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.

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!

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!

Pumpkin Spice Latte and Exercise

I had one.  From McDonalds.  What's the big deal?  I got a small, and it was good, but it wasn't enough to start a pumpkin revolution!

Perhaps I should try the original and see if that's better.  Does Starbucks have the market on the precious coffee?  I'll get to it this week.  It was in the high 80's here today, so hot coffee is not high on my priority list.

Exercise is, however, and the trip to the gym the other day is catching up with my muscles.  The ache!  But, it feels good.  That means I'm getting stronger.  I love Planet Fitness.  It has everything you could want (except classes), and it's so inexpensive, only $20 for me a month, and that includes hubby!

I'm going to trail it this week, and perhaps combine it with working out on the gym machines.  I've got a fantastic trail, one of the best in the state, literally at my front door, so why not use it?  Where's your place for the best and most calming exercise?

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.

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.

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. :)