Over 30 down now!

I lost 5 pounds last week.  I've no idea.  I was more active, just a bit, though, drank more water, and ate less - but still, 5 is a lot.  I'll take it!  So, that's 31 pounds gone, and I am going to go exercise today.  This is the most I've ever lost on purpose, so I am thrilled.  YAY!

It's been a hard road just to 31, and I have SO much more to lose.  I was thinking that this morning, and I decided that I would just think about that later, and concentrate on getting under the next 10 pound marker.  If I keep concentrating on 10 pounds at a time, it's better for my mind, but it also keeps going into a different set of numbers, like from 289 to 279.  That's good to see, because seeing that double digit number go into the next set down is motivating.

Gotta go eat some breakfast.  I love berries and yogurt.

Body Image, America, and Obesity

With well over 50% of Americans being in the overweight to obese category, the rise of obesity in children, and my own personal fat - well, even though we are the majority, we are still vilified.  I know, here she goes...  Don't worry, it's painless.  We are perceived as lazy, unhealthy, and gluttonous.  Like we don't know we eat.  Most heavy people I know are extremely productive, so I don't know where that laziness comes from.  Unhealthy, well, not everyone is, but most all are or are headed that way.

How does this fit into body image?

People's perceptions, sneers, and stares are hard to overcome.  You may say, well - lose weight!  Well, I am!  But, most people don't know that I'm doing it.  People judge strangers.  As soon as they "size" you up, they've made up their minds towards the negative about you before even saying the first word.  Not all people are like this, but I''ve found that many to most are extremely judgemental, and even heavy people are as well!  How hypocritical.

When you know people are perceiving you as negative before even talking to them, it makes me feel terrible about myself.  Thus, in the past, I would eat if a child pointed at me or someone said something to me as they passed, like, "Fat Bitch."  I don't anymore.  I'm trying to not allow others ignorance over weight matters to have an effect on me.  I'm not going to lose this overnight, and it would be nice to be able to pick out clothes, or for goodness sakes - pick out groceries, without people staring.  Jeez.  I do need food and clothes.

I'm not usually "preachy," but don't judge someone who is obese before you get to know them.  They may just be the most beautiful person you ever met.

Hot Flashes and Fruit

Cold frozen fruit.  In my first summer of Peri-menopause, I can relate that it sucks.  Big time.  I have found a fantastic way to keep cool during hot flashes or just heat in general:  frozen fruit.  I eat them plain to get maximum freeze, but I have put it with yogurt or cool whip as well.

What am I talking about?  When you get your blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries from your local market, freeze them in bags.  I put my blackberries and blueberries together.  You can also use mango, pineapple, and more, but the berries hold up so well, and you can make a better smoothie with frozen fruit, too.  When you start having a flash or you are overheated, start chomping on that fruit, and in no time, you'll be putting on your 3/4 inch sleeve cardigan, like me!

Sitting in front of a fan helps, too.

Another One Down

It's coming off slowly, but it's staying off.  I mean staying off.  I may fluctuate during the week, but the solid 26 is gone.  I hope for good!  Exercise is a priority this week.  I want to lose 2 or more pounds by next week, and the only healthy way is to exercise more; besides, I've slid back into my old routine of no structured exercise.  I do loads of forced exercise, but my body must be getting used to it, because that alone is not taking the pounds off.  Back to the hamster wheel!

I eat well now.  I've cut out most all fast food, although sometimes I have a craving.  It doesn't taste as good anymore, so I've given most up, except for frappuccinos.  I love them.  I make allowances for them.  I have about one a week, so it's a treat and not a daily thing.  Besides, it's too expensive!  I eat a whole heck of a lot more veggies and fruit.  They are staples now, not a chore anymore, and less expensive than the junk.  I ate a bowl of berries last night for dessert, and I was completely satisfied.

Body Image and Weight

A friend of mine has been telling me for years to "dress the package," no matter what my weight was at the time, or that I didn't believe I could.  She tried to take me shopping so many times, but to no avail, I usually ended up with my usual stretch pants and a big top.  I got to where I detested shopping.  Soon, I couldn't shop at those stores anymore; I even got too big for Lane Bryant and had to order my ill-fitting clothes online, receiving them in the mail.

I hated my body, and I'm still not happy with my belly or flappy arms, but I've learned to dress the package.  I never thought anything would look good on me, and I grew up with all thin women - oblivious to my problem of finding clothes.  I remember one outfit my grandmother bought me, and I looked like a grape in it- an all purple jumpsuit!

It was my hubby that reminded me of beauty at any weight, and I shouldn't punish myself with no decent clothes just because I'm big.  It was strange the first time he took me shopping.  In fact, he told me to go to the dressing room, as I was freaking out - knowing that nothing would fit, but he came back with a ton of clothes.  Only a few fit at the time, but it was a start - in a real store!  Fitting in a bathing suit came next, then more stores were added, and I've found I love Wal-Mart's women's section.  I can buy cheaper clothes while I'm losing weight and then branch out some more.

It's been a very long journey, and to most people (those that judge), I look big no matter what I put on, but I like what I wear now, and I wouldn't change a thing.  I dressed the package, and now I like it!

Sleep Deprivation and Weight

I've seen research on the fact that people who have interrupted sleep or can't sleep lose less weight than those who get their eight hours.  That's one thing.  Next, you have hunger pains in the middle of the night when you wake, and you eat, because that's what you're body wants.  Right?  Tell me, who eats an apple in the dark of night?  So, your snack is not exactly healthy.

Don't forget how tired you will be in the morning either.  You'll be too sapped to exercise or even work properly.  Sleep is my main component in staying healthy.

What to do when you can't sleep:
1.  Get up and do a small chore (if you won't wake the rest of the house...)
2.  Don't play with your phone or computer. (I know, but I'm a writer.)
3. EXERCISE during the day, so your body will be physically tired and not just intellectually tired from work.
4.  Eat.  You need to make sure you aren't going to bed hungry.  You will have a hard time sleeping and you will most likely eat when you wake in the night.
5.  Read yourself to sleep or put a low, dark, boring show on and listen to it drone on while you fall into sweet slumber.  Now, doesn't that sound nice?
6.  Leave the TV off, turn your thermostat to 70 degrees (or lower for menopausal women!), as that is an optimal sleeping temp, and turn on your fan.  Your fan will lull you to sleep without those pesky commercials.

You may have your own ways to fall back to sleep.  I know I need more exercise.  I also, apparently need to eat more spaced out through the day, so that I won't be night hungry, like now.

These are my favorite ways to sleep, besides on my hubby's chest.  But, that's only mine.  :)

Getting Back On Track With Exercise

I have not followed the exercise plan that I set out for myself.  I get all excited, get stronger and on my way, and then I quit.  Now, to be sure, I have been working out like crazy with "forced exercise."  Gardening, painting, cutting trees, and cleaning have kept me somewhat active, at least on those days.  but, there were plenty of other days that I didn't exercise.

It happens.  I just need a plan.  Just get out there and do it.  Easier said than done.  However, I have tons of support, a husband who is trying to lose as well, and we must get back in the gym.  I plan on doing yoga today to get my muscles stretched back out before I tackle the gym tomorrow.  I'd like to start basketball again.

That was really taking the weight off.  Basketball burns more than 1,000 calories an hour, according to Live Strong.

For those of you that have fallen off the wagon of exercise, or if you haven't even started, do one thing today.  Walk 10 minutes.  Do some stretching.  Play with your kids. :)