Sunday Plans

Not much planned for today. Back still hurting me, hubby left for work, and dear son will most probably abandon me for some computer chatting entertainment:)

I have my household tasks and cooking to do, and I'm going to make up my mind to finish this darn book already!  Hate to put it this way, but...to get it over with.  Now I remember why I stopped reading it last year, oiy!

There's a secret event going on tomorrow, but I can't say anything here until after the fact.  Looking forward to that, LOL! Such mystery! Or lack thereof...?

Well, I will update on my day later on.

***

PM Update: Total for the day, 1,197 calories. I never thought I'd see the day when I eat that low and not be hungry. Thank "You" Lord.

Memorial Day

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"  ~Maya Angelou

Sunday Doings

I must look like a "nut" changing the layout so many times, LOL! The thing is, there are some layouts where the editing tools on my side of the screen disappear, so I'm looking for a layout that is befitting the title, and at the same time, easier to edit:)  So far I'm getting the hang of this one.

It's been a pretty boring Sunday. I've been resting and watching "Lost" I taped the whole sixth season without watching one episode, so, I started yesterday and I'm up to my second tape. I did the same with Fringe, once husband finish watching it, that will be my next one.

Food-wise, I've been fighting the munchies all day. I came here to the computer to keep away from the fridge.

Well, I will continue to do some web surfing, and will post my total for the day later on.

***

PM Update: Total for today, 1,306 calories.

Saturday Wrap-Up

Today my body is not cooperating with my mind's will....pain is the worse I've experience in a while. It seems to have spread out to both sides of the lower back and hips. And something new now, it's sensitive to the touch. I wonder, could it be swollen? And if so, could the Tens Unit be doing me more harm than good? Or is it the heating pad?  I know...so many questions!

Regardless, we all went to the mall to get son's graduation suit and a shirt for his dance this coming Friday. He is going to look "so" handsome! Where did my little boy go???

This coming week is my turn to buy a graduation day outfit, and I'm "not" looking forward to trying out clothes.

Well, the boys should be coming from church soon, son is a Lector again tonight. So, so, proud of him!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't go, there is no way I could sit in the wooden pew for over an hour:( 

Food-wise, I've overindulged today with some treats.  I had a Fiber One bar, trying to avoid eating the sugar free, Jello Cinnamon Rice pudding (which is my latest passion) but ended up having two puddings anyway. Which is a lesson that I should've learned by now, since this is a pattern...anytime I try to substitute a specific craving with something else, I end up eating what I'm craving, anyway. Lesson finally learned!

My unofficial goal is to stop eating by 7:00 PM  every night, only hot tea, or lemonade allowed.

My total for today is, 1,574 calories.

New Layout and The Shake Weight

With summer around the corner, I couldn't resist this beautiful layout.

I walked today, 1.27 miles, fulfilling my three times a week goal.  Food has been very good.

I've been searching the web for workouts that I can do for my arms. Ever since I hurt my back, during my sedentary months, not only have I gained in my stomach area, but also my upper arms.

Just horrible, the dreaded jiggles under the arms.  During my search, I came across this new exercise gadget, Shake Weight. Although I'm not one to fall for infomercials, this one seem promising.

So, I did some more searches on it, apart from some crude and lewd remarks about it, I found many positive reviews on different sites, blogs, including on amazon.

I was all ready to order it until I came across a review from someone who hurt their neck and had to go to the chiropractor.  Now I'm afraid to try it. I don't need anymore relapses, believe me.

Hopefully, when I heal completely, and I have faith that I will someday, I'll be able to try it out, for the time being, it's back to searching.

Well, I will post my total for the day, later in the evening.

PS: I'm very saddened by the news of Gary Coleman's death.  He never seem like a happy person to me. So sad, may he rest in peace.

***

PM Update: Total for the day, 1,227 calories.

Busy Day Today

It's been a unexciting, but productive day. Got my walk in early, a little over a mile, 1.08.

Did my regular house cleaning routine, cooked and froze my homemade entrées for the coming week. Brown rice cooked with Pigeon Peas, Spanish style,(chopped green peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, Accent seasoning, sauteed with a little olive oil and tomato paste, I add 2 cups of brown rice and 1 can of pigeon peas, stir and cook). Comes out to 8 servings.

I also cook whole wheat pasta and freeze in individual servings. Saves me a lot of time and money. I used to buy the frozen Smart Ones and Lean Cuisines, but it was just too expensive.

Well, I'm off to do a little reading, I wish I could say that I'm enjoying this latest book, "No Place Like Home" but, it's just not "thrilling" me at all:(  I love Mary Higgins Clark, but this one is a bit boring, for "my" taste, that is.

I will post my total later this evening.

***

PM Update: Total for today, 1,220 calories.

Two Weeks Down

I am happy today! Happy because yesterday made two weeks on plan-woo-hoo!
The last time I tried to stick to my plan, I lasted 13 days before I binged, so this is another milestone for me. No doubt that the tracking goal and this blog has made a difference.

What I will "not do" this time around...
Get cocky! This happened in '07. I had that "this is not so hard" or "she can lose it if she really wants to" mentality!
Boy, does life have a way of humbling you. I will never take this weight loss journey for granted again.

I'm beginning to feel hopeful again, after three years of failure. I know it's going to be super slow, but I feel like I'm finally, mentally ready to make a commitment.

Today's plan, do my house chores and read. It's going to be in the 90's. I will walk on Thursday.

I will post my total for the day, later on.

***

PM Update: Total for the day, 1,382.
I tried the Jello sugar free Cinnamon Rice Pudding, and I loved it, just the right amount of sweetness and cinnamon for my taste. A great treat for when I'm craving ice cream.

Pain, Pain, Go Away...

I finally did some walking today. Between going to Targets and the supermarket, I walked 2 miles.
I found the desk lamp I was looking for, and a couple of night lights for the kitchen and bathroom.

My body has not recuperated from Friday, but I know that if I wait any longer to walk again, I will lose my optimism. Every time I have a physical setback, I start feeling depressed, and I don't want to go there!

Food-wise I'm doing better than yesterday, of course-because I went out.  I did come across a new food find, (new to me) Jello sugar free, Cinnamon Rice pudding. I haven't tasted it yet, but when I do, I will post whether I liked it or not:)

So far, I'm a little disappointed with my most recent book, "No Place Like Home" it's slow moving, more a mystery than a thriller -so far. I hope it picks up.    

Well, I'm getting off the computer early today, 'cause, it's just too painful to sit right now.

I will post my total for the day, later tonight or tomorrow.

 ***

PM Update: Total for the day, 1,299 calories.

Tough Day, Today!

My body is still hurting, so I was unable to walk again today:(   However, I did do a lot of housework.  Mostly in the kitchen, which is why it was such a tough day food-wise.

Thank goodness for the tracking goal, because I really wanted to eat with abandon, LOL!

So, I'm coming here, at 6:31 PM, to post my total for the day...I've had too much to eat at dinner and I have "closed the kitchen" in my mind.  Just water from this moment on, and going to bed early.

Total for today: 1,590 calories. Barely made it:)

Book Finished and Sunday Thoughts

Well, I finally finished the book, "Just Take My Heart" by Mary Higgins Clark. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. It kept my interest throughout, and that's what I ask for in a thriller.  On to the next one.  I chose another one from the same author, "No Place Like Home" I started reading it back in October, and for some reason that I don't remember, I stopped. So, I'm restarting it today.

Today is one of those, hurting, achy days, so no walking again. I do intend to eat healthy and so far I'm doing very well with my eating, no pretzels, less salt, and no major sweet cravings.

I've made it through 11 days of staying on plan, physically I don't see any big difference, but I do feel less bloated in the stomach area, my problem area.  There's no way I will  weigh myself, though.  I plan to, but when I can physically feel and look like I've lost some weight.

I know that I'm not going to lose a significant amount of weight by son's graduation - in three weeks, but if I continue to stay on track, it will make a big difference in my attitude and self-confidence. I want to enjoy that day without any negativity from the scale or anything else other than dear son. I am dreading going shopping for an outfit, though, that's coming up very soon.

Well, I guess that's about all that's going on.  I will write the day's total later on in the evening.

***

PM Update: Total for today, 1,384.

Discipline and Dedication

It's been a while since I've felt dedicated to a plan. Creating the "100 Days of Tracking" goal has helped me achieve this lately.  I guess because it's a simple goal, tracking what I eat "no matter what."  It can't get anymore doable than that, yet it's always been a problem with me for years.  I eat over my total calories, succumb to sweets, or binge, and I'd feel like I failed. I end up starting all over again or giving up on the goal. This way, I get a sense of pride, no matter what, and boy, do I need to feel some pride. Three years of failing and beating myself up for it, has taken a toll on my self-esteem.

Excerpts from: How to Acquire Self Discipline,
by Sanjay Behuria

What is self-discipline?
Self-discipline is a code of conduct one prescribes for oneself and follows under any circumstances towards achieving a particular goal.

A Daily plan for self-discipline:

Wake up time
Wake up activity
Physical exercise, Breathing exercise and Meditation
Reflection, Appreciation and Affirmation
Create an Intention of the day
Daily activity includes at least one activity towards goal and purpose
Family time and time for loved ones
Reading
Playtime
Journal your day
Attitude of Gratitude

 ***

Today we plan to go visit my parents. I'm taking the "1001 Classic Commercials" with me, I'm sure my mom will enjoy them.  No walking planned, I need to take a rest after yesterday.

Mary Higgins Clark's book, "Just Take My Heart" is getting "very" interesting. I love her style of writing. I remember reading her first novel, "Where Are the Children?" and her second, "A Stranger is Watching" back in the mid to late 70's when I was a teen. I couldn't put the book down, I took it with me everywhere:)  When I go through all my books, I plan to look for these again.


Well, I will write my total calories, later on.

***

PM Update: 1,416 calories for the day.

A Daily plan for self-discipline:
Wake up time
Wake up activity
Physical exercise, Breathing exercise and Meditation
Reflection, Appreciation and Affirmation
Create an Intention of the day
Daily activity includes at least one activity towards goal and purpose
Family time and time for loved ones
Reading
Playtime
Journal your day
Attitude of Gratitude

Another Milestone...Inadvertantly!

Today I hit another milestone, walked a total of 3.11 miles! WOW!

However, it wasn't all in one shot, I did almost a mile early in the morning, then I went out again.

The thing is, I wasn't even planning to walk that much. My plan was to take the bus to this outlet store, to buy a desk lamp. I waited for half an hour for the bus, and there was no one else waiting for it, so I got suspicious, I walked up ahead to the next bus stop, the same thing happened, so I put on my headphones, said a little prayer, and kept on walking.

When I came out of the store, the bus stop coming back is across the street, but I had just missed it, so I walked back home. I don't think I'll be trying that again anytime soon. Even though I am sitting here with a heating pad and Tens Unit on, I am thrilled that I was able to walk all that. WOO-HOO!

Food-wise I'm doing better so far, being out of the house helps. It's a beautiful day today, 80 degrees as I write this.

I'm going to catch up on some reading, and will write my total later on.

***

PM Update: Total calories for the day, 1,293.

What a Day...

It's been such a struggle, and the day is still young!  I guess it's boredom. I didn't walk today, took it easy because I don't want to push it and relapse like I did last month.  So far I've made it through by stuffing myself with salads and extra coffee.

I'm looking forward to going walking tomorrow, come rain or come shine.

June is quickly approaching, and I have several events to tackle, son's graduation from middle school, Father's Day, husband's birthday, son's birthday, and our wedding anniversary. June is going to be a real test of will for me. If I make it through June without any major slip ups, I know I can succeed this time around.
All I'm focusing on for now, is just tracking everything I eat.

 ***

PM Update: Total calories for today, 1,466.

One Week Down

Today has been one of my better days. The body cooperated, and I was able to walk 1.39 miles.

It started out with me taking the bus to the Post Office, to send my sis some birthday goodies, then I decided to walk back home.  I stopped by Duane Reade for some toiletries and the supermarket for a few more items. I started getting tired mid-walk because the street is not leveled, it is more of a climb than a walk, but I just slowed down and kept moving.  I am so "grateful" to God. There is no way that I could've done this two weeks ago.

Yesterday made seven days of tracking my calories...Woo-Hoo! It's the first complete week I've had in a long time. A few things helped me this week, I found a way around my sweet cravings after lunch. Usually, I have a veggie pattie sandwich, but I always have to battle the craving for something sweet right after, that's when I either struggle or end up bingeing. What I'm doing now is having my vitamins in chew-form, one Viactiv Multi-Vitamin chocolate soft chew, and 2 Viactiv chocolate mint chews. I have them with coffee, and it does the trick for me. Not bad for 60 calories.

The other thing is, creating the 100 days of tracking, goal. I've thought twice lately before going crazy at night.  I know that one week is not exactly a milestone, but it's a start.

So far I am loving the book,  Mary Higgins Clark's, "Just Take My Heart" This one is more "my kind" of thriller:)  Can't wait to go back to it tonight.


Well, I guess that's about it for today. Looking forward to another good one tomorrow.
I will update my calories later.

***

PM Update: Total for today, 1,244 calories.

Rainy Tuesday and Classic Commercials

I just finished watching some old, classic commercials. What memories, LOL!

I had forgotten about, Mattel's Lie Detector game, Milton Bradley's Mystery Date, (I used to own these) or Maypo cereal, and I've never heard of Sunbeam bread or Sugar Jets cereal, yikes-the name says it all!

Image from: Amazon

I ordered two of this dvd, "1001 Classic Commercials"  one for my sis and the other for me. I've seen other classic commercial dvds, but this one is set up nicely, it has categories and sub-categories, easier to find what you're interested in. Most of these commercials I've never seen before, so it was a treat.  Of what I've watched so far, I'd say that the quality is about 50/50, I have seen worse. A fun dvd to watch with the family.

That's about all going on in my life today, too dreary to go out walking, so I did my chores and read a little.  Food-wise, I'm doing well, healthy foods, the last of the pretzels are gone, so, no more junk food in the house.

I will update on my total later on.

***

PM Update: 1,346 calories.

Husbands!

It's been a real good day, very productive. I walked another mile, cleaned up the hurricane debris that the boys left me this weekend, and I'm cooking early.

I was feeling great too, that is until my "tiff" with DH, (today that stands for darn-husband). The man just doesn't know how to be supportive. For example,  I tell him about the mile I did today again, and he sits there trying to mentally figure out if it really was a mile. Arrrrggg! I know he doesn't mean to be insensitive, but I wish he would turn off that analytic mind for a minute.

Okay, that's out of my system. On my walk, I stopped by the supermarket and stocked up on salad stuff, grapes and apples.  The 100 Days of Tracking have kept me motivated, thank God! Finally, something to strive for.

DS should be coming home from school in a few minutes, so I will sign off for now and write my total calories later.

***

PM Update: Total for today, 1,146 calories.

A Sunday of Relaxation

A lazy Sunday. Spent the day cooking, and reading. Back to the old routine tomorrow.

I started on a new book, "Just Take My Heart" by Mary Higgins Clark, so far it looks like it's my kind of thriller:)

Total calories for the day: 1,349.

Past Goals and Self Esteem

Back in 2006-2007, when I was successful and reached, actually, surpassed my ideal weight, I started off by challenging myself to 100 days. What helped me back then, was seeing the progress on paper, (my calendar) I put star stickers on each day I stayed on plan. I was also weighing myself monthly.

Since then, I have been trying to recapture that streak, the determination and commitment that I had back then, to no avail. The problem is that my body is changing with age, pre-menopausal changes. If I lose 1 pound in a week, I gained 2 the next.  And to make things worse, because of my back and sciatica problems, I've been sedentary since November. It's just recent, (April) that I've been pushing myself to do more and walk.

In these last three years, I have challenged myself, dozens of times only to fail and feel worse about myself. I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to put myself through that anymore, or create  challenges to reach a goal weight on a specific day, abstain from sweets, or binges, or weigh myself weekly.

Yet, I feel kind of lost. Like going on the road with no destination. So, I've decided to try something different from the things I've tried before.

100 days of tracking my food.  That's tracking my food no matter what, whether I stay on track or off. It's something different, with no pressure and no deprivation. It's starting out small with a goal that will not make me feel restricted in my eating, but will give me pride and confidence when I finish it.

So, today is Day 4.

***

5:07 PM:
It turned out to be a beautiful day, 72 degrees right now, sunny and breezy, my type of day. It motivated me to go out and walk. I did another mile, 1.08 to be exact. The boys decided to go to the backyard and barbecue, I, being an "almost" vegetarian, ( I only eat beef hot dogs, rarely though) declined, and took advantage of this alone time to finish my book. 

I have to say, "Relentless" by Dean Koontz, was very disappointing.  It wasn't my type of thriller, I prefer a more realistic outcome, and that's all I'll say about it, don't want to spoil it for anyone.

On to my next book. I will update on my total calories, later on.

***

PM Update: Total for today: 1,327 calories.

I Will Not Let It Get To Me!

Today is one of those days when I'm really hurting, my back, hips, legs, heels. Yet, I'll be darn if I let it imprison me too. I've had enough of that for most of my life. Now "it" wants to imprison my body, I DON'T THINK SO!  So, I pushed myself out the door, and walked. I did 1.28 miles. I'm proud of myself!

However, food-wise I am struggling, I haven't gone off track, but I've come close.  I really need to keep busy. I'm so glad I started reading again, because I think that's helping me keep away from the kitchen and from watching tempting food commercials.

Fridays are pizza nights for the boys, so I plan to make myself some whole wheat pasta, sauce, with Parmesan grated cheese, and peas, all measured, of course.  I will update later with my total for the day.

 ***

PM Update: After my snack, total will be 1,538 calories.  A very trying day.

Joined Book Club

Well, it's been a pretty uneventful day, son is off from school today and tomorrow, and when he or dear husband are off, I don't kill myself cleaning:)

I didn't walk as I had planned, but I did 3 loads of wash, which is a workout in itself, since I have to go down from the second floor to the basement where our machine is. That's four times per wash! That's actually pretty good, I never had to count it before. So I'm satisfied with the exercise part of my plan.

I'm doing well with the food so far, healthy choices, no sweets, but the day is young, and my danger zone is after 3:00 pm, so I will update on my total later.

I'm very excited about receiving the books I ordered from www.doubledaylargeprint.com, yesterday.

It was one of those special introductory offers, 4 books for 99 cents with membership, this time they promised "no automatic shipments" (as a returning member) and you only have to buy three books within the next two years. These are the ones I ordered...

"What's Age Got To Do With It?" by Robin McGraw
"The 9th Judgment" by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
"The Shadow of Your Smile" and
"Just Take My Heart: both by Mary Higgins Clark

Plus a Cooler Tote Bag, and a small Book Light. Not a bad deal:)


Well, I am off to read my current book, "Relentless" by Dean Koontz. I like it, it's not a "hold on to the edge of my seat" story, but it keeps me interested in what's going to happen next. That's just my humble opinion, I'm very hard to please when it comes to thrillers and suspense:)

***

PM Update:

Well, I've decided to switch to calorie counting for awhile instead of counting points. I'll be using the tracker at www.fatsecret.com, as well as my food journal/notebook.  I'm still eating the Weight Watchers' way, but my heart just isn't into points counting right now.  My aim is 1,400-1,600 calories a day.  My total for today: 1,615.  The 100 calorie Pretzels did me in, but not by much, thank goodness.

Oprah and Geneen Roth

I just finished watching Oprah. I'm not an Oprah show person, unless it's about weight loss or nutrition, this one was about Geneen Roth's new book, Women, Food, and God.  

In the show's attractions, she said that this may be the show that will help break the bad relationship that we have with food. I'm paraphrasing, but I was intrigued. She kept talking about epiphanies, and light bulb moments, and although I listened to the show intently, it just didn't do it for me.

I get that we "compulsive" eaters drown our emotions with food in order to avoid feeling what is really bothering us. I mean, I get this, I know that I do this too, and I need to work on being kind to myself, but it still left me "hungry" for more, pardon the pun.

I'm going to check out her book, Geneen's, even though I didn't like her other book, "Breaking Free from Emotional Eating" for reasons that I stated here, Shelfari


I can use all the help I can get.

In other news: I made myself go out and walk, I did one, very slow, very painful mile, but a mile just the same.  Because of my condition, I haven't been able to do this since my back problem started in November, so far, this is my third mile since last month, and I am really proud of myself.

Food-wise I'm doing well, today being the first day of restarting Weight Watchers.
I hope to do the same tomorrow, and another thing, I was able to read some more of my book, "Relentless" it's getting really interesting!

PM Update: Total points, 20.5.