I was discussing health and fitness with a neighbor today. While I don't want to be a slave to a scale, I do like to see the objective number. And this discussion helped me to pinpoint why.
You see, she actually refuses to get on the scale. OK, I don't have a problem with that. But then she told me she hasn't lost any weight.
How does she know? Because of her clothes.
Well, I can tell you that sometimes I don't notice it in my clothes until there has been a significant change.
So while the ultimate goal is to feel great in your own skin (and the clothes that surround that skin!), I find it very encouraging to know that I am making progress.
I'll keep weighing myself from time to time. Perhaps when I am at my ideal weight and have been able to stay there for some years I won't feel that it is necessary. But for now, to keep myself pumped up and also in the reality of where I am now, I find the scale to be a healthy and helpful tool.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Incredible Shrinking Woman
I just saw a photo of myself from a couple of years ago--WOW! What a difference!
It is amazing when not "dieting" how the weight is coming off and although I don't always see the progress in the mirror (because it isn't overnight, after all!) when looking at this photo I was genuinely shocked!
It is true I have dropped, in round numbers 85 pounds (the numbers may be round, but I am definitely less so!) I see the difference in my clothes--I'm currently wearing a shirt that use to be tight on me and it is hanging on me now. Still, seeing the photographic evidence was a real eye-opener.
How easy is it to look in the mirror and see only the work that is left to be done? That is why it is good to have a more objective view. That can be the scale, but I prefer to combine other tools rather than relying on just the number. By relying on just the number it becomes to easy to focus on that rather than the overall goal which is health.
So, don't throw out the scale, but use it only as ONE of the tools in your arsenal to help you acknowledge your progress. With supporting evidence of photographs, baggy clothes, and actual body measurements, the number on the scale is much more meaningful and can be a real positive boost to ones self-image!
Woo-hoo! I'm doing great and feeling awesome!
It is amazing when not "dieting" how the weight is coming off and although I don't always see the progress in the mirror (because it isn't overnight, after all!) when looking at this photo I was genuinely shocked!
It is true I have dropped, in round numbers 85 pounds (the numbers may be round, but I am definitely less so!) I see the difference in my clothes--I'm currently wearing a shirt that use to be tight on me and it is hanging on me now. Still, seeing the photographic evidence was a real eye-opener.
How easy is it to look in the mirror and see only the work that is left to be done? That is why it is good to have a more objective view. That can be the scale, but I prefer to combine other tools rather than relying on just the number. By relying on just the number it becomes to easy to focus on that rather than the overall goal which is health.
So, don't throw out the scale, but use it only as ONE of the tools in your arsenal to help you acknowledge your progress. With supporting evidence of photographs, baggy clothes, and actual body measurements, the number on the scale is much more meaningful and can be a real positive boost to ones self-image!
Woo-hoo! I'm doing great and feeling awesome!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Cleansing
I agreed to try a new cleanse. I have done fasts before, years ago. I understand the concepts and the benefits to cleaning out the body. I did a cleanse right before Christmas...a different one, and it went really well, and I repeated it this spring. I heard good things about this cleanse, so I thought I would give it a try.
So here I am on day 6 of this cleanse. I have 3 more days.
All in all, it is going pretty well. My energy level is good. I actually am feeling better now than the first couple of days.
I can also definitely tell that I have shed some more fat during this process. But that is not the reason for doing a cleanse, at least not in my opinion. This definitely feels like a "diet"--and I hate that word!
It isn't about "dieting" to lose weight. Cleansing is like cleaning the house. Something that is good for it now and then, but not necessarily my favorite activity. Cleansing is akin to a good, deep spring cleaning, more than just keeping the place clean by eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and getting exercise.
The jury is still out as to whether or not I will recommend this cleanse or go back to the other cleanse I liked.
So here I am on day 6 of this cleanse. I have 3 more days.
All in all, it is going pretty well. My energy level is good. I actually am feeling better now than the first couple of days.
I can also definitely tell that I have shed some more fat during this process. But that is not the reason for doing a cleanse, at least not in my opinion. This definitely feels like a "diet"--and I hate that word!
It isn't about "dieting" to lose weight. Cleansing is like cleaning the house. Something that is good for it now and then, but not necessarily my favorite activity. Cleansing is akin to a good, deep spring cleaning, more than just keeping the place clean by eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and getting exercise.
The jury is still out as to whether or not I will recommend this cleanse or go back to the other cleanse I liked.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mind Set and Healthy Weight
Seems like everyone is aware that our thoughts are very powerful tools--for just about every facet of our lives.
One of the things that we tend to do when we look at our bodies is to say very negative things about them. How many times have you looked in the mirror and said, "wow, what a great body I have"? If you are like most of us, that would be, uh, not often.
Well, it is time to remember that our bodies respond to our thoughts. Therefore if you are thinking negatively about your body, it will continue to be that negative thing.
So, start with ONE positive thought about your body. It could be a body part that you actually like. Even if it is "just" your eyes or your smile. Start by appreciating that area. Look in the mirror and say (out loud when you can...it has a great power for your ears to hear the comment, but say it to yourself when you don't feel comfortable saying it out loud) "I love you _________, you are beautiful". You can change the phrase, but it's a good start!
Another great tool is to affirm that you are getting better, improving your health, gaining strength, etc. Do not focus on losing weight. Focus on the positive...what will losing weight do for you? Provide you with more energy? Better health? Better appearance? Know WHY you want to drop weight and affirm that you are open to it. For example "I am getting more and more healthy every day."
That's it. It's pretty simple. Start there. Today.
One of the things that we tend to do when we look at our bodies is to say very negative things about them. How many times have you looked in the mirror and said, "wow, what a great body I have"? If you are like most of us, that would be, uh, not often.
Well, it is time to remember that our bodies respond to our thoughts. Therefore if you are thinking negatively about your body, it will continue to be that negative thing.
So, start with ONE positive thought about your body. It could be a body part that you actually like. Even if it is "just" your eyes or your smile. Start by appreciating that area. Look in the mirror and say (out loud when you can...it has a great power for your ears to hear the comment, but say it to yourself when you don't feel comfortable saying it out loud) "I love you _________, you are beautiful". You can change the phrase, but it's a good start!
Another great tool is to affirm that you are getting better, improving your health, gaining strength, etc. Do not focus on losing weight. Focus on the positive...what will losing weight do for you? Provide you with more energy? Better health? Better appearance? Know WHY you want to drop weight and affirm that you are open to it. For example "I am getting more and more healthy every day."
That's it. It's pretty simple. Start there. Today.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Berries Are in Season--Yum!
Summer is one of the best times of the year because of all the great produce. Great treat are fresh berries, and now is the peak!
I like them best just plain. Buy organic, wash lightly, and enjoy at room temp. That way you get the best of the flavor.
Much better pick-me-up than a sugar or caffeine laden soda. A little natural sugar, good carbohydrates and zero fats.
Delish!
I like them best just plain. Buy organic, wash lightly, and enjoy at room temp. That way you get the best of the flavor.
Much better pick-me-up than a sugar or caffeine laden soda. A little natural sugar, good carbohydrates and zero fats.
Delish!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Partying and Over Doing
I have been eating pretty well lately, but the other day I was invited to an impromptu gathering at a neighbor's house. I had a glass of champagne (which I love) and the glass never seemed to get empty.
Before I knew it, I had consumed quite a bit of alcohol which then in turn loosened "the munchies" and I ate more than a few bits of cheese and crackers.
Well, it was a fun party and parties are a part of life after all, so what do I do from there? Even naturally slender people overindulge once in a while. They don't berate themselves for it (sometimes for the behavior after the overindulgence, but not for the over consumption of calories!)
I pat myself on the back because I was able to avoid the old pattern of beating myself up for having "slipped" or "fallen off the wagon". Since I'm not "dieting" there is no diet wagon to fall from!
Rather than speak to myself with disgust and/or throw in the towel regarding my health goals, I chose to be gentle with myself the next day and to be sure to eat good healthy foods that would energize me and heal the damage done from the previous day. I drank a lot of water and rested, and gave myself permission to be an imperfect human being.
Boy, did that feel good. And it feels even better today when I know that I am still moving forward towards a healthier, trimmer Laurie.
I have met a lot of challenges without being tempted, which I thought was great. This success is perhaps even better! This was just one of those times when the food and drink were there and flowing and my self-control was hindered by the alcohol. I am very reassured to know that I can still come back from that and feel good about myself and be confident that I will achieve my goals!
Before I knew it, I had consumed quite a bit of alcohol which then in turn loosened "the munchies" and I ate more than a few bits of cheese and crackers.
Well, it was a fun party and parties are a part of life after all, so what do I do from there? Even naturally slender people overindulge once in a while. They don't berate themselves for it (sometimes for the behavior after the overindulgence, but not for the over consumption of calories!)
I pat myself on the back because I was able to avoid the old pattern of beating myself up for having "slipped" or "fallen off the wagon". Since I'm not "dieting" there is no diet wagon to fall from!
Rather than speak to myself with disgust and/or throw in the towel regarding my health goals, I chose to be gentle with myself the next day and to be sure to eat good healthy foods that would energize me and heal the damage done from the previous day. I drank a lot of water and rested, and gave myself permission to be an imperfect human being.
Boy, did that feel good. And it feels even better today when I know that I am still moving forward towards a healthier, trimmer Laurie.
I have met a lot of challenges without being tempted, which I thought was great. This success is perhaps even better! This was just one of those times when the food and drink were there and flowing and my self-control was hindered by the alcohol. I am very reassured to know that I can still come back from that and feel good about myself and be confident that I will achieve my goals!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Down 45 Pounds and Counting
It has been several months since my last post. While I've been remiss at blogging, I've made great progress in my health!
Since October I have now lost over 45 pounds (I will be weighing in tomorrow, so will have another update then!) That brings my total weight shed since my peak to 85 pounds! Hard to believe that I am the same person!
My clothes have long been hanging on me. Any of you out there with similar yo-yo histories understand that I had a closet filled with many different sizes of clothes. That actually has worked out in my favor as I haven't had to buy much in the way of interim clothes during the process! 2 pair of jeans (which are now pretty loose and will have to be replaced soon!)
Now obviously I'm no fashionista, or I would have bought more new clothes by now. I'm actually quite happy with clothes that feel loose. After years of clothes feeling really tight, it is a very pleasant change!
My goal is to drop another 30 pounds, plus or minus a few. At that point I will see where my new system takes me. My doctor will be thrilled when she sees me next and the 30 pound goal is based on a conversation we had when discussing my health a couple of years ago.
I've now turned 50 (woo-hoo!) and am really enjoying this new phase of my life. I can actually cross my legs--which if you've never been overweight you won't get the thrill--and I am sleeping better than ever. I owe both of these things to dropping excess fat. And I've been doing it in a way that is so far from "a diet" it is amazing!
This is my official welcome back to blogging! Looking forward to sharing more of my successes and challenges as the days go on!
Since October I have now lost over 45 pounds (I will be weighing in tomorrow, so will have another update then!) That brings my total weight shed since my peak to 85 pounds! Hard to believe that I am the same person!
My clothes have long been hanging on me. Any of you out there with similar yo-yo histories understand that I had a closet filled with many different sizes of clothes. That actually has worked out in my favor as I haven't had to buy much in the way of interim clothes during the process! 2 pair of jeans (which are now pretty loose and will have to be replaced soon!)
Now obviously I'm no fashionista, or I would have bought more new clothes by now. I'm actually quite happy with clothes that feel loose. After years of clothes feeling really tight, it is a very pleasant change!
My goal is to drop another 30 pounds, plus or minus a few. At that point I will see where my new system takes me. My doctor will be thrilled when she sees me next and the 30 pound goal is based on a conversation we had when discussing my health a couple of years ago.
I've now turned 50 (woo-hoo!) and am really enjoying this new phase of my life. I can actually cross my legs--which if you've never been overweight you won't get the thrill--and I am sleeping better than ever. I owe both of these things to dropping excess fat. And I've been doing it in a way that is so far from "a diet" it is amazing!
This is my official welcome back to blogging! Looking forward to sharing more of my successes and challenges as the days go on!
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