Gained

I've gained 19 pounds this summer.  I know that half that is a lot of water weight from eating processed foods.  But there's some there that I must get off.  My daughter's wedding is in November, and I really want to look my best.  I don't how to get some serious weight off, other than to really exercise.  It's the healthiest alternative.

The Biggest Loser starts tonight.  I always get jazzed about that, although I fell off the last season.  I find it encouraging, so I've got to record that - will be painting tonight.  Painting the inside of a house is a lot of work.  I'm counting it as exercise.  :)

I love exercising, once I'm doing it regularly for a bit.  It's invigorating, feels like you accomplished something, and it's good for you!  How to stay motivated?

I'm going to make a visual dream board of all the things, places, and such that I want to have, be, and go to.  I've heard what you look at everyday becomes your life.  I'll try that.

That and getting off my butt.

Minori Family ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Hello!  I've never seen such a great family video.  The Ice Bucket Challenge they did was inventive, planned, and awesome!  Check it out and make a donation today!

Robin Willams Sketches for NAMI

This article is the only one I've done that has absolutely nothing to do with exercise.  It does have to do with mental health.  Robin William's suicide has rocked the world.  It should.  Just like the double digits of vets that do the same thing.  Every DAY.  We must fund mental illness for medications, research, and simply to help those that can't afford their meds and such.

Solution for me?

My future son-in-law, artist Carlos Cabaleiro, is sketching a Robin Williams series, and the proceeds go to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.  (NAMI)  They are VERY reasonably priced.

Please consider purchasing a portrait of this great comedian for the cause which could have helped him, maybe.  We will never know.  Let's not let it happen again.

The first one is from "Good Morning Vietnam," and can be found at the link below on ebay.

Carlos Cabaleiro Art

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251617390705

Thank you!
Best~ Veronica

Night Eating

I am a night eater.  I know many people that are.  Doctors say that's bad, but others say that a calorie is a calorie, and no matter when it is consumed, counts.  Now, I'm not advocating eating a pizza before bed, but a snack is okay.  I eat later in the day, but that's my habit.  It's all habit, and changing it is a mind trip.  Motivation to quit eating at night is all between the ears.

Some tips to counter balance night eating:

1.  Drink a full glass of water before every meal or snack, as this helps fill you up.  It really works!
2.  Do something.  Most of us night eat out of stress or boredom.  Change your habits, and you'll see the results.
3.  Chew gum or hard candy (sugar free) put on some music, stretch and do yoga, read, exercise, do a CRAFT, as it will keep your mind, hands, and mouth busy.
4.  Get on Face Book and play a game.  These things are addictive.  I quit them, but it does work for a few peeps I've talked to.
5.  Save some calories for what you normally eat at night.
6.  Have low calorie snacks available: fruit, sugar free ice cream novelties. (Not a half gallon that you will eat half of...
7.  Call a friend and talk a while.
8.  Clean something.  (This one is my favorite, as time flies.)
9.  If you do eat, don't graze.  Just eat one or two things.
10. Change your mind and throw away the food you just made.  A therapist once told me that you can throw food away (Which we were taught to NEVER do!), or you can throw yourself away.

In essence, stress, boredom, celebrations, holidays and more can be celebrated and handled in many ways, and you don't have to always center it around food.  Enjoy the company of others.

I know I will try harder.  I've gained 6 pounds, and I don't like it.  We are headed into prime eating season, and I should get a grip before I gain more!  Ahhh!

My Exercise Heroine

I have a hero.  I know she is a woman, and it is proper for her to be a heroine, but she is more than a girl hero, she's a super-hero!  Who is this amazing person?

My stepmother, Darlene.  She is in her sixties, (I won't tell her exact age for fear of serious retribution!)  She walks and runs most every day, and if she's not doing that, she is gardening, going to the gym, or working out in her home.

She is my inspiration.  She is now training for her umpteenth marathon.  She hasn't done one in a few years, but on the shady side of her decade in years, she is going for it anyway.  She busts some serious butt.  I never walked with someone so fast!

She wasn't always in shape.  She was overweight and smoked - a lot.  She quit smoking some years ago, and she lost her weight.  Now, she's just keeping it under control.  I want to get there, too.  She never is negative about my weight - like so many have been.  She is encouraging beyond belief, and even gave me a beautiful house dress (I love flowing, long skirts and dresses, and haven't worn one in years.), and color for my hair - just because I mentioned I wanted to go red, and that I wanted to be a bit more bohemian in my outfits.  You know, comfortable and funky.

The thing is, she builds me up and makes me feel beautiful in my skin now, not waiting until I lose all the weight, but celebrating who I am, just because.  No negativity, just a lot of praise, occasional pushing, but it is always with love.

Everyone needs a person like that.  She leads by example. :)

Lacking Motivation

It seems that I'll never get there.  There's just too much weight to lose.  For the summer fun of weight loss, I have been gaining and losing the same ten pounds.  Ugh.  It's awful when all you want is to lose weight, and get caught in a cycle of losing and gaining.  Pity Party, huh?

Well, I haven't exercised like I should, and I have no excuse.  I'm a hermit of sorts, and my jobs keep me pretty isolated, except Thirty-One.  That's when I can chat my little head off.  Love it.  Back to me and whining...

It's not like I'm going to be Miss America or anything.  I'm no Angelina Jolie.  Not close.  I never will be.  BUT, my daughter, and only child, is getting married in November, and I really want to look and feel great.  I've already picked out my dress.  I just won't know the size for a bit...

I'll stop the whining, and try to change tomorrow.  Anyone have some motivation techniques?

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Dressing the Package and Treating Yourself!

You must treat yourself for losing weight.

Just because you may be big, like me, doesn't mean that you can't do what my friend, Lou, says, and "dress the package."  Your package may not be what you want it to be right now, but it will be later, so there's no reason to wait until then to dress yourself like a normal person.  I can tell you that I'm in between sizes right now and without a lot of clothes, so I'm doing the best I can to keep the "basics" in the size I'm in.

I'm between an 18/20 and 22/24, depending on the clothes, and I even need to shop for shoes!  Why?  Well, I'm back to narrow feet and not medium to wide!  I also need to get ring guards.  These are all good non-food rewards.  I really feel great getting out of sweats and elastic!  Here's some more:

1.  Massage
2.  Main/Pedi or just one of them.
3.  A trip to Bath and Body Works!
4.  Go to a department store, like Macy's, and let them do a makeover on you!
5.  Throw a party for your friends and have all your new healthy food.
6.  Buy something at www.mythiryone.com/poppies/  (Had to throw that in.)

Some tips for clothes shopping:

1.  NO BLACK! lol
2.  (Basic Black only for mix and match.)
3.  LOOK at yourself in the mirror.  It really isn't as bad as you think it is.  Look around you.  We're like in the fattest country in the world! Everyone is thinking the same thing!
4.  You're too hard on yourself.  Cut it out.  The mirror will show you what looks good.  Really.
5.  Try on things you wouldn't normally try on.
6.  Forget flabby arms.  You wanna sweat with your long sleeves to cover the "swing," or do you want to be cool?
7.  Buy ONLY pants that zip.  Except one or two pairs of yoga pants or shorts, or course.
8.  Buy jeans.  I started wearing jeans again at a size 28, and it made me feel human again after all those years in lycra and cotton elastic pants.  YUCK!
Take someone who will be totally honest AND NOT CRITICAL with you.
9.  Buy cheap while you are losing.  (Walmart, Target, Thrift stores in rich neighborhoods --HA!)
10.  Are your friends and family proud and don't know what to do when you hit your mark --except throw you a party with food you can't eat?  My family and friends have told me for years that once I hit my goal weight, they would get an outfit or two for me.  Ask your friends to take you shopping for an outfit, a girl's day with cocktails or coffee, and celebrate the new you in style.

Sex as a Workout

That's right!  According to Jillian Michaels web page, 30 minutes of sex burns 70 calories.  That may not seem like much, but it depends on your routine.  Just think, losing weight having FUN?  That's an awesome way to get motivated.  

Not in the mood?  

There are other activities that are fun, where you don't have to go to the gym.  Here's some great calorie burners:

Basketball:  Even just shooting at the basket and playing horse, keep away or some such game, can burn up to 461 calories for 30 minutes.  Now, that's a workout!  This is my favorite, because it is fun, challenging, and it burns so many calories!

Yoga:  230 calories for 30 minutes, but even if you think that's not enough, yoga will strengthen you and build muscle.  It also helps immensely with balance, which is important in your older ages.  Why?  You don't want to fall and break a hip, do you?

Biking:  230 calories for 30 minutes.  That's on a 0-10 MPH pace.  Of course, it goes up from there.

Bowling:  219 calories for 30 minutes.  Not bad, considering that you usually stay at the bowling alley for well over 30 minutes.

Swimming:  334 calories for 30 minutes at a light pace.  Faster paces can burn up to 564 calories for 30 minutes.  All-time favorite exercise.  (Besides the title. :)

So, check it out ... What do you do on the weekends?  Are you a couch potato?  Are you active already?  What's stopping us from having fun, just because we have gotten older?  Get out there and swim, go for a bike ride, and play basketball.  Do some yoga for strengthening and building muscle.  

Going to do my Jillian yoga right now.

Losing What I Gained

Ugh.  I gained 8 pounds over a couple of weeks.  I lost 7 of them last week.  That's a good thing.  Every once in a good while, I plateau, get frustrated and eat a handful of pounds on.  I need to remember to exercise it off.  It's ridiculous, really, to keep playing with the same pounds.  I know, it's hard with all the cookouts and summer parties, but there's always something to celebrate.

I went to a party the other night, and ate like I would at home.  I ate half a plate of delicious salad, some meat, and a spoonful of mashed potatoes.  I even passed up the oowie gooey dessert my friend made and her chocolate cake.  It looked so good, and some even had a slice of both, which I have been guilty of myself in the past.  But ...

I've had enough cake in my life.  It's back to my commitment and back on track.  Are you with me?

Let's start with yoga!  Let's all do this 35 min yoga video.  Just push play!  It's Jillian!

New Me and New Book!

Hello!

I know it's been a good long time since you've heard from me.  I've lost a lot of weight.  Unfortunately, I have just that much more to lose and then some.  That's depressing, but at least I know I can do it now!  I'll get back to weight tomorrow, as I am now in the middle of writing my first novel and second book.  Called Pieces of Mother, you can access info at INDIEGOGO, where I am collecting donations to aid me in promoting and selling this book about domestic violence.  It is one of the most important subjects, for women in particular, but men as well.  See below for the amazing details!  If you would like to donate and check out all that's about, go here: DONATE  Thank you!

Ever wanted to write the Great American Novel? 

Pieces of Mother, the story of 13 year-old Jude spoke to me.  She lives in a 1970's household full of violence and alcohol.  How will she save herself and her sisters?  A gripping story of one young girl attempting to escape her cruel stepfather and her mother, who may just have given up.  This book is about the violence we witness, love, death, and redemption.

Excerpt from Pieces of Mother:

"Jude put their loot in the flowered basket at the front of her bike and they were off! She pedaled very carefully around the church, as everyone was spilling out of church and filling the street, and went home to find the car gone. She went into the house with Beth, scuttled downstairs to the finished basement, and made a fort with chairs and sleeping bags. She threw all the couch pillows into the hole she made, and put in her tape recorder, the candy and drinks, and crawled in. Beth crawled in after her. Jude put in her Barry Manilow tape. They stayed in there the rest of the afternoon. 
‘Til they heard the door slam"

Since I am self-publishing, I will need the money for my ISBN number, books to sell, table and event fees for selling, gas and toll $ for traveling to independent bookstores, conventions, and book fairs.  Thank you!

To see more of my work, including the non-fiction book, She's So Bipolar at Amazon:      http://www.amazon.com/Shes-So-Bipolar-Veronica-...

It's Time For a Before and After...so far!

My clothes are bigger, my rings are bigger, and it's all over now.  When I went back to look at the photos, I realized I do look different.  78 pounds are gone.  The first pic is my heaviest, and the other, just last week...

Funny, I am noticing the little things lately, like getting out of a chair without it coming with me, or being able to walk through a narrow passage.  These things and more make a difference too - even if you can't see them.

My New Business

In an attempt to earn money while writing, getting out to meet people, and having a little fun, too - I started as a Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts, and it is working to keep me occupied enough to cut down eating a lot.  Snacks are gone.  I don't have time for them - not between this awesome company and my own writing.

Why mention this?  Nothing but shameless self-promotion... I have a good reach with this blog, and I thought that some of you will be interested.

FIRST person to make a $60 order of products alone, (plus shipping and tax), will win a free gift!

Here's the link for you to take a look at what I have to offer through the company.   Feel free to put your order under "Kristina's Catalog Party."

https://www.mythirtyone.com/poppies/

Also, if you are interested in selling Thirty-One, message me! :)

Fell off the Wagon...but still losing

After a week of Jillian, with three workouts a day, I decided that was dumb.  She has in her program, Body Revolution, that after the first week, it's only one workout a day.  I think I'll get back on the wagon with that.  Let's see what it does to do one DVD a day, and then an extra activity like walking and more.

Taking my nephew to Disney next week, so that will surely let the pounds go - with all the walking!  Looking forward to being out and at my favorite place.

I've been doing well on food, as I am not eating the calories I was at Christmas.  No one is!  Ha!  But, I'm just not buying the bad stuff to keep, and if I do, it's only because of a guest or something, and I buy what I am able to ignore.  That's a very important tip!  I do have some sweets, but mostly dark chocolate - lower in fat, calories, and sugar, high in anti-oxidants, and delicious!  I also have the Weight Watchers yogurt bars in the frozen section.  They are good when you are craving something sweet.

So, starting again, and I plan to get 100 off this year.  I really want it.  Here I go!  Stay tuned...

One Week On, One Week Off...

And I can really tell the difference.  I did not exercise as much last week, and I really am lethargic and sleepy.  I also ate off schedule.  I must go back to my first week with Jillian.  The pounds melted off.  I hope to continue that.

I am now two sizes smaller than I was.  I'm all over the 22/24s.  I'm so excited that I can buy things in the store now, and not just online.  I've got more confidence, and I'm moving with better flexibility.

Here's one of my favorite recipes from Jillian's first week, that I tweaked a bit:

Turkey Patties

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup black bean and corn salsa
1 egg
Touch of cayenne
Dash of cumin
Black Pepper

Mix all, Make four burgers, and either grill or broil till meat is done - about 6 minutes on each side.

I'm eating fish several times a week, and I need to find new sources of protein that are vegetarian.  I get tired of not only fish, but meat in general.  I am starting to feel heavy when I eat it.  Not fish, but other sources of animal meat.  It just sits in my stomach, making me feel heavy.  Don't get me wrong, I love some good steak or roast.  As a butcher's granddaughter, meat was how we survived, and he brought home good cuts for his family.  So, while I never see myself as a total vegetarian, I would like to go that way several days a week.

Weigh Day After My First Week With Jillian!

And ... drumroll ... 11 pounds gone!  I totally skipped the sixties.  I weigh 259 now, and I am starting to feel stronger and happier.  My mood definitely improves with the exercise.  I even missed two days of exercise, due to a procedure at the doc on Monday.  That pissed me off.  I didn't expect it.  Anyway, it's all good.  I will do one more week of this kickstart plan, since I didn't exercise those two days, because that's a lot to miss at an hour and a half a day.

I feel like I'm on the Biggest Loser in my house.  Ha!  It's so hard to say no to so many things, but I am eating more than I was, so I think I really did reset it this week.  The foods will expand next week, and there are some great recipes in Jillian's book.

Eating Yesterday:

Breakfast:    Greek Yogurt with cinnamon and almonds
Lunch:         Chef Salad
Dinner:        Flounder with veggie medley and small amount of pasta.

Yeah, I know - no carbs on the first week.  Another reason I will be restarting it.

Jillian is Kicking My Ass!

I'm not going to lie.  This is a rigourous, tough program.  It is exactly what I needed, but after being sedentary so long, the exercise is killing me.  Luckily, today is my one day off for the week.  Working out 3 times a day is quite a lot, but it is like Hell Week.  Jillian is pushing hard this week to get my metabolism back to a normal level.  I think it's really something.

I have weighed, but Wednesday is official weigh day.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Hope it stays or shows more of a loss.

Yesterday -
Yogurt, almonds, and cinnamon
Salmon
Celery with almond butter
Tilapia with spinach salad

Today:
Eggs, Lox, and Onions
Chef Salad
Yogurt with honey and pecans
Turkey patty with a salad

It's an easy-to-follow meal plan, and the exercise is easy.  Well, putting it in the dvd player is easy.  Doing it is a whole other story!  It was very hard on my third day yesterday.  I came up with a solution to the hardwood floors and my knees - knee pads!  Duh.

I have two things about eating: you must eat early in the day to jump start your energy, and you must eat all your alloted calories, or you'll be starving by nine.

Off to REST!

JJ Day Two

Ha!  I didn't wake up today with the energy I had yesterday.  I was sore, tired, and not into anything.  I had to drag myself out of bed, make myself eat breakfast, as I usually don't, and push myself to exercise.  All day was a struggle - until I did my workouts, and then I had more energy and I wanted to make dinner...

Speaking of food, today I had:
Scrambled eggs, avocado, and tomato
Salmon for lunch
Salsa Turkey patty with carrots, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, and avocado.

I did not get my snack in today, as I needed to make dinner earlier than usual, so if I get really hungry, I can have the snack, although it's supposed to be after lunch.  It's celery and almond butter.  I have done the workouts, and I am full of extra calories for today, so the out-of-place snack won't be too bad.

Workouts:  Secret morning extra activity, Jillian's DVD 2 from Body Revolution and the Cardio.  Tomorrow, I have to do two cardio DVDs, giving my muscles a rest.  Sunday is a rest day.  Only one this week.  I can't wait.

I can report that between yesterday and today, I have more energy, I am happier in general, and I started back on my novel.

Hmm... maybe there is something to living well!

The Jillian Journey

From now on, known as JJ for short.  I began her 90 day Body Revolution today.  Time to amp up the exercise and weight loss.  I have 145 more pounds to lose.  I'll take it 25 at a time.  It's overwhelming otherwise. 

Today's Exercise:  Body Revolution DVD One and Cardio One, with a bike ride.

Food:

Breakfast:  Greek non-fat, plain yogurt with cinnamon and sliced almonds.

Lunch:       (Was not hungry.)

Snack:        Hummus and baby carrots.

Dinner:      Filet Mignon and dark green salad with tomatoes and olives.

Now, I know I have to eat everything, as I am exercising so much, but it's hard to eat regularly after having bad eating/time habits.  I will start earlier in the morning.  I will also start exercising earlier, because I did the DVDs back to back, and I was very weak.  That's from no lunch and not working out in a while.  

Getting back to my life is difficult, but I have a great support group, and one of them is my stepmom.  She is amazing.  She is in her sixties, and she runs!  Such an inspiration.  She has more energy than I do, so I need to get moving.  

I also need to eat that dinner in the kitchen that's waiting for me!

Have You Given Up Your Resolution Already?

Did the Superbowl do you in?  Was it those cute little girls selling cookies?  Are you just tired after a month of exercising and dieting?  Ready to give up?  Already have?

Don't Give Up!

Why?

1,  You promised yourself.  You are the most important.
2.  You'll only panic before swimsuit season, when you start this madness all over again.
3.  You've already made a financial investment:  food plan, exercise, or more - don't waste the money.  4.  You are a role model for everyone you know.
5.  You promised yourself.

Many of you have talked yourself right out of exercising and eating right.  I'm guilty myself.  There's always tomorrow.  What, you say?  Begin today?  Okay!  Only if you do...  Get back on track with me, and forget those January blues.

My 5K

Hey all you readers out there!  I'm doing the Orlando NAMI (National Alliance of the Mentally Ill), 5K walk for the BringChange2Mind team.  My team fights stigma against mental illness, which I cover in my book, She's So Bipolar.  If you are so inclined and are a regular reader, please consider a donation! :)

Here's my personal page:

http://namiwalks.nami.org/veronicacronin

The Truth - The Christmas Gain

It was the truffle.  I had one, just one, before Christmas, and that's all it took.  I didn't binge, but I ate too much.  I gained 9.5 pounds.  Almost the Holiday 10.  I've lost 5.5 of it so far, and I have a new helper...

Jillian!  I'm back with Jillian, and her "Body Revolution."  She's really good.  The workouts are fun and change frequently, so that you don't get bored.  I completed exercises I've never done before.  Now, the ugly truth is that I only did Jillian once this past week.  The first time.  I was a jellyfish the next day, but I will be back at it, as I know it's the only thing that will get the weight off.  You can't lose 200 pounds without exercising.

The Body Revolution is something I will report on daily in the "Jillian Journey."  It will keep me accountable.  And, I will take new measurements to be posted soon.  I have new sizes as well!

Back at it!   C'mon, I know you all are waning.  Don't give up and don't let the Superbowl ruin your plans and get you off track!  

I'm Not Perfect

It's hard to swallow your pride.  It's hard for me to admit that I have flaws.  I'm human.

From Christmas to New Year's, I gained seven pounds.  Kills me.  However, I know with a good week of water to flush out the salt and toxins and some exercise will fix the problem quickly.  I hope.  I so wanted to make it through the holidays having KEPT IT OFF.  Now, according to the numbers, I did lose more than I gained over the holiday period, which I count from Halloween to Jan 1st.

I have to be happy with that.  However, I have to get back on track.  I know I will keep gaining if I don't get a grip on the food and exercise as well.  We've been eating out lately and not kept a lot of food on hand, as we have both been busy, so I will have to remedy that.  If the food is here, healthy or not, I will eat it.

First Step - Clean out your fridge and pantry and put good food in it, and if you can't do it all at once, then take a few bad things out at a time, switching them for something healthy that you like.

Second Step-  Go on Live Strong and My Pal Tracker (both free), and track your weight on My Pal, and on Live Strong as well, but Live Strong has more content.

So, I'm not perfect.  But, I'm not done yet. :)

Diet is "Die" with a T

Okay, this is controversial.  I detest diets, food plans, and diet products.  Note: They may work for many people, and I'm not about to say if it works, don't change, but these did not work for me:  6 times for Weight Watchers, 3 Redbook Diets, Atkins twice, Gym plans, the South Beach Diet, Richard Simmons Meal-A-Deal twice, liquid diets, and when I was a teen- diet pills.  NONE worked for me.  They only made me more fat.  However, I know people that are on some of the popular programs, and they are doing well.  Can't take that away from them.

Diets just don't work for me.  I had to have a full-blown food overhaul and intervention.  I intervened, and refilled my fridge, freezer, and cabinets.  Hey, even my purse has healthy snacks.  But, once I let go of my favorite junk food, fried food, and other assorted bad habits, all you are left with are healthy choices.  It truly is a change of lifestyle.  People told me that for years, and I didn't believe them, but it's true.  You can't go back to the way you were eating, as that will put the weight back on.

Don't think short-term.  Think long-term, no matter how little or much you have to lose.  The habits you make in your resolutions or goals should be forever.

Resolutions? I think not!

There is a difference between a resolution and a goal.  Everyone makes resolutions, and they don't mean anything.  Why?  Here's the definition of resolution:

1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.

   intent, plan, aim, and decision

   • .

          the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

          "the peaceful resolution of all disputes"

The first word is "intention," and that is not a set goal.  It's simply the intent to do something.  Intent, aim, plan, and a decision don't include ACTION.  You can make all the plans and decisions you want, but they aren't full of movement.  They will sit there like a lead balloon.

Here's the definition for a goal:

"A result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end."

Set goals.  They require more than a plan.  You have to carry them out, or there is no use setting them in the first place.  There is a beginning and an end.  

My goal for this year is to lose 100 pounds.  It's just less than 10 pounds per month, and I know I can do it - if I exercise a lot.  My goal is to exercise 3-5 days per week.  If I maintain the exercise, the pounds will drop.  I don't "plan" to put into action; I am going to do it.  

You set goals every single day.  You always have a "To Do" list.  Put yourself on it first.