DAY 120 -- Extra exercise. Whew.

This morning I did a little bit of aerobics and then some muscle toning.  My legs felt like noodles afterwards....Then the grandchildren arrived.  (Ages 2 1/2 years and 15 months.)  Oh. my. goodness.  We played with them for about 4 hours.  The youngest one loves to climb up the stairs but has not got the hang of coming down on his own so grandma went up and down the stairs with him.  Up and down.  Up and down.  Up and down.  The older one likes to pretend she is Buzz Lightyear and "shoots" grandma with a "laser" from her forearm.  I have to fall down and pretend to be dazed.  Over. And Over.  


After they left, my husband and I felt like collapsing.  But no.  We still had errands to run. HA!  What a term...errands to 'run'....we could hardly walk!   :)

I certainly got extra exercise today!  Now if I can somehow get up the stairs one more time, I will go to bed.  Up the stairs. just. one. more. time. ...  

DAY 119 -- Feeling good.

It feels good to feel good.

After the past couple weeks of shock, grief, company, lack of exercise, eating schedules out of whack, and not always having healthy foods to choose from, I felt miserable.

The past few days I was back on track with exercise and eating healthy (and even not overeating when I wanted comfort), so I guess I expected to snap back into my chipper self.  Not so.

This morning I had a long talk with God about it.  I wanted to know why I wasn't feeling more joyful like I was "before."  The following is kind of, sort of, like the conversation I had with Him.

Me: Why don't I feel joy lately?
God:  Give yourself a break.  You're grieving!
Me: Yeah, but besides that... I'm eating healthy and exercising, but I just don't feel very spunky.
God:  Sometimes you need to look for the joy in the journey.
Me:  Look for it?
God: Yes.  Try to find the joyful things about your everyday tasks.
Me:  Like doing laundry today?
God:  Right.
Me:  What's joyful about that?
God:  You tell me.
Me:  Well... we will have clean clothes.  I have a washing machine.  I don't have to beat our clothes against a rock.  I get extra exercise by going up and down the stairs with the laundry.
God:  Right.  You can find joy in all things, if you look.
Me:  I get it.  Thanks!
God:  Wait a minute, I'm not done.
Me:  Sorry.
God:  It is harder to find joy when you don't dress the part.
Me:  Huh?
God:  Look how you are dressed.
Me:  (looking at my "grubbies" and reflecting on my shaggy hair and lack of make-up)  So?  I'm not going anywhere.
God:  You will also find more joy if you dress the part.  Dress as though you deserve to look nice.  Dress as though company might stop by.  You are my child, dress as though you have respect for yourself.
Me:  I don't have a fancy wardrobe.
God:  You do not need one.  You do not need to be prideful about your appearance, but you do need to be respectful and wear clean clothes in good repair when you are blessed to have them.  Change into something that helps you feel fresh, something you would feel comfortable wearing if someone came to the door.  Go do that now, and then come back and tell me how you feel.

I changed my shirt, put on a pair of earrings and even a necklace.  I put on make up, lipstick, and curled my hair.  I put on shoes, rather than my slippers.

I returned to God in prayer.

Me:  You are right!  I really do feel better!
God:  (I think I felt Him smile)
Me:  Thank you!
God:  You are welcome... any time.

My day has gone smoother and I have managed to find joyful moments again.  No unexpected company arrived, but I have felt His presence.

It feels good to feel good... and feels especially good to feel God.

DAY 118 -- Chewing on a thought.

I watched and episode of "Addicted to Food" (Oprah Winfrey Network) last week and have chewed on a thought ever since.  As they worked with the patients, the therapist indicated that eating behaviors were evidence of their inner child acting out.  For instance, a bulimic woman refusing to eat (and crying because the staff wanted her to eat her measured portions) and a compulsive overeater crying because she thought the food tasted bland and the portions were too small.  The way the patients were portrayed in the show, their behavior really did come across as childish as they pouted and threw tantrums over food.


The therapist told them that healthy food choices are made by the adult inside, whereas the inner child is the one that demands more and more food (especially sweets) or even refuses to eat.  


Ever since watching that episode I've wondered about my own eating.  Is my desire to overeat stemming from my "inner child?"  Is it true that only the adult inside can make the healthy decisions?


Yesterday I had my feelings hurt, and I wanted to run to food for comfort, but I thought about the adult decision to eat healthy and the urge left me.  Hmmmm.  Interesting.


I would love to know what others think of this inner child vs. inner adult regarding food choices.

DAY 117 -- Roast Beef

First of all, I forgot to write a post yesterday (the day slipped away from me) so I will post two entries today.

I wanted to tell you about a delicious, flavorful, roast I prepared.  It was a beef shoulder roast we purchased from a local farm (grass fed beef).  I cooked it in a crock pot along with 2 cups of beef bouillon, a chopped onion, and 2 garlic cloves (minced).  I rubbed the meat with Montreal Steak Seasoning before cooking.

Wow, talk about flavorful!  I like it when a meal I prepare gets rave revues from my family.  :)

DAY 116 -- Paying the price!

Oh my.  Due to our schedule this evening, we needed to eat out, and I succumbed...I ate some white flour french bread, now I am paying the price with *gas* and indigestion and the pains that go along with it.  When will I ever learn that white flour products do not sit well with me?  Ugh!


Tomorrow is a new day.

DAY 115 -- Routines

I like routines, and look forward to getting back into the familiar pattern of my life.  I know I will feel even better when I am able to do that.

My exercise has gone out the window for the past week, and I need to get that going again.  Exercise definitely helps elevate my moods and helps with energy.

Regular mealtimes and healthy foods will be welcome again too.

But for now, I relish the time I have to be with visiting family.  Tomorrow I take our son to the airport.  *Sniff*

DAY 114 -- Easter

Today was a better day, emotionally.  Spent the day with our son, our daughter, her husband, and our two little grandchildren. Having their hugs, smiles, and silly antics really brought cheer into my heart.

I am grateful for Easter and all it represents... having my thoughts on the Savior's sacrifice and Resurrection helped immensely.  I have felt His comfort.  

DAY 113 -- Funeral and family.

Today was my brother's funeral.  One positive thing that comes from a funeral is the gathering of family, and sharing memories as well as grief.  We grabbed the opportunity to take pictures of cousins together, and brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles.  It makes one realize that we never know when someone will not be there for the next gathering.  And we also hope for a better excuse to gather.

As far as eating healthy... still struggling a bit with that.  Trying to eat healthy foods, but the draw to eat too much is strong.  I wonder why I feel so driven to seek food for comfort.  Is there a deeply hidden reason I do this, or is it just a learned behavior?

Anyone have insights on how they have handled grief/comfort/and food?

DAY 112 -- Fitting in happy times too.

This morning we attended the college graduation of our son-in-law.  I tried to push sad thoughts away and enjoy the special day for him.  I did get teary-eyed a little bit when I thought of how my brother valued education.

After the graduation, our son-in-law chose his favorite restaurant for a celebration with his family.  It felt so good to laugh and visit.

I feel like I've made some progress in having healthy choices become second nature to me.  Here we were in a place that specializes in barbecue ribs but I really hankered for a salad, so I ordered a salad that was served with salmon.  And I actually stopped eating when I no longer felt hungry!

DAY 111 -- Trying to cope each day.

Yesterday got away from me.  Company started arriving for my brother's funeral, and our son flew in.  I'm trying hard to make healthy choices in eating, but did succumb to eating some french bread made with white flour.  People have been bringing food for the family, which is greatly appreciated, so I just try to select what is healthier to eat, but not always successful.

I'm not beating myself up over it.  This is a time of grief, and as long as I can eat mostly healthy and be aware of what I'm eating, then I should be okay.

DAY 110 -- A quote.

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley

DAY 109 -- Grief.

I am reeling from shock and grief today.  One of my brothers passed away last night unexpectedly.  A little over a week ago, my husband and I rode with this brother and his wife as we traveled to our aunt's funeral. Who knew that in such a short time my brother would be gone.

Tears flow readily.  Pajamas still adorn my body.  No shower or bath calls my name.  But I do hear the call of comfort food... namely peanut butter and banana sandwich with a cold glass of milk.  (Natural peanut butter with no added sugar.)

I have faith in God.  I know that even--and perhaps especially--in adversity, good came come from the pain.  But right now I wallow in sorrow and grief.  

I took a little time to check in on some of the blogs I follow.  It helped me to feel like life continues somewhere.  I even got a few chuckles... which lifted my spirits immensely.  

But the pain returns.  Gone less than 24 hours, yet oh how I miss him already!

 

DAY 108 -- Drying my clothes.

My clothes used to fit just snug enough that I didn't want any shrinkage whatsoever, so most of my clothing (jeans, shirts) were hung up to dry, or placed on thick towels on the floor to dry them flat.  Now, my clothes fit loose enough that I don't mind if they shrink... in fact there are some items I wish would shrink!  :)  (Thus, I've been putting them in the dryer.)


I definitely need new jeans since I have to wear my old ones cinched around my waist with a belt, so I look forward to wearing my capris with warmer weather coming on, postponing the purchase of new jeans until this fall.

My husband needs new pants too.  He can pull them off without unzipping or unbuttoning them.  This is handy for when I do laundry... no need to zip or button them up before washing.  :)

DAY 107 -- Interesting TV show...

Yesterday my husband and I watched a television show that we recorded earlier in the week: "Addicted to Food."  (Oprah Winfrey Network -- OWN)  Here's a link to what the show is about:  http://www.oprah.com/own-addicted-to-food/Addicted-to-Food-About-the-Show

The patients battle food addictions ranging from compulsive overeating to anorexia to bulimia.  All are considered to be diseases.

I know I am addicted to food, and that's a hard addiction to overcome.  Usually with an addiction, the "cure" is to avoid the addictive substance.  For instance, with my sugar addiction I can refrain from eating sugar, but I cannot avoid or refrain from eating food.  

The show was interesting, yet a bit uncomfortable to watch at times.  It seemed like glimpses into my own life and symptoms... ouch!  (My husband said it was like picking a scab.)

We plan to continue watching the series.  I am extremely interested to learn what lies at the core of overeating for the addict patients, and how they "treat" that underlying cause.  I hope to gain insights that I might apply to my own eating.

Granted, I am doing far better now than I was years ago.  I am in recovery from my sugar addiction (over 9 1/2 years!).  I am eating healthy foods, and striving to pay attention to hunger and fulness signals.  This is my 107th day since I began My Healthy Eating Challenge, and I've had success the majority of time.  BUT, I want to know what drives my desire to overeat.  Why do I battle the urge to seek food for comfort?

I have a feeling that learning the core reason for desiring comfort foods will be anything but comfortable.

DAY 106 -- Food issues.

While traveling last weekend, and then during this week, I realized I have a couple issues with food.  (Me?  Issues with food?  Hahaha) 

• ·      Issue 1 – I worry that I will not have enough food available – healthy food – so I end up packing too much food to take with me.  Prior to My Healthy Eating Challenge, I didn't worry about having food available while traveling because I could grab whatever at a convenient store or fast food place.  But now I realize that I probably will not be able to find healthy choices so I end up packing my own stuff to eat... and packing more than I need.

• ·      Issue 2 – I have a difficult time throwing food away.  I guess it’s from the upbringing of “don’t waste food!”  So, even when my muffins get smashed to smithereens, and the carrot sticks dry out, and the sliced apple turns brown, I keep packing it around.  When flying, that mean’s just one more thing I am lugging around the airport. 

I realized I was getting a little insane with the “don’t waste food” when, during the driving portion of my trip, I approached an agricultural inspection point.  I wasn’t sure what that meant, but all traffic on the Interstate had to stop to be inspected for agricultural products.  When I saw the signs in advance, telling about the inspection, I wondered about my celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced cucumber, as well as my apples slices and orange segments. I wondered if those items would be confiscated and thrown out, and I actually considered pulling over to eat as much of those foods as possible!!  (So they wouldn’t “go to waste!”)

Fortunately, I realized I was thinking crazy, and resisted the urge to rescue those foods by devouring them.

And crisis averted.  The checkpoint lady just waved me through.  She never asked me questions, never looked in my car.  Nothing.

My fruits and veggies were saved for a later day…and for being toted around the airport.  :)

DAY 105 -- Back Home

Hooray!  I'm home again.  I tried to connect to the Internet when I was at the airport, but with no success, so here I am logging in to post on my blog late in the day.

While I was traveling the last couple days, I made some interesting observations about me concerning food.  I will share them tomorrow when I am more coherent!  :)

DAY 104 -- On the road again.

Whew.  I've been driving all day and my eyes feel like they want to fall out.  Very tired.  

I finally got a chance to watch Biggest Loser that was recorded on Tuesday night.  They frequently mentioned how difficult it is to lose weight while traveling.  Great.   Now they tell me ... after I've been driving over 700 miles.  :)

It is amazing to see how great the contestants look now, and see how far they have come with their fitness. Very inspiring.  Can't believe this is the first season I have watched this show!

DAY 103 -- School lunches.

My husband told me about a school district where the parents are suing  because the school made it mandatory that kids have to purchase their lunches there.  The school is trying to promote healthy lunches after noticing that many of the students bring junk food to eat.  The parents say it is their right to send whatever they wish in their children's sack lunches.

I can see why the schools would push for healthy lunches since studies show positive affects (academically and behaviorally) of healthy lunches, but it really goes against my grain to have something made "mandatory."  I can see a couple problems with the schools requiring students to purchase lunch there... some will go without lunch because they don't like what's being served... some students suffer food allergies, so how will the schools handle their special needs? ... and some parents might actually want to send what they consider even healthier foods with their child (organic, natural).

It saddens me that obesity and health issues are such a problem for youth, and that parents are not stepping up to the plate on behalf of their children's health.  Sure, they have the right to send whatever they wish in their children's lunches, so why not use that right to teach their children that healthy foods are tasty and preferable for meals?  Let the snack foods be for snack foods and let the majority of their meals be nutritious!

DAY 102 -- Taste, smell, and feel.

I often fall into the habit of eating without paying attention to my food.  I need to take time to really taste, smell, and feel the texture of the food.  When I remember to do that, my meals are even more enjoyable.  Food tastes great without all the chemicals and processing, so why don't I take more time to celebrate that and give my food a good long sniff?  And then savor the taste on my tongue?


Years ago I challenged myself to really taste my favorite foods.  I mean REALLY taste it as though I was putting it in my mouth for the first time.  I let the foods sit on my tongue while I felt the texture, and then concentrated as I tasted it.  

When I did that, I was surprised at some of the results.  For instance, (keep in mind this was back in my "sugar" days--daze), one of my favorite treats was a Twinkie (or two or three).  I took a bite, rolled it around in my mouth, felt the texture--grossly grainy with an oily film that coated my tongue.  I took a long taste and realized the flavor was horrid!  I was shocked that through the years I had wolfed down countless Twinkies never realizing how truly awful they tasted to me!  I never ate another Twinkie after that.  


It's amazing what we can discover if we really taste, smell, and feel our food.  I'm going to challenge myself to pay attention to what I eat for the next couple days and see what I discover.

DAY 101 -- People noticed!

While at the funeral, several family members noticed my weight loss and commented on how good I looked.   

Having such comments at my aunt's funeral (my father's sister) was significant to me because it was at my father's funeral that I was almost at my heaviest.  As my sister drove me to the airport after my father's funeral, she told me (as kindly as she could) that many family members had been shocked by my obesity and felt very concerned for my health.  They feared that mine would be the next family funeral.  

Yet, I still gained even more weight from that point.  It was almost a year after dad's death before I learned of my sugar addiction and started my road to recovery.

What a good feeling to have others notice my recent weight loss, but it's an even better feeling to know that I am doing what I need to do for good health.  I hope to live a long, long time, but if for some reason I am taken from this earth sooner than expected, at least my family will know I was doing my best to be healthy.  I am glad that at this funeral I did not cause concern that my grave would be the next.

DAY 100 -- Return trip.

Remember how I mentioned that I try to pay attention to what my body needs?  Well, I sort of ignored what my body told me when I had breakfast at my brother's house.  I had some toast (with a nice heavy whole grain bread) and knew my body needed some protein and planned to have an egg.  Not sure why I neglected to have the egg...too busy yacking and visiting I guess.

Then during the drive home (about 5 hours) I had some veggie sticks and a muffin.  By this point my body really wanted protein and I ended up with what I call a "carb headache."  I get those now and then when I don't have enough protein, even when I eat complex carbs.  (When I was eating too many simple carbs of white flour and potato chips--before My Healthy Eating Challenge--I got frequent carb headaches.)

Thankfully I took some medication for my headache and it helped.  When I got home, I ate a bowl of cottage cheese and felt much better, physically.

DAY 99 -- Day of funeral.

Finally... a chance to post on my blog!  What a busy weekend.

Anyhooo... Saturday was the day of the funeral.  I was pleased at the choices offered at the family luncheon.  I had a large salad, a piece of ham, and a small amount of "funeral potatoes."  I passed on the homemade rolls since they were made with white flour (that sure looked yummy though!) and of course did not have any dessert.

Went to dinner at a Thai restaurant that night.  I stopped eating when I felt full, so I did not overstuff myself.  YAY!  Not sure how the food would fit in a "health-o-meter" but since my goal is to make the best choice I can with whatever food is available... well, I had lots of veggies and a little bit of meat and a few noodles.

And felt hungry again an hour later.  :)

(Regarding the funeral... it felt more like a joyous family reunion, rather than a sad event.  It's probably due to the deceased being in her mid-nineties and her death somewhat expected.  It was wonderful to see cousins I haven't seen since I was a little kid!  Somehow we are all much older though...not sure how that happened!)

DAY 98 -- Traveling this weekend.

I have another funeral to attend out of state, so I might not get a chance to post again until Sunday evening.  (An elderly aunt, 96, passed away.)  I have the same concerns I had on my previous funeral trip -- will there be healthy foods to select from?

My husband and I will travel with my brother and his wife.  We will stay with another brother.  This means we will be eating at restaurants or fast food places, and eating whatever food my brother planned for our stay (or going out to eat again).  Then there's the family dinner after the funeral, but I feel fairly confident I will have healthy foods to choose from at the dinner, since there will be a variety of foods served buffet style.

I have packed healthy snack foods (homemade muffins, nuts, fruit, veggie sticks) and water for while we travel.

It will be interesting to see if any family members notice my weight loss since I have not seen them since the previous funeral, which was early in January (only a week after I started My Healthy Eating Challenge).

Stay tuned for Sunday... I will give a report!  :-)

DAY 97 -- Mmm..a new vinegar to our collection.

We bought a new vinegar recently and it is now my favorite:  Pomegranate Balsamic.  Mmm mmm mmm!

I mentioned in a recent post that I like to use vinegar and olive oil on my salads.  We have several varieties of vinegar.  Red wine vinegar; balsamic; figs and spice balsamic; cherry balsamic; and now pomegranate balsamic.

When I first began my healthy eating challenge, we went to a store that specializes in olive oils.  That store also had bottles upon bottles of vinegars in a vast array of flavors!  Up until that point, I didn't realize there were so many varieties!

Now, when we go to purchase more olive oil, somehow a different vinegar finds its way home with us.  :)

DAY 96 -- How others react...

Lunch was brought in at my husband's workplace, but he chose not to eat it since it was high in sugar content.  (A chef prepared waffles with whip cream, syrups and sugary glazed berries, etc.)  When his co-workers learned that he was not going to eat with them, and learned that he preferred to eat healthy, they started giving him a hard time about it, "Ooooh, Goodie Two Shoes!"  "Okay, well, you can answer the phones and do all the work while we're in our sugar coma."  

I was surprised when he told me their reactions.  I've had people respond with comments like, "I wish I had your willpower," or "I couldn't live like that," but I don't recall anyone teasing or giving me a hard time.

Wouldn't it be nice if people could be happy for others when they are trying to make improvements in their lives?  

DAY 95 -- Sample meal ideas.

Several years ago, I had a friend that frequently told me, "I would love to follow you around all day and see what you eat.  I don't understand how you eat without sugar."  Then I would explain that many foods do not contain added sugar!  
So, with that in mind, I thought today I would post a few sample meal ideas, just in case others wonder the same thing, "What do you eat?"


Even though I don't count calories, fat grams, carbs, portions, or whatever, I do try to eat from the basic food groups.


Breakfast:  


I have some grain or starch, for instance (but not limited to)... oat bran, shredded wheat cereal, Zoom (whole wheat cereal), cracked wheat cereal, fried potatoes, or whole wheat pancakes. (Any cereals I purchase, I carefully read the labels to make sure there are no sugars added.)


I add fruit to my cereal to sweeten it, like fresh banana, peaches, pears, or dried fruit, like raisins.  If I have pancakes, I eat it with butter and natural applesauce on top (or sometimes pears).  If I use canned fruit, I use the kind canned in its natural juice (no sugar or artificial sweeteners added).


For protein I have an egg (from cage free chickens at a local farm), or cottage cheese (I select cottage cheese that does not have dextrose added, and I select cottage cheese made from cows not treated with growth hormones).  Once in awhile I have uncured bacon (cured bacon has sodium nitrates--I read about those and they scare me!!).


And I usually have milk (again...from cows not treated with growth hormones.)


Lunch:


I typically have a tossed salad for lunch.  I love salads!  I drizzle olive oil over it, and I have a variety of vinegars to choose from. 


I have protein, and a grain/starch, and if I have room, then I sometimes add some fruit.  Usually my lunch menu consists of leftovers from supper the night before... such as...


Supper:


I usually serve cooked vegetables for dinner.  And then serve a variety of foods with protein and grain/starch.  And I'm talking a WIDE variety of stuff.  Here is just a smidgeon of what we've had recently.


Chicken Cacciatore (made with tomato paste--no sugar added, and seasonings) served over whole wheat or whole grain pasta.


Steak with potatoes.


Pork loin with a homemade teriyaki (no sweetener) sauce, served with brown rice.  


Ahi tuna, with sweet potatoes, or squash.


(For suppers, I try to rotate through chicken, beef, pork, fish... so we aren't having protein from the same source meal after meal.)


Snacks:


A small piece of cheese with apple, and a few Triscuits.
-or-
A healthy homemade muffin, with some milk.  (The recipes I use only call for a couple tablespoons of honey or 100% maple syrup, to sweeten the entire batch.)
-or-
Plain Greek yogurt mixed with fruit and a few raw walnuts (broken into pieces).


Again, this list is just a very small sample of the foods I eat, but hopefully it gives a general overview.


Maybe I should allow people to come follow me around and see what I eat... as long as they do the dishes, laundry, and clean the house while they are here!  ;-)

DAY 94 -- Back on track!

I'm happy to report that I'm doing much better today.   I'm back on track, eating healthy foods, and paying attention to my hunger/fullness signals.  It really helped to have encouragement from others.  In fact, that's one of the reasons I started this blog...to have contact with others who might cheer me on!  Thank you!


Today, I keep thinking of a quote:  "Remember, goals are stars to steer by, not sticks by which to beat ourselves."  ~ Barbara Smith


I need to remember that more often!

DAY 93 -- Struggling a bit.

Last night we went out to dinner with a group of friends, and I ate too much.  Before going, I kept telling myself to not eat the chips and salsa that would come to the table before dinner. (I wanted to save room for the actual meal.) But I ate it anyway.  In fact, I was full of chips before my dinner even arrived, yet I ate half of that too.  I guess I should be glad that I didn't eat the whole dinner (besides the chips) like I normally would have.  I did have the courage to stop eating half way through the dinner and have the rest boxed up.  


Today I am still struggling a little bit.  I've eaten healthy choices, but I've eaten too much.  


Tomorrow is a new day.  I hope I have a better report tomorrow.  Any advice, or encouragement?

DAY 92 -- The "Perfect" Body

I told my husband, "I have a perfect body!"  To which he responded, "You do?"  (I will forgive him for that....  hahaha)  Then I proceeded to explain that I was reflecting on how everything on my body works.  My digits, limbs, organs, the whole package.  What a blessing!  I know that eventually some parts won't work as well as they do now, and that's fine too.  My body is perfect for me.

As far as the "Hollywood" standard of a perfect body... well... that's an illusion.  A few years ago, we attended a humongous event with about 250,000 people gathered.  I do NOT like crowds like that, and was so miserable from the noise, and claustrophobia, that I decided to focus on something other than my misery.  I needed to make a game out of my situation.  So, I decided to pretend I was a Hollywood scout, searching for the perfect body (male and/or female).  I decided to find the bodies that were perfectly proportioned and perfectly in shape.  

I spent the entire day searching for such a body and never found one.  Not one!  Sure, I saw a few bodies that were "in shape" but also noticed the bodies were out of proportion (legs too long or too short, head too big or too small, etc., etc.).  One time I saw a woman walking towards me that looked like she fit the bill.  Extraordinary body design.  Then she walked past me and I saw that her "booty" trailed after her as though a separate appendage.  Oh my goodness, I could have used that behind for a shelf!  

By the end of the day, I realized there truly are no perfect bodies in the way that the media would have us believe.  I feel sad for those who feel they need to measure up to that illusion.

As for me... I am not buying into that fantasy.  I want good health.  I want fitness appropriate for my age and ability.  My body, with all its lumps, bumps, and sags, is not "perfect" according to Hollywood standards, but my body is a perfectly wonderful gift.  

DAY 91 - Weigh in report; and a worn out grandma!

First of all, I want to report that I weighed in this morning and lost another three pounds since my last weigh in, which was a month ago.  (That makes 21.5 pounds lost since January 1.  See At the Start, for weigh-ins.) This route is definitely not a "lose quick" method, but I'm fine with that since I know my body maintains better at a slow rate.   Besides, as I explained in an earlier post, this challenge (for me) is not all about weight loss, but rather, about health.


Still, I celebrate the loss of three additional pounds, along with fitting into the dress I mentioned yesterday.

Now... for the second part of this post.  I am one worn out, yet happy, grandma.  I watched my two grandchildren today, (ages 2 1/2 and 1 year) while my daughter went shopping.  When I arose this morning, I planned on exercising, but then realized I would get plenty of exercise with the little ones here...and I was right!  Hooboy!  I climbed our stairs dozens of times.  The youngest can climb up but needs help coming down, so up and down I went with him.  We also walked to a nearby playground and played on the slides, and the swings; then walked  (pushing the youngest in a stroller and carrying the older one when she was tired) around the neighborhood before returning to play on the playground again.  Walking home and pushing the stroller was a real challenge since it was uphill.


I am grateful that I can play with the grandkids.  Thankful that I have the energy to be an active part of their lives.


*Big sigh* as I look around the room.  Now I need a burst of oomph to put everything in order again!  :)