The Real Thing

Saturday, January 09, 2010

This week my son went back to college and our dog died--in that order, on the same day. Libby was a sweetheart of a Lab, and she went fairly quickly, but not as easily as I would have hoped. And then there was the body to deal with. How DOES a lone woman get an 80 pound body out to the car to take to the vet the next morning? Well, I figured it out eventually, but it left me drained and feeling emotionally fragile. And since Libby's sudden illness and death happened late in the evening, I got very little sleep. All of which set up the potential for some major emotional eating the next day.

But I don't think I did too badly. I didn't track my food that day and I didn't work out, but I don't think I went much over my limit (if any) for the simple reason that there wasn't anything very fattening in the house. There's a lot to be said for keeping temptation out of the house!

And I did one thing that was really important and helpful. I reached out to people. I emailed my accountability buddy, who was a model of support. I contacted a group of friends and arranged to meet them for a late afternoon movie. I talked on the phone to family. I snuggled with the cat. I got real emotional support, the sense that I was loved and cared for, that I could never have gotten from a chocolate bar.

It was an important lesson to learn, but one that I hope I don't need to put into practice again any time soon.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CRYS9379 1/17/2010 3:03PM

You took a terrible situation and turned it around to see the positive. What an inspiration! I am so sorry for your loss. I had a lab growing up and they are the most loving dogs. They're just like another kid! Keep your head up and the momentum going!

I haven't lost a pound all month, so why am I so happy?

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Although I'll admit I wasn't perfect in December, I really did work hard. I was pretty faithful about tracking my food, and most days I stayed within my range. I established a regular workout routine, and by the end of the month was working out 60-90 minutes most days. That's a lot of sweat for the needle on the scale to still be stuck at 155. So why am I happy?

First, there's the obvious. It was the holidays. At least I didn't gain any weight! But there are many less obvious reasons to be happy about my progress in December. Maybe most important is that I gained an accountability buddy who has been great about keeping me on track and praising me for my small steps. Thanks, Pamalam!

Then there are the new habits I've established: tracking my food, working out daily, eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, and drinking 8 cups of water. Not surprisingly, I feel much better than I did two months ago when I joined Sparkpeople.

Also, while the scale may not show progress, I've had other indicators of change. A major one was last week when I pulled out one of my favorite workout DVDs that I'd been avoiding because I knew that it was hard. (I used to be in really good shape until this past year and a half when I allowed a number of life complications to derail my healthy habits. ) I didn't do everything in that workout, but I didn't die either. So it's time to move those more challenging DVDs back into the rotation.

And improved fitness isn't the only evidence of improvement I've seen. When I look in the mirror, I can see the changes. My face had started to look bloated. Now it's thinner. I'm looking like me again. And I have new shoulder and arm definition. Even my posture looks better.

Plus, I'm starting to get back into some of my clothes that had been too tight. Today I measured, and while I may not have lost a pound this past month, I DID lost an inch and a half in my waist.

So I'm smiling.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PENNYROYALTY 1/2/2010 6:10PM

sounds to me like you have the right attitude! congrats on sticking with the program! no gain is better than gaining weight, huh? Happy new year and best of luck in 2010!

SWIMLOVER 1/2/2010 11:47AM

You are doing GREAT! Keep up the Good Work! I am so glad you are not letting the scale rule you but that you recognize other signs of getting healthier. We can all learn a lesson from you. You are an encourager without even realizing it! Thank You for that! Again, Keep Up The Great Work! GOD BLESS! Louise

MELISSA_X0 1/2/2010 10:30AM

This blog is more evidence that the scale should not rule this journey. Congrats on your success! I wish you more in the coming year!

Getting started

Saturday, November 07, 2009

I'm really amazed by how much Sparkpeople has on its site. The Nutrition Tracker and Fitness Tracker are my favorites so far, but I tried out some of the fitness videos this morning and thought they were very good, too.

I'm a little amused at myself for enjoying earning Sparkpoints. Do we ever get over wanted the gold star on our papers?

So, here's to all our joint efforts toward meeting our goals. We can do this!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JIMBOUCHIE 11/7/2009 10:03AM

Mine isn't gold, does it turn gold at some time?

PEDAL-PUSHER 11/7/2009 8:48AM

I like those gold stars too!I never thought of the points like that, but it is nice to see them rack up. Hmmmmmmm, maybe I should get a pack and stick them on my calendar here for every day I get a workout in!