UGH!

So, I've proven to myself that I am good for about a week and a half when it comes to exercising. I started out great. Rotating 5 minutes on the spin-bike, with 5 minutes of lifting. And there were three good hikes and two walks to and from the school along with that. It was fun. I think Gary about did me in on two of those hikes. The second hike of the first week was a nice family hike, Neil was pulled in a sled for the uphill parts, and slid down for most of the downhill parts. He walked a bit, when he chose too, and he walked for quite a bit when he did. Total, the hike turned out to be seven miles. Then Gary and I went out again two days later. It was only an hour and fifteen minutes, but it got pretty steep and quite snowy. It left me feeling that Gary really likes to push limits, and although I did it, I wonder if that is a contributing factor in the rapid decline of motivation. Since then, Gary went out of town for 3 days (almost two weeks ago). And I still haven't found the motivation to do anything. It's almost like a magnetic pull to the opposite. I just want to sleep and stay still. Or play in the kitchen. Which is so very counter-productive! Gary says it's self defeating, and I have to admit he's right. I know that I can indulge my love of cooking and feeding my family, but still treat myself well. Just HOW????? For now, I'm telling myself that at least the things I make are homemade, not loaded with preservatives and ingredients that take a Google search to identify. And, I guess that's a start. But, now to find things that are actually beneficial. Oh well, all that said, there are three pounds lost, hopefully never to find their way back. And, in this week's quest for more water, there has been far less soda.

Treat yourself Daily

Anyway, I decided to try the Biggest Loser Fun thing. It's some good motivation, and the other joiners have some pretty great ideas. I have talked to Gary about exercise...yeah, that was a rough one. I've also talked to him about diet, again a tough thing to do. I know that I have better success if I keep and maintain a food journal, so I'm letting him look it over every night, and offer suggestions. WOW! If that isn't opening myself up, I don't know what is!! Yesterday went pretty well. Gary suggested keeping work-outs at about 20 minutes, do small sets of things and keep the pace high. An idea he got from Here. Okay, so I'm not doing exactly what she's doing, but it's a good way to keep it real for me. Limit the tedium and offer some fun ideas. I know she kicked Gary's but for most of December, I'd probably be in traction if I tried for a literal translation of everything she's doing. Gary also suggested six small meals a day, another idea he got from Her.

The workout yesterday was 5 minutes on the bike, hamstring curls, leg extensions, squats, and lunges 3 sets of 12, back to bike for 5 minutes more lower body, then bike again for 5 minutes. It was supposed to be about 20 minutes, but with some skills yet to be developed and stretch time, it was a bit over 30. Diet was pretty good, stuck to the small meal deal, for the most part. Work was insanely busy, so lunch was delayed and then it was some grazing on a surprise find of cauliflower, snow peas, and Brianna's saucy ginger mandarin. WOW!! I had to check the label to see if was loaded with corn syrup or sugar, it was so good. But, NOPE, there's NONE!! Sweetened with honey, that makes Gary so happy :) Dinner was sensible. The biggest splurge of the day was a handful of mmmmm enjoyed with Neil, and some of Gary's favorite anytime treat....can't resist when it's a treat to share with family.

Nothing yet

So, haven't managed to do anything healthy yet. Except laugh a lot....that's good for you, right?
I'm feeling completely gross today, though. I feel like a great big huge stomach! All full and bloaty. I woke up feeling that way. Sucks when that happens. And I have ZERO motivation, to do ANYTHING!! I wish I had some tricks as to how to borrow some of that.

I have a friend that's doing a biggest loser challenge. I've been invited to participate, but I'm not sure if I want to.

I do know that Gary and I are going to go to the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert at Abravanel Hall in February. And, I could set that as a date. You know, set 'x' number of pounds as my goal, and have it achieved by February 6. That would be providing myself with a goal and a timeline. So, what's it gonna be...5? Aim higher? 10? Sounds good to me....15 would be super, but is it too high??? After all, it is only 5 weeks away. Is it too much to ask 3 pounds per week? Not for some, but for me? Okay, talked myself into it....15 pounds by February 6. Sounds good.

So, to start: 226.8 pounds.
47% body fat.
A photo is in order, but am I brave enough to post one of those?!

So Far

I'm not managing to break a sweat yet. But, I am managing to eat more fruit and vegetable. Getting some water, but not throughout the day, mostly at night when my body complains about how dehydrated it is. Hopefully it will be easier after the holidays.

Setting some goals.

So, I read that if you want to make a change, you need to set goals. Then, I read, that you need to write them down. Okay, so here goes. I want to lose 20% of my body weight. I want to develop three healthy habits. I want to stop trying and start doing.

Once you set your goals, set a time-line. Lose 20% in 9 months. Okay, 20% for me would be 45 pounds. 9 months to do it would be five pounds a month. That sounds completely reasonable.
Develop three healthy habits. I don't know how long it takes to make something a habit. So, maybe I should define three healthy habits that I want, and set to work on them.
1-) drink water throughout the day.
2-) eat living foods...fruits and vegetables.
3-) break a sweat 3 times a week.
And, don't just write it down, but put some effort into it. That's going to mean updating my progress often. Holding myself accountable. Did I exercise? Am I drinking water? Am I eating healthy/living foods?

This blog cannot be an idle thing. I should update often, even if the news is bad. Don't change the goals just because I want to make things easier for myself. That will only be a temporary fix. Remember that some hard work and discomfort now, will make me better able to enjoy my life later.

If you don't like what you see in the mirror, the power is in you to change that.