Routine is liberating

"Routine is liberating, it makes you feel in control. A paradox, isn't it? You think your routines are controlling you, but in fact you're using the routine to give you power."

Friday exercise: 2 x 10 minute walk breaks at work, 25 minutes on the elliptical to include 6 x 15 second HIIT intervals. HIIT intervals not only serve to break up time spent on ye olde hamster wheel, but I think it also makes it a more effective workout.

My exercise goal is to work up to 90 minutes per day, 6 days per week.  Yes, that is A LOT. But think of it this way: I work up to 2 x 15 minute walk breaks at work plus a 30 minute workout at lunch. I've just gotta add 30 more minutes - walking the dog in the morning or evening. (We already started walking the dog some evenings this week). When you break it up into 4 different sessions, it isn't such a big deal. And that's what helped me last time I was successful: I worked out in the morning, walked at lunch, and worked out in the evening while my son was either at tae kwon do, or walked while he was at the reading tutor. I did several bouts of exercise per day, did a longer session one weekend day, and took a day off.  I need to replicate that.  Right now it's just a matter of deciding how much to add and what to add. I want to add kettlebells back in, maybe some weight lifting, and I really want to get in some swimming!

Here's the food I packed today:

The salad has roasted brussel sprouts and beets, plus an oil and vinegar dressing on the side. That is a Thai flavored soup with turkey meatballs and some noodles.  Not pictured are 2 bottles of tea and the almonds that will go with one of the apples for a snack. Breakfast was half a whole grain wrap with a single serving of guacamole and an egg. Dinner tonight is a meatless tamale casserole.

Change of plans

When I called T to let him know I was on the way home, he told me he'd forgotten to thaw the steaks and that they were frozen solid.  My suggestion was to thaw the spaghetti (meat) sauce we'd planned to eat tonight and save the steaks. So last night was spaghetti and tonight will be steak. Even a month ago we might have been tempted to just go out. Maybe that was the response he was hoping for - I dunno. I do know that eating at home is not only cheaper, but it's SO much easier for me to stay on track.

Other than dinner, the rest of my food is the same as yesterday except sub out leftover Asian meatball soup for the potato leek at lunch.

I've lost 3 pounds over the last 2 weeks, which feels like a pretty good rate.

I thought I'd share this image - I really like the message:

I'd also like to share an article I read on CNN. It's about a follow-up study on people who had been on the Biggest Loser, and differences between the groups that kept off weight and those that did not: Biggest Loser Study

The interesting take away from the study (to me) is that diet is more critical while losing weight, but it isn't enough to keep it off - you need to incorporate a good amount of regular exercise, which meshes with what I read on the blogs of maintainers. Even if their activity is regular movement and not planned exercise per se, they are still physically active. To that end, I am trying to stand more at work, take walk breaks, and exercise at lunch most days.

We will be out of the house most of the day Sunday for a business meeting of our re-enactment group - the meeting is 2 hours away. Ugh. We are both officers and I wasn't there last month due to the Georgia trip, so I really need to go. So Saturday is going to be slam full.

Have a wonderful weekend!

You haven't come this far just to come this far.

This is a photo of what I jokingly called the "5000 pound salad."  It has half a head of romaine, cucumbers, roasted zucchini, chickpeas, 3 bean salad, cherry tomatoes, beets, I don't remember what else! It was really good!

Food today:

B: 2 eggs and a slice of ultra thin sliced colby jack in half a whole wheat wrap.
S: A packet of Carl Budding lunch meant
L: The giant salad and the last of T's homemade potato leek soup
S: 100 cal greek yogurt
D: steak, baked potato, roasted brussel sprouts, sauteed mushrooms.

Speaking of dinner, I was rather disappointed in last night's recipe - it is getting voted off the island! Not nearly as good as our other Asian meatball recipes. Oh well, you don't know unless you try.

I noticed today that it is getting easier to walk around the building on breaks. At the gym I incorporated a few short HIIT intervals into my 25 minute workout. I am beginning to feel lighter.

Things are changing.

Just start. Then don't stop.

So this was breakfast today:

Sorry, I forgot to snap the picture before I chopped it up.  It's 2 eggs, 1/4 link of chorizo (just enough for flavor) and an individual serving cup of the Tableside brand chunky guacamole. 268 yummy calories. I also had a cup of coffee (2 T half and half plus a splash of unsweetened almond milk).

I stopped and bought 2 bags of candy on the way home last night - we had 3 sets of trick or treaters. They were adorable! We had maybe a third of the candy left - it is going to work tomorrow.

I've been blogging here for a very long time, and reading blogs even longer. When I first started reading, there weren't too many out there. I loved the sense of community they created. We read each other's posts, commented, and really shared our experiences.

Today so many blogs feel overly curated - professional grade pictures of just so outfits and food, more sponsored posts, less posts about actual feelings or life. There are blogs that are clearly written for the reader - and there are blogs that the author is using on their own journey but choose to share. I write and personally prefer the latter, but I feel like they are becoming an endangered species. That's why when I find a truly heartfelt blog or post (like yesterday), I want to share it.

This year I bought a Jarrahdale pumpkin from the farmers market for pie making. This picture doesn't do justice to it's blue green color - it's less gray in person. It will be cooked this weekend!

The post I shared yesterday really resonated with me - I get motivated relatively often, but determination has been lacking.  Right now I am focusing on cultivating that quiet determination. It's easy to get discouraged when I realize how much weight I have gained or how much fitness I have lost. Going to the gym and doing something - even if I am holding off on the classes to give my back a break - is non-negotiable. If I don't feel like it, I just acknowledge the feeling and go anyway. Putting my food into SparkPeople feels like a bit of a game. And when I plan in advance, I know my food for the day fits into my parameters.

Right now I am very fired up and my husband is not. I am trying not to nag, but to be a good example and to make it easy for him if he wants to go to the gym. I am planning and making healthy meals, Today I served homemade potato leek soup and a big salad with homemade dressing for lunch. No asking what he was in the mood for - just "I am cleaning out the fridge and here is what we are having." He enjoyed it. When we were out running errands, I steered him toward the healthy snack section with me (I had a string cheese, he got a cheese slice & salami combo snack pack) rather than the candy bars.

I don't want to nag, but I know he needs this change as much as I do. Maybe if I take him along for some of the ride, he will pick up steam on his own. And if not, well, at least it's some progress.

Tonight's dinner is this recipe: Lemongrass chicken meatballs in broth. I thought it sounded really good - I've been on a meatball kick lately, and this will be the third Asian meatball I've tried. The last 2 have been fantastic and both T and my son have loved them - as have I. Using ground chicken or turkey makes them healthier.

Take care.

Feeling good

As I was driving home yesterday, I realized I felt more positive & happier than I have in well over a year. It was great!

Yesterday was a good day. I put my food into SparkPeople, I went to the gym, I drank my water and stayed within my calorie plan. It felt good. I don't know whether my mood made that easier or taking control of my choices left me feeling more positive - but I'll take it!

Today is on track to be more of the same - food is entered into Sparkpeople, I've been to the gym, and I walked some on break with a friend just to get some fresh air.

I'd like to share a post with you: http://www.runsforcookies.com/2017/10/motivation-vs-determination.html  I think it does a great job of differentiating between motivation and determination. I'm not sure I've completely flipped that switch, but lately even if I mess up, I just keep trudging on. That feels really good.

Take care.

Quiet weekend achieved

It was a lovely weekend.  I didn't get everything done I'd hoped, but we rested! It was so nice. I am feeling so much more relaxed and positive - it's awesome.

I dropped a pound last week, slow start but heading in the right direction.

Food is logged into SparkPeople, gym bag is in the car. I am increasing my time on the elliptical to 25 minutes this week. My low back and abs are still sore, so they are resting up and I will get back into it much more slowly! It's sad to see how much fitness I've lost. Oh well, I will improve from where I am today.

Still sore

My midsection is still pretty sore from the fitness test Monday plus 400 kettlebell swings I did over the course of 2 days. I did 40 swings this morning and I was very uncomfortable. I think I will drop back a little. The object isn't to hurt myself to the point I don't exercise!

I am working at home again today. I am so thankful I have this flexibility with my current job.

I don't have a lot to say today. Very much looking forward to a quiet weekend.

Take care.

Do your clothes bring you joy?

Today I plan to use my lunch break to pull out and organize my winter clothes. Pants are pretty much pants and my shoes are where they are, just need to check for knee highs to go with shoes  - I'm still in sandals but it's time to put them away :-(

It's mainly shirts and sweaters - I haven't really used them since we moved in this house (I wasn't working last winter). So that's on my list. I think I have enough, just need to organize so they are easy to find in the morning.

Jeans are a bit problematic. I have 3 pair that theoretically fit, but one pair? I just honestly hate them. They are labeled "boyfriend cut", whatever on earth that is. I think it means your boyfriend has the legs of a elephant - the legs go straight down and are wide. I am short, so you can imagine. They look beyond awful. I am seriously thinking of just donating them - I hate them so much I cannot imagine ever leaving the house in them.

I am far from a clothes horse. I was perfectly fine in the Army when the toughest fashion choice I made in the morning was whether to wear jungle or jump (combat) boots. I view clothes in a fairly utilitarian fashion unless I am going out on a date. But even for me, one of the more frustrating things about being overweight is lack of choice in clothing. Do I wear the back shirt or the one that looks like it's covered in cat puke??? Ugh.

So I ended the day yesterday doing 9 laps around the building at work, going to the gym, and 200 kettlebell swings. I am taking today off since I pushed it pretty hard 2 days in a row.

Last night T went to a Toastmasters meeting. I texted him and asked him to call on his way home. My plan was to ask him to stop at Sheetz and pick me up an order of fried cheese curds. Thankfully the meeting ran late and by the time he called I was already in bed asleep.

Fall weather is here

Yesterday was rainy and yucky - we actually had tornadoes! But today is lovely and the air is so fresh and nice. I love it!

I did go to the gym to lunch today, even though I really truly did not want to go. I've done 3 of my 5 sets of swings, and 3 laps around the building and it's not even 12:30. Go me!

Sunday I didn't snack after dinner at all, last night I had 1 cookie. Our friend brought us Tim Tams from Australia - I generally don't even bother with packaged cookies because I think most of them are yucko, but these are good. You can buy them at Target, but those are made here in the USA with high fructose corn syrup and are a not half as good as the real deal. So once in a while I will go in and get one. So good.

Anyway, all in all I am feeling good, and positive. Much less stressed and wrung out. This weekend we are going to do some house and yard work. I'm looking forward to it. Tomorrow I work at home and I'm looking forward to that as well.

Take care.

Wellbeats

Yes, this is really happening. Ugh. I haven't even gotten my fall decorations up yet!

We went to the event for about 5 hours Saturday and had a lovely time.  Saturday night T fell out of bed and really hurt his hip. We were both out of sorts yesterday and it wasn't pretty.  Luckily we both slept better last night so hopefully this evening will be more pleasant!

I am on track to complete my 200 kettlebell swings before I leave the office.  It's raining so we only got in 4 laps around the building.  I did go to the gym.

The gym has this small-ish room like most gyms have for classes.  Instead of instructors, they have a computer kiosk with a system called Wellbeats . You click into the system and select from a menu of classes on demand.  If you go to their website, they have various programs made up from the classes. I selected their "get started" workout plan. It's 4 weeks, 4 days per week, with a guided program laying out what classes to take. Most are less than 30 minutes.

Today I did the "basic fit test" and wrote down my results. It will repeat at the end of the program. I like that I have something organized to do rather than just randomly selecting a class. I've never seen anyone using the room, so I don't think access will be an issue.

Meals are planned and I have an ambitious goal for the end of the year: 20 pounds in the 10 weeks left. Even if I don't make it, if I only get halfway there I will be proud of me!

Take care.

Less stressed, but it was a close thing

Okay, kind of a long story.

We got an email last week saying that our insurance enrollment period had been moved forward 2 months to align with our parent company. My life event doesn't give me the usual 31 days to make a change since it falls within the enrollment window. Adding my son and new husband to my work insurance would cost a lot of money. Right now they both have insurance from the exchange (ACA), but enrollment for that doesn't open until a few days after our work enrollment period closes, so I can't compare the plans and costs. (Not to mention what a mess ACA is thanks to gov't trying to sabotage it). ANYWAY. When I asked if I could have 31 days from my wedding date since it was a life event and was told "no" I got VERY upset. I sent a letter to HR just saying how much their out of the blue change with no notice was hurting my family and potentially our bottom line. The head of HR called and we talked about it. He double checked and confirmed that if we elected not to renew either through ACA that would act as a "qualifying life event" and I could add them when that insurance runs out. Thank goodness. For a while I was really sweating where on earth we were going to come up with over $600 more per month for health insurance!! And I still may have to if the ACA goes belly up, but at least for now, we will have the chance to compare and make a choice.

Anyway, it's been a very stressful week at work and at home. The dog has decided to destroy the house every time she is left alone, and T worked 3 days this week. We've gone through 2 dog doors, but we think steel screws may save the 2nd door.

We were supposed to be going to an event this weekend, but we are just going for the day Saturday. I am too exhausted to do any more than that.

I'm tired.

Today

Today I am feeling stressed and worried about money. I need to work on just accepting things that I cannot change. T is looking for a job, I can't control when he will find a job.

It's just hard.

Road trip!

Okay. Yesterday I went to the gym and did 20 minutes on the elliptical, did 200 kettlebell swings with a 15 lb bell, and walked 5 laps around the building (15 minutes). I tracked what I ate.

Today I got to work 30 minutes early so I can leave at 4:30. I walked 3 laps and knocked out a quick 40 swings so far (not too shabby for 8 AM).

Last night we planned meals through Monday and T is prepping my breakfast (turkey meatballs).

I am happy, and I feel good.

And..... we're back to baby steps

This has been a wonderful, crazy, hectic week. Mom and I are leaving for Georgia as soon as I get home from work tomorrow.

Tonight, T and I will sit down and make a meal plan and a grocery list. He will do the shopping while I am gone. I will come home to a house with groceries, clean laundry, and he will prep any food I request. (Yes, I do know how lucky I am. I lived in opposite world for many years.)

Baby step 1: Be prepared. Have a meal plan and the food to execute. Have something realistic for our schedule. T is working 3 days next week so that means crock pot, casserole type stuff, or quick and easy.

Baby step 2: Use the gym I signed up for. Bag is in the car and I am headed out soon.

Baby step 3: Keep liquid calories out of the house. Enough said.

You eat an elephant one bite at a time.

Crazy week

So, we're not having a honeymoon (obviously). We don't have the money and I don't have the time. We are looking at going to DC next month though.

Our friend from Australia is a former professional chef who loves smoking meats, making his own bacon and sausages, and food tourism. In other words, T's long lost twin! Lol

Monday I had the day off so we went up to Boone and Grandfather Mountain. Yesterday they went to Asheville. Today I am working from home so we went and had bbq in Lexington. I think they've both had a wonderful time. S is flying out tomorrow afternoon.

Mom and I are headed to Georgia this weekend to visit Alma - she is definitely slowing down and her memory gets a little flaky. It's been 3 months so we are definitely due a visit. I used to really look forward to them, but honestly not so much any more. I love her very much and it's hard to see her sad. But I know our visits are very important and I am thankful I am able to help her in some small way.

Mischief managed

We did it!  The day was beautiful. And as a surprise, a friend flew in from Australia!!! Now I am back at work and back to reality.

Yay!

Working a little longer, then headed to the beach. Pictures to follow.

Coming together

The final pieces are coming together. I found my spanx (what????), picked out which shoes to wear until I remove them at the edge of the sand, and got my nails done.  My natural nails are very thin and brittle. Add to that the facts that I have short, chubby fingers (not matter what my weight) as well as shallow, wide nail beds. Overall I don't like the way they look. I'm sure we will want pictures of our rings, and I want to feel pretty. So I went and got gel nails. I have no idea whether I will keep them, but probably not for long.

It's been a super hectic morning, trying to whip up a casserole before work so I had it ready (going to get my hair cut this evening), and getting a few things organized while on breaks (I'm working from home today).

We are going this afternoon to pick up our marriage license. In the midst of the sadness and helplessness, I am trying to focus on being grateful and happy for what I have right now.

Take care.

Intentions thwarted

I went back to Anytime Fitness today. My original intention was to go and check out the weight room. it was full of guys (well 4, but it's small), so I ended up doing 15 minutes on the elliptical (Yosemite) and 5 minutes on the bike (Loire valley).  Why did I feel uncomfortable going and using the weight room? Because I'm overweight? Female? Both?  Oh well, at least I exercised.

T is subbing today - PE at an elementary school.  I suspect he will go to bed by 8 PM.

Take care.

Happy Monday

We spent the weekend reclaiming the house and generally getting a lot of stuff done. The weather was amazing, and I woke up refreshed. Then I turned on the news. The whole planet seems to be destroying itself, or we're destroying each other.

And amidst all of that I'm putting the last minute touches on my wedding planning - a time that should be joyful. And is, but still, it's hard when there is so much bad happening to so many people.

I went to Anytime Fitness at lunch today even though I didn't want to. It's less than a mile from the office.  The equipment is very nice - the cardio machines have individual televisions. Have you ever seen those "scenic walk" videos where it looks like you are running/ biking/ hiking through nature? They have that - I did a virtual hike through Arthur's Peak National Park in New Zealand - it was lovely.

Work is still crazy. I got my jewelry picked out. Hold on to the good stuff.

Take care.