One Month!

I've been 34 for one month.

One month ago today I decided to take back my body.

It doesn't feel like it's been that long. And I have to say it doesn't feel like it's been that difficult this time. It feels more normal than I ever anticipated.

I don't think often about junk foods really. I did think about some today but the thoughts were fleeting. I wanted something salty and cheesy but then I just did something else for awhile and the craving went away. It wasn't even that strong of a craving.

I am watching Extreme Weight Loss and they are showing all of the junk food that this poor guy is being surrounded by--donuts, pizza, wings, chili cheese dogs, sausage. It didn't affect me the same way at all. I thought the donuts looked good but then I thought about how bad it would be for my body and that thought passed just as quickly as it came.

I WANT to be better. I have been checking my blood sugar every day. It's not pretty at all. It makes me sad and nervous to see those high numbers on the screen. But I am going to the doctor next week and hopefully it's a good fit, hopefully she gives me some medications I can take.

I also get to be weighed soon.  I have no idea if I have lost any weight.

I took some pictures to share.

 

The side view looks a little smaller I think? Not sure. I should do a side by side.

 

Now it's time for bed. 11 more months to go! 

Do the Achy Leg

Last night at the gym I tried out the Arc Trainer. I had never even really heard of this piece of workout equipment but my workout buddy assured me that I would get a good workout on this. She did not lie. It felt really awkward at first--I couldn't tell if I was going forward or backwards (I guess I really wasn't--more of an up and down motion I think??) It was one of those workouts that I knew I'd be feeling the next day and maybe the day after that.
I was not wrong.
My calves are achy today as are my feet. I know this is in part because I do not have the correct footwear.
I went for a walk tonight and I wasn't walking very fast but my legs were aching and I only did 1 3/4 mile instead of 2 1/2 miles like I normally do. I was in pain.
I feel frustrated because I don't really know what to do at this point.
I do not yet have the money for new shoes and may not have it until next month. I can't go a whole month without working out, but I can't stand the pain in my feet, legs and back.
Anyone have suggestions of good workouts I can do that don't involve my feet? I'm still going to walk, I need the fresh air and peace of mind.
Otherwise my only cardio will consist of doing the Achy Leg.

It Feels Good

Lots of things feel good.
I'm specifically referencing self care though.
Not THAT kind of self care.
I don't know about the rest of you but I find myself taking care if everyone else all the time and rarely taking care of me.
Since I've started this journey almost a month ago I've been focusing more on taking care of myself-eating well, moving more, doing things I like to do. I've been reading books, going to the gym, cooking and trying new recipes.
It's funny because I stopped working to focus more on caring for my kids but ended up taking more care of myself as well. Being home isn't a sacrifice after all.
It feels good!

Sharing

Since we are on a tight budget--money-wise AND calorie-wise--Batman and I have started sharing meals when we go out go eat. That's not often these days but somehow did it twice this weekend.
Today we were out running errands around lunch time and were hungry. We decided to go to Qdoba and split a giant burrito and some chips and salsa. It was more than enough for the three of us--I shared mine with Baby Bug. The girl loves her some black beans and rice. We kept the tortilla because, let's face it, it was delicious. I calculated out the calories I consumed in myfitnesspal and was in shock.
For HALF of the burrito and HALF the chips and salsa it was 801 calories. EIGHT HUNDRED AND ONE!
I used to, not often, eat one of these burritos by myself at one sitting. I'm sure most people who go there do just that.
The burrito itself was over 1,000 calories (with cheese and sour cream of course, and the corn salsa)
I'm sure that most places have meals of this magnitude.
The Chinese meal we split was 1202 calories for the portion I consumed. That's nearly my whole day of calories in one meal.
And you know what?
Well two things.
We were more than satisfied with our shared portions
And we were just as satisfied with a 600 calorie meal at home.
So when you go out remember that sharing is caring--for your wallet and your waistline.

Smaller Pants

This week I had my period. It kind of snuck up on me this month. So that's been making me feel awesome--even if it was a shorter lighter period.
Last night we cheated and had Chinese food. Lots of salt.
Bloating central right?
Today I put on, zipped and buttoned a pair of jean capris TWO sizes smaller. I had a pretty noticeable muffin top.
But I got them on!
I then was able to button and comfortably zip a pair of jean capris that are one size smaller.
Muffin top not included!
My Internet is still down so it's another short entry. But how sweet it is.
Smaller pants, bigger smile.

Cheat Day!

My Internet is acting up so this will be short and sweet--like me!
Today we totally cheated and had Chinese for dinner. And pop!  I'm satisfied for awhile though and ready to eat healthy again tomorrow.
It almost feels like a game sometimes--seeing what combos of food I can eat and stay withinu calorie goal. Or seeing how much I burn by exercising. Twisted. I know.
Hopefully out Internet gets fixed tomorrow!

You Already Know You Know

I have been struggling lately to find a good topic for my blog posts. I have to write every day because it's one of the main things keeping me motivated to continue this healthy journey I'm on.

I was actually inspired for today's topic.

I don't know about all of you but I am an information seeker. I try to find out all the information I can about something, whether it's something I'm going to purchase or somewhere I'm going to visit or something I'm going to start doing. Before I cook something I read the recipe several times to make sure I know how to do it before I get into cooking it. That's how I am with pretty much everything I decide to do or try.

Over the years I've researched and read and absorbed all the information I can about healthy eating, diets, exercise, etc. I have read books, talked with doctors, went to dietitians, taken diabetic education classes. I even know the psychology behind a lot of it having worked in social work and getting my Master's in Health Education. I know all the stages of change people have to go through to make a behavior part of their life.

I keep thinking about how this time is going to be different and wondering what changed.

My point of realization came when I was helping other people trying to lose weight. I was giving them healthy eating and exercise tips. I was giving them advice on making behavior changes and working through psychological road blocks.

It dawned on me then. I already KNOW what I need to KNOW. 

It's time to DO.

Each day I have to wake up and make a choice to keep going on this journey. I have to remember to check my blood sugar. I have to record my calories to help me make good food choices. I have to make a grocery list and meal plan so all that I have available is healthy food. I have to make time to exercise. I have to plan around every day life including taking care of kids, doing laundry, running errands, going on playdates or doctor appointments or family beach trips.

I'm definitely not perfect. I never will be. But I stumble a lot and find myself maybe in the drive thru at Taco Bell on a day when I have a lot of errands to run or lounging on the couch during naptime instead of getting in a good workout. 

I have to decide, next time, to bring snacks, schedule errands around meal times so we don't go out on an empty stomach, or even to choose healthier food if I HAVE to go through the drive thru.

I have to decide to turn on the Kinect or pop in a workout DVD when the baby is sleeping.

It only takes a second to really decide to do something and start it. Sitting around dreading it, thinking about doing it or reading about how I can get in a work out won't help me get healthy.

A lot of people repeatedly ask how to lose weight, diet tips, exercise tips, etc. I did that.  The answers are always the same.

If you are asking these questions more than once, please realize this:

You already KNOW. It's time to DO.