Just an update concerning the Biggest Loser Club at our church. I was one of 16 out of 50 applicants to be chosen to be a part of this endeavor. The program begins January 7 and ends in May. There are two books that we have to read before starting. As I dive into them, I will pass along helpful hints and insights. In the meantime, I continue to fight double pneumonia. It has thrown me for a loop to say the least.
It will be a brand new journey for me...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Interview
It has been forever since posting here and I have to say, I am somewhat embarrassed by that fact.
I mentioned in an earlier post, I think I did anyway, about our church's Biggest Loser contest. Well, they decided to change the name to The Biggest Winner contest (you can guess why!). I applied to be a contestant and out of 50+ applicants they choose 24 to interview, and from there they will select 12. I was one of the 24 semi finalists and had my interview last night.
It went well, as far as interviews go, I guess. The biggest concern is if the applicants can commit to the five month rigorous program. For me that would be driving 30 minutes, once a week, for a three hour session with a personal trainer, nutritionist and counselor. Also, I will have to work out every day and post a daily journal online.
I have read the books required and it will be quite a life change for us. By us, I mean the hubbs and the boy, because they will have to be a part of it too. I refuse to commit to a huge diet change and continue to cook them bad food. Kevin is very supportive, but Lance will be the challenge, he loves his junk food and really doesn't care for veggies.
Even if I don't make the finals, I will be following the program the best I can on my own. So stay tuned for information from the books and how it is going.
I mentioned in an earlier post, I think I did anyway, about our church's Biggest Loser contest. Well, they decided to change the name to The Biggest Winner contest (you can guess why!). I applied to be a contestant and out of 50+ applicants they choose 24 to interview, and from there they will select 12. I was one of the 24 semi finalists and had my interview last night.
It went well, as far as interviews go, I guess. The biggest concern is if the applicants can commit to the five month rigorous program. For me that would be driving 30 minutes, once a week, for a three hour session with a personal trainer, nutritionist and counselor. Also, I will have to work out every day and post a daily journal online.
I have read the books required and it will be quite a life change for us. By us, I mean the hubbs and the boy, because they will have to be a part of it too. I refuse to commit to a huge diet change and continue to cook them bad food. Kevin is very supportive, but Lance will be the challenge, he loves his junk food and really doesn't care for veggies.
Even if I don't make the finals, I will be following the program the best I can on my own. So stay tuned for information from the books and how it is going.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Starting Over
It has been over a month since my last post here. There are many reasons why I haven't posted, busyness being one of them. But last night I went to a health seminar at church and now I am renewing my commitment to walking in health.
Did you know that a study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found that 2/3 of all cancers can be prevented if we diet, exercise, keep our weight low and don't smoke? 90% of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented or reversed by the same. This new generation, is the first generation that will die before their parents if they continue to live the life style they are living. Sobering statistics.
So sobering in fact, that I am crying while writing this post. How can I be so blind? How can I contribute to this epidemic? Oh Lord, I am so sorry for not living the life you created for me. I cannot serve you to the best of my ability while I am tired, weak or sick.
So I am starting over. It will not be easy. The recommendations that were suggested are very hard, and I might even add, expensive, but I going to walk diligently toward the goal set before me.
Health!
Did you know that a study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found that 2/3 of all cancers can be prevented if we diet, exercise, keep our weight low and don't smoke? 90% of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented or reversed by the same. This new generation, is the first generation that will die before their parents if they continue to live the life style they are living. Sobering statistics.
So sobering in fact, that I am crying while writing this post. How can I be so blind? How can I contribute to this epidemic? Oh Lord, I am so sorry for not living the life you created for me. I cannot serve you to the best of my ability while I am tired, weak or sick.
So I am starting over. It will not be easy. The recommendations that were suggested are very hard, and I might even add, expensive, but I going to walk diligently toward the goal set before me.
Health!
Friday, June 12, 2009
I Will
We are going to Family Retreat.
I am posting today to remind myself that being away from home can be a good thing. I will have the opportunty to walk, a lot... I will be spending time studying the Word and talking and sharing with others. I will be outdoors most of the time. These are really good things for me. The sunshine and the Sonshine.
I will also have the opportunity to binge and eat really unhealthy foods.
The cafeteria does offer the option of good food, I will take it. I will use this time to change the way I usually act when away from home. I will use this time to develop good strategies.
I will be proud of myself and I will thank God for the help I know He will give me.
I am posting today to remind myself that being away from home can be a good thing. I will have the opportunty to walk, a lot... I will be spending time studying the Word and talking and sharing with others. I will be outdoors most of the time. These are really good things for me. The sunshine and the Sonshine.
I will also have the opportunity to binge and eat really unhealthy foods.
The cafeteria does offer the option of good food, I will take it. I will use this time to change the way I usually act when away from home. I will use this time to develop good strategies.
I will be proud of myself and I will thank God for the help I know He will give me.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Trudging Through
It has been a while since I posted here. Life has a way of speeding by sometimes.
Because of the business, I find I am having a harder time following through with good choices. But hanging in there and taking one day at a time helps.
Kevin and Lance love eating dessert, every single night they eat dessert. I have made healthy options available for them and they will eat them, but they would rather have the ice cream sundays and coconut cream pies.
This is the strategy that I have been taking. I will make sure there is fruit and sugar free puddings and jello available, along with fat free cool whip or whipped topping. If, for whatever reason, this isn't working for them and Kevin has stopped at the store to by a "treat" as he calls it, I will prepare it for them with the knowledge that I have the other options for me. But sometimes this doesn't work, and the pie or ice cream calls out my name.
I have to forgive myself and move on. ONE DAY AT A TIME...ONE DAY AT A TIME! This is my mantra...one day at a time. I also have to remember that it didn't take me two weeks to get this unhealthy and heavy, so it is not realistic to think that it will take two weeks to slim down and get healthy.
I am trudging through one day at a time.
Because of the business, I find I am having a harder time following through with good choices. But hanging in there and taking one day at a time helps.
Kevin and Lance love eating dessert, every single night they eat dessert. I have made healthy options available for them and they will eat them, but they would rather have the ice cream sundays and coconut cream pies.
This is the strategy that I have been taking. I will make sure there is fruit and sugar free puddings and jello available, along with fat free cool whip or whipped topping. If, for whatever reason, this isn't working for them and Kevin has stopped at the store to by a "treat" as he calls it, I will prepare it for them with the knowledge that I have the other options for me. But sometimes this doesn't work, and the pie or ice cream calls out my name.
I have to forgive myself and move on. ONE DAY AT A TIME...ONE DAY AT A TIME! This is my mantra...one day at a time. I also have to remember that it didn't take me two weeks to get this unhealthy and heavy, so it is not realistic to think that it will take two weeks to slim down and get healthy.
I am trudging through one day at a time.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Small Beginnings
Okay, I can't weigh myself (our scale broke a year ago and we haven't replaced it) but I think I have lost a little bit. I am in this to feel better and become more healthy, but at my weight (which you will never get out of me!) it is inevitable that I will lose pounds.
I have been eating lots of protein, fruits and veggies. I have grilled chicken, fish, zucchini, summer squash, new potatoes and onions. We have had from scratch chicken soup (noodles for the guys and none for me) because Kevin and Lance have been feeling a little under the weather. I have been making them have fruit for dessert, which I have added low fat whipped cream on theirs. They still want ice cream or cake or pie, but I cannot have these in the house, they call out my name...loudly!! I snack on almonds (I found these amazing almonds with lime and chili seasonings) and fruit. I bake my own chips out of pita bread or tortillas to have with humus or guacamole.
The surprising result of these little changes is, I am feeling a bit more energetic. I am not so sleepy or lethargic and I feel like doing more. Can a couple of weeks of little changes make that much of a difference? YES!!!
I have a long way to go. Long, long, long way to go, but I am happy with the small beginning. It's a start and each and everyday there will a bit more growth and change.
I have been eating lots of protein, fruits and veggies. I have grilled chicken, fish, zucchini, summer squash, new potatoes and onions. We have had from scratch chicken soup (noodles for the guys and none for me) because Kevin and Lance have been feeling a little under the weather. I have been making them have fruit for dessert, which I have added low fat whipped cream on theirs. They still want ice cream or cake or pie, but I cannot have these in the house, they call out my name...loudly!! I snack on almonds (I found these amazing almonds with lime and chili seasonings) and fruit. I bake my own chips out of pita bread or tortillas to have with humus or guacamole.
The surprising result of these little changes is, I am feeling a bit more energetic. I am not so sleepy or lethargic and I feel like doing more. Can a couple of weeks of little changes make that much of a difference? YES!!!
I have a long way to go. Long, long, long way to go, but I am happy with the small beginning. It's a start and each and everyday there will a bit more growth and change.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Inspired
I went to see my chiropractor yesterday, when I checked in I noticed the office manager looked significantly smaller since the last time I saw her. Dr. Jeff came in and he looked amazing. I asked what was going on in the office and he told me they were getting really healthy and losing weight. He is about 80 lbs. lighter and Darlene is down about 55 lbs. She is a little older than me and has been over weight for a long time. She also has many of the same problems I have had including surgery to remove her thyroid.
I quizzed them both and found out how they are doing it and it doesn't sound easy, but it is working. NO CARBS, NO SUGAR, NO APPLES, BANANAS OR PEARS. NO ROOT VEGGIES (there goes my potatoes) and NO PEANUTS. Lots of protein, berries, citrus and veggies. I don't know if this is my cup of tea, I want to lose weight, but I also want to be realistic. I need bread, well okay I don't NEED bread, but I like bread. Darlene is going to give me her diet plan in a few weeks and until then, I am going to keep doing what I am doing.
I do have to admit that I am inspired, if someone who is very similar to me can become healthy, then I can too. It may be in a different way, but it is possible.
I quizzed them both and found out how they are doing it and it doesn't sound easy, but it is working. NO CARBS, NO SUGAR, NO APPLES, BANANAS OR PEARS. NO ROOT VEGGIES (there goes my potatoes) and NO PEANUTS. Lots of protein, berries, citrus and veggies. I don't know if this is my cup of tea, I want to lose weight, but I also want to be realistic. I need bread, well okay I don't NEED bread, but I like bread. Darlene is going to give me her diet plan in a few weeks and until then, I am going to keep doing what I am doing.
I do have to admit that I am inspired, if someone who is very similar to me can become healthy, then I can too. It may be in a different way, but it is possible.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Keeping On
Some days are just that, keeping on.
I have been extremely busy and I have to say that has been both good and bad. The good part is I have been so active. I have been gardening and by that I mean, moving dirt, planting and walking up and down and back and forth. I have been biking with my neighbor. We are biking at least 8 to 10 miles in 45 minutes, that may not be super fast, but for two older, slower and overweight women, that is something. I also have been walking my dog everyday. We only walk about a mile or two, but again it is so much more than what I was doing over the winter.
Now the bad part, because we have been so busy, I haven't been preparing the best meals. I have had to make some very quick meals and since I didn't get a chance to shop last week, we didn't have any fresh veggies.
I realize that I need to do so much more, but even a little bit is a good start. I am not expecting miracles, just thinking it is good to keep active and not sit all day long. The one good thing I am seeing, I am sleeping much better at night. Activity equals good sleep.
So here's to keeping on!!!
I have been extremely busy and I have to say that has been both good and bad. The good part is I have been so active. I have been gardening and by that I mean, moving dirt, planting and walking up and down and back and forth. I have been biking with my neighbor. We are biking at least 8 to 10 miles in 45 minutes, that may not be super fast, but for two older, slower and overweight women, that is something. I also have been walking my dog everyday. We only walk about a mile or two, but again it is so much more than what I was doing over the winter.
Now the bad part, because we have been so busy, I haven't been preparing the best meals. I have had to make some very quick meals and since I didn't get a chance to shop last week, we didn't have any fresh veggies.
I realize that I need to do so much more, but even a little bit is a good start. I am not expecting miracles, just thinking it is good to keep active and not sit all day long. The one good thing I am seeing, I am sleeping much better at night. Activity equals good sleep.
So here's to keeping on!!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Eye Opener
Maybe you have seen the show Ruby on Style Network, if you haven't, let me tell you a little about the woman. Ruby was almost 500 lbs. and was told that if she didn't lose weight, she most likely would not live very long. So with her friends and a team of health professionals to help her, she started the adventure of changing her life. She decided that she needed to do this on her own without bariatric surgery. She has all ready lost over 100 lbs. but still has a long way to go and the Style Network is chronicling her story.
I went to her blog (which isn't updated very often) and found her entry for the day she was on the Oprah show. She had this to say...
"I do believe with all my heart that this is an addiction like alcoholism or drug abuse. But let me bring a little awareness to this—and maybe this will make some of you understand: When dealing with alcohol or drugs, you have to completely go cold turkey to beat it. With food, we cannot go cold turkey. We have to eat to live! We have to beat our addiction and still taste our addiction. Do you think, if you were to tell an alcoholic, "You still have to drink this every day"—could they beat it?"
I found this statement very profound. It is so true...
I know I am not a bad eater per say, but I am an emotional eater. So, when I stress I eat and with my life (I am sure most peoples lives) I am stressed often. I want to eat, so I put the wrong things in my mouth to satisfy my need and well, you get the picture.
Unfortunately, I don't have the means to hire a team of health professionals to help me. I am doing this on my own. It can be done, but it will take a lot of work, drive and discipline on my part. I recognise that I have an addiction and I need to be aware of this at all times. I am grateful for the eye opener.
I went to her blog (which isn't updated very often) and found her entry for the day she was on the Oprah show. She had this to say...
"I do believe with all my heart that this is an addiction like alcoholism or drug abuse. But let me bring a little awareness to this—and maybe this will make some of you understand: When dealing with alcohol or drugs, you have to completely go cold turkey to beat it. With food, we cannot go cold turkey. We have to eat to live! We have to beat our addiction and still taste our addiction. Do you think, if you were to tell an alcoholic, "You still have to drink this every day"—could they beat it?"
I found this statement very profound. It is so true...
I know I am not a bad eater per say, but I am an emotional eater. So, when I stress I eat and with my life (I am sure most peoples lives) I am stressed often. I want to eat, so I put the wrong things in my mouth to satisfy my need and well, you get the picture.
Unfortunately, I don't have the means to hire a team of health professionals to help me. I am doing this on my own. It can be done, but it will take a lot of work, drive and discipline on my part. I recognise that I have an addiction and I need to be aware of this at all times. I am grateful for the eye opener.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A Good Day
I wanted to do a quick post to remind myself when I look back in a few months, that yesterday was a good day. I did very well with my eating and I took Oliver for a fast walk. I then rode about 8 miles on my bike with my neighbor. We had a great time of talking and reconnecting as well as exercising together. I am a little sore today, but it is a good sore.
Today, since it is Sunday, I will only be walking Oliver and resting the rest of the day. Which is probably good since it is kind of raining out. Tomorrow is back to the gym day. It has been several months and I need to get back into the groove.
"Good job Gina!" I tell myself.
Today, since it is Sunday, I will only be walking Oliver and resting the rest of the day. Which is probably good since it is kind of raining out. Tomorrow is back to the gym day. It has been several months and I need to get back into the groove.
"Good job Gina!" I tell myself.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Goals
As I ponder the idea of getting healthy, I realize that I need some goals. Okay. I ask myself what I want to see in my life. Lose a hundred pounds, run a 5K, bike for 26 miles, have glowing skin and tight muscles, be free of joint pain, have so much energy that I can't sit still longer than an hour... Well these goals are silly. At least silly for the me at this time. Some of them may be more achievable than others, but I realize I need to set small goals, attainable goals, goals that make sense.
So here it goes...
I will take my weight loss 10 lbs at a time and if it takes me six months to lose it, that's okay. It just gives me something to work for.
I will begin walking again. If I can work up to walking two to three miles in a few months, I will be happy.
I will go back to the gym to do some weight baring exercises to help with the joint pain.
I will begin to do research on living a healthy lifestyle.
Goals, smaller bite size goals. Take one day at a time to make little changes, that is how I will begin.
So here it goes...
I will take my weight loss 10 lbs at a time and if it takes me six months to lose it, that's okay. It just gives me something to work for.
I will begin walking again. If I can work up to walking two to three miles in a few months, I will be happy.
I will go back to the gym to do some weight baring exercises to help with the joint pain.
I will begin to do research on living a healthy lifestyle.
Goals, smaller bite size goals. Take one day at a time to make little changes, that is how I will begin.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Starting
This is the start of an accountability blog.
My dream is to be healthy
To feel good about myself again
To move without pain
To be more productive
To rise above it all and be a person I like
This blog is in it's infancy stage and will evolve over time.
I am starting!
My dream is to be healthy
To feel good about myself again
To move without pain
To be more productive
To rise above it all and be a person I like
This blog is in it's infancy stage and will evolve over time.
I am starting!
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