Day 3 - Write 31 Days

Today is Day 3 of the “Write 31 Days Challenge”

Yesterday, I bought “Food Can Fix It” by Dr. Oz Mehmet and started reading it right away. I found much to like about it and learn from.

The idea that “food heals your body and energizes your life”, reinforced what I want for a healthier life.

In the first section, Oz describes how prediabetes works and how fat comes to be stored in the body. I have a fatty liver and Oz gave great detail of how  the condition develops.

I plan to read this book this month and make many food fixes – for pain, for my heart, for my brain and untimately for weight loss.

His 21 Day Plan looks doable and I am eager to follow it. As I have been cutting back on snacks, I am starting to feel a bit better. With Thanksgiving here in Canada this weekend, I plan to start the Plan next wee.

I’ll leave you with a quote (and good advice)

“The closer you can get to eating foods the way they appear in nature, the better off you will be.” (pr. 15

Write 31 Days - Day 2

Day 2 of the Write31Days – and the topic today is New Routines.

To be successful in leading a healthier lifestyle, I really must adopt new routines.

For too long, I have:

~had a treat with my tea, 4 or 5 times a day

~not exercised

~walked less than 6,000 steps most days

~snacked just before bed

`~eaten too much bread and desserts

~not eaten enough fruits So here is a list of new routines I hope to adopt (adapted from Healthy Habits Daily Countdown) 

1 glass of hot lemon water to start the day

2 hours before bed turn off the computer

3 -10 minute exercise breaks – just as effective as 1 -30 minute block

4 hours between meals

5 -7 fruits and vegetables a day

6 food breaks – 3 healthy meals and 3 small healthy snacks

7 -8 hours of sleep a night

8 glasses of water a day

9 minutes or more – to meditate, write in a gratitude journal, pray

10 thousand steps a day

I started my morning with a glass of hot lemon water. (There are many benefits- check here for reasons why)

Breakfast was an egg and half an English muffin

No tea, no cereal, no toast. And it filled me to lunch - of canned salmon and carrots and a nectarine.

I plan to stay away from tea for a while and drink more water.

Changing routines and developing healthier habits is my key to success.

Intro Post - Write 31 Days

I started this blog in 2013 - the year I retired from teaching. I was determined to get healthy. But then my husband's health gradually worsened and the stress from his health issues led me to forget my own health issues. I ignored this blog and all that it could have been.

Over three years after my last post, I know I need to do much better. to take care of myself. My daughter insists she wants me around for her kids and with a new granddaughter, the desire to get healthy is that much stronger.

The "Write 31 Days" challenge is the perfect vehicle to do that. We are encouraged to write about something dear to our hearts. (This challenge is now hosted by Crystal Stine)

This month I begin "31 Days of Healthy Choices"

I need to, once and for all, climb out of the rut I landed back in and restart my healthy choices goals.
I am going public once again, seeking support (and a backbone!), to get healthier, lose some weight and in general, feel better and move more.

I have just signed on to Prevention's "Transform With Yoga Challenge" - 3 months of videos, recipes, support. I can log in daily - to ask questions, get support, watch yoga classes. I am excited. I have never done much yoga but the benefits seem so impressive.

As the month progresses, I hope to share some of my journey as well as some of what I am learning.

I share this poster I made for myself - one that reflects what I must do - change my daily routine!

Weigh-In Wednesday

Time for the weekly weigh-in! Check here for more inspiration!

As I move forward this time, I am taking it slowly. I had some blips over the long weekend and discovered that the gluten especially store-bought cookies!) really do a number on my stomach. I am still trying to ease the discomfort.
I did lose a bit ow weight tho and was able to get some extra walking in this long weekend as well.

Weight:  198 lbs.  -1.2    (Yeah!)

Motivation:
While surfing the net, I discovered a really neat tool to help keep one focused on completing goals. It's called "Don't Break the Chain" and altho it was set up for the year, I have decided to do it for the next 100 days. I have chosen 4 goals: Daily exercise; writing; creating art; bible study and gratitudes.
Each day you complete your goal, you cross of the date. You want to see a complete chain.
Check here to see how it works and get a free download of the calendar. I cut it down to the last 4 months and made a small booklet with 4 pages. I want to see 4 complete chains by the end of December!

Weigh-In Wednesday

My first, and I had a bit of success. It took a few days to weed out the extras - bread, cake etc. But after a few days, I find I am not missing it as much as I thought I would. Bread is my downfall, my weakness. But Sunday I finally just gave it up - cold turkey.

I lost 1.2 pounds - not huge but at least it is moving in the right direction!

I am reading "The Daniel Plan" and there is so much good sense. Even the 10 day detox plan is doable.
I have also added more physical activity - walking and yesterday swimming.
I am keeping a food/activity diary as well and that is good tracking and a good visual of how my days are going.

Join in here for more support.

Weigh-In Wednesday - a weee bit late (9 months!)

I am an addict. There. I said it. I am a food addict. I fell off the wagon a long while ago- 9 months ago. Too long has this blog been dormant

I have tried numerous times in the past few months to eat better, exercise, lose weight. I have yo-yoed over the same few pounds several times.

But enough already. My daughter's words and my own concerns have nudged me (okay forced me) to do something and stick with it.

Last week my hubby and I returned from our 10 day trip to Lake George. We had a great time, but sicne returning we have both felt "off" and I am tired up waking up with little energy or desire to accomplish my goals. 

I started reading"The Daniel Plan" (40 Days to a Healthier Life) by Rick Warren, Damiel Amen and Mark Hyman.

It makes so much sense. I am hoping it helps me achieve my health goals. 

Today I also read a lovely post by "Collage Diva"  ("Lifting the Fog")that really pointed out what has been wrong with my health for so long and then shared what she is doing to feel better.

So I am returning to blogging here at "Stuck in a Rut" (which I have been for too long- and I want to get out!)

There is accountability here and a great supportive community that I want to reach out to (more so than I did before!)

Today is weigh-in and a return to a focus on better health.

Today's weight - 200.4 lbs.

Goals for this week:

1. Start the 10 day detox plan laid out in the" Daniel Plan". Gluten, milk and sugar will all be cut out.

2. Shop for foods needed to implement this.

3. Start the day with warm lemon water.

4. Exercise for 15 minutes a day to start.

5. Drink more water. 

6. Laugh more. Play!

Linking with: Weigh-In Wednesday

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Trying to get back on Track

Confession time. I have been bad - very bad. Eating what I shouldn't have, going off gluten-free and I have paid for it.
I have gained back a couple of pounds and I don't feel that great.

But, I have also taken a positive step. I signed on with a local personal trainer this week. I will be meeting with Tobey once a week for 10 weeks. She is a task master and will be helping me build up my muscles and strength, especially around my knees. It wasn't working at home. I needed a push and she will definitely do that.

I got a scare Monday when I actually had to run for a bus. What  I did wasn't even running but by the time I got on the bus, my heart was pounding and my knees were screaming.

I am so tired of dealing with pain and lack of energy.

So time for a drastic change and doing what is right for my body.