Packing a Lunch

I don't about you, but weekends are often filled with family events that ultimately revolve around a meal, and today was no exception.

We were invited to my uncle and aunts house for lunch and snowmobiling. Lunch was fried fish, which honestly I don't really like. In the past, I would have had a small bit of fish just to be polite, and then whatever the sides were.

But today, I brought my own lunch. I packed a spicy Boca Chickn patty, salad, and light ranch dressing. It was delicious! I didn't feel deprived or tempted by the other foods. But, was it rude? How do you handle eating with others when you know what is being served isn't the best choice for you - eat before, bring your own, or just eat very little?

Leaving a Friend Behind

Yup, I did. I started this journey and left my dear a friend, Diet Coke, behind.

You might think that I am kidding, but DC and I have been through alot. She was there on late nights during college, and all my tired days of new-parenting. She offered up some caffinated energy, and most importantly comfort. But, on this new journey - the one to be healthy (not just skinny) - we had to part ways.

Recently there have been studies about the effects of artificial sugars on the body. Claims that they cause one to crave sugars/carbohydrate, that they can cause muscle issues, and the list goes on. Soda pop, diet or not, can effect your teeth, causing cavities and darkening your teeth. The sugar, real or fake, is not in the best interest of my body. So, since we weren't on the same page regarding my healthiness, we parted ways.

It has been 3 days since I have had pop. This is not to say that I am never going to have pop again, but when I do, it will be in moderation (which is a lesson I am learning). And, this journey has helped me embrace my love for a new friend, water - someone does have an interest in my health.

Shredding

I broke out the 30 Day Shred DVD. Again. I tried doing this before, and honestly, I only lasted a few days. Then, I let life (and excuses) get in the way.

Today I completed the whole first workout - with a few 5 second breaks. I really wanted to stop after the first circuit and was getting ready to make up some lame excuse. But, I didn't! I stuck it out.

Here's the proof.

I may not do this daily. But on days when I don't go the YMCA for a class, this is going to be my tool for working out.

Day Four

I have been tracking calories all week. I have been close to my calorie goals all week and I have logged every bit of food and beverage that have contacted my lips. It's nice to be conscientious about what I am putting in my body. And, I haven't had a diet coke in two days (Monday and Tuesday I only had one can - as to avoid the caffeine headache).



Guess what?!? It's already paying off.




I am down 2.8 lbs since Monday. Most of it, I am sure, is water weight, but atleast it's not on my body anymore.


Last night I did a step class at the YMCA. It felt great to get moving again - to really push myself. I plan on going again tomorrow morning (legs willing...they are sore today).


I have been drinking water like crazy. 16 cups yesterday, and 14 cups today. Life is good!


I know that I will be successful with becoming healthy~




And, just because. Here is a picture of my lunch. 320 calories. It's an Amy's Vegan bean and rice burrito, on top of a bed of shredded lettuce, and topped with salsa. Delicious!

W.I.D.T.H

A weeks (or so) ago I read a blog about why JP is choosing to loose weight and blog about it. It was thought provoking, and made me rethink WHY I want to be on this journey, and why NOW I think that it will be successful. Do you want to know "Why I Do This Here?" Let me show you...


For my son. He is genuine and loving. This past school year he became a student at my school (where I teach) and he is so proud that I'm his mom - seriously, he tells everyone. I am honored that he proud of me, and I don't ever want that to go away. And, it's hard to be proud of your mom if she's the fat one - so I'm not going to be.

For my daughter. I want her to grow up knowing what it means to be healthy. Not dieting. Not being addicted to food. I want her to be as in-love with her body in ten years as she is now.

For my husband. He deserves to have a beautiful wife who is happy and healthy inside, and out.

And most importantly, for me! I want to feel energetic. I want to enjoy shopping, and not just for shoes. I want to feel attractive. I want to show my daughter (and my son) what a strong, positive, healthy, beautiful woman should be.

I am documenting this journey for me. To get my thoughts out (instead of eating them). To have a record of my progress. To have for reflection. And, for you, my friend. Hopefully YOU will be able to relate or have words of advice or encouragement. This is a journey, and those are always more fun with friends.

Day One

This morning I faced the ugly truth - 192.2lbs of truth. Today is the LAST day that I will weigh this much - it's all downhill from here. :-)

Starting my journey with a healthy breakfast. I know that you're supposed to eat breakfast, but usually I just eat something small (like a cereal bar) and I get hungry quickly. Hungrier than if I skip breakfast. But, in accordance with my new healthy lifestyle - breakfast.

And I tracked it! My delicious breakfast sandwich and 1/2 banana was only 287 calories, which were washed down with copious quantities of water.

Past, Present, and Future

In October I applied to be the next future PFG. Although I didn't "win" it was wonderful to go outside my comfort zone and apply. And, in the application process I had to go face to face with my past, look deeply at where I am and why, and decide where I want to go. Here's my story:

The Past

Growing up I was the fat girl. I was almost 100 lbs in 2nd grade (I know this because it’s written on my report card), and could share clothes with my mom by 4th grade. Once in middle school I was bigger than my mom, and I just kept gaining. I was officially “plus sized” and that’s how I remained during most of high school - 230 lbs. and a size 20. I didn’t like my body and tried to hide my insecurities – act like it didn’t bother me. It was hard. I remember going the mall with friends, and going into stores that did not offer clothing in my size. My friends were kind, but they were clueless. I avoided the humiliation, and shopped only with my mom after that. It hurt inside to not be able to enjoy those social activities with others.

And then something clicked. I was ready to change. During my senior year I tried to lose weight, and I was successful. I started out exercising and making better food choices. And then I thought if cutting some calories was good, and some exercise was good, then cutting a lot of calories, taking diet pills, and exercising even more must be great (oh, the logic of an 18 year old). I lost 90 lhs in 8 months and kept it off for over two years. However, I was unhealthy. I hadn’t really replaced bad habits with good ones. I still had insecurities, and an unhealthy relationship with food.

During college I met my husband, and he helped me get on a safer track. With his encouragement I began to ease away from the strict food control and diet pills that had been part of my life.

The Present

I still long for a relationship with food and exercise that is healthy and part of my daily routine – my life.

Now, I am not a prior fat girl – I am a fat girl again. 190lbs!

I have two young children and had let my health become less of a priority. I made excuses for eating conveniently, and not exercising regularly, resulting in my current ”fat” status.

Recently, I went to the doctor for my yearly exam. It was the first time I’d gone in three years! Crazy how time flies…

As I was speaking with the doctor, our conversation went something like this:

Dr.: Do you take a calcium supplement?
Me: No
Dr.: Do you take a multi-vitamin including vitamin D?
Me: Um…no.
Dr.: How often weekly do you exercise for at least 30 minutes?
Me: Maybe one. (By this point I wanted to crawl under the chair)
Dr.: Do you have any concerns?
Me: No, not really.
Dr: Well, I’m glad that you came in today. It’s important that, even as busy moms, we take time to for ourselves.

Her comments resonated with me. I need to make my health a priority – that includes exercising, eating right, taking vitamins, and going for regular checkups! I need to for me, and I need to be an example for my family.

The Future

I have goals of a being a healthy mother; one who is physically fit (according to my Dr. I should lose about 45 pounds), and has a reasonable relationship with food where I am in control of what and how much I eat, not my emotions. I want to make exercise a part of my routine – I want to enjoy it and not make excuses for skipping it. I desire to cook and eat well balanced meals – ones that show my children a variety of foods and doesn’t deprive them of anything (moderation). I want to teach my children how to live a healthy and balanced life, not how to diet!

These goals are all attainable, but it will take much planning, effort, and reflection. Firstly, I need to be honest with myself and not make excuses for my actions. Secondly, in regards to food, I need to focus on appropriate portion sizes, and purchasing more sensible food choices – ones that will work for the whole family (not pre-packed ‘diet’ food). Lastly, I need to exercise regularly. Our family belongs to the Y and I have made a commitment to attend classes bi-weekly, as well as workout at home 3 x week doing the elliptical machine or a cardio DVD.

I am sure that there will be both successes and struggles during this journey, but I am ready for both. I have made a plan and set goals, and I am committed to putting in the effort to be a and healthy mom. I’d love to continue to share my journey with you!