Health is Wealth

I've had some personal motivation once again to focus on health.  A little nagging pain in my chest that comes and goes . . . and family and friends who are facing some challenges as well . . . it has made me think.

About ten years ago my mom, who is now 78, was told by her dr. that she needed to get her cholesterol down.  He told her to follow the American Heart Association diet plan and to walk one mile a day.  Now . . . my mom is one of those smart, disciplined, women who do what the dr. says.  Dr. ordered it . . . she did it . . . and dropped 11 pounds.  Now - it was 11 pounds that she didn't need to lose and that wasn't the purpose, the purpose was to lower her cholesterol.  Funny how that happens . . . you expend more calories than you take in . .. voila . . . weight comes off.  She also stuck to the AHA diet which is lean meats, vegetables and fruits . . . another step in taking off some pounds.

So as I think about my own struggle . . . it has been years of ignoring what I am well educated in . . . proper nutrition.  My life's work is geared around health and well mostly poor health.  I know better than to eat whatever I want and what sounds good and for wrong reasons.   I can tie it to poor life choices that I eat to cover up.  I still find it to be my best reward in life . . . but it stops now.

I got to truly enjoy having a granddaughter at age 44 and for the next 12 years I have been a young and active grandma.  I have been in swimming pools and on swing sets, down slipper slides, and I have shopped, crafted, hiked, rode bikes with, and generally enjoyed every minute of those years.  And now I need to be able to travel even further to see her . . . as well as other family . . . and hike in the Yellowstone National Park.  

Here's the catch . . . we are starting over now with another wonderful little granddaughter who is due to be born within the next few weeks.   Will I be able to keep up with her?  I need to!  I want to!

This is my motivation as well as just wanting to feel better.  Less aching back and hips.

So . . . I decided today . . . if it was good for my mom . . . I'll do it the American Heart Association way as well.

I was eager to blog my new strategy.  I don't apologize that I've had previous posts that sound similar because all we can do is to start again.  There has to be an answer out there for me . . . I have to be able to put behind me the reasons I hang on to food . . . My health depends on me getting exercise back in my life . . . so please join me if you would like to . . . start by checking out the American Heart Association's website.  It is awesome!!  It is full of education, information, healthy food ideas, and a simple plan for eating.   Plus many videos on cooking tips and healthy projects to be a part of!  I'll keep you posted on what I learn there!

Now let's get movin'  

If at first you don't succeed . . .

Half of 2014 is officially over and I have a few of my "focus areas" that need some work.  To refresh your memory - check this post and then continue reading as I enlist the hubs to once again get back to movin' and getting stronger and more fit!   There are sooooo many reasons that all of us need to be serious about staying active and being strong.  It's not just for the young who want to build muscle and look great on the beach or in the gym or who want to win competitions . . . it's critical for optimal health in the 30's 40's and as we are finding out . . . the 50's.    Use Google - check it out for yourself . . . I'll leave that to each individual and their own physician to recommend a program.  Here is what Clay and I have decided we will do:

     1.  No food eaten after 8 p.m. 

     2.  Healthy portions.  Healthy food.

     2.  Limit eating out at restaurants to once a week.

     3.  Exercise 5 days out of 7.

     4.  Bible reading daily.

     5.  Once a week do something fun together - not including the meal we can eat out.

Nothing earth shattering or surprising in that plan.   We each have a weight that we are wanting to achieve - I will lose 40 pounds and hubs will lose 25.  

The exercise will vary - I love to bike ride - I love to swim - I like to walk, play catch, clean house, and water flowers.   Those are my activities of choice.  I also like Bocce ball and working out on the fitness machines.  I have a treadmill and a gym membership.  Beloit offers many walking paths - awesome swim pool with lazy river - and plenty of places to hike.  

Clay does mega-walking in his job - - - He loves to golf - - - He will use the treadmill - - - and he has a gym membership.  

I know that I will need to start slow and I challenged my sister, Tami to a week of fun activities to get us moving.  Tami has been a success story in losing and keeping off a significant amount of weight.  She is active around their farm with gardening, and yard work, walking, jogging, and man-handling a large dog on a walk . . . known as the BDW (big dog walk).  

So here we go . . . and if you would like to join in the fun this week . . . please follow along  - - - here is our exercise routine for Week #1:

Choose five activiies from these seven and do any day you choose!

Activity #1 - Take a hike in the countryside - at least one mile of walking.  Take 3 pictures to share via your blog.  (Clay's will be shared on my blog)

Activity #2 - Swim or Bike Ride or Golf (If you chose to ride along with hubs - take your hand weights and you are required to do hand/arm exercises at every other hole!   Yes I've done this before!

Activity #3 - Walk 1.5 miles and do strength training for arms of your choice.  

Activity #4 - Play catch with baseball.  Keep it going for 20 minutes.  

Activity #5 - Walk 1.5 miles on a walking path - or country road - or around your farm!  Do the BDW!!

Activity #6 - It's all about the tummy today:  

                               Put on your favorite music - make it loud

                               15 jumping jacks

                               15 sit ups

                               15 bicycles

                               15 leg lifts

                               Repeat once!

Activity #7 - You choose!!!  Anything you'd like to get your exercise for the day!

Unfortunately for those of you who are more advanced in your ability to move . . . I have made this a beginners pace as Clay and I need to not get discouraged.  My hope is that we can all have fun with it - and that's the key!!  

Side note:  I am going to have my blood work done for a cholesterol panel and I am going to see my chiropractor.  These are two areas that I have been negligent with for quite a long time now.  

Hubs will be monitoring blood pressure as he had a few readings that were too high when last at the drs. office. 

How about you?  Please feel free to share in your blog the choices for exercise you picked here and what other things you may be trying in order to live a healthier and happier life!

Let's get moving!

Exercise

A focus I have chosen for 2014 is to work exercise into my day - each day - working out most days or just being active the rest of the days.

Don't you just love this commercial . . .

 

I saw it this morning and it struck me funny - oh yes - I can improve my health as easy as brushing my teeth with Colgate Advanced Toothpaste.  I know I know - there is more to the commercial than just that. And dental health is very important to overall body health.   But with the frame of mind I'm in about exercise and eating right - reducing stress in my life - etc., it just made me smile that Kelly makes it alllllll sound simple with this toothpaste!

The dreadmill is my plan this week - yes dreadmill - that's what I call our treadmill.  

Once again, my sister Tami sends out a challenge - I am tempted to ignore the text - I could always say that  my phone was dead or on the charger - but no - I can't hide from her.  Challenge for tonight was to do 1.67 miles in 30 minutes.  After arguing that I was comfy in my chair with the dog on my lap, the phone rings, it's my dad, I think it was planned, and so I was out of my chair and headed to the basement.   My results:  1 mile in 21:42 minutes.  I was tired and I felt so out of shape.  But I did it!  I moved!!

This is where I begin again to continue on - - -

Stay tuned for more focus on Exercise as I have been challenged to an even bigger goal!  Details to follow!!

Saturday Challenge

Once again I'm focusing - no wait - refocusing on health.  My health.  Stupid to spend time on telling you about my slip ups - but after losing 30 pounds and becoming more fit with exercise than ever in my life - - - I managed to put back on 15 pounds and stop moving.

There is no condemnation . . . The Bible says that - and although I may be stretching the true meaning - I have moved past blaming myself.    I made bad choices - so now I have to make good choices.  And I am always a student - so a new book caught my eye at a quick shop today - called "You Are What You Eat".    I grabbed one for myself and for my sister Tami.

We are all dietetic sinners; only a small percent of what we eat nourishes us; the balance goes to waste and loss of energy.  ~William Osler

No that didn't come from the book - but I believe Mr. Osler.  And the one thing I did learn while losing my weight was that the glycemic index is important - basically - keep your blood sugar running level and you will not be as hungry.  

So as I refocus on my health I am issuing a challenge to myself and to Tami - and to any of my readers for today!  

     Get moving!  Walk four miles (not all at once) or ride bike 10 miles (not all at once).  I am

     doing this because I have an entire day at home today with no plans.  Well I plan to clean

     house a little and prepare for our granddaughter's visit next weekend.  But I am on my own

     time frame and I have the most fun when I can run out jump on my bike (which I LOVE and have

     not done much of this summer) and go around my 1.5 mile path. (twice) and then stop and rest.

     Kansas/Nebraska winds predicted to blow 50 miles per hour - may have to go to the treadmill

     in the basement for the 4 mile walk instead!  Either way - I will be moving!!

Join me!!  I'd love to hear what blessings you found in a Saturday work out!

Order your copy here!       (Tami don't!)

   Eubie Blake At Age 100

If I'd known I was gonna live this long. I'd have taken better care of myself.

I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it . . .

Jonathan Winters gets the credit for this post title.  He said it - I didn't.  I liked the quote though and it fit right in with where I am at right now.  Have had bloggers block.  Writers rot.   Humor halt.  Have not been productive with my weight loss.  Nor my exercise.  Not accomplishing my summer reading list.  Summer Bucket list has been knocked over, tossed around, and kicked out of the way!

Luckily with patience from my family and a couple close friends, a new group I have joined, and mostly a loving God who doesn't give up on me ever - I have decided that "I can't wait for success, I have to go ahead without it . . . "  Like the quote says - forgetting that it's late August and I haven't started Algebra 1 yet nor ridden my bicycle 25 miles in one day - - - forgetting that my daily or near daily blog posts have slowed to weekly or every 10 days posts - - - and forgetting that I had lost 30 pounds last year and only have 15 to show for it now - - - I will continue on . . .

I won't bore everyone with any kind of plug for NutriSystem - which is the plan I have followed for my weight loss but I will share that I have learned that I can do the math and follow the plan - I can eat correctly.  I know how.  My problem has always been that I turn to food many times when I shouldn't.  I won't bore everyone with a psychological analysis of a food addict - but Hi, My name is Teri and I am an overeater!  

So - what went wrong?  Why have I struggled this last six months?  Right in the middle of asking myself these hard questions and wondering what I can do to get control again - our church announced that they were starting a group for people who struggle with weight issues - Celebrate Freedom!  The name itself is an encouragement to me because if you have ever been under the spell and draw of food - - - you long for freedom from it - - - as does anyone with an addiction.

The group has been very good.  The focus is not on the scales or the food but eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full.  That's it.  Pretty much what God intended.    The study group goes through the 12 step program that AA uses only they have put a Christian slant which incudes prayer and studying God's word about his plan for us.  The Bible is full of examples of those who try to stand strong on their own instead of following God.  The best thing though for me began with Step 2 when we realize that God loves us.  I am guessing that a lot of folks who eat emotionally - for comfort or companionship, to relieve stress and boredom might also admit that they have some self esteem issues.   I have always said that if a person could completely understand how much they mean to our Heavenly Father - there would be no depression and low morale .  It has been hard for me to grasp it!!   Through this group and some other spiritual growth I have undergone in the past few years I think it has clicked with me.  I'm not a perfect person and I have made mistakes.   God takes those mistakes and forgets them!  So I am too.

I can't go into the whole study here - but the point I want to leave you with is that when we believe we are created and loved dearly - and we are forgiven - the next step that comes naturally is to live in a way that says thanks!  I'm hopeful that I have reached that step - or I wouldn't be blogging about it.   I am hopeful that I am winning the war with overeating and have made a huge step in putting FOOD where it belongs!!!

Somehow along with getting back to healthy eating - I have been renewed to exercise, get rest, and relax with some crafts or books!  

Blessings found this last week in moving forward with goals - looking for success down the road!

April showers . . .

Checking in with my monthly weight loss tip or lesson learned or bit of encouragement . . .


The scale is back down again!  What is my secret?  Staying busy and being outside more!  Playing with the dogs in the back yard and walking in the outdoors is so refreshing!  

We have had a few days of 60-70-80 degree weather and I am renewed and excited for spring and better yet summer.    Clay has hit his busy season at the fertilizer plant and so I have had a couple weeks of evenings at home alone.  As one of my blog buddies was talking about having a "me party" (she had the house to herself for a day) I thought - well I am having a "me party" week - but hey - there's too much to be done around a house to be partying!!  Okay well I must confess - when hubs is here he does laundry and he buys dog food and he shares with the dog duties . . . so I'm feeling the pressure in those areas :)  That makes all my friends scream when I tell them about hubs/laundry.  

I have been really waiting and yearning for spring and my outdoors routine - and counting on it to aid my weight loss and fitness efforts.    This type of thinking readers is not good!  Winter, being indoors, watching movies and sports, and exercising indoors - these are not reasons for gaining weight or for being less active!!!  I know that I have more "behavioral changes" to make before next winter.  Next time I will be more prepared!!

So that is my lesson learned - - - set backs are going to happen and it's not good to grumble at yourself for very long - BUT - - - don't use that as an excuse!  No excuses!  There is one way to lose weight gradually and become healthier and that is to exercise, strength train, and eat a balanced diet with correct portions.  No magic fairy dust as we have heard about - no magic diet - - no magic pill - - - no celebrity fix - - - - not even anything on Dr. Oz will work unless you decide YOU will work.  

I have some plans for outdoors fun this Spring  - - -

Flower garden

          Dog walks

                    Golf clinic - yes I need lessons

                              City Walking Path - Completed!!  Plan to try it out!


I'll soon be sharing my Summer Bucket List . . . but for now . . . what are YOUR plans for a fun and healthy Spring??

"Those who do not find time for exercise, will have to find time for illness" - Earl of Derby Quote

DID SHE SAY DOG WALKS???

March Madness

Checking in with my monthly weight loss tip or lesson learned or bit of encouragement . . .


Are you mad about March Madness??  Or are you just mad?? 

This month I'm going to share about  - anger.

Do you turn to food when you are frustrated or angry?

I know that I do and as I study about it I see that it makes perfect sense as to why food helps take the edge off or can be a reward to ourselves for a bad day or stress at work, etc.   Food can act just like a drug to numb pain.  Stress, anxiety, worry and depression can all hurt.  Food numbs the pain for just a tiny while.  I know the feeling - it's hard to put into words but for me it feels like about 5 minutes of relief - either from trying NOT to eat and wanting to really bad or from feeling nervous and stressed.  On the other hand - - - it is the best reward for me when times are going good.  So go figure . . . When you think like this my friend . . . you are in deep trouble.

From Web MD:

Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually "comfort" or junk foods -- in response to feelings instead of hunger. Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Many of us learn that food can bring comfort, at least in the short-term. As a result, we often turn to food to heal emotional problems. Eating becomes a habit preventing us from learning skills that can effectively resolve our emotional distress.

Depression, boredom, loneliness, chronic anger, anxiety, frustration, stress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and poor self-esteem can result in overeating and unwanted weight gain.

By identifying what triggers our emotional eating, we can substitute more appropriate techniques to manage our emotional problems and take food and weight gain out of the equation.

SOOOOO I wondered - what are these techniques that can help me manage - - - You see I've figured out WHAT triggers me to eat - - - I just have not come up with alternative actions that I like :)

These are the solutions I found while studying . . .

Read a good book or magazine or listen to music.
Go for a walk or jog.
Take a bubble bath.
Do deep breathing exercises.
Play cards or a board game.
Talk to a friend.
Do housework, laundry, or yard work.
Wash the car.
Write a letter.
Or do any other pleasurable or necessary activity until the urge to eat passes.

How do you feel?  Would these things distract you from eating when you are not truly hungry?  What ones work for you and what ones would NOT. Perhaps you have better ideas?

I know for myself that sometimes several would work but I also know that many times I feel I need some more help. Prayer, meditation, counseling are other suggestions and your doctor can be helpful in your decision to lose weight.

Having a weight loss partner has been the biggest help for me. Thank you Tami! Family support is priceless also and I have had that too.

March Madness?? Weight loss madness?? Whatever you have - take some time to get alone and relax - think about the biggest reasons you want to lose weight. Imagine yourself with your new look. Know that once you lose 10 pounds you will feel differently - when you lose 20 pounds you will feel like a new person - when another 20 comes off - your life changes - you become more active and you feel/look younger. Set small goals. Celebrate them!

I started this post earlier in the month - thinking of how angry I was at myself because I could be at my goal weight - instead I'm hanging in at 25 pounds off. But I feel encouraged and I took the first step to get back on the treadmill - picked up the hand weights - went swimming - shot some baskets - - - and now I'm ready to take on the next step - 25 more pounds!!

I'd love to hear from some of you about your struggles with weight loss - if you don't feel like sharing publicly please feel free to email me! cthenningsen@gmail.com

Until next month . . .

March is National Nutrition Month. So even if you failed to keep those New Year’s resolutions, it is not too late to start anew! WebMD offers fifteen health foods that will boost your health while lowering your grocery budget.

1) Brown rice.
2) Whole-wheat or multigrain pasta.
3) 100 percent whole-wheat bread.
4) Nonfat Greek yogurt.
5) Old-fashioned oats.
6) Frozen vegetables.
7) Russet potatoes.
8) Fresh bagged spinach.
9) Canned refried beans.
10) Canned tuna.
11) Canned or jarred marinara sauce.
12) Whole-wheat pita bread.
13) Store-brand egg substitute.
14) Frozen soybeans
15) Dried lentils.

Blue Bear Looking for a Home ...

He's a cute little blue bear that proudly wears the #30 - but he is rather misplaced at the moment.

It's a sad story but here is how it goes - you see his owner sent for him and he promptly arrived in the mail all excited to sit on the shelf next to the red bear and the purple bear.   He is here to celebrate!  But wait . . . his owner has confessed - - - He is an illegitimate bear.

He must go back.

Well ... all silliness aside - the real truth is that this cute little bear comes from Nutri-System.  I started on Nutri-System one year ago.  It is a nutritional and very smart plan for gaining lifetime weight loss.  I have shared some off and on about my weight loss - and at one point - for one day - I had lost 30 pounds!!  I am feeling fantastic and learning to exercise and getting stronger all the time. Nutri-System has all different colors of friendly little bears to send to you to document every 10 pounds you lose - and so I quickly earned my 10 pound Bear and then in a few months more I got my 20 pound Bear - - - and after about 9 months time and lots of exercise and food choice changes - I recorded my 30 pound weight loss and received the above 30 pound bear.  

Well I'll go easy on myself - but tomorrow is my 54th birthday and I have messed around and made poor choices and gained back about 7 pounds.  THIS isn't gonna happen folks.  I have worked way too hard to screw this up now!  But I don't feel like I have really truly earned the 30 pound bear so alas - he is homeless at the moment until I can work my way down 7 pounds and reclaim him for myself!  

So - - - Happy Valentines to all my readers - especially to my family who reads this - I love you all and I am gonna love myself enough in my 54th year to get to my goal weight!!!

February Fantastic News

Thanks for checking in with my exercise and weight loss tip, word of encouragement, or lesson learned for February!





Starting allllll over . . . . bummer.

Was I really jogging and running on my treadmill?  Just recently?   It's a vague memory, but I know that I did it and it was rewarding!  Then the bug hit and I haven't exercised for several weeks.  Now I'm back at it slowly and so my word for this month is  . . . diligence . . .

                                      
   Meaning: persevering determination to perform a task


So I decided to ask Mr. Google - how soon do I return to exercise after being sick?

My information comes from www.livestrong.com.

Respiratory Sickness

When your lungs are involved, you need to avoid working out. Exercise puts a strain on your body and weakens your immune system. A respiratory infection can lead to bronchitis and even to pneumonia if the body is not allowed to rest. Pushing yourself in these situations will do more harm than good. In an article in The Washington Post, immunologists suggest waiting two weeks after such an illness to resume exercise.

Fever

When you have a fever, you should not work out because your body temperature is already too high. Working out naturally raises your body temperature and elevates your heart rate. You do not want to intensify the effects of a fever with physical exertion. You could end up loosing too much water and fainting. Dr. Edward Laskowski on MayoClinic.com advises against working out if you have a fever.

The Common Cold

In a 1997 study conducted at Ball University cited in "The Washington Post," 50 student volunteers were infected with the common cold. Half were asked to exercise while the others rested. The duration of the cold was not increased in those who worked out versus the students who rested. Dr. Laskowski on MayoClinic.com suggests, "Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all 'above the neck' --- symptoms you may have with a common cold, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat."


My next question is . . . what have I had, the flu? a cold? bronchitis? pneumonia? . . . and since I won't be getting an answer I have decided to take it slow tonight and go on a stroll - - - Nothing too fast for too long - - - but something to circulate some blood and give me strength!

Check back in March for my next lesson learned on this weight loss/exercise to better health challenge!









 

January Jewels

Checking in with my monthly weight loss tip or lesson learned or bit of encouragement . . .


Ha sounds a little funny to call this "my" monthly tip . . . as you know I am not anywhere near my goal weight and fitness level - who am I to give advice and tips??

Maybe I am the best person to give advice about something I find hard, at times boring, and definitely discipline-required.  That would be walking on my treadmill.  We bought a new treadmill to have in our own home.  I have a nearby gym and my employer pays most of the monthly membership for me - so that's a pretty good reason to use it often!  Good reason - but I still found myself too tired to bundle up and go to the gym.  Having one in my own home has made a complete difference!  I can walk between laundry loads, or after I mopped the floor and it is drying, or at 10 p.m. or 6 a.m. I can walk for 30 minutes and then go back 2 hours later and walk for another l5 minutes.  Convenience is the word!

MUSIC is the real jewel!!    My daughter got me an ipod and it hooks into the treadmill making that 30 minutes or 45 minutes go so much faster!!!  The music makes me want to dance and run!  Unfortunately I can't help singing along and I'm sure from his recliner in the family room - my husband doesn't appreciate that.  Still . . . my January Jewel is this *Add some music to your workout!!!

Fun fitness tip: Download upbeat music you love to listen to on your iPod, and take it with you while you walk. An analysis conducted by the American Council on Exercise found that music not only makes exercise more enjoyable, but it can also boost endurance and effort.

And I can use that!!

P.S. Happy 33rd birthday to our son, Todd today!!! 

New Year's REVOLUTION

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.  ~Author Unknown

Revolution:

A total or radical change; as, a revolution in one's circumstances or way of living.

A fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something : a change of paradigm 

For years and years and years I have started every New Year with grandios plans to lose weight, eat right, exercise, and sleep more - - - the Fabulous Four you could say - - -

By Jan. 3 I was giving up and giving in to my old comfortable habits. 

Last year as you know my sister Tami introduced me to Nutri-System and I am proud to say I have lost 30 pounds as I write this.  Tami amazed me in 2012 with her near 60 pound weight loss.  Not only did she lose weight and eat healthily, she also changed her exercise habits and I did too! 

Hence, I am calling this my New Year's REVOLUTION - not just a resolution - not something I resolve to do - not just something I plan to do - something I hope to do . . . A revolution as stated above is a total or radical change in a way of living - a CHANGE in the way of thinking!  In 2013 I will lose another 30 pounds.   I will break the chains and the bad habit of "making food something it isn't".   

I feel that with the first 30 pounds and near year of eating better foods and eating less - I learned to listen to my body and what it really requires as far as food goes.  Easy??  HECK NO!  I have an eating disorder - I crave food for comfort - I eat for the wrong reasons - and the only way for me to be healed of this disorder is to work hard!!  I am surrounding myself with people who support me and encourage me.  I read about nutrition.  I study about excercise and resistance training.  I make the choice to go to the treadmill when I want to be in the recliner.  (most of the time).  I can see that NOTHING I put in my mouth tastes as great as seeing a pound come off the scale and being able to buy a smaller size of jeans feels!  The success comes from hard work and realizing that food is just food and it is for nourishing our bodies.  That was God's ONLY INTENTION for food.    My success so far has been due to being able to think about food in a different way. 

Am I a Nutri-System Success Story?  No I wouldn't say so - I could have lost much more weight.  I got lazy many days.  I skipped workouts many times.  I stayed up too late and snacked on many occasions.  I wanted to quit.  Thankfully - I was partnering with my sister on this adventure to health and that kept me going back day after day. 

But what I know for sure is this . . . I will never slip back into my old ways of living to eat each and every day.  As the quote goes - don't live to eat - eat to live . . . I am on my way to another year of healthier living!   And from Mary Tyler Moore . . . "You're gonna make it after all . . . "

Blessed with good health - and wishing you all the same in 2013!

Check in monthly with me as I share a lesson learned or an encouraging tid bit for anyone else who might be "revolting" again bad choices and the snarls of food temptations!

                                    

Where never is heard - a discouraging word

Discouragement
  "If you've invested enough effort and energy to get discouraged, you're well on your way to success. Discouragement is a certain weigh station on the road to any worthwhile achievement.
   If you know and care enough to be discouraged, you've made considerable progress. Learn what the discouragement has to teach you and then continue moving forward. It may seem as though you'll never make it, but in reality you're already there. Discouragement tempers and hardens you; it does not stop you.
   Reflect on your discouragement and you'll discover that it is a result of your commitment. You've already invested your time, your effort, your life. Soon, you'll reap the full reward of that investment. Let discouragement spur you on."
   

Walking is easy.  Weight machines fun.  Bicycling is awesome.  Eating right is even pretty much attainable.  Sounds like I have this weight loss/exercise thing pretty under control huh?  Then there's abs.  ABS.  Just one muscle group out of many that make up the human anatomy.  But not your easiest group to master!  I have yet to find even one exercise that I would consider fun or easy at all when it comes to tightening up the very lax stomach muscles!!  Experts will say that a good walking program will eliminate belly fat - and it's true - but when the body hits the magical 50+ years - - - those muscles have forgotten how to work and can be very well hidden behind some rather stubborn tummy well let's say it like it is - - - tummy fat.  After babies, poor posture, overeating, desk jobs, and scars from surgery - - - the above mentioned area gets very lax.  

As I mentioned in previous blogs - my sister and I continue on in our quest for a healthy lifestyle.  Getting a later start on the program,  I have found myself following in my sister's footsteps and learning from her.  It has been one of the best things we have ever done together!  She has worked hard to shed 50 pounds and I sit tonight here at 26 pounds that I never intend to see again.   

So why then did I find myself crying on my exercise mat while trying to do sit-ups???  My sister coach said she can do them by tucking her feet under the sofa or having her husband sit or stand on them for support.  So always up for a challenge I prepare to impress myself.  Nothing.  Not one inch could I move myself to sit up.    I could swing with both arms and manage to sit up - while grasping my left leg in pain.  But with the appropriate stance - hands behind head - - - Nothing.  Not one inch.  So the tears started.   I said to myself while hiding my face from my husband who was watching - - - "that's it - I'm done - I can't do this."     Discouragement big time!

Two days later with  a day off to rest - while at my daughters house I tried again and to my surprise found it just a little bit easier.   I thought to myself - I think I can do this slowly a few sit-ups at a time.    

I found a blessing in discouragement when I read the opening quote above.  I cared enough to sit on my mat and cry - - - and that tells me that I have worked hard!   It shows progress in my goals.  When you give up and walk away easily from a hard thing it means you weren't committed in the first place.      Break down the word dis....courage....meaning difficulty in having courage.  Being discouraged is a tool of measurement to use when you are trying to do something hard and very worthwhile, you have already put time and effort into it, and it is going to take time and patience.  So have courage always and pat yourself on the back for the hard work you have done  - - - and "be strong and take courage" Joshua 1:9.

Blessings!

Consider the postage stamp; its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there." Josh Billings

How Can This Be a Blessing???

At 53 and a half years of age I only remember three times in my life that I have regularly exercised.  Once when I had a small toddler and we rode bikes with him excitedly perched behind me in a bike seat;  secondly back in 2009 when some friends and I did our version of "Biggest Loser" and I took off 16 pounds that summer while riding my bike the equivalent of "Biking Across Kansas" mileage; and the present attempt that I am making.    My sister and author of Just One More Thing blog started a quest for weight loss in January of 2012 and I quickly joined in February.  The first few months for me were spent learning a little more about smart carbs and lean protein and cherishing a late night dessert with hot tea!  And the weight began to come off.  Somewhere along the way we added that wonderfully needed but oh so hated item - exercise!  

I'm not athletic.  But CAN walk.  Began with going back to the gym and walking on the treadmill.  I also really enjoy water aerobics.  Added weights again with 8-9 machines for arms and legs.  To really kick it up we decided to have our own Sister Olympics during the Summer Olympics.  We created our own list of events and we were off!  This was really fun to me and I was enthused to do some different kinds of activities such as jump roping, biking, playing catch, hiking, walking fast, walking long distance, dancing, golfing, etc.

This is the blessing in exercise!  It is not something to add to your to do list - although you had better - - - but it is a way of living - being an active person!  If I don't lose another pound I certainly have better quality of life by being adventurous and active!  I've even started golfing with my husband!  I can walk along, ride on cart, do hand weights between holes, sun tan, read a book, and yes even play a few holes of golf!  It has been fun to turn what was something my husband loved to do - but I stayed behind on - into something we can do together!

I see my next 25 years being spent living an active lifestyle and I get excited thinking about what opportunities are out there for me to try . . . here are a few of the things I want to try in my quest to become healthy!!

         Walk in a 5 K walk in public!
         Hike a trail!
         Bicycle 25 miles in one day.
         Walk a 15 minute mile.            
         Hit a baseball.
         Bench Press 50 pounds 25 reps!

I better get busy . . .

          

Walk 4 Life - My Life!

Today was our local pregnancy crisis center's fundraiser called Walk/Run 4 Life.  This was my first year to help.  I registered online and asked for supporters to fund me in this very important event.  This organization really interests me - mostly because I have a great friend who is the director of this center.  What a ministry it is to young men and women from our area.  The event was a great success!  But one of the things that hit me while I was helping with registration was that all of these people that were there to walk a 5K or run a 5K ugghh or bicycle a 16K had incorporated exercise into their lifestyles.  From ages 6 and up I saw kids running - walking - and biking!  Which just called me to task on my lifelong battle with weight - - - a subject I have studied, researched, read about, bought books about, attended class for, and talked and talked and talked about . . . and what's that old addage, from Dr. Phil . . . "Why do you keep doing what you have always done and expect a different result?"    I still have the weight!  Although two summers ago I did get on an exercise kick - lost 18 pounds - bicycled up to 20 miles even in one day!  It was great and I felt great!  But it was a phase - not a lifestyle change!  Today I was once again challenged by these "athletes" at the Walk/Run 4 Life - - - exercise and eating right - getting enough rest - - - has to become a disciplined way of life - second nature - by taking one tiny step after another - doing the "next right thing" until these improvements become the "norm".   So for all of you who have listened to me for 25 years - - - say a prayer for me - - - for strength - - - as I try once again to live healthier - and if you have a great success story - please feel free to share!   Heart Choices Walk/Run 4 Life was my blessing for today!