I'm realizing every day that talking with others about my weight loss goals is SO beneficial. There are so many people out there who have tried many things, and it's smart to listen to people who have "been there, done that." Like yesterday I talked with Bob, and was saying how I weigh myself everyday and then am discouraged. And he was like "It's sometimes good to weigh yourself every day (in the mornings) because then if you don't like the number you can either not eat the crappy stuff you ate the day before, or you can decide to work out more..." Basically knowledge is power and instead of being discouraged, I should take it as a challenge.
And then I talked to my wonderful mom today about the same thing, and she was like "well, you know, in my experience, I don't loose a lot of weight in the beginning. My body is muscular, so what happens is that my muscles start reacting and building up, and nothing shows on the scale. BUT I can feel my clothes getting looser. After a couple of weeks, then you notice a change in weight." And it was good because Bridgett told me (when I was talking to her) that I have a more muscular body which is why I don't look as big as I weigh. She told me her weight (which is the weight I now want to get to) and I was happy because she looks great. She's curvy, beautiful, and healthy. So, I guess I'm saying that I'm learning a lot about my body type, especially from my mom, and it's nice to know what to expect and look for. And to hear encouraging words and advice from other people :D
Life is good, God is good. Ok, time to DDR it up!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Don't Stop Now
So I was going to write that I'm feeling like I don't want to exercise, and after my yummy, but calorie filled dinner (ok,maybe not that bad, but bad enough), that I just wanted to take a break. However, I got to the next section of the book and you know what it says?
"You've come this far in your 100 days...don't stop now. If you're struggling to stick with it, push to finish one more day. You'll immediately be one day closer to achieving your weight loss goals."
And you know what? It's true. The fact that I even picked up the book to do my "devotional" time is proof enough that I want it, I just have to stick with it. I'm definitely past the euphoria stage of this new relationship with me and a healthy lifestyle. Now, I need to stick with it. It's rough now, but every day will lead to a better day, until one day, I realize that "today is the best day of my life." And I'll continue to have those days. Ok. I can do this. Now on to my daily motivator :)
Day 11: Two Purposes of Food
Today the book talked about how there are two reasons to eat: to fuel your body and appreciate flavors. If you're not eating for one of those two reasons, then you're emotionally eating. Basically, we need to fuel our body at regular intervals during the day. The book said every 3-4 hours which actually is how my body tends to get hungry. Now, it's working that into my work schedule as far as when I can eat while on the job. Right now, at the desk, I can pretty much munch when I need to. It'll definitely be different when working with kids. I'll have to plan more portable foods...which might be good because it'll up my intake of fruits and veggies and the like.
I'm going to play some games with friends today, and we usually drink and eat pizza and chips. I'm going to make an effort to first, eat beforehand, and then bring my own dinner and snacks. I really want to make an effort to make wise choices, and that means being smart and planning ahead. I'll bring some wine (perhaps I'll open it if I get the desire), but I'll bring my water bottle and crystal light and work on that. Not drinking will probably help me with the games too ;) Ok, I feel encouraged and excited to get exercising today and get with the program. I've done this for ten whole days! I'm doing well. And I will accomplish my goals.
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3
The chapter goes on to talk about how friendship with the world is hatred towards God, and that we need to submit ourselves to God. Come near to him, and he will come near to us. Wash, purify, grieve, mourn, humble ourselves, and he will life us up. The whole chapter seems to be addressing this idea that we are prideful. We envy and want, but we refuse to ask God. Why? Because we either don't think we need him or we're so wrapped up in ourselves that we don't think to ask. We think we have it all together. It talks about how we boast about what we're going to do and this and that...and then it points out that our lives are a mist...here today then gone tomorrow. I feel like we (and I'm including myself in all of this) have the assumption that our life is ours...and that we have all the time and control in the world to do with it what we want.
It is God who orders our footsteps and who made us. He won't control us. He won't force himself on us. But what he's saying is how much better our lives would be if we let him take the wheel. If we looked to him every once in awhile for our needs and wants. If we looked to him for direction. We're so damn prideful and are reaching for all these heights, without realizing that to get to the higher point in our lives we need to have humility and let him lift us. The ironic thing is, is that that way is, in the end, the "easier" way...because he does the work.
So, Tiffany, submit yourself to God. Instead of trying to plan your life and make it work, while looking around at everyone else wondering why you don't have what they have, why don't you let God show you what he's planned for you. Which, is honestly way better than the plans you have anyway. Probably has more than you imagined even. Psh. Just saying. :)
"You've come this far in your 100 days...don't stop now. If you're struggling to stick with it, push to finish one more day. You'll immediately be one day closer to achieving your weight loss goals."
And you know what? It's true. The fact that I even picked up the book to do my "devotional" time is proof enough that I want it, I just have to stick with it. I'm definitely past the euphoria stage of this new relationship with me and a healthy lifestyle. Now, I need to stick with it. It's rough now, but every day will lead to a better day, until one day, I realize that "today is the best day of my life." And I'll continue to have those days. Ok. I can do this. Now on to my daily motivator :)
Day 11: Two Purposes of Food
Today the book talked about how there are two reasons to eat: to fuel your body and appreciate flavors. If you're not eating for one of those two reasons, then you're emotionally eating. Basically, we need to fuel our body at regular intervals during the day. The book said every 3-4 hours which actually is how my body tends to get hungry. Now, it's working that into my work schedule as far as when I can eat while on the job. Right now, at the desk, I can pretty much munch when I need to. It'll definitely be different when working with kids. I'll have to plan more portable foods...which might be good because it'll up my intake of fruits and veggies and the like.
I'm going to play some games with friends today, and we usually drink and eat pizza and chips. I'm going to make an effort to first, eat beforehand, and then bring my own dinner and snacks. I really want to make an effort to make wise choices, and that means being smart and planning ahead. I'll bring some wine (perhaps I'll open it if I get the desire), but I'll bring my water bottle and crystal light and work on that. Not drinking will probably help me with the games too ;) Ok, I feel encouraged and excited to get exercising today and get with the program. I've done this for ten whole days! I'm doing well. And I will accomplish my goals.
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3
The chapter goes on to talk about how friendship with the world is hatred towards God, and that we need to submit ourselves to God. Come near to him, and he will come near to us. Wash, purify, grieve, mourn, humble ourselves, and he will life us up. The whole chapter seems to be addressing this idea that we are prideful. We envy and want, but we refuse to ask God. Why? Because we either don't think we need him or we're so wrapped up in ourselves that we don't think to ask. We think we have it all together. It talks about how we boast about what we're going to do and this and that...and then it points out that our lives are a mist...here today then gone tomorrow. I feel like we (and I'm including myself in all of this) have the assumption that our life is ours...and that we have all the time and control in the world to do with it what we want.
It is God who orders our footsteps and who made us. He won't control us. He won't force himself on us. But what he's saying is how much better our lives would be if we let him take the wheel. If we looked to him every once in awhile for our needs and wants. If we looked to him for direction. We're so damn prideful and are reaching for all these heights, without realizing that to get to the higher point in our lives we need to have humility and let him lift us. The ironic thing is, is that that way is, in the end, the "easier" way...because he does the work.
So, Tiffany, submit yourself to God. Instead of trying to plan your life and make it work, while looking around at everyone else wondering why you don't have what they have, why don't you let God show you what he's planned for you. Which, is honestly way better than the plans you have anyway. Probably has more than you imagined even. Psh. Just saying. :)
hmmm...
I definitely went OFF my plan today. I did not track my food, and I'm pretty sure I didn't drink enough water. I'm going to finish off the water I have then go to b.e.d. I'll weigh myself tomorrow and see the damage. :/ On the flip side, I had a great time with the polak. I found the most amazing chocolate mousse. I really want to eat some right now but I know I shouldn't snack...esp. after eating so much at dinner...anyway, tomorrow I will weigh myself, do my morning reading, work out, shower, wash/straighten my hair, and if it's not raining, walk to jason's house for some fun games. Wish me luck :)
Friday, January 15, 2010
taking an exercise break
I decided (as I bent over to turn on the PS2) and my back was hurting and my body generally sore, that I'm going to take a break today from my 30 minutes of DDR exercise. Thoughts in my mind? "What, this breaks the streak." "If you do this will you gain weight?" "What if you don't do it tomorrow too" "Is this a good idea?" "I'll have to eat less" "My tracker will be mad at me because I said I'd do it every day" But the one thought that came to my head that I'm going to hold onto is one that is kinda inspired by Meghan--I'm not going to legalistic and rigid with my life goals. It's ok to take a break every once in awhile. I've been exercising non stop. Maybe my body needs a break. Even if it doesn't, it's ok. I've been faithful in everything else. And there will be a day, in the future, that I'll have to take a break and "break the streak." It might as well be today when there isn't so much riding on it.
I'm actually thinking of revising my goals to 6 days a week, with Wednesdays (my volunteer day) off. That's probably a good idea. Anyway, I'm leaving on the side of the road self doubt, rigidity, and angst. I'll be ok :)
I'm actually thinking of revising my goals to 6 days a week, with Wednesdays (my volunteer day) off. That's probably a good idea. Anyway, I'm leaving on the side of the road self doubt, rigidity, and angst. I'll be ok :)
Appreciate Good Support
"Getting support from others involves give and take" The book talked about how we need to willing to talk with others about our goals, and to share stories of our progress that are not related to the scale. Discuss ways youre succeeding such as not going to mcdonalds, exercising regularly, etc. It also says to take compliments and don't downplay when people compliment you on your accomplishments.
I really like the fact that I have Meghan as my buddy in this whole thing. We talk everyday about weight loss, and what we're doing. Now that everyone is trying to live a healthier life, we're all bringing our food in and eating together. It not only is good for us healthwise, but it's great as far as team building. Meghan has some excellent insight (as she's been dieting for waaaaaaay longer that I have) and she's been really helpful, encouraging, and eye opening. It's been great having her and I really like having our team take time to eat together. It's kind of special :)
On a second note, I keep weighing myself compulsively every day, and getting discouraged because the number is going down at the rate I'd like it. I know you're supposed to weigh yourself at the same time once a week, but I want to see that I'm progressing every day....which I need to learn that I am. For almost two weeks I have gotten up every day and exercised, blogged, and eaten healthier. That's a HUGE shift in my life and is progress. I think starting out with a 7-8 lb loss might have ruined me for the 1-3 lb losses that I know are in my future. But I'm not going to let it. I'm going to be realistic about my weight loss and not let small bumps in the road completely derail me, cause me to stop, and make me want to drive into oncoming traffic :)
"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, bird, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:5-8
Holy moly. I've read this verse before but for some reason I never realized how...descriptive this verse is concerning the tongue. I think this is another lesson that's God's been wanting to teach me. I've been having a lot of thoughts about "words of affirmation" and encouraging people and saying positive things. I was thinking that it is one of my love languages, but as I've thought of it more, I realized that touch and time are my dominant ones...so why are "words of affirmation" flying up and becoming so relevant now.
I think it's because of what I told SMART girls this past Tuesday...people very rarely sing the praises of others, complement, or say positive things about others. We point out faults. We make fun. Or we say nothing at all. But complements and words of encouragement are few and far between. I've been encouraging them to say one nice thing about someone every day (we did an exercise where the girls had a paper on their back and people had to write a compliment or what makes them a good friend. They LOVED it). I think God may be trying to develop and "tame" my tongue. I definitely can be one of those people who rarely compliments and is somewhat negative with me words. I think that he's working on that...especially reminding me that words bring life AND death. Very powerful. I think it's going to be very instrumental in my new job where I'm working in a 'supervisory' role with staff and dealing with children in program. Having a tame tongue. I like the ending to this chapter:
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." vs.16-18
I want and need that wisdom.
I really like the fact that I have Meghan as my buddy in this whole thing. We talk everyday about weight loss, and what we're doing. Now that everyone is trying to live a healthier life, we're all bringing our food in and eating together. It not only is good for us healthwise, but it's great as far as team building. Meghan has some excellent insight (as she's been dieting for waaaaaaay longer that I have) and she's been really helpful, encouraging, and eye opening. It's been great having her and I really like having our team take time to eat together. It's kind of special :)
On a second note, I keep weighing myself compulsively every day, and getting discouraged because the number is going down at the rate I'd like it. I know you're supposed to weigh yourself at the same time once a week, but I want to see that I'm progressing every day....which I need to learn that I am. For almost two weeks I have gotten up every day and exercised, blogged, and eaten healthier. That's a HUGE shift in my life and is progress. I think starting out with a 7-8 lb loss might have ruined me for the 1-3 lb losses that I know are in my future. But I'm not going to let it. I'm going to be realistic about my weight loss and not let small bumps in the road completely derail me, cause me to stop, and make me want to drive into oncoming traffic :)
"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, bird, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:5-8
Holy moly. I've read this verse before but for some reason I never realized how...descriptive this verse is concerning the tongue. I think this is another lesson that's God's been wanting to teach me. I've been having a lot of thoughts about "words of affirmation" and encouraging people and saying positive things. I was thinking that it is one of my love languages, but as I've thought of it more, I realized that touch and time are my dominant ones...so why are "words of affirmation" flying up and becoming so relevant now.
I think it's because of what I told SMART girls this past Tuesday...people very rarely sing the praises of others, complement, or say positive things about others. We point out faults. We make fun. Or we say nothing at all. But complements and words of encouragement are few and far between. I've been encouraging them to say one nice thing about someone every day (we did an exercise where the girls had a paper on their back and people had to write a compliment or what makes them a good friend. They LOVED it). I think God may be trying to develop and "tame" my tongue. I definitely can be one of those people who rarely compliments and is somewhat negative with me words. I think that he's working on that...especially reminding me that words bring life AND death. Very powerful. I think it's going to be very instrumental in my new job where I'm working in a 'supervisory' role with staff and dealing with children in program. Having a tame tongue. I like the ending to this chapter:
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." vs.16-18
I want and need that wisdom.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
great day :)
This was my roughest day (as far as the way I was feeling when I started)and it has been such a great day. It's funny the habits and new mindsets I'm creating with this whole life change. I honestly don't know when was the last time that I read my Bible faithfully without being guilted into it by myself or someone else. And my exercise and eating routines are going great! I'm so excited to cook at home, and to learn new things. However, I didn't track very well today (after dinner that is) and I really hope I didn't go over my calories. I don't even know what I ate or how to measure, so I'm just not going to track it, but I'm crossing my fingers I'll still show a loss for this week next Monday. I'll try to make it up this weekend by exercising a bit more :)
Anyway, I'm just feeling really good about life. Game night was really fun. We played Settlers and I got to know my neighbor more which was cool. I enjoy spending time with Biggie and August outside of work as well. *Sigh* I have a blessed life. Tomorrow Birgie is coming over...we'll catch up and do dinner here. Yay! Alright, I'm really tired so I'm going to beddy-boo as my mum would say. <3
Anyway, I'm just feeling really good about life. Game night was really fun. We played Settlers and I got to know my neighbor more which was cool. I enjoy spending time with Biggie and August outside of work as well. *Sigh* I have a blessed life. Tomorrow Birgie is coming over...we'll catch up and do dinner here. Yay! Alright, I'm really tired so I'm going to beddy-boo as my mum would say. <3
God is good
This morning was really rough. I don't know if it was evident in my post or not, but I was feeling really shitty...physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, I prayed a little prayer of strength, and I am here at 10:15am writing because I actually got everything done and have SPARE TIME to write. God is good, faithful, and answers prayers...even the most pitiful and needy. My day is going to be wonderful. I'm really excited for game night. Hopefully I can fit everyone successfully in my apartment. I'm thinking I'm going to need to buy one of those fold out tables. :D Ok, I have to get dressed and make breakfast and lunch.
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