Day 151
Memorial Day Weekend 2010 is in the books and I find myself torn between contentment and sadness. Some of my favorite people in the world descended upon the Angell compound this weekend for some fun and frivolity. And, true to our "This is What We Do" mantra, we partied like Rockstars.
Everyone is on their way home as I write this post, which is why I'm a bit sad. It's like the let down you get the Day After Christmas and the batteries have died on all your new toys. I hope they arrive safely knowing that we could not love them more if they were blood relatives.
Let's just say that this was not a healthy weekend by any stretch of the imagination. But, it was fun. Remember that 80/20 rule? Be great 80% of the time so that you can indulge 20% of the time? Well... I'm pretty sure that I won't be indulging like that again until July 4th weekend and I'll be hitting the treadmill every day this week to negate the weekend's festivities.
Yesterday, I rocked my first bikini in years. And, for once, I was not ashamed by the way I looked in it. I bought it three maybe four years ago and I've never worn it.... that is until we decided that it might be fun to give the Slip-N-Slide we bought for the kids a whirl. Sometimes we adults forget that we're not kids anymore. But, this is what makes us so fun to hang around with. Originally, I had banned my husband from the Slip-N-Slide as he is very danger prone. But, the commissioner relented and sanctioned a session. Fortunately, no limbs were broken. Although, there was some minor bruising of hips and egos.
I'll have to work hard this week to show a loss for Wednesday weigh in. I'm pretty sure I didn't lose any weight. But, I did lose some things that have needed get rid of for a while now... self doubt, self consciousness, self pity and self loathing. Those bastards like hanging around in my head. I keep kicking them out. But, sometimes they climb in through and open window and wreck my self esteem. But, I feel good about myself again. And, it's only gonna get better from here.
Have a Safe and Wonderful Memorial Day. I'm going to take a nap. Back to back days of not going to bed until 4 am are catching up to me.
Cheers!
Margaret
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Even Your Feet Shrink!
Day 147
Did you know that when you lose weight that you can lose weight in your feet too? It makes sense I suppose. I just never really thought about it. I've had an issue finding boots that would fit for years because I have thick calves. But, seriously, who knew that you could go down half a shoe size just by dropping a few "el bees"?
We concentrate on the obvious when we lose weight like a smaller pants size. But, do we ever think about those more obscure body parts?
For instance:
My rings fit better.
My watch fits better.
I had to get a smaller bra.
And... (sorry fellas) smaller panties.
Oh yeah... my neck is smaller too. ( I confess that I knew about this one though and I'm very happy to be taking up less head space)
I'm not complaining. I just find it funny. It used to be that my underwear would fall down because of my belly fat. Now they fall down because they're too big. If these are the biggest things I have to worry about, I think I'll be just fine.
Cheers!
Margaret
Did you know that when you lose weight that you can lose weight in your feet too? It makes sense I suppose. I just never really thought about it. I've had an issue finding boots that would fit for years because I have thick calves. But, seriously, who knew that you could go down half a shoe size just by dropping a few "el bees"?
We concentrate on the obvious when we lose weight like a smaller pants size. But, do we ever think about those more obscure body parts?
For instance:
My rings fit better.
My watch fits better.
I had to get a smaller bra.
And... (sorry fellas) smaller panties.
Oh yeah... my neck is smaller too. ( I confess that I knew about this one though and I'm very happy to be taking up less head space)
I'm not complaining. I just find it funny. It used to be that my underwear would fall down because of my belly fat. Now they fall down because they're too big. If these are the biggest things I have to worry about, I think I'll be just fine.
Cheers!
Margaret
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday Weigh In and a dose of Cold Hard Reality
Day 146
I need some accountability so I'm trying something new called Wednesday Weigh Ins. I borrowed this idea from another weight loss blogger (21 Days Later).
I'm ready to acknowledge my real beginning weight since my new scale is apparently way more accurate than the old one. It's taken me several weeks to be able to say it out loud and it ain't easy. So... here goes.
Beginning Weight: 259
Current Weight: 235.8
Net Loss: 23.2 lbs.
It's going to be hard looking at that beginning number every single freakin week. But, it will get easier as the current number begins to go down again. I've pretty much been gaining and losing the same three pounds for a month now and it's because I've lost my way a bit. I know I keep talking about it and I keep saying I'm not making excuses. But, the cold hard reality is that until I get off my ass and get back to doing the things I know that work, making excuses is exactly what I’m doing.
Have I been apathetic lately? Yes. Have I been sabotaging myself? Yes. At the end of the day, it’s all about making a choice. It is completely within my power to make the right choices. As Dr. Phil would say, you can't change what you don't acknowledge. To that end, I acknowledge that I've been feeling sorry for myself. I acknowledge that I've let my lapse linger for far too long. I accept responsibility for and the results from these behaviors. I publicly pledge to lose at least 1-2 lbs a week for the next four weeks. I publicly pledge to exercise no less than 5 days a week for the next four weeks.
I am going back to ONE free day per week instead of free WEEKENDS or free WEEKS! This week’s free day is Saturday.
I ask my followers and supporters keep me honest and don't take my crap. Kick my butt when I need it. If you see me doing something we both know I shouldn’t, call me on it. Please help me police me. :)
Cheers!
Sheriff Margaret
I need some accountability so I'm trying something new called Wednesday Weigh Ins. I borrowed this idea from another weight loss blogger (21 Days Later).
I'm ready to acknowledge my real beginning weight since my new scale is apparently way more accurate than the old one. It's taken me several weeks to be able to say it out loud and it ain't easy. So... here goes.
Beginning Weight: 259
Current Weight: 235.8
Net Loss: 23.2 lbs.
It's going to be hard looking at that beginning number every single freakin week. But, it will get easier as the current number begins to go down again. I've pretty much been gaining and losing the same three pounds for a month now and it's because I've lost my way a bit. I know I keep talking about it and I keep saying I'm not making excuses. But, the cold hard reality is that until I get off my ass and get back to doing the things I know that work, making excuses is exactly what I’m doing.
Have I been apathetic lately? Yes. Have I been sabotaging myself? Yes. At the end of the day, it’s all about making a choice. It is completely within my power to make the right choices. As Dr. Phil would say, you can't change what you don't acknowledge. To that end, I acknowledge that I've been feeling sorry for myself. I acknowledge that I've let my lapse linger for far too long. I accept responsibility for and the results from these behaviors. I publicly pledge to lose at least 1-2 lbs a week for the next four weeks. I publicly pledge to exercise no less than 5 days a week for the next four weeks.
I am going back to ONE free day per week instead of free WEEKENDS or free WEEKS! This week’s free day is Saturday.
I ask my followers and supporters keep me honest and don't take my crap. Kick my butt when I need it. If you see me doing something we both know I shouldn’t, call me on it. Please help me police me. :)
Cheers!
Sheriff Margaret
Monday, May 24, 2010
How to Eat and Live Clean
Day 144
I'm posting this more for myself than anything else so I ask you to please stick with me because I need to hear this.
The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life - one meal at a time.
Eat five to six times a day - three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
Drink at least two liters of water a day.
Get label savvy. Clean foods contain just a few ingredients. Any product with a long list of ingredients is human-engineered at not considered clean.
Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead (ie whole grain flour, bread and pasta)
Know thy enemies. Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.
Consume healthy fats (essential fatty acids, or EFAs) every day.
Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them.
______________________________________________________________
There's more to it. But, this is what I really need to be mindful of. I've gotten away from clean eating. I know I've said this quite a few times over the last several weeks. But, it doesn't make it any less true.
I'll eventually get it right.
Cheers!
Margaret
I'm posting this more for myself than anything else so I ask you to please stick with me because I need to hear this.
The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life - one meal at a time.
Eat five to six times a day - three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
Drink at least two liters of water a day.
Get label savvy. Clean foods contain just a few ingredients. Any product with a long list of ingredients is human-engineered at not considered clean.
Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead (ie whole grain flour, bread and pasta)
Know thy enemies. Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.
Consume healthy fats (essential fatty acids, or EFAs) every day.
Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them.
______________________________________________________________
There's more to it. But, this is what I really need to be mindful of. I've gotten away from clean eating. I know I've said this quite a few times over the last several weeks. But, it doesn't make it any less true.
I'll eventually get it right.
Cheers!
Margaret
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Spring Cleaning Workout
Day 143
Who would have ever thought that an entire weekend of "spring cleaning" would leave you feeling like you'd just ran a marathon and competed in a bench press contest with the Arnold all in the same day? I swear if I wasn't so lazy, I'd go out and get some kind of construction or manual labor job because that shit will keep you in shape! My hat is off to the men and women who physically labor day in and day out to earn a living. It ain't no joke.
You many not have surmised from that little rant that I'm sore as hell. But, my house has never looked so good. As a reward for all of our hard work, the hubby and I are celebrating with steak and grilled corn. Healthy and yummy. What a great combination.
My laundry is done. Snacks are packed for tomorrow. The workout is planned and I already know what I'm wearing to work. All that's left for me to do tonight is to kick back, relax and feel good about all that we accomplished this weekend.
Yay US!
Cheers!
Margaret
Who would have ever thought that an entire weekend of "spring cleaning" would leave you feeling like you'd just ran a marathon and competed in a bench press contest with the Arnold all in the same day? I swear if I wasn't so lazy, I'd go out and get some kind of construction or manual labor job because that shit will keep you in shape! My hat is off to the men and women who physically labor day in and day out to earn a living. It ain't no joke.
You many not have surmised from that little rant that I'm sore as hell. But, my house has never looked so good. As a reward for all of our hard work, the hubby and I are celebrating with steak and grilled corn. Healthy and yummy. What a great combination.
My laundry is done. Snacks are packed for tomorrow. The workout is planned and I already know what I'm wearing to work. All that's left for me to do tonight is to kick back, relax and feel good about all that we accomplished this weekend.
Yay US!
Cheers!
Margaret
Friday, May 21, 2010
You Don't "seem" Old
Day 141
So... last night I went bowling with some of my work peeps. It was a seriously good time. No.. really! It was. Perhaps I'm romanticizing the evening because the teenage son of one of my coworkers remarked after a comment I made about being the oldest in our group, "Really? you don't seem old". Teenagers think all adults are old so I consider this high praise!
The truth is that lately I don't feel old either. For a while there i was feeling pretty old. Shedding a little weight can do a lot for your self image. But, a little exercise does a LOT for your energy levels. I used to get home on Friday night and pray that we would just decide to stay home and watch tv. My husband would say let's go camping and I would think "jeez I hate the idea of packing up all of our crap."
Now, I look forward to doing these things. If someone asks me to do something I no longer face it with dread and lethargic apathy. I'm excited and eager to get out anyd enjoy the world. If you think that getting healthy is a waste of time, let me assure you it's not. I've never felt better in my entire life!
I read on facebook tonight that some of our friends are doing a 5k tomorrow at the Streets of Indian Lake. My first thought was... I should get up in the morning and go walk that. The old Margaret would have said "better them than me."
No one ever said "damn, I wish I hadn't exercised today."
Plenty of people have said and will say "damn, I really need to get off my ass."
Which will you choose?
Cheers!
Margaret
So... last night I went bowling with some of my work peeps. It was a seriously good time. No.. really! It was. Perhaps I'm romanticizing the evening because the teenage son of one of my coworkers remarked after a comment I made about being the oldest in our group, "Really? you don't seem old". Teenagers think all adults are old so I consider this high praise!
The truth is that lately I don't feel old either. For a while there i was feeling pretty old. Shedding a little weight can do a lot for your self image. But, a little exercise does a LOT for your energy levels. I used to get home on Friday night and pray that we would just decide to stay home and watch tv. My husband would say let's go camping and I would think "jeez I hate the idea of packing up all of our crap."
Now, I look forward to doing these things. If someone asks me to do something I no longer face it with dread and lethargic apathy. I'm excited and eager to get out anyd enjoy the world. If you think that getting healthy is a waste of time, let me assure you it's not. I've never felt better in my entire life!
I read on facebook tonight that some of our friends are doing a 5k tomorrow at the Streets of Indian Lake. My first thought was... I should get up in the morning and go walk that. The old Margaret would have said "better them than me."
No one ever said "damn, I wish I hadn't exercised today."
Plenty of people have said and will say "damn, I really need to get off my ass."
Which will you choose?
Cheers!
Margaret
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Fail to Plan.. Plan to Fail
Day 139
It's going to be a busy next several days so I've done myself a favor. I've planned all of my work outs through next Saturday. This should help me stay on track. Now... all I have to do is lace up my shoes and get to it!
Today was a long day. I didn't eat as well as I could have. I'm still struggling a little with keeping my eating clean. I'm working on it though. I know that most of it is emotional / stress choices yet despite knowing this and being aware of it, I'm still faltering from time to time. I can trace this back to not bringing snacks with me to work. I'm eating breakfast. But, I'm missing my morning and afternoon snacks. This lack of planning is hurting me. I'll be tackling this issue next.
Cheers!
Margaret
It's going to be a busy next several days so I've done myself a favor. I've planned all of my work outs through next Saturday. This should help me stay on track. Now... all I have to do is lace up my shoes and get to it!
Today was a long day. I didn't eat as well as I could have. I'm still struggling a little with keeping my eating clean. I'm working on it though. I know that most of it is emotional / stress choices yet despite knowing this and being aware of it, I'm still faltering from time to time. I can trace this back to not bringing snacks with me to work. I'm eating breakfast. But, I'm missing my morning and afternoon snacks. This lack of planning is hurting me. I'll be tackling this issue next.
Cheers!
Margaret
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