbor), unfortunately, I neglected other chores, so tomorrow I will be staying at home to complete the laundry and do other household tasks. I don’t mind, I only go to the gym 3 days a week, and it is good to switch the days that I go to the gym, so that I can experience different classes and instructors, and meet other motivated and friendly people.
So, remember to watch Channel 3 news Wednesday morning between 6:00 and 7:00 am to see our lovely ladies and be inspired!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Friday: I lost 2 more pounds! It may not seem like a lot, but it is perfect, and a healthy weight loss. I am very psyched! I have lost more pounds these past 2 weeks, than I did in 3 months trying to lose weight on my own. Already, I am a success story, but my story is not completed, there is still a lot more of this journey left! I am hoping that I will be able to reach my goal of a 20 lb weight loss by the end of the 12 weeks. A lofty goal, but an attainable one, if I keep up the momentum and not give up! I saw Barb and Anna at Gold’s again today. We are all so excited about some upcoming events. On Tuesday, we will be meeting with a life coach who will give us lots of encouragement and advice, not just for these next 10 weeks, but also for our continuing journey after this program is complete. On Wednesday, 3 of our challengers will be on television. Channel 3 will be interviewing the ladies on the Today in Central New York show. So, please stay tuned Wednesday morning to see our inspiring and motivated challengers!
I worked hard today at the gym. I went to two classes I hadn’t before, and really enjoyed them. They were Group Power and Group Active. They were fun and I loved the weight work in Group Power, and the combination of cardio, weight work, and yoga with the Group Active. Having fun during your workout, makes it so it doesn’t really seem like work, sort of. LOL
Saturday: Well today I was not able to exercise at all. I took my parents to a memorial service for my dear cousin. The trip was long, and we spent a lot of time with family afterwards. The timing of the drive caused me to not be able to eat lunch. I was pretty hungry by the time the service was over, but I did good. I didn’t go overboard. I sampled a lot of different foods. The hardest part about eating other people’s homemade food is that you really don’t know what the nutritional value is of the foods you ate. So, I did my best guessing and just entered all the food in my log, hoping that I was close to the true caloric intake. I made sure though that I kept the portions low. I had to estimate there too (no measuring cup), so I made sure to keep the portions small. I can tell you however, that if you put a serving spoon of food on your plate, that is approximately 1/4 cup. It is about 3-4 forkfuls, but it is enough to enjoy. I even had desserts! That is what is great about this program, I don’t have to eliminate foods, I just have to be careful about the cholesterol, fat, and sodium content. I can eat foods that I enjoy, I don’t have to starve, as a matter of fact, the log that I use yells at me if I don’t have enough calories by the end of the day, all I have to do is watch my portions. That is very helpful to me, so that I don’t gorge on the bad stuff because I am so hungry, and then give up because I feel that I am unable to continue with the diet. That is what has happened in the past. So, even though I didn’t exercise, I still stayed within my caloric limit. Another successful day.
Sunday: I made up for the lack of exercise on Saturday. I was outside doing yard work from 11:15 am to 6:00 pm. I spent a lot of calories and drank a lot of water! I actually drank the 8 glasses of water per day they recommend, as well as the 2 glasses of lemonade I drank during the day, and the glass of milk I had with dinner. So, I hydrated well, and worked a lot! I have a beautiful yard all nicely mowed and trimmed (so does the neighbor), unfortunately, I neglected other chores, so tomorrow I will be staying at home to complete the laundry and do other household tasks. I don’t mind, I only go to the gym 3 days a week, and it is good to switch the days that I go to the gym, so that I can experience different classes and instructors, and meet other motivated and friendly people.
So, remember to watch Channel 3 news Wednesday morning between 6:00 and 7:00 am to see our lovely ladies and be inspired!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Friday, July 6, 2012
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Roseann:
Had a wonderful day today cleaning at home. My exercise for today was lifting boxes, sweating in a small room with just a fan, and walking, walking, walking. Needed the day off. Have been working very hard at the gym these past two weeks, and didn’t want to get burnt out. My muscles were a little sore from all the previous hard work, but moving helped to dissipate some of the aching. Tomorrow, I will be going back to the gym to participate in some classes I have not previously attended. Looking forward to working out again.
Tomorrow morning I will be weighing myself again. Looking forward to finding out how much I have lost. Even 1 pound is success. Sometimes we want to see success quickly, and that is one of my greatest faults. I have always been one of those people who is impatient, and gets discouraged if I don’t see immediate results. I usually do well in the beginning, but then get discouraged when I hit a plateau. But I am hoping that this time will be different. Having the support of my fellow challengers, the personal trainers, and my friends and family, has really helped me to believe in myself, and believe that this time, I can accomplish my goals.
One thing I have learned from my trainer, is that weight loss needs to be in small increments. When we lose weight too fast, we tend to put it back on just as quickly. It has been fairly easy so far, but she warned me that the closer I get to my goal weight, the harder it will be to lose the pounds and inches. But, by then, the exercises will become easier, and the focus will change. Meanwhile, my focus remains to keep my calories low and balanced, to minimize my fat and cholesterol, to drink plenty of water, and keep exercising. So far so good.
We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare, well, I need to stop being the hare, and remember that I am the wise and patient tortoise, and slow and steady, wins the race...
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Had a wonderful day today cleaning at home. My exercise for today was lifting boxes, sweating in a small room with just a fan, and walking, walking, walking. Needed the day off. Have been working very hard at the gym these past two weeks, and didn’t want to get burnt out. My muscles were a little sore from all the previous hard work, but moving helped to dissipate some of the aching. Tomorrow, I will be going back to the gym to participate in some classes I have not previously attended. Looking forward to working out again.
Tomorrow morning I will be weighing myself again. Looking forward to finding out how much I have lost. Even 1 pound is success. Sometimes we want to see success quickly, and that is one of my greatest faults. I have always been one of those people who is impatient, and gets discouraged if I don’t see immediate results. I usually do well in the beginning, but then get discouraged when I hit a plateau. But I am hoping that this time will be different. Having the support of my fellow challengers, the personal trainers, and my friends and family, has really helped me to believe in myself, and believe that this time, I can accomplish my goals.
One thing I have learned from my trainer, is that weight loss needs to be in small increments. When we lose weight too fast, we tend to put it back on just as quickly. It has been fairly easy so far, but she warned me that the closer I get to my goal weight, the harder it will be to lose the pounds and inches. But, by then, the exercises will become easier, and the focus will change. Meanwhile, my focus remains to keep my calories low and balanced, to minimize my fat and cholesterol, to drink plenty of water, and keep exercising. So far so good.
We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare, well, I need to stop being the hare, and remember that I am the wise and patient tortoise, and slow and steady, wins the race...
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Independence Day Success
Suzanne:
Well I'm off to a good start on week 2! The 4th of July was pretty easy to deal with, after working 12hrs I really didn't feel like eating much! I went to the gym for the flex trexx demo on Tuesday, it's a class that works every muscle in your body... even muscles I didn't know I had! I get to meet with the nutritionist on Monday, I'm looking forward to that! I just can't get down the fact that when you workout you need to eat more. That's something I have to work on! I'm off to the gym today for a little cardio and hopefully I will run into one of the other participants to join me! I hope all of us continue to stay on track! Together we are all heading for a better life style!
Roseann:
I can’t believe that I actually was able to keep under my calorie goal for the day! (Because I exercised, my calorie intake was increased, so it allowed me to eat 1700 calories instead of my 1400). It was very hard to truly determine if what I was entering in my food diary was accurate, as most of the food I ate this July 4th was homemade, and had no clue what most of the ingredients were in the salads. But, I made sure to not eat a lot of any one thing, and since I ate late in the afternoon, and filled up enough, I did not need to eat dinner, which helped. You should never skip a meal, but sometimes the timing of your picnic is just late enough, that you don’t need to eat dinner, and that is how it worked out for me. I have learned that you should never eat too late, as your body tries to turn that into fat stores, so made sure that I ate well enough, so that I wasn’t hungry during the evening. It was a fantastic day with lots of friends, laughter, good food, and good times.
Going to be home doing projects and chores on Thursday, and back to the gym on Friday. Hoping to get some more classes in. Looking forward to my weigh in Friday morning to see how much I lost. I know that my clothes are fitting better, so I know progress is continuing. So exciting!!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Well I'm off to a good start on week 2! The 4th of July was pretty easy to deal with, after working 12hrs I really didn't feel like eating much! I went to the gym for the flex trexx demo on Tuesday, it's a class that works every muscle in your body... even muscles I didn't know I had! I get to meet with the nutritionist on Monday, I'm looking forward to that! I just can't get down the fact that when you workout you need to eat more. That's something I have to work on! I'm off to the gym today for a little cardio and hopefully I will run into one of the other participants to join me! I hope all of us continue to stay on track! Together we are all heading for a better life style!
I can’t believe that I actually was able to keep under my calorie goal for the day! (Because I exercised, my calorie intake was increased, so it allowed me to eat 1700 calories instead of my 1400). It was very hard to truly determine if what I was entering in my food diary was accurate, as most of the food I ate this July 4th was homemade, and had no clue what most of the ingredients were in the salads. But, I made sure to not eat a lot of any one thing, and since I ate late in the afternoon, and filled up enough, I did not need to eat dinner, which helped. You should never skip a meal, but sometimes the timing of your picnic is just late enough, that you don’t need to eat dinner, and that is how it worked out for me. I have learned that you should never eat too late, as your body tries to turn that into fat stores, so made sure that I ate well enough, so that I wasn’t hungry during the evening. It was a fantastic day with lots of friends, laughter, good food, and good times.
Going to be home doing projects and chores on Thursday, and back to the gym on Friday. Hoping to get some more classes in. Looking forward to my weigh in Friday morning to see how much I lost. I know that my clothes are fitting better, so I know progress is continuing. So exciting!!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Hitting a Wall and Preparing for the 4th
Beth:
Tuesday I hit the proverbial wall. It isn’t just 'any old' wall – it’s a huge brick wall and it’s made of pizza and wings. Ugh.
I’ve done great for the past week and a half. I haven’t ‘fallen off the wagon’ yet and I’ve been working out with my trainer at Gold’s Gym. I’ve followed the program to the letter. The weight is coming off, my clothes are fitting well and I feel great. But man, I would kill for pizza and wings from Twin Trees. Extra cheese on the pizza and extra blue cheese for the wings. I am drooling on the keyboard as I write this…
I know that everything should be in moderation and I should probably allow myself a small portion; but would I be undoing all the good I’ve done for the past 10 days? I am in desperate need of meeting with the program’s nutritionist at St. Joseph’s. I haven’t made time to do this yet and I think that’s why I’m struggling. I need balance in all aspects of this lifestyle change and I need to incorporate the nutritionist. Maybe then I will feel more satisfied after my meals and I won’t crave food like pizza. Wish me luck as I continue this journey to a healthy lifestyle. And please say a prayer that pizza and wings is somewhere in that lifestyle plan!
Roseann:
Had a great workout Tuesday with Beth and Tonia. We did the circuit together. I can’t begin to tell you how fun it was. We were able to talk about each other’s progress, our weaknesses, our strengths, and our goals. That alone was great, but then working out together was the icing on the cake! We are all excited and yet very nervous about tomorrow (the 4th).
Most of us will be going to picnics and family gatherings, and as you well know, where there are Americans gathering, there is always an abundance of food! There will be a lot where my husband and I are going, so I will do my best to take an overview of what is there, determine what is the healthiest, and try to limit the servings. Better to have a tiny bit of several things, than to have a lot of the “not-so-good” for you foods. As Americans, we tend to overeat, and over emphasize our personal serving sizes. This program, has helped me to recognize that I ate way too much, and what I considered a “serving” was actually much, much more. So, I will continue to work on my portions and “downsize” my plate.
I was sore from the previous exercise routine I did on Monday, but pushed myself to do some abdominal and oblique work after being on the elliptical for 30 minutes today. Then did the circuit with the girls. Found some new toys to play with, (strength training machines), so I am looking forward to going back later on this week.
Discovered that the program I am using to journal my food, also helps me to monitor my sodium and cholesterol intake. Was surprised to find out that 3 out of the past 8 days I have been on, I have gone over my sodium level, sometimes by quite a bit. Also noticed that when I did, it was from processed foods. You would be surprised how much sodium is hidden in processed meals/foods. Will be closely monitoring that now.
Hoping that you all have a wonderful, fun filled, safe, and healthy July 4th!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Sonal:
It is hard to believe that it has already been ten days. I just wanted to give everyone some words of encouragement for the holiday. Be strong and think of how much you have already accomplished. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July.
Tuesday I hit the proverbial wall. It isn’t just 'any old' wall – it’s a huge brick wall and it’s made of pizza and wings. Ugh.
I’ve done great for the past week and a half. I haven’t ‘fallen off the wagon’ yet and I’ve been working out with my trainer at Gold’s Gym. I’ve followed the program to the letter. The weight is coming off, my clothes are fitting well and I feel great. But man, I would kill for pizza and wings from Twin Trees. Extra cheese on the pizza and extra blue cheese for the wings. I am drooling on the keyboard as I write this…
I know that everything should be in moderation and I should probably allow myself a small portion; but would I be undoing all the good I’ve done for the past 10 days? I am in desperate need of meeting with the program’s nutritionist at St. Joseph’s. I haven’t made time to do this yet and I think that’s why I’m struggling. I need balance in all aspects of this lifestyle change and I need to incorporate the nutritionist. Maybe then I will feel more satisfied after my meals and I won’t crave food like pizza. Wish me luck as I continue this journey to a healthy lifestyle. And please say a prayer that pizza and wings is somewhere in that lifestyle plan!
Roseann:
Had a great workout Tuesday with Beth and Tonia. We did the circuit together. I can’t begin to tell you how fun it was. We were able to talk about each other’s progress, our weaknesses, our strengths, and our goals. That alone was great, but then working out together was the icing on the cake! We are all excited and yet very nervous about tomorrow (the 4th).
Most of us will be going to picnics and family gatherings, and as you well know, where there are Americans gathering, there is always an abundance of food! There will be a lot where my husband and I are going, so I will do my best to take an overview of what is there, determine what is the healthiest, and try to limit the servings. Better to have a tiny bit of several things, than to have a lot of the “not-so-good” for you foods. As Americans, we tend to overeat, and over emphasize our personal serving sizes. This program, has helped me to recognize that I ate way too much, and what I considered a “serving” was actually much, much more. So, I will continue to work on my portions and “downsize” my plate.
I was sore from the previous exercise routine I did on Monday, but pushed myself to do some abdominal and oblique work after being on the elliptical for 30 minutes today. Then did the circuit with the girls. Found some new toys to play with, (strength training machines), so I am looking forward to going back later on this week.
Discovered that the program I am using to journal my food, also helps me to monitor my sodium and cholesterol intake. Was surprised to find out that 3 out of the past 8 days I have been on, I have gone over my sodium level, sometimes by quite a bit. Also noticed that when I did, it was from processed foods. You would be surprised how much sodium is hidden in processed meals/foods. Will be closely monitoring that now.
Hoping that you all have a wonderful, fun filled, safe, and healthy July 4th!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Sonal:
It is hard to believe that it has already been ten days. I just wanted to give everyone some words of encouragement for the holiday. Be strong and think of how much you have already accomplished. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Little Changes in Week 2
Anna:
Challenge 10,000 steps a day with pedometer. So I am getting myself moving! I am making little changes to increase the amount of steps each day. Parking further away from store, going up and down steps in house more, walking after dinner...it all adds up.
Challenge 10,000 steps a day with pedometer. So I am getting myself moving! I am making little changes to increase the amount of steps each day. Parking further away from store, going up and down steps in house more, walking after dinner...it all adds up.
Cooking Healthier
Roseann:
Experienced the Fit-Trax demo at Gold’s Gym today. Wow, was that intense! Could feel my core working very hard. I like the diversity of Gold’s Gym, they have so many different classes and forms of exercise that you can pick and choose from. This is one program that I choose not to do. It was a bit much for me at this point in my journey. It would be good though for those who have more exercise experience under their belt, and are a little more heart healthy. They guarantee results, and I know now why! Looking forward to going back to the spinning, sculpt, and yoga classes!
Will be doing the circuit tomorrow with my personal trainer, and will be joining Beth. It is so much more fun to work out with a friend. Makes you feel better to have someone there, encouraging you along, especially when it gets really tough!
Some of us are using a program online to calculate calorie intake and burning. The program allows us to also calculate the nutritional value of foods that we make homemade. I made a sweet sausage stew today. My husband’s favorite. I was able to insert all the ingredients, and find out just how many calories I was consuming per serving. That was just so cool! It is great because homemade stews and soups are so much better for you, especially if you use low sodium ingredients, don’t add salt, and use other spices to enhance the flavor. I made it, and felt so good to know that I had created a meal that was so very healthy right in my own kitchen. Can’t wait to make more! I am ecstatic that by just changing a few ingredients, you can make meals that you love, that are heart healthy too!
I have noticed that my clothes feel as if they are fitting a little better. Look forward to seeing just how many inches I lose on my waist when this program is complete! I have two pairs of jeans that I am hoping to fit into shortly. I will be dancing for joy, the day I do! Hope you are moving more, and feeling better like me today!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Experienced the Fit-Trax demo at Gold’s Gym today. Wow, was that intense! Could feel my core working very hard. I like the diversity of Gold’s Gym, they have so many different classes and forms of exercise that you can pick and choose from. This is one program that I choose not to do. It was a bit much for me at this point in my journey. It would be good though for those who have more exercise experience under their belt, and are a little more heart healthy. They guarantee results, and I know now why! Looking forward to going back to the spinning, sculpt, and yoga classes!
Will be doing the circuit tomorrow with my personal trainer, and will be joining Beth. It is so much more fun to work out with a friend. Makes you feel better to have someone there, encouraging you along, especially when it gets really tough!
Some of us are using a program online to calculate calorie intake and burning. The program allows us to also calculate the nutritional value of foods that we make homemade. I made a sweet sausage stew today. My husband’s favorite. I was able to insert all the ingredients, and find out just how many calories I was consuming per serving. That was just so cool! It is great because homemade stews and soups are so much better for you, especially if you use low sodium ingredients, don’t add salt, and use other spices to enhance the flavor. I made it, and felt so good to know that I had created a meal that was so very healthy right in my own kitchen. Can’t wait to make more! I am ecstatic that by just changing a few ingredients, you can make meals that you love, that are heart healthy too!
I have noticed that my clothes feel as if they are fitting a little better. Look forward to seeing just how many inches I lose on my waist when this program is complete! I have two pairs of jeans that I am hoping to fit into shortly. I will be dancing for joy, the day I do! Hope you are moving more, and feeling better like me today!
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Monday, July 2, 2012
Staying Focused for Week 2
Tecora:
Watched what I ate all weekend. But was very unproductive exercise wise. Today is a new day. Have gotten a lot of supportive words this morning from family and friends. FOCUSED!
Beth:
Everyone looks forward to the weekend -especially in the summer! But I was actually dreading it last week! Weekends to me are for having fun and usually eating out a few times. Eating out it hard when you're getting healthy. Sure, there are always a few healthy choices on the menu, but it's not just fat you keep in mind, it's sodium, portion size etc.
If nothing else, we'll save money during this challenge! We ate home all weekend and that allowed me to continue making healthy choices. We did eat lunch out on Saturday because I was out of town at a hockey tournament with my daughter. I ordered grilled tilapia. And a side of vegetables (no extra butter or salt!) Yes, I wanted nachos as an appetizer and I definitely wanted the chocolate/peanut butter pie for lunch but I want to be healthy more! I had to ask the waitress to take the bread basket off the table - too much temptation!
Weekends to me are always family-time too. I had already decided that I would not go to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Since I had worked out four days in a row, I took Saturday off. Sunday, we wanted to get outside and enjoy the great weather so we spent the afternoon hiking Chittenango Falls. This is not something we would normally do because I wouldn't think I could do it. Instead of avoiding the challenge, I tok it head on! We hiked for well over an hour - with lots of rests -and it was a perfect day! I enjoyed being with the family and working out without being inside the gym. Plus, it burned a ton of calories!
I can trade eating out for being healthy. I'm OK with making that sacrifice. Eventually, I will get to a point when I can start going to restaurants more often and making good choices, but I want to be really good and jump-start my success.
Starting week two today and I'm more motivated than ever! I wore shorts yesterday that have always been tight on me and uncomfortable to wear but I buttoned them with room to spare. That moment of looking in the mirror and not having the button dig into my belly was the best feeling and drives me to want to continue.
Happy Monday Everyone!
Watched what I ate all weekend. But was very unproductive exercise wise. Today is a new day. Have gotten a lot of supportive words this morning from family and friends. FOCUSED!
Beth:
Everyone looks forward to the weekend -especially in the summer! But I was actually dreading it last week! Weekends to me are for having fun and usually eating out a few times. Eating out it hard when you're getting healthy. Sure, there are always a few healthy choices on the menu, but it's not just fat you keep in mind, it's sodium, portion size etc.
If nothing else, we'll save money during this challenge! We ate home all weekend and that allowed me to continue making healthy choices. We did eat lunch out on Saturday because I was out of town at a hockey tournament with my daughter. I ordered grilled tilapia. And a side of vegetables (no extra butter or salt!) Yes, I wanted nachos as an appetizer and I definitely wanted the chocolate/peanut butter pie for lunch but I want to be healthy more! I had to ask the waitress to take the bread basket off the table - too much temptation!
Weekends to me are always family-time too. I had already decided that I would not go to the gym on Saturday or Sunday. Since I had worked out four days in a row, I took Saturday off. Sunday, we wanted to get outside and enjoy the great weather so we spent the afternoon hiking Chittenango Falls. This is not something we would normally do because I wouldn't think I could do it. Instead of avoiding the challenge, I tok it head on! We hiked for well over an hour - with lots of rests -and it was a perfect day! I enjoyed being with the family and working out without being inside the gym. Plus, it burned a ton of calories!
I can trade eating out for being healthy. I'm OK with making that sacrifice. Eventually, I will get to a point when I can start going to restaurants more often and making good choices, but I want to be really good and jump-start my success.
Starting week two today and I'm more motivated than ever! I wore shorts yesterday that have always been tight on me and uncomfortable to wear but I buttoned them with room to spare. That moment of looking in the mirror and not having the button dig into my belly was the best feeling and drives me to want to continue.
Happy Monday Everyone!
A Great Weekend and Little Changes
Roseann:
It was a great weekend!
Friday: I LOST 5 POUNDS!! I was so pleased when I stepped on my scales, to see that I had lost weight. But the difference this time, was not just that I lost, but knowing that it was a healthy weight loss. One that I had truly earned. A loss that was the beginning of a much healthier road for me. That was a great way to start out my day, considering it was my anniversary. My husband and I had planned on going to dinner and a movie. We went to Kirby’s to eat, and I made very good choices. I chose the Broiled Boston Haddock, broccoli, and a baked potato. I was very careful not to use too much butter. I didn’t get dessert, not just because I needed to save room for popcorn, but because I really didn’t need or want it. At the movies, I chose a smaller popcorn (we always used to get the jumbo and share). I also had water instead of a soft drink. Because of the exercise I did earlier in the day, I had enough calories to not go over my daily limit. But I did go over in fat. Too much butter. Need to keep the fat content down, that is my problem area, and if I want to see changes in my “numbers” (cholesterol and LDL), I need to keep the fat down. It was a great day all around though.
Saturday: I didn’t go to the gym, but had a great time exercising in another way. My husband and I went to our parents houses that afternoon, he dropped me off at my parents and went to his parents with our vehicle. After I was done weeding their small gardens, I decided that instead of waiting for my husband to pick me up, to take a walk and meet him where he was, and so I did. I took a walk just over 2 miles to my in-laws house. It felt great to be enjoying the beautiful weather, walking in my old home town and seeing the neighborhoods, listening to the birds, feeling the warm sun on my face, and knowing I was doing something healthy. It doesn’t get much better than that! Unfortunately, the program that I am using does not calculate small calorie burning chores I performed earlier in the day such as, hand washing, drying and putting away the dishes, laundry (hanging it out on the line), vacuuming and mopping. Even though I didn’t have a number, I knew that those chores that I did, were burning calories. Remember that moving is the key. You don’t have to do heavy, high impact exercises to burn calories. For some people, just moving more, is the key to starting to be more healthy. Parking just a little farther in the parking lot at the grocery store, taking a walk instead of watching tv, riding a bike instead of driving, all of these are simple choice changes that can make a big difference in the long run. So, even though the computer said my calories were a little high that day, because it did not have all of my exercise calories entered, I knew that it was still a good healthy day.
Sunday: I had my granddaughter today. I know that playing with a busy 9 month old who was crawling around my floors, who can now stand up while she is holding on to something, helped burn lots of calories! I was constantly moving with her. Picking her up, walking with her while holding her hands. She is one of the main reasons I chose to do this program. I want to be able to keep up with her. To play with her, when she is old enough to say, “play with me Grandma”, and be able to without hesitation. I want to be the “fun” grandmother who does cartwheels with her, and jump rope with her. I look forward to those days! I know that with each day I eat right and exercise, I am that much closer to returning to a better state of health. Not too much to report except that I am grateful to have her, as she is such a blessing in my life, and how blessed I am to be here, telling you my story, hoping that this encourages you to begin to make your healthy changes.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
It was a great weekend!
Friday: I LOST 5 POUNDS!! I was so pleased when I stepped on my scales, to see that I had lost weight. But the difference this time, was not just that I lost, but knowing that it was a healthy weight loss. One that I had truly earned. A loss that was the beginning of a much healthier road for me. That was a great way to start out my day, considering it was my anniversary. My husband and I had planned on going to dinner and a movie. We went to Kirby’s to eat, and I made very good choices. I chose the Broiled Boston Haddock, broccoli, and a baked potato. I was very careful not to use too much butter. I didn’t get dessert, not just because I needed to save room for popcorn, but because I really didn’t need or want it. At the movies, I chose a smaller popcorn (we always used to get the jumbo and share). I also had water instead of a soft drink. Because of the exercise I did earlier in the day, I had enough calories to not go over my daily limit. But I did go over in fat. Too much butter. Need to keep the fat content down, that is my problem area, and if I want to see changes in my “numbers” (cholesterol and LDL), I need to keep the fat down. It was a great day all around though.
Saturday: I didn’t go to the gym, but had a great time exercising in another way. My husband and I went to our parents houses that afternoon, he dropped me off at my parents and went to his parents with our vehicle. After I was done weeding their small gardens, I decided that instead of waiting for my husband to pick me up, to take a walk and meet him where he was, and so I did. I took a walk just over 2 miles to my in-laws house. It felt great to be enjoying the beautiful weather, walking in my old home town and seeing the neighborhoods, listening to the birds, feeling the warm sun on my face, and knowing I was doing something healthy. It doesn’t get much better than that! Unfortunately, the program that I am using does not calculate small calorie burning chores I performed earlier in the day such as, hand washing, drying and putting away the dishes, laundry (hanging it out on the line), vacuuming and mopping. Even though I didn’t have a number, I knew that those chores that I did, were burning calories. Remember that moving is the key. You don’t have to do heavy, high impact exercises to burn calories. For some people, just moving more, is the key to starting to be more healthy. Parking just a little farther in the parking lot at the grocery store, taking a walk instead of watching tv, riding a bike instead of driving, all of these are simple choice changes that can make a big difference in the long run. So, even though the computer said my calories were a little high that day, because it did not have all of my exercise calories entered, I knew that it was still a good healthy day.
Sunday: I had my granddaughter today. I know that playing with a busy 9 month old who was crawling around my floors, who can now stand up while she is holding on to something, helped burn lots of calories! I was constantly moving with her. Picking her up, walking with her while holding her hands. She is one of the main reasons I chose to do this program. I want to be able to keep up with her. To play with her, when she is old enough to say, “play with me Grandma”, and be able to without hesitation. I want to be the “fun” grandmother who does cartwheels with her, and jump rope with her. I look forward to those days! I know that with each day I eat right and exercise, I am that much closer to returning to a better state of health. Not too much to report except that I am grateful to have her, as she is such a blessing in my life, and how blessed I am to be here, telling you my story, hoping that this encourages you to begin to make your healthy changes.
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann
Sunday, July 1, 2012
A New Lifestyle
Laura:
I went to the Group Active class at the gym on Friday morning and it was WONDERFUL! I was there with Tonia and we had a great time. We are meeting for the 545 am class Monday morning also. Mornings work best for her and I. I then came in on Saturday and met with Sonya again and weighed in and was very happy to learn that I was down 2.5 pounds in only 4 days! That made me feel very good and gave me more energy and encouragement to keep going! I attended several graduation parties yesterday and have several more today and still followed my diet or as I am going to call it now my "new lifestyle" as that sounds better to me than a diet! I am still waiting on my CHANTIX to arrive so I did email Leslie at the wellness center and left a message for the nutritionist on Friday to get some tips. If I can get working on the smoking then I will really be heading in the perfect direction!
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