I Want To Eat ALL The Things

I am starving this morning.  Starving, I tell ya! Ok, obviously not literally (first world problems much?)  But I did wake up feeling oh-so-very hungry today.  I could eat all the things.

What I really want is a chicken biscuit from Chickfila, complete with potato rounds and a big lemonade.  Or a giant bowl of sugary cereal.

It's all about choices. Sugar cereal and fast food are not part of my healthier eating program.  So, I'll skip them.

What I am going to eat is an egg sandwich with a side of light Greek yogurt and berries.  Which I know will satisfy my hunger just as well as the other.  Or better.

It's worth it.  I am making some 5 point flat bread pizza for dinner.  And I am looking forward to that.  Because... pizza.

Weekly Goal: Drink More Water

My water consumption has been...  well... lacking... in recent weeks.  I've allowed myself to slide back into some bad habits.  But in my defense - Dr Pepper is just soooo good.  What?  Not a valid excuse?  OK, I know that.

But that's all about to change. This is one of those areas where I'm going to be #better this year - thanks to this little beauty:

I first saw these online when they were featured in a post at Robin Charmagne's That's So Pretty  blog.  But it was one of those "that's pretty neat, but do I really need it" kind of things.  After that it slipped my mind until Christmas came around and I was having a hard time coming up with a wish list.  It was nestled under the tree Christmas morning.  (Oh, and just in case anyone worries that I only got a straw cup for Christmas - don't you fret... it was right there beside a new purse with matching accessories and some smell-good items, along with a few other goodies)

Here's how it works:  the bottle holds 20 oz of fluids.  Every time you finish a bottle, you move one of the colorful bands up.

All day long you know exactly how much water you have consumed.  Or not consumed, as the case may be.

Pretty.  Clever.  I'm loving it!  (Thanks sweetie!) So much, that I'm not even gonna tell you how much it bothered me that the band's were not in rainbow order when it arrived.

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The Reality of Getting Healthy

I was recently asked in the comments here on the blog about how that whole healthier living thing has been going, noting I haven't mentioned it recently.

There's a reason for that.  I hadn't mentioned it because you can't talk bit how something is going when, quite truthfully, it hasn't been going much of anywhere.

You see, as far as the whole healthy living thing- I was failing pretty miserably at it. I was still eating a lot of junk.  Not exercising.  And my weight had actually gone up a few pounds rather than heading in that downward direction I had intended.

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And I was embarrassed to pull that reality out into the open where not only could everyone else see it; but I would be forced to look at for what it really was.

However, I am pleased to report that things are beginning to turn around.

Over the past three weeks, thanks to plenty of encouragement and gentle prodding from the Man of the House, I have totally revamped how I eat.  No wheat/gluten, no dairy, and no processed sugars.  Less meat. More fruits and veggies.

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=108930&picture=fruits-on-a-plate&large=1

I haven't been exercising as much as I should.  But after a weekend walking the historic streets of Charleston and going to the park for a walk yesterday evening with the Man of the House - I believe there are improvements being made in that area also.

I'm feeling good.  The eczema on my elbows and ankle has pretty much disappeared!  I have had minimal to no pain from my fibroids this month!  I have already lost 8 to 9 pounds (depending on what time of day I step on the scale).  And I am actually looking forward to going back to the doctor for the follow up on my cholesterol!

So,  that's the reality of where things currently stand with my health.

What are some of your best tips for healthier living?

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A Couple of Weeks Gone By

I am now about 3 weeks into this whole "being healthier and getting the cholesterol" thing.  And the honest to goodness truth is - it's harder than I thought it would be.  I think I have a  problem when it comes to sweets and junk.  Not kidding here. 

I'm trying.  Really, I am.  And over all I would say I am doing better.  Not great yet, but better.  There have been a few things which made it very challenging for me.  For example, the grand baby's birthday cupcakes.  Who turns down a chocolate cupcake?  Apparently, not me. 

My water drinking has been down this week.  If I don't stay on top of that, it is very easy to let it slip and then get to the end of the day to realize I haven't even had half of what I should. 

photo - publicdomainpictures.net

There have also been some small victories.  On Superbowl Sunday I limited myself to a veggie and hummus wrap, a few baked chips, and the veggie tray for snackies.  And I did refrain from ordering the mocha frappucino and chocolate croissant I really wanted at Starbucks the other day and ordered just a nonfat latte. 

Small steps lead to big changes.  That's what I keep trying to convince myself. 

Today:  February 6
Start Weight: 167.8 lbs
Weight Today: 163.6
 This week I exercised: none
Steps walked:  19707 (forgot to put on FitBit Sunday, which is sad because we went to Sam's and the grocery store.  Missed all those steps!)


My goals for Week 4:
*  Drink enough water
*  Wear FitBit daily
*  Increase daily step totals to at least 5000 per day
*  Exercise at least 3 days

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The Journey Has Begun

This week was... well it was a start.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

I'm not gonna lie.  Last weekend as a sort of last hurrah to my bad habits, I indulged in some chocolate fudge brownies with cream cheese frosting.  And I had the man fix me a big juicy blue cheese burger with fries.  After that though It. Was. On.

I did well with healthier eating.  Making myself eat breakfast - usually oatmeal with some Chia seeds added to it along with a handful of chopped walnuts and sprinkle of cinnamon.  Although I also discovered these Cheerios Ancient Grains which are quite yummy with a little almond milk.  (thank you Amanda for the heads up on those!)

I'm struggling with lunch a little.  I don't like to put a lot of fuss or time into making myself a lunch.  Because of that this week it has been a salad or a Hummus and veggie sandwich on whole wheat flat breads.  I think next week I might try making a quinoa and veggie salad that can last me a few days.

I am drinking a lot more water.  Haven't had a soda since last weekend. I also found the power to walk right past Starbucks, not once - but Twice this week!

Exercise.  Um..  well.  I really want to give an excuse about how the whole week was thrown off by the holiday and a teacher work day or whatever.  But when you get right down to it - I just didn't make time for it.

I did wear my FitBit (since about noon on Monday when I finally figured out where I had left it) and am much more aware of how much I am not moving.  It's something I know I need to work on.

Today:  January 23
Start Weight: 167.8 lbs
Weight Today: 164.0 lbs
This week I exercised: none
Steps walked:  13785

My goal updates for Week 1:
*  Drink enough water ✔
*  Wear FitBit daily ✔
*  Exercise at least 3 to 5 days

My goals for Week 2:
*  Drink enough water
*  Wear FitBit daily
*  Increase daily step totals
*  Exercise at least 3 days

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Three Things: I Want To Do This Year

I didn't make any actual resolutions for this year, choosing instead to focus on one word to better myself and my life throughout the year.  That doesn't mean I don't have some goals I want to accomplish this year!  Here are just three of the things I want to do this year:

1)  HAVE MORE FUN WITH THE MAN OF THE HOUSE:  
This was actually his idea.  We want to start doing some of those "someday we should..." things.  Laugh together.  Play together.  Make time to do more things we enjoy together.

2)  GET MY CHOLESTEROL UNDER CONTROL:
I discussed this in quite some detail in my Wake Up Call post last week.  No need to bore you by rehashing the details. I will be posting a weekly update tomorrow.

3)  AT LEAST DOUBLE MY ETSY SALES FOR  LAST YEAR:
Last year wasn't a bad year for Queen B's Busy Work,  but it wasn't exactly what I would call stellar either.  I plan to make efforts to at least double last year's numbers.

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Wake Up Call

One afternoon you're sitting on the couch, minding your own business, happily eating cheetos right out of the bag (no judgment) when the phone rings.  You casually lick florescent  orange powder off your fingers and take the call.

That call.  The one from your doctor with your lab results.  Telling you that your cholesterol is too high and she wants to discuss a management plan with you as soon as possible.

You go in the next day.  Your cholesterol isn't just "kind of" high.  It's high - period.  It's all just a big mess.  Bad cholesterol is too high.  Good cholesterol is too low.  Triglycerides are through the roof.  This isn't good.

Not. Good.  At all.

You know you've put on a little quite a bit of weight in the past couple of years.  You haven't been exercising for the last several months.  Your eating habits have been on a down hill slide recently.

But you didn't expect this.  This is a big red flag being waved right in front of you.  Alarm bells are ringing. This is your wake up call.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

It's time to get serious about your health.

I say "you" - what I mean is "me".

I've been kidding myself.  Making excuses.  Turning a blind eye.

"It's not that much weight"

"A lot of people eat worse than I do"

"I'll start exercising again soon"

"I deserve a treat because _____"

But I'll be honest - this shook me up.  Put a scare into me.  Got my attention.

It's time to stop the excuses and get real.  Take charge of my health and make some permanent changes.

Healthier eating.  Reading labels, making better choices, tracking calories.

Regular exercise. Wearing the FitBit and tracking my steps.  It's no longer a matter of "I don't really want to".  Now it's a matter of "I have to".

This will be my journey toward health.  I'm inviting all of you along with me to keep myself accountable.  And maybe for a little moral support from time to time.  I plan to post weekly updates to start.  And we'll see where this goes from there.

So, here it is - I am embarrassed  to even share this with you - the not so pretty honest truth.

Today:  January 16
Weight: 167.8 lbs (you have no idea how much I did not want to type that)
This week I exercised: none
Steps walked: ?

My goals for Week 1:
*  Drink enough water
*  Wear FitBit daily
*  Exercise at least 3 to 5 days

Have you ever had a wake up call which caused you to make some  health or lifestyle changes?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Plank, Interrupted

Some of you may have noticed in one of my Spirit of Gratitude posts about a month ago I mentioned doing a 30 Day Plank Challenge with the Man of the House.  Some days we even got the entire family in on the daily plank time!

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All was going along well.

Ok.. in all honesty - there was some shaking.  And groaning.  And complaining.

But it was going.

Unfortunately it seems the length of time to hold the plank position increased a little too quickly for my body to keep up.  In an effort to hold the plank longer than I was physically able to do - I must have done it wrong.  Because I suddenly found myself spending an entire week with some pretty intense lower back pain.

Not good. At. All.

I see to have recovered.  And I'm ready to get back on that plank.  I  am thinking a modified plank challenge this time around.  Just holding the position for a set amount of time, only increasing when I feel good about it - not trying to push too far, too fast like the last time around.

Have you ever tried a 30 day plank challenge?  Or have you ever tried to exert yourself too soon or too far while exercising and ended up hurting yourself? 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

The Day We Almost Ate Fake Food

The other day I was making a quinoa taco bake for dinner.  I thought a little sprinkle of cheese could make it extra yummy, so when I went out to pick up the male offspring from his driver's ed class. (yes, he's taking driver's ed - yikes! But that's a story for another time) I stopped at the dollar store to grab some shredded cheese.

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There was a bag with "Mexican Cheese Blend" in big letters on the front.  "That works!", I thought to myself and grabbing a bag, headed to the register.

While waiting in line, I took a second look at the package.  There in smaller (much much smaller) letters I see the words "cheese food".  Uh oh.  Flipping it over to look at the ingredient list - the first thing I see is "This product is not processed to melt" (in even smaller letters)

What???

A quick read through of the ingredients confirmed there was little to no dairy in this product.  It wasn't cheese at all.  Rather some fake cheese item disguised as food.  As the male offspring put it: "I think that means it's plastic".  Ick.

So, another trip back to the refrigerated case to switch the "cheese food" for a bag of Sargento's real cheese.  And a lesson learned... always - ALWAYS read the labels! Otherwise you have no clue what you're consuming!

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Good Week!

This was a very good week.  I did well with all my goals and feel good about that!  Gives me good motivation and keep working toward the final goal of being fit and getting back to a healthy weight. 

• Drink the recommended amount of water each day: Every day except Thursday.  Thursday was a lot of running around grocery shopping, going to orchestra concerts, etc so I came up short on the water goal.  
• Exercise at least 3 days this week: Made it to the gym 4 times!  Go me!
• NO soft drinks: Check!
• Prepare to start juice fast next week: Getting there and should be starting 3 day juice b the end of this week.  

And my pushy sister will be happy to know that I have an eye appointment this morning.  So there!

  

Now on to a new week (and a new month!) I am SO ready for it!

This Goals For This Week:

• Exercise at least 3 days
• NO soft drinks
• Drink recommended amount of water each day
• Have a healthy breakfast each morning
• Complete 3 Day Juice Fast

Keeping On, Keeping On

Another week, come and gone.  I can't say it was a great one as far as my health and fitness goals.  Not terrible.  But there continues to be room for improvement.  See for yourself -

• Drink the recommended amount of water each day: I am drinking more water than I used to.  But I'm still not getting the recommended amount most days.
• Exercise at least 3 days this week: you know what they say - 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
• NO soft drinks!: Check!  Yah me!
• Make an appointment for an eye exam:
• Plan for 3 day juice fast: I think is going to start next week.  Got to get through the male offspring's birthday weekend first.

 I refuse to beat myself up for not getting each goal perfect. Rather to brush myself off, and move ahead.  It's a work in progress, right?

 This week's goals:

• Drink the recommended amount of water each day 
• Exercise at least 3 days this week
• NO soft drinks
• Prepare to start juice fast next week 

What Is Given Them From Heaven

The other morning I was just waking up and thinking about my day ahead.  Somehow I began thinking about what a mess the house was and how much cleaning it needed.  Then my mind wandered to how out of shape I am and the weight I have put on over the last two years or so.  I was feeling a little discontent with both of these things and spent a few moments reflecting on changes that need to be made.

Suddenly - as clearly as someone speaking in my ear - came this thought.  Often I have not been a very good steward of many of the things God has trusted to me.  More often than I really care to think about.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19

My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, quite frequently  I have been treated it more like a food court at the mall.  Just sitting around, stuffed with as much junk food as it could possible hold.  Not exactly "temple" material there. 

I have been making an effort to consider the many blessings the Lord provides to me, and to give thanks for those things.  This showed me a whole new step in this process.  I have to remember that just as John 3:27 says, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven". 

Everything is a gift from heaven, and I need to treat it accordingly.  Whether that is taking better care of my health, doing my best to keep the house up, keeping my car cleaned out, or spending quality time with my family.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' ~ Matthew 25:21

Good Behaviour

What I wanted to eat for breakfast:

chocolate cupcake with butter cream frosting and white chocolate curls

What I actually ate for breakfast:

Greek yogurt with frozen mixed berries

Yes, I am giving myself extra credit points for making that smart and healthy choice this morning.  But don't think for a second I'm not eating that cupcake at some point today.  It's calling my name.

Thankful Thursday - August 23

This week I am thankful for gentle reminders (or not so gentle ones).  I sat and stared at the blank page that was to be this post for so long this morning.  Struggling to find what to write.  This afternoon I got news that a dear friend has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer - and suddenly I was reminded of all I have to be grateful for.

My friend:  We met through work - first she was a client, and later became a co-worker.  She's funny.  And so encouraging and supportive.  She somehow always manages to see so perky and positive; no matter what seemed to be going on in her life.  Even as she gave me the news of her diagnosis and treatment status.  I feel badly that I have been so slack about staying in touch since I left work.  I keep thinking I need to call or email her, but somehow never do.

My health:  Nothing reminds you how blessed you are to be healthy like the health issues of someone close.  I got my reminder letter about my yearly mammogram this week.  You can believe I will calling to schedule THAT appointment asap!

The School Website:  In past years when the Princess was in high school, I was always frustrated with having to wait for the first day of school to get the list of needed supplies.  Today I was able to check out the individual page for each of The Little Man's teachers and get the list of supplies ahead of time.  Also found a few gems like the homework schedule and calendar of quizzes and tests for a couple of classes - which will come in handy when he comes home claiming he has no home work!

You Are That Temple

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple. ~ 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17

I love the image of ourselves as God's temples.  I think it goes right along with the concept people are getting of eating healthier, exercising, and taking better care of ourselves.  Think of all the beautiful churches, cathedrals, and temples around the world.  Some of them have stood for hundreds and hundreds of years.  A testimony to the strength and beauty of our Lord.  If we are the temple where the spirit of the Creator lives, don't we want to keep God's temple as strong and beautiful as possible?

I know it gives me a new perspective and inspires me to think of it in those terms!  Keeping God's temple, where His spirit lives, strong and healthy.

Maybe I should go for a walk or something.