Choosing to be Healthy

Really trying to just be healthy

2011-05-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Really trying to just be healthy is tougher than it looks. I have come to realize I need to work on everything.
My eating habits aren't too bad since I started caring for a diabetic I eat way better but I have recently reduced (diet) soda intake to a minimum. Pretty much only while at the movies which means about once or twice a month. I was drinking one a day.
After a recent fall I started to do physical therapy again. Man am I out of shape for someone that moves a lot every day. I need a gym membership...

What are you doing to be more healthy?

2010-11-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

What are you doing to be more healthy?

Recently I asked myself that question. What bothered me most was coming up with an answer. After thinking it though I was doing some but the truth is not nearly enough. How about you?

I think the best gift we can give ourselves this Christmas season is to take better care of ourselves. I am not talking about waiting for the new year's resolution.

My suggestion is making a list with headings. The heading can be your own but mine is the same list that if headed in the opposite direction would be considered abuse. So I went with physical, emotional and spiritual. I chose three things for each heading and make it a point to do those things as often as I can.

Make your own list and give it a try. It will amaze you when you see how a little effort can make a big difference. For me my spiritual is the most fulfilling.

May your holidays be the best ever.

Water

2010-05-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Why is it the hotter it gets the less likely I am to drink anything but water?

All year long I drink a lot of water but from mid fall till it starts to heat up sometime in the spring I drink a variety of beverages. My favorites are milk and juice. Although I am not much of a soda drinker, I do drink diet soda as well. I also enjoy an occasional smoothie. But once the heat goes up my consumption of water goes up as well. I hardly drink milk in the hotter months. Most of the time juices seem too sweet and never settles as well in the hotter months. Puzzling.

Is it better to drink the variety or is it better to drink more water than other beverages?

When Someone Says Don't

2010-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

When someone says don't do something or say something or go there or do that even when it seems like something easy to avoid it isn't easy.

The doctor told me the best way to avoid getting sick is to not touch my face. Specifically my eyes nose and mouth. I never realized how many times my eyes and nose itch. I find myself rubbing them then remember what the doctor said. After being sick for more than two full months I am a little paranoid about getting sick again

I wonder how I don't get sick more often based on how many times I find myself doing what the doctor said not to do. Then I started thinking about the many other times in my life I have been told I should or should not to do something or say something or go there or do that yet I often find myself compelled to do the opposite. My point in all this that we all know how to be healthy. We have been told for years that we should move more, eat right, reduce stress and and enjoy life. How many of us do? I just wonder if in some ways we aren't sabotaging our own health in our defiance of what we know or at least have been told is good for us?

Just a thought.

CHOOSING to be healthy

2010-03-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

I like the title of our blog - because it really is a choice. I think today it hit me that I decide what I eat every single time. No one is forcing me to eat junk food and fattening stuff. I am in complete control.
Today I ate 2 hot dogs - yes count that again. TWO!! Using the excuse that I'm almost 6 months pregnant isn't even a good excuse. I need to be eating healthier! Not just because of the weight I'll gain eating like that, but I need to be healthy for my little baby girl and so I'll feel better.
So here is to making better choices BEFORE the food goes in my mouth. Why is it so hard when we really have complete control over the situation? Hmm...makes me think. I'm not really that weak am I? I can be stronger.
So tomorrow I'm going to the store, buying tons of fruits, veggies, and chicken, and making healthy, tasty snacks.
And no more hot dogs -- even though I just found the most amazing place in Ladera Ranch called Jerry's that makes the best dogs around. And unfortunately that has been my pregnancy craving...bummer. :(

I didn't know

2010-03-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

About 4 1/2 weeks ago I got a sore throat and a cough. Then an ear ache and a slight fever. The throat and ear got better but the cough got worse. It made me cough to talk. I had no energy and just felt bad all the time. Honestly I would have a better day and think I had it kicked but go right back where I was then have a better day again. About two weeks in the ear ache and sore throat went away so it was just this killer cough. With no insurance and little money right now it took a while but I finally caved and went to the doctor.

It took eight hours in two four hour stretches but I eventually saw a doctor. She wanted to know why I waited so long. I told her I would feel better but then it would hit hard again. I told her it wore me out. She said, "A virus will run no more than two weeks. If it goes longer than two weeks it is likely and bacterial infection and will need antibiotics." I just thought I had a cold. I didn't know it wouldn't go away.

It will take nearly a week to kick this thing with the antibiotics. That will make it more than 5 weeks. Nobody should be sick this long.

So I decided to post. I figure if I didn't know maybe you didn't either. Apparently the magic number is 15. If you have a cold more than 15 days it is probably not just a cold and you should seek medical care.

I ran a marathon today!

2010-01-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

Ok...not really. I ran around the block. But it was like a friggin' marathon to me, ok?

I feel really good that I actually DID something, instead of just wishing I would. I felt really lame yesterday that I had a second cheeseburger and some more fries at dinner, all while lamenting how chubby I am! I'm so silly.

So here's to getting off my butt! Hopefully I'll do it again tomorrow!

No Resolutions For Me!

2010-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Resolutions by definition is a resolve or determination or firmness of purpose. Being that no part of my body has any firmness I have decided that like last year and the year before I will make no resolutions. Instead I will just pay attention. By paying attention it is near impossible have as many accidents.

A friend once told me that he woke up one day and realized he had put on 100 pounds 5 to 10 at a time every holiday season for several years. I think if we go overboard then we just have to pay attention to do better, eat better and move more. I'll let you know how it works out!

So like last year no resolutions for me!

Looks good Heather, Now on to the business at hand

2009-12-10T10:55:00.001-08:00

Oh I am so glad you did that Heather. It looks so nice.

I feel like I am mostly talking to myself on here. Not that I mind talking to myself but it would be nice if our contributors came up with some really cool recipes, healthy tips, or any face time whatsoever!

I hope everyone gets motivated for the new year.

So on to the business at hand.

For the past year I have been taking care of my mom. She has a few health issues and needed the help. When I first came I gave into her desires for munchies and junk foods that she should never really be eating anyway. It was hard to change her old habits and routines cold turkey so I eased her into them. By June I had been able to make major changes. She is now eating, less fat, balancing carbs with protein, adding more veggies, having smaller portions, more often with no constant available munchies and healthier snacks. Because of her health and stubbornness she has added no exercises. The result is a 23 pound weight loss since June.

Her doctor had never seen her dropping weight without a medical issues as a cause before so this was exciting for him and for us.

I hope we continue to drop pounds in a healthy way. Life is good!

Hello...is this thing on?

2009-12-08T14:33:00.001-08:00

Hey guys...the old template I was using became troublesome, so I made a new layout and blog button (yep...for a blog no one really writes on or reads :). Hopefully with the new year and resolutions we can get this jump-started again? That might be hard with at least 2 of our contributors pregnant...or, we can have "healthy pregnancy" posts! Oh, and yes, I know that I NEVER blog on here anymore, so I'm talking mainly to myself. :)

Anyhoo, please add the new blog buttons to your blog, if you are so inclined.

Cooling down

2009-08-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

It is cooling down. I love the summer but I welcome the colors and cool of the fall. With cooler weather comes a better motivation to work out. I love getting back on track.

Too hot

2009-07-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

It is too hot. I wonder if my health suffers with the heat too. Although I eat less and lighter in the summer. Heading for more fruit and salads but the exercise thing is just not happening as often or as much. Everything I do is at a minimum. Other than daily chores I find it difficult to want to do much else. I sleep less in the heat too. Any ideas?

Responding to Stress

2009-07-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

First, I apologize for not posting on this blog in forever!

Second, I lost it! All of my baby weight is gone, and I've even dipped a couple of pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight! I lost it by working out with home video workouts 4-5 times a week. (Having a treadmill attached to my boob (aka breastfeeding) for the past seven months probably helped too!) My favorite home video workout is The Firm--I have their "CardioWeight System" DVDs. It is mostly dance style cardio with toning and strengthening exercises thrown in too. Jillian Michaels' "No More Trouble Zones" and "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" are killer workouts too. Are you a big home video workout junkie? Have you ever tried either of these workouts?

Third, what the title of this post is all about: responding to stress. I developed a bad habit a couple of months ago of responding to stress by eating. I noticed that I was doing this, so I'm changing my ways. Instead, when I'm stressed out by my adorable yet sometimes super cranky baby that I stay at home with and take care of all day, I do crunches. Do you ever respond to stress by eating? Do you have any healthier alternative ideas for responding to stress? Please share!

Why...why...why?

2009-06-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Why in the world am I soooo hungry lately!?!?! It's sooo annoying - anyone else having this problem this week?

takin' it to the beach.

2009-06-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

i've been meaning to post for WEEKS but, much like my dieting past (or lack thereof), just never got around to it. well, friends, the wait is over and here's the latest and greatest. i'm not brave enough to post pics like heather and her sister did awhile ago. sorry. but let it suffice to say that i weigh too much and i'm just not healthy enough. so i'm working on changing that.

i'm currently doing the south beach diet. AND...it's working! i started june 1 and i've lost 12 lbs. so far. how great is that?! for those of you that aren't familiar with the program, there are three phases. i'm still in phase one which lasts for at least 2 weeks, depending on how much weight you want to lose, etc. anyway, for the first phase, you cut out all bread, pasta and carbohydrates. ..including fruit. this is the time to rid your body of all the sugar and processed flour addictions.

it hasn't been bad. my energy levels are better and the sugar cravings have subsided! in fact, i cheated over the weekend with the most delicious hippo cookie from this bakery on balboa island but only ate half of it 'cause it was just too much. that's NEVER happened to me. usually, i'm shovin' five more of those babies right behind the initial treat. anyway, that's a big deal for me.

the best part about south beach is that i don't feel deprived at all. i'm eating at least six times a day, drinking TONS of water and even enjoying an occasional diet coke (i know, i know...it's my cross to bear). anyway, it's fab and i'll keep you posted on the progress.

what're ya'll doing to get healthy?

Is Anyone Paying Attention?

2009-06-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was looking at this blog reading the previous entries and wondered if everyone gave up. Has everyone given up?

I am as guilty as the rest of you as as far as contributing goes. It took me forever to be brave enough to put keystroke to blog but I have.

One of my friends from church is a motivational speaker for Weight Watchers. I love her to death but just can't picture her standing in front of a crowd like that and being helpful until we talked. She was saying the reason programs like Weight Watchers work is the support. For many of the those who lose and keep the weight off it is the support of the group that helps them succeed. She said there people who go through the programs to lose just ten pounds or a hundred but those that stick around do it for the support. She says it is it the anonymous friendships that form apart and away from the day to day friends that bond the groups together. They pay a lot of money for that support.

I know very few of the contributors. Most of the few I know I only know through your blogs or through Heather. That aside I will be your strongest supporter in working toward better health. Your anonymous friendship that will cost you nothing but a few keystrokes.

At this point I wonder if anyone ever even checks in. Gives this site a glance or a thought. We can help each other by talking about what's working and what isn't as well. We can share recipes, work out tips, products we like, or we can just check in with each other. Mostly I just wanted to say I am paying attention. Are you?

Wii Fit Fans

2009-05-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have loved the Wii since we got it. The idea of playing a video game on my feet while moving was novel. The idea of playing for hours and having my body ache and not my thumbs was awesome. But when we got the Wii Fit I found a new love of the game.

I try to work out every day and get bummed when time is at a minimum. Okay I'm not sure that some of the games due much to burn calories but they do make muscles I haven't felt in a while ache. A good ache.

My favorites are broad and not really shown when you go on to the favorites section. When I got the game I was doing what I could to open up more tasks which meant doing the easy ones over and over. I have found that while I can't always do the step ones they are my very favorite. Especially free step. I am able to do as little as 10 minutes and on a really good day 20 or even 30. It is nice to be able to just switch to a TV show on my Tivo while I am doing my steps. It goes so much faster in my head than if I were watching the clock.

I usually hold weights while I workout. Moving my arms with the weights as I go. I'm not even sure adding the weights does much if anything toiimprove my workout but I feel better doing it anyway. My arms hurt a little the first time which leads me to believe it is doing something.

Then I was thinking when and If I were better pain wise I could put the step higher for an even better workout. Who knows how many possibilities there are in changing things up.

If you do something different that works for you let me know.

Looking back

2009-05-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Looking back I see that doing a few little things can make a big difference.

About 25 years ago a couple of guys were walking in our neighborhood passing out these new long lasting light bulbs that at the time they claimed would last 7 to 10 years. Mine lasted about 8. Years later when I started seeing similar bulbs in the stores they were about 5$ a bulb but when I could afford it I changed out the bulbs in my house as the old bulbs burnt out. Now they are cheaper and I have them all over my house saving tons of energy. I see them all over now. It is nice to see other people catching on and catching up. Who would have thought changing a light bulb could save energy and help the environment?

Nearly 23 years ago I was working full time and pregnant with my third child. As a matter of necessity I began doing the prep work for a weeks worth of cooking every Saturday morning. We could not afford to eat out and I had limited time and energy so cooking needed to be quick and easy. I'd check the sales and make a menu. Then I'd make a shopping list for the foods we planned to eat. After we got home I began to do as much prep-work as I could. I'd chop, peel, grate, boil, steam, brown, parboil, mix, blend, and create everything I could in advance. For instance if ground turkey was on sale we'd have three or four meals with ground turkey like tacos, turkey meatloaf and a casserole. If the sale was really great I'd buy and cook enough for even more meals and save it for a future week. The meatloaf casseroles and meat in general can be precooked, seasoned and frozen until the night before you plan to eat it. Just warm it up and serve. The whole process took about an hour or two including shopping.I later learned keeping a full and well used freezer uses less energy than and empty freezer and actively eating this way means you never look at that frozen chunk of freezer burn and wonder what it might have been as you throw all that money away. I never felt bad about not affording to eat out since we saved money. We were able to eat fresh healthy food every night in as little as 10 minutes. Who would have thought trying to save money could mean eating better and reducing energy costs?

A little over 15 years ago I became the single parent of my five awesome kids. We had a power mower that quit on me and I could only afford a push mower. I discovered I liked to be able to go out and mow in the very early hours of the morning and not wake my kids or disturb the neighbors. Soon I discovered I was not having to wait til I could afford a gallon of gas and some oil to be able to mow. On reflection today I think of not only all the fossil fuels I have saved and the pollution my mowing did not emit but the calories I burned by doing it the old fashioned way. I still use a push mower. Who would have thought mowing the lawn could have so many benefits?

If we all did just a little thing here and there to change our lives we could potentially have an impact we never even imagined.

I am choosing to be healhy

2009-05-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I was reading our blog the last couple of days. I've been a part of this blog from the start but only a watcher and not the contributor I should be. This last nine months or so I have been taking care of my mom who is in bad health. Watching her struggles has been an eye opener for sure. I have begun taking steps to improve her health and mine. She and other members of the family are resistant but we are getting there.

I am choosing to be healthy.

I have taken on a new goal to workout hard (working up a sweat) for 30 minutes a day as many times a week as I can but no less than 4. I have made similar goals before but it was too rigid. Say I'd plan to workout 5 days a week for 30 minutes and found that it was easier to give up when a busy week or bad day made me skip a day here and there. In leaving the number of minutes, times per day and days per week open has left my mind open. In the past a few busy or lazy days would mean the end of my good intentions. I no longer think that a bad day or a busy week is a reason to give up. I know I can pick it back up when I can fit it in. So what if I can only get in a 15 one day I know I can maybe put in an hour or even more. I realized that squeezing in what I can when I can is working for me. For the last month I have been doing very well. I am averaging 3 - 6 days a week and whenever possible I put in extra time or more workouts per day. The goal is not to lose weight although that would be a nice secondary benefit the goal is to keep moving and get healthy. I was injured nearly 12 years ago and have decided to work through the pain in hopes of lessening the pain.

Over the last year I have changed the way I cook and eat. The secondary benefit to this is that I cook and everyone in the house benefits. I cut down on my use of oils and changed to good oils if I need to use oil. I moved to whole grain everything I can (bread, pasta, tortillas). I incorporate more fruits and vegetables every day. My choice of meat is always lean and generally white but has been for years. Snack foods in the last few months have been carrots, fruit, celery, nuts and an occasional piece of dark chocolate. (Nobody is perfect, lol.) I don't say never to anything but any splurge is watched, not criticized and in moderation.

I want to be stronger, have more stamina and maybe drop a few pounds along the way. So why are you choosing to be healthy?

Suggestions???

2009-05-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies what can we do to make this blog better and more useful to each other?

I want to really utilize this as a good healthy blog but it's not getting much action.

What can we do to make it better?

Down 32 lbs!! So excited!

2009-04-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

I'm not losing any weight!

2009-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to lose the contest...I'm working out, eating healthy, trying to do everything right, but I'm staying the same weight. Maybe I've lost inches. Hopefully. Maybe I'm just upset because I'm on my period right now and bloated. Yeah, that's probably not helping. :)

I am happier though...I feel better and have more energy. And I have discovered some awesome recipes.

Here are three of my favorites, with our modifications for how we like it -

Taco Salad
(called "Skinny Dip" on Hungry Girl's site)

4 cups shredded lettuce
4 oz. fat-free sour cream
1 cup canned black beans; drained and heated
10 oz (about 2.5 cups) butternut squash cubes
2 cups cherry tomato, chopped
1 cup diced onion
4 oz. roasted red peppers (not packed in oil); chopped
1 pouch (4 oz.) ground meat substitute (Boca or Morningstar)
1 oz. shredded veggie shreds, or soy cheese shreds (aka fake cheese)
3 and 1/2 tsp. taco seasoning
Optional - lime juice, salt, pepper, cilantro

Combine half of the tomatoes with all of the onion. If desired, season to taste with lime juice, salt, pepper & cilantro. Microwave squash until tender. Mash squash to a pulp and mix in 1 and 1/2 tsp taco seasoning. In a skillet combine "meat, remaining tomatoes, remaining 2 tsp. taco seasoning, and red peppers, until thoroughly heated. In a dish layer all items in this order - lettuce, butternut squash mixture, tomato/onion mix, sour cream, black beans, "meat mixture, and "cheese". Serve hot or cold.

Serving size - 1 cup (approx 1/8th recipe)
Calories - 100
Fat - 1g
Sodium - 400 mg
Carbs - 18 g
Fiber - 4g
Sugars - 3.5 g
Protein - 7 g

Only 1 WW point!

We crumble up low-fat, baked corn chips and have a taco salad or put it in a low-fat tortilla...very yummy, excellent flavor, and it tastes just like the real stuff!
Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta & Cabbage Slaw
(Thanks to my friend Deanna's blog & epicurious for this one!)

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
6 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 tbl. fresh lime juice
2 cups coleslaw mix (we just use shredded cabbage)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 low fat corn tortillas, white or yellow
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
hot sauce

In a teaspoon of olive oil, saute onions until clear. Meanwhile, place beans & cumin in a small bowl and mash. Add them to the onions and mix together. Leave on low heat to warm. Mix 2 tsp. olive oil and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add coleslaw and cilantro and toss to coat. Season with salt & pepper. G=Heat remaining 3 tsp olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortillas in a single layer. Spoon 1/4 of bean mixture onto half of each tortilla; cook 1 minute. Fold tacos in half. Cook until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Fill tacos with feta and slaw and hot sauce to taste.

Per serving: 232.6 (kcal) calories, 40.0 % calories from fat, 10.3 g fat, 2.7 g saturated fat, 11.1 mg cholesterol, 28.7 g carbohydrates, 5.0 g dietary fiber, 1.5 g total sugars, 23.7 g net carbohydrates, 7.5 protein

We make mexican rice and a steamed vegetable to go with this and we LOVE them! So tasty and healthy!!!

And for dessert, this gem from my friend Rachel -

Healthy Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup oats
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 scoop protein powder (or powdered milk)

You can play with the ingredients until you get a good consistency, and even add flaxseed powder for more benefits. When you've got it right, roll into small balls and place on a cookie sheet. Pop it in the fridge or freezer for a bit to harden a bit and you have a guilt-free sweet snack!

My "Mii" and my Wii Fit calendar...a stamp every day that you do it. I'm doing pretty good!

I have been doing Wii Fit...I love it! It weighs you and lets you track your progress...I've gone up and down a lot but stay around 199-200 pounds. I always "gain" weight when I do it in the evening and "lose" weight when I do it in the mornings. I try to just do it in the mornings, but when I don't have time, I feel it's better to do it in the evening rather than not at all.

I'm thinking about doing The Master Cleanse...Cody says he'll do it with me if I do. Has anyone done it before? Any advice or tips or warnings? I wonder if I can even do it...I have very little discipline! :)

It's on like Donkey Kong!

2009-03-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

My SIL's stats are in! The battle has started. I'm on day two of my diet and not doing as well as I wanted to, but I will be better. I didn't do my video workout today (no time), but I tried to compensate by being as active as possible. Naomi is doing better...she's good at dieting and she took this picture right after working out at the gym. Plus, she's breastfeeding...she's a total cheater! :) I've got to step up my game!

Big Fat Loser

2009-03-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I created this blog awhile ago to motivate me to be healthier...that didn't work. I finally realized why...I hadn't posted any "before" pictures or set real goals to be accountable to. So here ya go blog...nasty pictures of me in all my glory. :) Gah-ross!

My sister-in-law and I are putting a friendly wager on a contest to lose the most weight. If she loses the most weight in four months, I have to baby-sit her kids all weekend. If I lose the most weight, she has to pay me $50 and gives me vouchers for some massages at her friend's place. I'm sure after eating less and exercising for four months, I'm gonna need those massages, so good luck to me!

My plan is to eat less calories than I burn, and exercise to burn more. I'm currently doing Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. It's a doozy. I'm already sore. I'm also going to keep a food diary, drink more water, and walk, walk, walk.

Naomi, my SIL will be sending me her "before" pix and stats, so I'll put them on here soon. If anyone else wants to join in our friendly competition, please do! It's easier when we do it together.

I'll be posting occasionally on my progress, successes and failures. The big winner will be decided July 11 (my brother, her husband's birthday!). Although it will be a great b-day present to him to let her win...I'm not going to! :)

Update

2009-02-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hello all. It's been awhile since anyone has posted, and I've definitely been out of the blogging world for awhile, so it's time to get back.

Here's my update. I am forever grateful to my friend Debbie, who some of you know, because she introduced me to the couch-5k plan. I think I put it on here already, but SERIOUSLY! It's the best thing ever for me. I am about to start my 5th week of the program tomorrow, and I am already up to 35 minutes on the treadmil and covering just over 2.5 miles.

I have been more seroius about getting into shape this year than I have ever been, my entire life. Something just kicked in a few months ago. I don't know what it was, but I'm so glad it did! I find myself sad when I leave the gym and can't wait to go back the next day. I am motivated by the fact that a pair of jeans fit me better than they used to, and that my mom told me today I looked skinnier. But mostly, I feel so much better. I have more energy and I am happier. I am drinking more water (which of course is soo good for you) and I am eating healther. All because I am working out more. I had a bowl of ice cream last night (it's been a month or so since I've tasted ice cream) and honestly I had two bites and I was done. It just didn't sound good to me and it made me feel sick.

Hope everyone is doing better on their plans! Any secrets to share? I am just so excited that I'm actually doing what I've always wanted to do. Plus...I want to have a baby soon. And I want to be in the best shape beforehand. I heard it helps with giving birth and the recovery.

So here's to getting back (or er, getting into) shape!

Food Variety

2009-02-02T05:13:00.001-08:00

(Sorry if you read my personal blog; this will be almost a repeat, but I felt it was worth posting on this blog.)

I've been working on expanding my food repertoire lately by purchasing and cooking a greater variety of foods. I was inspired by a book I'm currently reading by renowned dietitian Ellyn Satter entitled Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family. I previously read parts of it for a nutrition class in college, but now I'm going chapter by chapter. I'd highly recommend reading it because she calls for a return to normal eating, which is what I try to do. Because I'm slightly overweight since having my baby, I've considered dieting a couple of times, but it's just not for me. So I'm simply exercising regularly, eating a variety of foods, and trying to obey my hunger, appetite, and satiety signals. (That--obeying your hunger, appetite, and satiety signals--is what is meant by "normal eating," i.e., eating mostly only out of physiological hunger (of course there will be slip-ups and times when you eat just to eat), eating what you really want to eat, eating a variety of different foods from all the food groups, and not using or manipulating food to achieve a desired outcome such as to console you or to make you thin.) Anyways, I guess it's working because I've been wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans for a couple of weeks now, and I am so happy about it!!

MIA

2009-01-25T17:20:00.001-08:00

Okay, I've been gone way too long. But it's been a successful hiatus as far as eating healthy goes. I had a little set back yesterday and today, so let's not talk about that. Let's talk about the positive success!
A couple of weeks ago The Biggest Loser started up again on TV. Does anyone else love watching that show? It is so motivating to me, and let's be honest I have gotten a little teary eyed some times. I'm a sap, it's just what happens.
After watching the premiere I thought to myself....I need to do more! I do not weigh 300 pounds, but I sure have some weight to lose. I'd like to lose 5-10 pounds. The next few days I talked healthy ideas with my friend Debbie and she got me started on this "couch to 5k" running plan. Have you guys heard of it? So I started it, and I'm starting my week 3 tomorrow. I also started following some of the rules of the south beach diet. Not all of them, but just the ones that make you eat way super healthy. I eat sooo many vegetables I'm going to burst. And I lay off the fat and starchy foods. I have a treat if I want it, but for the most part I avoid sugar.

I had a doctor's appointment 2 days ago, and they always weigh you before you go back. I stepped on the scale and I kept waiting for the number to go up, but it stopped and I couldn't believe it. The nurse wrote the number down but I wanted to say, wait - that's not right. That's not what I weigh! Oh my goodness I had lost weight! So let's just say I am TOTALLY motivated after seeing my new weight last Friday. I still have a few pounds I want to lose and I want to work out and be tone, but I'm not stopping now. Once I see an improvement it's easy to keep going.

I just have to say, way to go Tara for losing 9.5 pounds! Wow that's awesome! And if anyone hates running but wants to start, the couch to 5k plan is the best. It starts super easy and builds slowly. By the end I'll be running a 5k and I already feel myself becoming strong and it gets easier and easier to run for longer.

Plus, doesn't it feel so much better to eat healthy? I have more energy and I just feel fantastic. What a difference!

I wish...

2009-01-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

more people posted and contributed to this blog! It is so lonely!!!

I am super hard core on my new healthy eating etc

2009-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to say that I have lost 9.5 pounds and this is just the beginning! I am so happy!!

Darn those last 15 pounds!

2009-01-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

Six weeks after I gave birth I'm still wearing my maternity jeans with 15 pounds left to shed. I haven't eaten very heathily over the holidays, but now it's time to really get serious. I got a couple of Christmas gifts that will help me get in shape if I diligently do them. My husband bought me The Firm cardioweights workout which I really wanted. It includes handweights and 4 exercise DVDs that each last about an hour but also include express options that only last 25 minutes for your extra busy days. And my brother-in-law gave me an exercise ball and web with an instructional DVD. Thankfully he included a note on it that said, "I don't think you're fat. Love, David." (My husband didn't need to include any sort of note. : ) ) So where do you start when you're trying to lose weight? Do you make a plan or goals? Place encouraging notes by the fridge?

Pilates and My Belly

2008-12-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

I own a couple of Windsor Pilates videos that I enjoy doing for abdominal exercise. After not having done pilates during my whole pregnancy (since it wasn't physically possible), I decided to do it the other day. Wow! I never realized how strong my core was before. It was so difficult. I had to follow the girl doing the modified exercises. I will definitely be using my ability to do pilates well as an indicator of my fitness progress as I try to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape.

I've been trying on my old clothes, and it's depressing. It's only been about three weeks since I had the baby, so I know that I shouldn't be too hard on myself but it's tough having a pudgy belly. I know it won't ever be exactly the way it was before (especially with the insane amount of stretch marks I have), but I want to at least fit back into my jeans. I'll let you know when that happens!

On a happy note, I lost another six pounds since I weighed myself about two weeks ago. So that totals 26 pounds lost in almost three weeks! 14 more to go to reach my pre-pregnancy weight! By request, here are some pictures of my beautiful baby who weighed 9 lbs 8 oz at birth, and at her doctor's visit on Thursday (2 weeks old) weighed in at 10 lbs 7 oz!!

Right after birth

Big yawn!

The stretch marks and weight gain were definitely worth having this bundle of love.

Yeah Down five pounds!!

2008-12-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am so happy! It's hard but well worth it!

It Feels Good to Walk Again!

2008-12-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

I finally had my baby after being induced a week late on November 26th. She weighed in at a hefty 9 lbs and 8oz! So I immediately lost a good 20 lbs--about half of my pregnancy weight gain. So now it's time to get into gear! I have to admit that I've never actually tried to lose weight before, and my plan isn't to go at it full force (as in dieting) because I'm breastfeeding and losing weight too quickly can interfere with that. But what I am going to do right away is start working out (at a pace that works for my body)! So I went walking today, and I felt like a whole new person. I hadn't been able to walk that fast in so long! I guess this post is just meant to be encouraging and of course make me accountable to exercising regularly again now that I can. You often don't realize what you have until it's gone, so move your body while you can today!

Tomorrow is the day!

2008-12-07T19:57:00.001-08:00

Okay girls, tomorrow Bobby and I start back on our South Beach diet and working out again. I am going to need a lot of help and encouragement. I have gained a lot of weight back so I need to get it in gear again!

Also, let me know if anyone in my area wants to workout. I have a 24hr fitness membership and I need to use it or Bobby is going to cancel it!

Wish me luck and please pray for success!

Time Change...

2008-11-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Okay is anyone else out there having a hard time adjusting to the time change?

I know it's only an hour (one single tiny little hour) but it's has been throwing my entire schedule off. (Okay maybe it's other contributing factors too.) Anyone else feel my pain?

Do you love the time change or hate it and why?

Thanks - just had to ask!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far! (Is it friday yet? ha!)

Great

2008-11-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

That was a good article. There were a lot of helpful hints in there - thanks for posting! I've also been thinking about the "no sweets" post and what my suggestions would be. I never said anything because I don't know the answer. :) I thought about my no soda rule and my desire to exercise and I came to this conclusion. The first is always the hardest. The first day I didn't have soda was the hardest. I knew that if I could get through the first day, then I could do it. After doing it for a few days I knew I couldn't quit - otherwise all my hard work would have been a waste.
That logic works for me anyway. And applies to most things I want to do, but have a hard time doing. Starting is the hardest part. I just need to gather my will power and tell myself to just do it once.
How is everyone doing on eating healthy overall? I'd like to start having more fruits and veggies. Maybe you all are good at that, but I'm not! I love steamed veggies with dinner, but I need to have more fruit - it makes a good snack during the day, especially at work. The only downside is it goes bad so soon after buying it - so I can't buy it in bulk. I have a hard time getting myself to the store so often to buy fresh fruits and veggies. Maybe that's just me. But that is going to be my goal this week. I'll report back and let you know how I do. And I still haven't had any soda at work. Yay!

Worth sharing...

2008-11-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

I got this in my email today from everyday health and thought it was good. I try to do some of these things but definitely not enough. Some good stuff here. Talk to me and tell me what you do or think?

Eat slowly. Chewing and swallowing your food at a leisurely pace can help you keep from overeating. Here's why: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to "tell" you when you feel full. Until then, you continue to feel hungry and want to eat. If you eat quickly, you'll end up consuming more than you need to feel full. But eating slowly gives your brain the time it needs to signal that you've had enough.

Make changes gradually. Don't expect to change your diet and activity level overnight. Instead of switching all at once to a low-calorie eating plan, try gradually decreasing the calories of your meals and snacks. For example, start by cutting out snacking or limiting yourself to certain snacks at certain times of day (such as a mid-morning banana or a late-afternoon apple). Also, gradually reduce the calorie content of particular foods. For example, if you're used to drinking whole milk, first switch to milk with 2% fat; then, as you get used to the taste of less fat, go on to milk with 1% fat and finally to skim milk. Another strategy is to lower the calorie content of one meal at a time. In the first week, you might want to eat a low-calorie breakfast, but keep lunch and dinner the same as before. During the second week, you might reduce the calorie content of your lunch. Finally, you can begin eating low-calorie dinners.

Keep a record. Keeping a daily log of what you eat and what physical activities you engage in can help keep you motivated to stay with your diet and exercise plan. Looking over a week's worth of entries can tell you how successful you've been and can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Seek social support. You'll find it easier to maintain behavioral changes if you have the support and encouragement of others. Social support can come in many forms and from various people. For starters, ask your family members to keep high-calorie foods out of the house, or at least to refrain from eating them in front of you. You might even try to enlist your family to eat the same meals you do. Exercise with someone else, or join a support group. The camaraderie can help keep your spirits up during the inevitable periods when you become discouraged with your progress.

Use a list when buying food. Stick to your grocery list, and steer clear of those aisles or areas with the kinds of calorie-dense foods that you need to avoid.

Out of sight, out of mind. At home, put the most tempting foods high up in the cupboard, at the very back of the fridge, or in other inconvenient spots. Replace the cookie jar and candy bowl with a fruit bowl. Never eat directly out of a large package; many small containers are better than a few large ones, because they provide convenient stopping points. And don't put out too many different varieties of the same kind of food — you'll be tempted to sample from each one and eat a lot more than if you were faced with fewer choices.

Don't go all out when eating out. Eat a low-calorie snack before going out; you're less likely to go off your diet if you're feeling full when you get to the party or restaurant. Go elsewhere for after-dinner coffee so you are less tempted to segue right into dessert.

Make a plan for special occasions. Decide how much you're going to eat before an event, and do your best to stick with that plan. Set some limits before you go to the movies or watch the Sunday afternoon football games. It's so easy to mindlessly munch when you're in front of a screen of any kind.

Be a copycat. When eating with a group of people, look around. Who's eating the least? Who has the healthiest food on their plate? Model your eating habits on those people's.

Find physical activities that you enjoy. For example, if you don't like exercising outdoors on cold days, join a fitness club, or get an exercise bicycle and hand weights to use at home. If the problem is a time crunch, exercise in increments of 10 minutes whenever you have the time — before work, after work, or during your lunch hour.

Reduce stress. If you overeat when you are under stress, find a stress-reduction method that works for you: meditation, relaxation techniques, listening to music, exercising, or talking to a friend.

No Sweets

2008-11-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

I usually say that almost any food or drink is fine in moderation, but my consumptions of sweets lately hasn't been moderate. On Friday I had tons of sweets (candy, cookies, etc.) to celebrate Halloween, yesterday I had birthday cake and ice cream to celebrate a friend's birthday plus a cinnamon roll because a friend brought them to work to share, and today I had some apple pie at work just because it was there and everyone else was eating it. So I've decided that for the sake of my baby I need to cut out sweets for a time (at least until she's born which hopefully will be in the next couple of weeks). I wouldn't be so worried about this unusual spike in eating sweets, but because I'm supporting the life of another human being and I can't really exercise anymore I am worrying about it. So I will use this blog as my accountability tool and will be responsible to report on how I'm doing. I'd appreciate any encouraging thoughts, suggestions, etc.!

Halloween is killing me!

2008-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

I know it's not Halloween's fault, but there is candy everywhere in my office and I'm choosing to eat it! Today I did fairly well and ate only one candy pumpkin and a tootsie roll, but it was probably because I had a doctor's appointment today and I knew that I would be told again that I've gained too much weight (and I was), so I wanted to make myself feel better by eating less candy today! Any suggestions on how to avoid the office candy jar?

Healthy Food ideas

2008-10-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

One more thought. I want to eat healthy, and I really enjoy it. But why is all the healthy food so expensive and more time consuming to make? So, I thought it might be a good idea if we shared ideas on easy ways (and cheap) to eat healthy. Breakfast, lunch or dinner. I know we're all busy, and I for one do not have mucho tiempo on my hands every night to make dinner.

My idea to throw out is something I heard today. I was sitting eating my salad at work (yay!) and another woman told me her great salad idea. She said that she keeps containers in the fridge with various salad mixens, so when she gets home she just has to pull them out and combine them really quick. Great idea! You can keep lettuce fresh with a lettuce container, or in a ziplock bag with a moist paper towel around it. Then cut up some veggies, some fried chicken, hard boiled eggs, whatever you want. Make enough for a few days and put it in separate containers. Then all you have to do is mix, pour dressing and eat. It's so easy, why didn't I think of this?
(Of course you have to take the time the first day to prepare everything. And the items will not last very long if you don't eat them. But if you can eat a salad for lunch every day (or dinner) then it's perfect.)
Anyone have any ideas for me? I love fast, cheap and easy. :) --- and tasty good so my husband will eat it. ;)

NO SODA!

2008-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your suggestions on working out from my last post. I am sad to say I haven't done them yet, but I'm one step closer to actually doing them! I think by having this blog, and knowing that people are reading how lazy I am - I'm hoping will motivate me to exercise just so I can report to you that I did it. :)

My new goal - no soda. Soda is bad for you for so many reason. I go in cycles though. I don't drink soda for a year, then I'm addicted for a year, then I go off for a few months, and then I'm back on. I am coming from an "on" time. At work I get all the free soda I want (Heather knows what I'm talking about) so it's hard to not drink it at lunch every day.

But this week I decided to stop having it every day. At lunch I have been eating yummy salads and drinking orange juice. I am so proud of myself! I love salads, can't get enough of them. So I figured I might as well eat healthy at work when I have free salad mixins available. I am here to report that this week was successful!

Anyone want to go on the no soda diet with me? When Chris and I go out to eat - I will still get a soda. I'm not swearing it off forever. I just don't want to buy it and have it always available in the fridge, or drink a glass or 2 every day at work. Let's save it for special occasions. :) Who's in??!!

A Letter of Apology

2008-10-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hello blog!

I'm sorry I'm neglecting you! I promise I'll get my act together...after Election day! :)

love, Heather

That Time of the Month

2008-10-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Umm.... During that time of the month, the calories don't count, right?

And whoever said working out reduces cramps was an idiot. And that's that.

Diet starts when I get back to Utah. And working out. I can't be counted on to do any of that while writhing in pain on the couch all day.

Help me!

2008-10-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

You guys are all awesome. Me? Not so awesome. You'd think that this blog has motivated me to be just like you - eat healthy and exercise - but in fact I've maybe gotten worse?

Here's my problem (we'll just mention one this time around). When I get home from work I'm too tired to go to the gym. I know once I get there I'm usually fine, but boy it's so hard to get me out of the house when I walk in the door. I have the "tomorrow I'll go to the gym" syndrome.

Any help or ideas? Maybe if I weigh myself and see how much I've gained in the last year, it might motivate me...either that or make me so depressed that I'll go eat ice cream to make me happy again. (Which sounds so good right now)

Weight Gain

2008-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

The doctor told me today that I've gained "a little too much weight." I already knew that before I got on the scale and it was then verified when I got on the scale. Yes, I am 8 months pregnant, but it still depressed me! In my house we don't own a scale and we never will because I try not to judge my worth by numbers that don't mean much anyways. I've hated having to be weighed every month and then having it commented on by the doctor (even though I know that they're just trying to help). Anyways, I've decided that I'm going to take a big step within the next week to help me try to love and respect my body despite my weight gain: take a picture of myself! I haven't taken a picture in almost three months because I've been unhappy with how I look. But I need to love and embrace my pregnant self too!

Biking!

2008-10-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Bobby and I went for a five mile bike ride this morning and feel great!!

Part of the ride was on a trail and part was on the street. It was so much fun and awesome exercise!

Just wanted to share. ;0)

P.S. This is my 6th day in a row of eating healthy and sticking to my plan!

Do any of you ladies like to ride out there?

Do you have cool experiences to share? Or any unrelated to biking???

I need new healthy lunch ideas

2008-10-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so normally take my lunch to work everyday. On occasion I eat out with friends, etc, but I really try to stick to my bring my own lunch. Not only it it so much healthier but I am saving a ton of money by doing this.

I need your help though...I am really bored of what I have been taking for lunches!
I normally take salads or wheat pita sandwiches with turkey and tons of veggies. (Sometimes I do tuna salad or even chicken salad too.)

What other cold lunch ideas do you have that will help me satisfy my taste buds while staying on the healthy path?.

Thanks ladies for your ideas!

Updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

2008-10-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a health education organization to which I belong announcing the release of the revised Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the US Department of Health and Human Services. You can find them here.

I think it's interesting how little exercise they recommend for adults: only 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. That's only 75 minutes a week of hard core aerobic exercise! Most aerobics classes offered 3 times a week are 45-60 minutes long! So my point is that we really don't have to push ourselves to the extreme to get a good workout and obtain substantial health benefits.

I appreciate how they say that you can perform your aerobic activity in episodes of at least 10 minutes. That makes me feel better about my walking. Being 8 months pregnant is tough. My current aerobic exercise regime consists of walking about 15 minutes to the bus stop 3 times a week, then walking 5 minutes uphill from the bus stop to work, and then doing it in reverse at the end of the day. I mix in strengthening exercises about 3 times a week, and I do prenatal yoga exercises as often as I can to help relieve my back pain. I'm hoping to keep being able to exercise (in my own little way) right up until I go into labor! And then I can hardly wait to seriously start working out again. It really is a drug once you get into it.

Journal progress

2008-10-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today Bobby and I started back on the South Beach Diet. (Well we modify it just slightly.) I am excited to actually be back on a diet. Sometimes I just get so sick of eating poorly and it's nice to eat well and feel better.

Today I also started a progress journal of my day of eating and exercising. I have done this before and it is great because you really hold yourself accountable and it works!

Everyday I have decided to write down:
Vitamins or any medication I take
Everything I mean everything I put in my mouth that day
I also keep track of how much water I intake daily too
How I feel that day - energy level? Any headache, stomach ache, etc.
Also, any exercise that I do that day.

Today was a good day exercise wise. Bobby and I went on a bike ride on the trail behind our house. It was fun and somewhat challenging. Then I tried my new yoga video I just got. (I just tried a few segments of it.)

I ate well today too, it was a good first day!!!

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!!!

2008-10-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

So last night Bobby and I bought him a new bike! Of course we had to buy new helemts for both of us too. I am excited to bike together on the many trails of Orange County. Also, we have an awesome trail in our backyard!

We also bought a new yoga set so I can do that as well! Does anyone else out there like to do Yoga?

I went on a really long walk with my mom this morning. It was great fun spending time with her and the exercise was a bonus!

Getting ready for the week

2008-10-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm still in love with my smoothies. I make one most mornings. Whenever I buy frozen fruit, I put it in small, snack-size bags so that I can just grab one in the morning. I bought four bags of frozen fruit at Trader Joe's, mixed it all up, and it made 13 bags, about 1 cup each.

I added up all the ingredients for my smoothie -
Fruit - $12
Protein Powder - $12
Flaxseed Oil - $7
Almond Milk - $6
Stevia, water, juice, whatever else I decide to throw in - Let's say $1
TOTAL - $38 for 13 smoothies, which equals about $3 per smoothie...pretty good deal! Cheap breakfast!

I use more fruit than the recipe calls for, but I'm a fruity gal. You could make it cheaper if you used less. If for some odd reason I don't have time to make one in the morning (It only takes 5 minutes!), I have oatmeal packets at work that I eat. Both meals are very filling and get my metabolism revved up for the day. Now if I could only figure out how to eat healthier at lunch!!! I'm working on it!

For the recipe and my post about health concerns that inspired this blog, click here.

No Fast Food

2008-10-05T14:13:00.001-07:00

I decided to stop eating fast food. Of course, I didn't take into account the whole work issue and not bringing food for lunch. So I ate fast food for 2 days. Oh well.
Here's to getting healthy!

(Now I'm going to go make a cherry pie. Maybe I'll start tomorrow.)

Getting started...

2008-10-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk today.

Yeah, that's not really big news, but it was big for me! I am the biggest homebody in the world...I never want to leave the house. I have too much to read, write, watch, and sleep. So this morning, I promised myself I would take a walk. I'm trying to get healthy again. My metabolism is really slow because of my thyroid problems, and I'm tired as well, so the odds are against me and I have to try that much harder. I watched conference, worked on a few projects, and then I was going to take a walk. But I looked at the time, and I was going to go to a party that started at 5. Maybe I should be on time? No, take your walk. I get in my gear and open the door...it's raining! Maybe I should stay? No...take your walk! I go to get my ipod out of the car and it's almost dead because I accidentally left it on...I can't walk without tunes! No...TAKE YOUR WALK! So I did. And my ipod didn't die. And it was beautiful...sunny & rainy at the same time, but a very light rain, like a mist. And there were rainbows and fresh air and so much to see and enjoy. I walked on a beautiful trail, uphill, and got a good workout in. Then I got home and had a glass of water, and I could feel my muscles doing something, you know that 'ping' 'ping' feeling you get after working them out. I like to think of it as bits of cellulite exploding off of my legs! :)

So, I took a walk, I feel good, and I hope this is the start of a beautiful thing.