Week 10: Measurements and Plateaus--What is the Deal??

Thumbs up from grandson Tavian!!
Okay folks.....another round of measurements and weighing in....but it is ALL part of the deal!!  Right??  So, let's see where I stand after two and a half months of workouts and eating healthier (despite some cheat days).  It wasn't a bang-up two weeks for me, but despite having a birthday party to attend (grandson) and allowing myself some cheat days....I still dropped close to one pound, but more importantly---more inches.  Even more than that---I can tell in my posture (core) that I am stronger than when I began this journey.  Muscle weighs more than fat....and that's what I am telling myself!! 

Grandson Breckin showing his approval of the Cider Mill donut!

Whenever we go to Louisburg, KS to see the grandsons (and their parents), it is tradition that we go for Cider Mill donuts at some point.  I like to tell myself that they are healthier than other donuts because they are made with apple cider....so let's not burst my bubble...ok??  I just try not to eat TOO many of them!!  

Apparently I take lots of these private vacations...especially at night!

 I don't know about the rest of you (ladies anyway) but I have numerous hot flashes every night.  I had a total hysterectomy at the end of 2011 and that sent me into menopause.  There are many wonderful and fun (sarcasm) new occurrences in this stage of life (haha) and I do not really have issues with many of them except for the HF's.  Whew!!  Waking up several times a night and kicking off the blankets is quite the workout!!  Then I wake up an hour later freezing....do some crunches to cover myself up and then we start the process all over.  I know that eventually this will end, so I just tolerate it as best as I can.  The other issue I notice is this slower metabolism---hence the need for this blog!!

This might be work a try!

I found this calendar while shopping the other day....it might be worth a try!!  I would like to get into yoga, but I just have not found the right instructor or video yet.  I like more movement and action, but I am not giving up on yoga yet.  Balance is extremely important for your health, and yoga helps with that, as well as gaining strength.  And if cows can do it.....I should be able to as well, right??

Rain, rain....go away......

The biggest struggle for me is when the weather turns bad.  I love being outside anyway, and especially when it comes to exercise.  Walking, running, swimming, biking, you name it---if it is an activity that can be done outside....I love it.  We had three days in a row of rainy, dreary weather in the last week.  This requires me to be very creative to get my workouts done, and it is even more difficult for me to stay motivated on these days.  

Funny place to leave a needle...haha!

So, I told you that I have been doing the Couch to 5K app on my phone, right?  A few days ago after the weather cleared up, I went out for a three mile run and kept feeling something weird in my shoe.  I didn't stop to check it since I just thought it was a twig or something in there.  When I got home I took off my sock and found a needle on the bottom!  Luckily it was stuck in the sock well enough that it didn't poke into my skin!  I have never had that happen before!  Next time I will check it as soon as I feel something!

Here we go....my favorite cheat meal!!  A little old-fashioned burger joint called Boomarang.  They have the best burgers and I always get the fried pickles.  When you're going to cheat....do it well!!!  Of course, I do make sure that I get back on track after that, and try to add an extra workout of some sort if I have the time. I also don't allow myself cheat days every other day or so....just once a week or so.

Getting healthy is a slow process....I must remind myself!!

I don't really have much to report on from the past two weeks.  I did read an article about how sometimes if you reach a plateau that you can't seem to get past....maybe you need to listen to your body and just accept that it could be the best weight for you at this time in your life.  I know that at different stages in my life I have been heavier or lighter, depending on the chapter I was on at the time.  Don't beat yourself up by trying to get back to an unrealistic weight.  I hope that you all are doing great with your healthy journey!!!  Until next time........ 

Personal Boot Camp: Week 8: Another Round of Measurements

Personal Boot Camp: Week 8: Another Round of Measurements: Uh oh!!!! Have you seen these???  The teeny, tiny, stretchy pieces of not-much-material-that-never-cover-enough-of-my-skin-thing-a-ma-bob...

Week 8: Another Round of Measurements

Uh oh!!!!
Have you seen these???  The teeny, tiny, stretchy pieces of not-much-material-that-never-cover-enough-of-my-skin-thing-a-ma-bobbers...otherwise known as a swimsuit!!  AHHHHHH....not to alarm you all, but THEY'RE BACK!!!!!!  I know that I just turned the calendar over to March---but this is when it starts  to get REAL!!  I am going to have to FIT into one these in a few months.  Oh me, oh my!!!!

National Margarita Day--Feb. 22---I may need another one thinking about swimsuits!!

Yes, my husband did make me Margaritas from scratch on that day....and now I may need more!  Actually, this reminds me that eating healthy is my goal, but I still want to enjoy life and not be so strict and rigid that I feel like I am depriving myself constantly.  That is a recipe (pun intended) for disaster when it comes to your weight.  Yes, you may take it off--but it likely won't stay off as you will go back to eating or drinking those things and OVER indulge in them.  So, treat yourself once in a while....just do it in moderation.

So this week was another measurement/weigh-in week. Any time I start to think about scales and measuring it makes me a little anxious...if I am being honest.  Due to the fun in New Orleans, I absolutely wanted to get back to where I had been---but also lose a little more.  I was ecstatic when I got on my Wii (using the program shown above) and it showed that I had lost 4.9 pounds and my BMI had gone down as well.  The funniest thing about the Wii Fit program to me is that it will tell me that my BMI is considered overweight and would I like to set a goal of 22?  Uhhh sure I would---but that means I would have to lose a BUNCH of weight to get there.  So then when I punch in that I want to lose three pounds in two weeks, it usually tells me that I am not being realistic. Huh??  (Another reason I may need another Margarita!!)  At least it gives me a good laugh each time!!  Maybe someday I will get to 22....and also, pigs might fly!!!

I have still been trying new recipes and foods in this adventure to get healthier.  To the left above is beet greens.  The night before, we had roasted the beets with garlic and olive oil, they were so delicious.  The next night, I blanched the greens and then chopped them and sauteed with garlic and red pepper flakes.  They were both dishes that will be made again!!  The only warning I will give is this: be prepared for the bowel movements for the next few days and DO NOT get alarmed at the color (I don't think I need to expand on this one....)!!  The dish on the right is fried cauliflower...a take on chicken fried rice.  I just grated the cauliflower the size of rice and substituted.  It doesn't need to cook near as long as rice though.  (Check with Pinterest or just Google for the recipes!)

I also started a new 30 day workout called the Full Body KILLER Workout.....so the pictures above of my two dogs shows you about how I feel when I am done with it each day!!  This one has squats, pushups, curls, leg lifts, crunches, Russian Twists, jumping jacks, Mountain Climbers and burpees.  However....after the first day of attempting 20 burpees...I substituted planks instead.  I believe that you should know your limits and not push your body too far beyond its capabilities.  My knees could not handle the burpees (maybe it had something to do with the knee surgery due to a hurdling accident I suffered at the age of 42---hence the "know your limits" mentality!).  I can truly tell the difference in my core and posture after these weeks of hard work.

While back in my hometown a week ago I got to go out to the house that I grew up in.  The reason I add this photo is that being back there reminded me of how active I was when we lived there.  It was before the time of internet, cable TV, video games, and cell phones. When we weren't in school, my brothers and I were outside having adventures of some sort (possibly getting into trouble with some...)!!  Seeing the old farmstead really brought back good memories, plus we found a few treasures to bring home!  

A picture taken with two great friends inside of an old chicken coop.  The ceiling was chicken wire and walls were stone.  They don't make things like that anymore.  It was a beautiful February day and we enjoyed every moment.

In my opinion, health comes from the inside out---meaning that you have to be at peace in your soul and love yourself enough to want to take care of the outside as well. While reading a daily devotional I came across one of my favorite scriptures from the Bible.  When I start feeling out of sorts....I realize that I need to get back to reading scripture to find my inner peace.   I also need help when it comes to the "Be still" part.... 

I was invited to a painting party where you bring your own refreshments and snacks (thanks Megan!).  This is my friend Michele and I with our blank canvasses and wine!  Let the creative juices flow....or at least the wine!  Actually, an instructor guides you through the whole process and they all end up very similar.  It was fun and I could see doing this at home with some friends!  It was relaxing.  

The final product!  The bride-to-be was allowed to choose what picture we would all attempt to recreate.  Since this was a bachelorette party, she chose the lovebirds.  I think it is important for your mental health to find hobbies and interests that allow you to relax and de-stress.  I have always loved art, so this could be a new (old) way for me to chill.  

The main thing to remember when you are working on your health is not to ignore your inner health as well.  Although we can't be happy happy happy every moment of every day....it IS a choice sometimes to decide that no matter what chaos you may have around you, you have a choice.  So until next time.....deep breaths and BE HAPPY!!!!

Personal Boot Camp: Weeks 5 & 6: New Orleans and 2nd Measurements!!

Personal Boot Camp: Weeks 5 & 6: New Orleans and 2nd Measurements!!: Well....in case you missed me last week (and I know that you did!!) we had a trip to Louisiana to see family and for business, so I ski...

Weeks 5 & 6: New Orleans and 2nd Measurements!!

Well....in case you missed me last week (and I know that you did!!) we had a trip to Louisiana to see family and for business, so I skipped the blog last week.  Trying to stay on a healthy eating plan in the south is TOUGH!!!  If you have ever traveled to New Orleans then you know exactly what I am talking about!!  So the measurement/weigh in this week was a scary ordeal!

If I could have used this guy to weigh in then I would have had it made!

Truth is....I did gain back two of the pounds I had already lost, however, I also LOST almost two inches!!  I could tell that my jeans fit a little better even though we ate things like Po Boys, Gumbo, King Cake, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding, Boudin balls, Crawfish, Italian Cookies, Muffuletta, and the wonderfully amazing Beignets!!! Pictures to follow.....

Blackened fish po boy with sweet potato fries....mmmmm!!

Cafe Du Monde is famous for Beignets and coffee au lait....OH MY!!!

Bread Pudding is served warm and so yummy!!!

Do you ever get to a point where you just start asking yourself questions about your body??  Seriously....maybe my body has become adjusted to and attached to the extra love handles and muffin top and is refusing to let them go??  Or maybe my thighs like having an extra layer of protection on my femur bone!  It could happen!!  Or perhaps my chin gets lonely and likes having a buddy? Something to consider for sure.....

The baby from the Kings Cake during Mardi Gras parade....those cakes are yummy!!

One of the many floats at the Shreveport, LA Mardi Gras parade.....we did not go to the BIG one in NOLA.

What I am trying to suggest here is this:  maybe you do need to listen to your body more and if you have been dieting and exercising and working your butt off (just figuratively) and you still haven't gotten back to the size that your head THINKS you should be wearing...then maybe it is time to readjust your mind.  Get that idea of being back to your "pre-kids" size, or your "college days" size, or your "best shape of my life" size, or your "model" size, or whatever size your head is telling you to be and listen to your body!!  And then go shopping!!  Get clothes that enhance the size that you are NOW.  And as the over-played Frozen song says.....LET IT GO!!

Raw Oysters

Crawfish!

Grilled Oysters

So in the theory of the song....I had raw oysters (just one) and grilled oysters (enjoyed them more) and crawfish (thanks to my brother-in-law giving me lessons on how to peel them and making a yummy dipping sauce).  Also, we had to try and make some Italian cookies that my husband remembers eating as a child....

Nice little cookies that paired well with coffee.  Kind of like biscotti, but very tasty.  There are lots of Italian family recipes in my husband's background! Another reason that trying to stick to an eating program is difficult down there!!

The famous Muffuletta from Central Grocery in NOLA.
I have to admit that this was one of my favorites from NOLA....it is a Muffuletta....a meat, cheese and olive relish combo on soft, wonderful Italian bread with olive oil drizzled on that is AMAZING!  (Are you seeing why I gained a couple of pounds back??)

My only saving grace to the trip....the amount of walking that we did for sight-seeing, because it is easier than trying to drive in the French Quarter.  One day I walked over ten miles!  So despite the calories that I consumed, I felt that we did enough exercise to counteract SOME of it!!

We walked around the Garden District and Uptown after riding the streetcars for a while.  There is just SO MUCH to see there!! What also made me laugh was the idea that you could wander around with cocktails.  A big change from any state I have ever lived in!

Getting in my veggies for the day....the tasty way!! What?  I'm on vacation!!

Monroe and Halo out for a walk in Bossier City....beads even on the fire hydrant!
I also walked my two dogs several times a day while we were in Bossier City.  That part of my lifestyle plan kept going....I did TONS of walking.  According to my FITBIT, last week I had 127,293 steps!!  That's an average of 17,000 a day, which equals over seven miles.  I did take a break from my 30 Day challenges that week, and I could tell the difference.  

I was tempted to get one of these dolls for myself.  I thought maybe I could like cut out the belly part and trim down the thighs...maybe put some tape over my mouth so I wouldn't be hungry.  Isn't that how these are supposed to work??  Just kidding....I didn't bring one back. (Maybe I can order one online?) Well...that's it for this week (and last week).  I am back on track and still determined to get healthy!!!  Let's do it!!

SIDE NOTE: I did end up going to the doctor yesterday.  I have a high threshold for pain, therefore, my sinus crud got out of control.  By the time I went in, it had taken hold of my head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, etc.   When she offered to give me a steroid shot along with antibiotics....I jumped at it!!  I have had one before and you start to feel better in a few hours.  I am not advocating taking lots of medicines or putting steroids in your system, but this was a drastic situation!  You all need to remind me that when my eyes start getting puffy and my nose starts to resemble a pig snout....I need to get to the doctor PRONTO!!  Feeling MUCH better in 12 hours!!!

Personal Boot Camp: Four Weeks: Plateau Time

Personal Boot Camp: Four Weeks: Plateau Time: Utah beauty..... Remember that plateau I was preparing myself for? Yeah....it happened a little earlier than I planned!  Did my weigh-...

Four Weeks: Plateau Time

Utah beauty.....

Remember that plateau I was preparing myself for? Yeah....it happened a little earlier than I planned!  Did my weigh-in/measuring on Tuesday of this week and I must say that even though I didn't actually lose weight, I DID lose inches....and that is as important to me!  I will admit....at first I was SO disappointed in myself and mentally beating myself up for every little cheat that I had allowed myself during the last two weeks.  I finally decided to cut myself some slack since we did eat out three times during this last week for my husband's work.  I actually made better food choices when we did, so sometimes you just have to look at the positive---don't focus on the negative---and MOVE ON!!!

This is Monroe trying to convince me that I need to focus on looking forward and ignore the negative side of this situation, and to not worry about weight!!  I am not sure that he is the one to listen to....we call him "husky" as he is built like a tank!!  I don't really want to be husky any longer though, so I must keep working!!  If anything...this little plateau week has made me even MORE determined!!

So....we do our daily walking still (weather permitting).  The dogs love to get out and sniff and explore, and it is a good excuse to get me out and moving!  Thanks Halo and Monroe for keeping me motivated to move!

I am NOT a political person whatsoever....but while walking we saw this and I thought Halo was going to do something on this sign.  She just sniffed and walked away....not sure if that is a prediction of the Republican nominations or not?!! (And PLEASE don't make crazy comments because I am NOT in ANY WAY supporting or dismissing any of the candidates!!  If anything, I may just write Tatonka Monroe's name in for President this year!!)

After our walks....Halo usually plops down in their bed.  They have a brand new big bed and this is their old one, but she still likes it best.  I guess it is the smell.  We are ALL creatures of habit....huh??  And I need to break some of my bad habits!  Still. Working. On. That. Slowing. Down. While. I. Eat. Situation.  Habits are so easy to pick up but extremely hard to break.....very similar to the situation of getting out of shape and getting back into shape.....easy vs. difficult.  I sometimes snack too late at night too.  What is your worst eating habit??

One of my favorite snacks....apple slices with peanut butter.  I actually could live on peanut butter...if I was stranded on a deserted island, I would want a big supply of peanut butter!!  I have been trying to eat more fruit too, as I think that is the food group that I ignore the most and I find that I don't get the suggested daily servings.  

This little troll doll (blast from the past) was a gift from a friend for Christmas.  She is actually wearing rollerblades (in-line skates, whatever you want to call them depending on your age!)....which reminded me that I bought a pair of them at a garage sale a few years back. 

Rollerblades or In-Line Skates??? 

It is great exercise and I may need to dust them off and try them as a different workout!!  I should probably make sure that my insurance is up-to-date first!! Recently a new rollerskating arena opened up near our house too....hmmm....I think I will try that out!! Reminds me of the good old days of the Glasco, Kansas rollerskating rink!!  

Remember I said that a big part of getting healthy includes your inner self as well??  That would be the soul.  I truly do believe that it IS a vital part of being completely healthy.  Even though you are fit on the outside, if your soul is rotting away.....you still won't be fully complete and at peace.  Work on all areas of yourself.

Saw this piece of art hanging on the wall while I was giving blood last week.  It made me think (or UN-think??)....occasionally I realize that maybe, perhaps, possibly---that I think TOO much about the weight/health deal.  You know how when you stopping dwelling on a problem that it sometimes will work itself out??  I want to be healthy while still enjoying life and all that it has to offer.  Life is a balancing act, as we all know---and just when we get things "balanced", a curve-ball comes at us---forcing us to RE-balance our lives.  So, back to my spinning plates here....re-finding that balance.  How are YOUR plates spinning?? 

***Side note: My original weigh-in was on Tuesday of this week and I did another one this morning since I wasn't feeling as bloated....a difference of almost four pounds!  I am attributing it to water retention or constipation...or both!!  The hazard of weighing yourself each day....FLUCTUATIONS!!! Now back to those plates......