I’d like to add that my wisdom with age realizes I might be wiser but I am not the wisest. It’s like learning to never say never. I know there is much more to experience and wisdom to gain in the next 40+ years.

So, here’s another bit of wisdom I’ve gained from my experiences over the last few years.

My birthday is in December. It coincides nicely with end of the year wrap up and goal setting, except, by New Year’s Eve, it’s already old news to me. On my birthday, I imagine where I’ll be on my birthday the following year, at least, in weight loss terms. Then I say to myself, “Self, you’ve got 365 days. GO!”

Yeah. It doesn’t work out that way. First of all, in the first 10 days, it is still the holidays. Second, I am a world class procrastinator. I don’t start thinking about getting serious until October when I realize I’d better get serious because that next birthday is getting dressed for a party.

“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried with what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. – unknown

Mostly, I’m lucky if I even maintain my weight through those last few months of the year. For example, I was a goner by November 10th.

So, here’s my personal wisdom. Like the quote, I need to stop thinking that I can cram all this work into the last few months. In fact, I need to give up on November and December altogether. I don’t have 365 days. I have from January 7 until the end of October to make significant progress on this life style change. November and December should be reserved for a whole different life project.

During the past week I celebrated my 36th Birthday, went out to eat at a nice restaurant with my hubby and children-ordered me a steak, thank you very much and I even had birthday cake. As the next day approached it was back on the saddle again. I didn’t eat all of my meal from the restaurant due to a screaming baby I had to walk around with most of the evening. So I ate my leftovers for lunch that next day. I’ve only been exercising a tiny bit as I’ve been working on my side business of making holiday hair bows. Please feel free to order one at katsholidayhairbows.etsy.com

My reason for not exercising much this week….my bows:)

As before, I am slowly re-introducing myself to this healthy living lifestyle. I am selling our double stroller that is a sit and stand (my daughter hates the standing part on a walk and I don’t blame her one bit) and waiting on my new double stroller that comfortably sits my two tater tots. As soon as that comes in I hope to be taking walks outside and as well inside at the small shopping mall, which is not too far from our house, on those cold days. It’s important to show my children the importance of taking walks and taking care of ourselves. Getting a comfortable stroller for them, so they can go with me on walks is very important to me. Plus, let’s face it, the stroller with the kids in it does add resistance!

Well, that about sums up for my little update. Nothing too exciting to report on other than losing 2 lbs! But hey, I’m very happy and it’s a good start to a new year! Slow and steady wins the race and I’m slowly getting that much closer the finish line!

At Christmas with my husband and our tots. I like to use the children as a sheild to hide my stomach….come on, you know you do it too!

CHEERS!

Kat

BE PREPARED – When I go grocery shopping I ALWAYS have my W.W. Slide Rule with me to help ME decide what items will come home with me. For snack items I NEVER bring anything into the house that is more than 2 pts. per serving. If the wrong food items are in the house I know I have no willpower and at my weak moments I will gobble them up and then be sorry afterwards. I like to take the temptation out of my reach!

MARK YOUR GROCERIES WITH POINTS – After I get my groceries home I take a black marker and mark the points right on the food item – this way I don’t have to bother looking the points up when I get ready to make a meal or eat that food item. This makes following the program and tracking my points EASY, which is going to help me STAY ON PROGRAM. If it becomes a chore I will quit for sure!

PRE-BAG & MARK WITH POINT VALUE – When I buy snacks or anything in bulk, I take the time to weigh out the serving size (such as Air Crisp Pretzels), put the servings in baggies and mark the points on the baggie. Now, when you want a snack all you have to do is grab a baggie which is portioned out with the points on it. As I said in #3, EASY, EASY, EASY! It is time consuming ONCE but you’ll be happy you did it.

PLAN FOR THE DAY – When I leave the house for the “day” I pack a large lunch box with foods that I might eat during the day – being prepared when not at home is the key to staying away from Fast Food, which is very high in points and give you very little satisfaction – you will be hungry shortly thereafter and no points left with which to eat. I prepare all the foods to “grab” (if I pack an orange I will peel it, section it and put it in a baggie) in case I’m driving when I get hungry. As I’m packing my lunch box for the day I write down all the points of the food in the lunchbox…..if, when I get home, I don’t eat it all it is very easy and pleasurable, to take the points back.

ORGANIZE – I keep a list of all my favorite brand name foods so I don’t have to refigure them all the time….just look it up and mark the item.

ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT WHEN EATING OUT – When I eat out I ask the waitress if she could ask the cook to bring me half of what I ordered – this way I am watching my portion size and the food is not going to waste – most times the restaurants have no problem with this. Also, if it cannot be done, I eat half of the meal and then ask the waitress to immediately take the plate away (otherwise I WILL eat the whole thing). Be aware of your weaknesses and don’t set yourself up!

DON’T DENY YOURSELF – I have tried a lot of different healthy foods. I DON’T eat anything I don’t like “because it is healthier”. For example: I don’t really like the non-fat or lite, for that matter, salad dressing. So, I ALWAYS order it on the side (Blue Cheese is my favorite) and use a fork. This way I am only eating about a teaspoon for my whole salad and I’m not suffering because I’m eating what I like. When you force yourself to eat what you think you should instead of what you like you will quit and go back to your old eating habits. Don’t DENY yourself – you want a healthier eating plan that you can live with.

DO “SMART GROCERY SHOPPING” – I always hit the produce aisle FIRST – don’t be afraid even if prices are high. I was afraid at first that my food bill would double with all the “healthy” foods but have found that eating healthy did not cost any more money. Controlling my portions makes the foods last longer (before my lifestyle change I could eat a whole box of Air Crisp Pretzels – now they last about 10-15 days – ONE BOX!).

ENJOY SPECIAL OCCASIONS – When I go to parties, family gatherings, weddings, etc. I eat a couple spoonfuls of everything I want. This way you are not feeling “deprived” and you are not going off program. I also make sure I eat a small breakfast before going, along with about half of my water for the day – this keeps you from overeating.

EXERCISE – Schedule your activity into your day – remember, it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do some activity. Every little bit helps. I personally have to do my workout early in the morning, the first thing, otherwise I WILL NOT DO IT! So, I get up very early and get my 1 1/2 hour workout done first thing. I do this 3 times a week and on the other days I bowl or do other activities. If you cannot get out of the house try marching in front of your favorite TV program.

WRITE DOWN MEALS WITH POINTS – When I have put a meal together that I like and figured the points for everything in that meal, I write it down so the next time all I have to do is look up the points for that particular meal. Again, EASY, EASY, EASY!

NEVER MISS A MEETING – Please don’t underestimate the power of group support. I would be lost without it. I never miss a meeting unless I am out of town and I try to go to a meeting even then. I have been very fortunate to have found a WONDERFUL, understanding, supportive leader. If you don’t care for your leader go to another meeting and keep going until you find one that you are comfortable with. The meetings help you stay motivated and let you know that you are not alone in this. I can honestly tell you that I look forward to going to my meetings! Another great benefit from going to your meetings is the wonderful new friends you will make – I have truly been blessed!

WRITE EVERYTHING YOU EAT DOWN – This keeps you honest and holds you accountable for everything you put in your mouth. It also lets you know the areas where you are lacking (vegetables, fruits, etc). You would be surprised how fast the points add up! It is a good tool to help you get and maintain a healthy eating lifestyle.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW FOOD CHOICES – I have discovered I like fresh mushrooms and many other vegetables which I thought I didn’t like (mainly because I didn’t bother trying them before).

TAKE BABY STEPS – Try journaling for one week, drinking water for the next one, walking a couple times a week for the next week, etc. Trying to do TOO MUCH at once can be overwhelming! Take baby steps – you will get there in no time and the WHOLE program will come together. Don’t focus or think about the amount of weight you have to lose.

TRADE JOURNALS WITH A FRIEND THROUGH EMAIL – I have been at goal weight now over 16 months. My best friend Tammy (she is LIFETIME also) and I decided we are going to send our Daily Food Journals to each other when we are having a rough time. This keeps us accountable and on track. As a LIFETIME member and under goal I don’t journal all the time – only when I have a rough time (which happens, believe me!). Then I get out all my materials and start from scratch and it usually gets me back on track.

Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Blackberries
Approximately 149 percent Approximatley 28.6 Approximatley 41 percent Approximately 7.5 Grams
of the daily Value of micrograms of vitamin K of the daily value of of dietary fiber (nearly
vitamin C, which aids (nearly 36 percent of the manganese, which is 30 percent of the daily
normal growth and daily value),helps maintain necessary for proper value) which supports
development healthy blood flow Bone development digestion and helps maintain
blood sugaradn cholesterol levels

This article in the January/February issure of Healthy Living Made Simple
from Sam’s Club.

Let me introduce myself…I’m Beverly….mid life…woman, with the desire to get fit and healthy… I’ve struggled with my weight all my life…but at 56 years of age…I need to control it not let it control me.. When I was younger I use to say.. my weight doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do..and it didn’t…I didn’t have any health issues.. I was just over weight.. well I can not say that anymore…My weight has taken over my life.. I am not able to do the things I want to do.. It has made me a person I don’t like… I like to think of my self as a free-spirited person , who enjoys life to the fullest..is up for a good challenge…and ready to Tackle the world…well it may be the person I think I am inside, but I’m not that person anymore… I want to be her again.. but right now its..not me..I have started getting some medical issues…I don’t do things like I use to..because of my weight..and latley I have not been the out going person that I usually am..because I am ashamed of my weight.. so this year will be the year I take control of my life..and get it together..FINALLY! So I decided to enlist the help of family and friends on Facebook that wanted to do the same..and well here we are…

I hope you will follow us…and feel like participating in our Journey…we will help you…and give you support… I believe that the support of family and friends…is what will help us be successful…once and for all!!…

So pull up a chair..dig in and catch up.. on our journey..look through the old post..you never know what you’re going to find on here! Everyday is a new journey just waiting for us to live it to the fullest!

Cheers!
Beverly

So we travel for 4 hours to get to our site, set up the tent right next to the river (which was partially in flood) under the shade of some beautiful Gum trees (yes we are in Australia) and set about organising our lunch. Since we had travelled for quite a while it was planned to have pre-prepared salads with barbecued steaks.

We got the eskys (ice fridges) set-up with the food, setup the swing out kitchen, hooked up the gas to the barbecue (BBQ) and found the lighter for the gas and we were ready for cooking our meal. Beauty, steaks are on, plates are out and we are having a cooling drink when the ranger appears.

He orders us to turn off the gas BBQ as there is a total fire ban … we couldn’t even finish cooking our steaks, so the dog got a good feed.

So now what, the fire ban applies to that day and the next two days, we had steaks, sausages, casseroles and eggs and were prepared for the cooking of these foods. What could we do?

Even the fishing was not an option as the fish had to be cooked, and the smart people are saying: How could there be a total fire ban when the river is in flood? That is simple really, we were about 20 kilometres (12 to 13 miles) downstream of a major dam from which they were releasing water for irrigation for the farmers.

The moral of this story is to firstly check where you are going, as things like “total fire bans” can severely interrupt the best laid plans and if you do check you will know about this problem. And the second point is to make sure that your food supply is versatile enough to cover for cooking failure – perhaps your gas BBQ will fail, or you can’t get enough wood for a fire!

What did we do? Well, quite simply we knew there was a town about an hours drive away so we got a list together of what we wanted and sent someone in to town to get some more supplies – we ended up having a wonderful time, and then we had to leave a day early as the ranger came back to tell us they were flooding the river overnight and we would be a metre (3 feet) under water!

The obsessive craving for spicy pickled pepper seems to have abated, and with it my intake of salt. Which has helped me keep my weight more or less under control. I seem to have gravitated to about 202 – 203 lbs for the last few week. I’m hoping to hold it there until the end of my first trimester. At that point I’ll have a full appointment with a midwife and can find out what a reasonable weight gain is for someone of my original weight during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

http://archive.bodyrock.tv/2011/06/25/delicious-healthy-pizza-recipe/

Delicious & Healthy Pizza Recipe

archive.bodyrock.tv

http://greatist.com/health/52-healthy-meals-in-12-minutes-or-less/

health.yahoo.net

Healthy Baja Fish Tacos http://www.food.com/recipe/healthy-baja-fish-tacos-380691

http://www.allaboutwater.org/drink-water.html

10 Fun Moves to Reshape Your Body With an Exercise Ball Workout

http://www.webmd.com

Healing Barley Soup

http://www.care2.com

Lets start fresh! Lets change our life style and habits!

Lose weight.  Save money. Get out of debt. Stop smoking

Sound familiar?  These are some of the most commonly BROKEN resolutions every time we circle around the sun.

This year, I have decided to make New Year life style changes in my life, not resolutions.

Instead of the “I am going to lose weight” resolution, I have decided to continue to make fitness and healthy eating a priority in my every day life and in doing that I will become closer to my goal of training to become a Les Mills BodyCombat instructor.

Wow, now that sounds more like a plan to me! Love it.

On to my next life style change…

Instead of me saying, ” I am going to save money for a new 5DMark III”, I have decided to set up a separate savings account specifically for that goal. Every month it will instantly transfer a set amount of money into that account so that way, I won’t even “miss” it.

Lets replace that “I want to start my own business” resolution with actually taking on clients I normally would not take and find my own niche in the photography world.  I just opened my own Etsy shop so I can sell my fine art prints and get myself out there! I also ordered  new business cards that are going to be fun and catch the attention of the kind of clients I want. AND I started a 52 project which is a photo a week journal that will post to this blog and onto my Flickr account!

The list goes on…I have more life style changes for myself, but they are a bit more personal so I will keep them to myself. I hope you try to keep your life style change throughout the new year and if that works out for you, keep that change for many years to come!

No more crazy unattainable resolutions for me! This is a year of change and doing not wishing and wanting!

Much love, happiness and well wishes for you this 2013!

♥Adriana

Better than just watching TV!!!!! In this cold weather …give it a try!!!!! In the comfort of your own home!

So the calorie burn total for 20 minutes (that’s not even counting the warmup) was 128, or 384 per hour. According to this chart, that is comparable to swimming, easy cycling or brisk walking for a 150-lb person. Moreover, my max heart rates in Just Dance are as high as I usually get while running or doing an advanced workout video.

Just Dance may be fun, but is it exercise?

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