Day 6 - Write 31 Days

Today is Day 6 of the “Write 31 Days” – with my theme of 31 Days of Making Healthy Choices

Bad day (food overeating)!

Here in Canada, this weekend is Thanksgiving weekend. All 3 

of my kids and their significant others (and the newest grandchild) came for our Thanksgiving dinner.

So we had turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, squash, gravy, cranberry sauce, and of course, pumpkin pie, with whipped cream.

I am still overly stuffed. But hosting my kids was definitely worth it. We laughed and talked and ate and ate.

We all need to have days where we splurge a bit – knowing we will get back on track in a day or two.

I made sure I walked a lot  - in fact I have over 11,000 steps ( and I have another hour until midnight!)

Write 31 Days - day 5

Today is Day 5 of the "Write 31 Days" - and my theme for this challenge is "31 Days of Healthy Choices"

Yesterday I mentioned keeping a list of foods eaten and how you are feeling.
But, I find that keeping a journal involves so much more. It becomes a record, a diary, a means to clear the mind of negative thoughts.
If you have never kept a journal consider doing it.
In Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way", she stresses writing morning pages. I find that for me, I need to dump what's bothering me and also what's right with me at night. I can exorcise the gremlins and go to be having expressed gratitude for what has gone well. I sleep much better.

Here are some articles on keeping a journal:

The Benefits of Writing in a Journal

10 Journaling Tips

What to Write in a Journal

Do you keep a journal?

Write 31 Days - Day 4

Today is Day 4 of the Write 31 Days Challenge.

As I settle into watching what I eat, and taking as many steps as I can, there are still bumps in the road.
This morning I had cereal with flax for breakfast - I just couldn't face eggs. But that led to a bigger lunch. I will have to go back to having an egg for breakfast for a while.

Here are some tips I remember that have helped before:

~number 1 - is to journal about this journey and write down everything that you eat each meal. It is recommended by many people. And it does work.

~brush your teeth after every meal

~don't eat anywhere but at the  dining room/kitchen table

~have a bunch of vegetables already cut up for a quick snack

~put some fruit in your water and sip often

~set a timer for 30 minutes when at the computer - and then get up and move around for at least 10 minutes


What tips do you have to help you eat and live healthier?

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!