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.

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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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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

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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

Should I? Or Should I? - I Should!

I wake up in the morning and almost immediately the mental battle begins. 

I know I should go work out.  But I still think of a million reasons not to go.  I think about all the things I could be doing instead of walking on the treadmill.

More days than I care to think about, I even manage to talk myself into not going.  But some days I manage to beat back all the excuses and reasons not to go.  I drag myself out of the house and over to the fitness center. 

And as I leave an hour or two later, my attitude has always completely turned around.   I have that great, exhausted, sweaty feeling of accomplishment.  I know I have completed something worthwhile. I feel great!

I should probably keep that feeling in mind when faced with other things I don't really want to do, but know I should...

Working It Out

I am so out of shape. It's really quite sad how far I have let myself go.  One of my main goals for 2013 is to improve my health through diet and exercise.  (which you already know if you have read "Goals for 2013")
The Man of the House helped get this goal off to a great start when he came home to surprise me with our family membership to the fitness center!  This place is almost literally right around the corner from our house.  Once the weather warms up I can even walk over!  (bonus!!)

Last night we went over to check things out and just try it out a little.  I did about 15 minutes on the elliptical machine, waked walked a little over 1.25 miles on the treadmill with a few bursts of jogging (I know! Me? Jogging?  Crazy!!), and the man of the house and I walked a mile on the walking track.

Today I went by myself at lunch time and walked just over an hour (2.5+ miles) on the treadmill. 

I'm also very excited about trying some of the classes they offer, including Zumba, pilates, and yoga.

How do you keep in shape? What is your favorite form of exercise?