Sat May 10

P 90X 3- The Warrior                                 1555 subtotal
150  4 oz turkey/veggie burger
150      Choc Shakeology with 1/2 C coconut milk
30       3 cups coffee

150  Turkey burger
50 salad
100  olives
100 almonds
150 olive oil
50 Feta cheese

75 Oatmeal
50  pear
30 honey

350  Turkey burger with trimmings
120 Almonds


Feeling crummy today. Trying not to eat to feel better.

Plan

Plan: Eat clean
No Dairy
No Gluten
No Processed (except 3 cups Skinny Pop special occasions)

P90X3 workout daily, plus added dog walks, bike rides.

Enjoy things I love and just cut back on bad eating.

Update: Jazzercise and weight gain

This title is  a bit misleading, Jazzercise is not causing weight gain.  Just two things have come in my life lately, Jazzercise AND weight gain.

Well, maybe weight gain.  Unlike _ Leonie's recent post of clothes feeling looser (go Leonie!) mine are a smidge tighter. Well, I know why.

Lots of work.
Lots of stress with issues at home and business
Hot, hot flashes, menopause, cravings
Shoulder nerve acting up. Ouch, ick.
Eating to 'feel better'

Same old story. "Why oh why," she calls into the darkness, "do I turn to such a a devious traitor as food when I am in despair?"

Wow, rather dramatic.

But, good news:  I talked to the nurse at my dr office and am going in to see him about this hotflash nonsense. I am the type to 'tough thing out' and not take medications, hormones and the like. But this is ridiculous.

Also got a glowing recommendation for a chiropractor and like what I have heard so am going in for that this week, too. I think I have been carrying too much weight (pun intended) on my shoulders (another pun intended) and need to care better for myself. So hopefully two of my stresses will be helped.

Now for the Jazzercise part- I did this for several years several years ago. Went back to a fresh new place with new people and one friend I have known for years and had so much fun!  So I am excited to add that to my power-walking with Buddy. Nice, too, because it is very non judgemental there.. all shapes and sizes and it really is focused on fun but a good workout.

Eating- I am working really hard to put these habits in place.

I know is it habits, not a gimmick.  I know most importantly I need to give my body good things, nourishing things, especially at this age.

I am not giving up!

Two Big Bites

Last night I had two bites of Klondike Bars. Well, if each bite = one bar.. yes, I had two Klondike Bars.
But boy were they good.

I still feel ahead.  We had 2 weeks of active petsitting, so I was out and about a lot, plus walking Buddy.

Want to hear something annoying? My 21 year old son who is slim and trim decided to eat healthy just because he wants good stuff in his body.  He started and has never strayed.   Why are some people designed like that?

Meta Health and BBQ Potato Chips

Health depends on what we put in our bodies and how we treat our bodies.

I believe we often over look the connection between mind and body.  If you really think about it, our body exists to house our soul. Our soul is the essense of us, our humanity, our personality, our being.

If our mind is not at rest, our soul cannot be at rest. Our body cannot be at peace.

Why do we overeat? Why do we get pinched nerves? Why do we get ill? I think it is often because we abuse our body with the wrong food and lack of healthy movement, and also abuse it with stressful movement (or non-movement)

But, also if we are not calm in our mind, it is natural to overeat, to not be aware of our body's needs (rest, stretching, 2 hours on the couch reading Gone With the Wind, etc)

Today I have to pay bills. In fact I am supposed to be doing it now. My stomach started getting tight. My shoulders got tense. I hate doing this. So I made a decision.

Every time I pay bills I am going to plan out a session just for that.  Have a lovely cup of coffee.  Put on music I love. Relax, pray first and be in touch with my soul and my Creator. Every experience can be positive if we realize God knows about it all, about us, about our body, personality and soul.

And I won't go eat chips when I get stressed writing checks.  I hope.

Progress Reports, Two Bites, Scarlett OHara and My Personal Trainer

I figure my 100 days are up on August 24th.  Nice to know.

Ok my progress:

I am currently wearing a selection of my wardrobe that is high end.  High end not in price but in weight bearing, as I in that part of my closet affectionatly known as the chubby zone.

I can't gain any more weight because I really do not want to spend money on more chubby clothes.

The good news is... as I get fitter, my wardrobe grows. I literally am wearing about 10% of my clothes, due to the zones.  Ooh.. I have so many cute things I can't wait to get into.

Today I am wearing some khaki shorts that I could barely squeeze into May 26. Now the waistband is just a little tight and I could appear in publc with them. Well, at least the grocery store.

You know you need to get fit when you run out of clothes to go to the grocery store in.

So, progress is good.  I am slipping now and then but I took your 2-bite idea to heart, Leonie. In fact I am trying to eat a super healthy (and good but restrictive diet), so now everyday I PLAN a 2-bite experience.  "What will it be today?" I ask myself with anticipation! Last night it was Pepperidge farm Nantucket Choclocate Chip Cookies. Well, I had 2 cookies instead of 2 bites but what the heck.  They were awesome and I ate them while reading Gone With the Wind on the Couch- reading about Scarlett's 17 inch waist.  lol!

But seriously I am seeing some big changes in my life. I think the biggest was leaving my CollegePlus job. I was on the computer in my chair for hours and hours every day, then traveling and standing attending conventions.  It was very hard on my body. Even if I tried to stretch during my office days, I still was putting such stress on my shoulders and weight on my hips.

Now, working with my husband I am at the computer but also with dog sitting I am out and about.  What a great mix.

I also am working with my personal trainer every day, no matter what.  His name is Buddy and he keeps me on pace with my power walking.  This is us 'post-walk'.

I think also I am just aware I need to keep MOVING.  If I feel sluggish, I move. I am seeing elderly friends and family losing their mobility and am grateful so much for my health.

Ok, that is it. Slow but good and hope to report a new outfit fitting soon...

Dance Walking... let's start a revolution!

Ok, have you all seen this? I am SERIOUSLY thinking about getting a group of ladies together to dance walk in our stoic subdivision. How cool would that be?

Ever since I started listening to jivin music instead of podcast and lectures on my walks, I catch myself bopping and singing along the streets.  I can't help it. Would it not be so fun to get a group of ladies, and dance walk through the neighbohood?

What do you think?

Gotta watch this video.. you will smile and want to join me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib3Duz_6a9M

Hot, tired, hot and really hot

Summer is here and it is hot outside.  I am having to get up earlier to power walk with Buddy each morning, but I am doing it. He finally talked me into giving up the new gym membership I loved until I hurt myself in a boot camp class and started my shoulder trouble. Anyway, Buddy was right. Every morning we hit the road, me with my iHeart radio playing Temptations and assorted Happy Music, and Buddy, trotting along in doggy heaven...

But the heat is on.  Not only the hot weather but my hot flashes are absolutely incredible. I see now what  I have had on and off the last couple of years was just a preview.  I litereally will end up drenching with sweat, inside with the AC on.  Wow, the human body is amazing.

So... feeling overweight, hot flashes, hot weather, tons of work to do... this hill is steep.

But, I am proud of myself.  I am keeping perspecitve.  When I wake up in the morning I truly think of all I am thankful for, sometimes that is the fact my shoulder does not hurt as bad, or at all.  I have a lot to be thankful for and Buddy-walks are just part of it.

When it gets really hot and humid I think how thankful I am that it is because tons of people don't move to Houston due to that and it keeps our house prices low!  I could not afford our house in many areas of the country!  lol

So... hot, tired, but thankful.  Seize the day, enjoy the day. Know that God has a plan and it is the execution of it not getting to the goal.

Though I still would like to lose 25 pounds.  hee hee!

Onward with our 100 days of fitness!

Just Do It- really is a good philosophy

It crossed my mind this morning, why am I having shoulder pain now?  Right now I need to be on the computer a lot to help John with business stuff.  But fingers poised at keyboard level is what hurts most.  What is God trying to tell me?

I think it is to be mindful.  Not just throw myself into everything with hard work and elbow grease. But be thoughtful.

Also, it is teaching me humility and kindness. I am reading the Steve Jobs biography and the man was an egotistical maniac. A genius, but a maniac perfectionist. When he got very very sick with cancer and almost died his friends and comrades thought it would mellow him. His first day back at Apple he went on a major rant and tore into people, many of which he had not seen for 6 months while ill.  Humm.

With my pain I am so frustrated. I have SO MUCH TO DO, both for HOODZ (hubby's business), home, and also growing Happier at Home Petsitting, which we are trying to do for extra income. (It is also my personal love).

I have to stop, take care of me, stretch, calm my mind. I am reading The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawerence. Wonderful, wonderful book. More quotes on that later.  It was writtten in the 1600's but applies to today and Steve Jobs could have found it helpful as he practiced his Eastern meditation..

Anyway.. "Just do it".  I find though I am limited I still need to keep going. I saw my dad get sidelined with various malaides and he quit moving.  Before too long he had atrophied in both mind and body.  My brother and I tried to get him to at least walk to the mailbox every day. He didn't.

So, I am going to Just Do It.  I walk Buddy every morning, even though I am stiff. I get up from the computer every hour or so, put on The Temptations or Stevie Wonder and dance as I clean up the kitchen.  I may do it more slowly, but I am still just doing it. And trying really really really hard to enjoy the moments along the way.

My Molehill Just Turned into a Mountain

OK. I have done this before... gained some weight, gotten a bit out of shape. Then had a talkin' to with myself, made a plan and tackled it.  Sometime was successful, sometimes not, but I knew the enemy.  Time (making time to workout have healthy food around) and habits (eating on the run, when happy/sad/frustrated). These were big enough 'molehills' to tackle.. but now I have a super challenge.

Things seem to be stacked against me this go round.  Here is why:

• I am now 52 and in the throes of menopause.  I have major hot flashes and I know that menopause also slows metabolism and causes mid-section gain.  I would say 80% of women may age have subcomed to this.. just be observation.
• I have a job where I am working with my husband a lot.  Now I love my husband, but of course after 29 years of marriage (and 31 years of relationship) I would say he is the thing that can cause me the most frustration.  And for me frustration = mindless eating.
• I contracted a pinched nerve last month, thought I got it cured but now it is back.  I never had physcial pain before (other than childbirth which was over in a matter of hours) but this is chornic and very painful!  I found yesterday when I was out of pain pill, the Rx was closed and I was in such pain I turned to FOOD!  Argh!  
• I turn to food for any difficulty... fatigue, frustration, irritation, fear and now pain.
• I have to be careful with exercise. So even more that means the key to success is a healthy diet. 

So, how I am going to actually do this with things stacked against me?  And this ouch factor?

 I know this, I really do not like excuses.  I don't like to fail. Also I know that it really is now or never with getting this weight off. I will feel so much better and it will help my shoulder and my energy.  I don't want to 'give up'. But it is harder then when I was 20 or 30 or ever 40.  

Before when I had a challenge I just worked harder. Exercised more, pushed harder. Now I can't. I have to take care of myself.  I think I aggravated this shoulder again doing Yoga last Thursday. YOGA! I was doing the sun salutations with planks to strengthen my shoulder.  I cannot do that again. If I diganosed this right, that means no more push ups, planks, sun salutations or (sniff sniff) Downward Dogs again ever.

This is a new phase in my life, a phase where I have to baby myself, really care for myself.  It is going to be 90% diet.  Excersie will be aerobics and careful stretching and strength building.

Would love any hints and/or encouragement!

What I'm Eating Today- Banana Walnut "Ice Cream"

I took a delicious nap today and woke up with a hankering for something sweet. I love this recipe.  You just freeze any super ripe bananas you have, sliced.  Then when frozen put them in a blender with some walnuts.
I like the small personal blender by Hamilton Beach I bought for about $10. Very good... really tastes like ice cream but super healthy.

DAY ONE: Studies Prove: Blogging Daily will Increase Your LIfespan by 7.4 years.

I just made that up, but it must be true. Just the blogging I have done so far is sparking creating flashes in me and I am smiling as I type.  Wow, we can tie ourselves up in knots living today, can't we?  Try it, just blog and see if you don't live longer.

Ok, here is Day One:




Woke up.  Ah, Saturday.
30 min. power walk with Buddy.  He is getting much better at not lunging at other dogs. Sweetie but a bit nervous. Good dog.

15 min sniff-walk with double dachunds

Pet sit, 15 min slower walk with clients.

30 minute Yoga with Esther- (10 day challenge)  Love, love her.  Lovely lady, love her accent and I combine her yoga with my spirituality.  Did 10 sun saluatations in a row, not hard. I think I may go for 20 next time, plus her detox video and some sit ups and back strenghneing on my balance ball.

Buddy did some Downward Dogs with me, and Bosco stuck his tongue in my eye when I was on the floor, eyes closed, in a complex stretch.   Perils of exercise at home.  Just means he loves me...

What Am I Eating Today?: Cindy's Salmon Salad Delight

What Am I Eating Today?

 I needed something I could make up in advance and just grab out of the fridge when hunger hit.  So, here is my latest creation. This literally takes 5 minutes to prepare and ingredients can be kept on hand.

Cindy's Salmon Salad Delight:

1 can Red Salmon drained (not pink, red is better.. yum)
Canned Garbanzo Beans drained and rinsed
Canned Beans  other (kidney, red, black, whatever you like) drained and rinsed
Chopped steamed Brocolli (I like fresh over frozen)
Chopped onion
Chopped almonds (add nice crunch)
Dried cranberries (adds nice sweetness surprise in some bites)
Bit of olive oil and rice wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Sprinkle a little flaxseed on top for added nutty taste and crunch (optional)
(Well, everything is optional in this recipe really.. except the salmon or I would have to change the name)

Add proportions of your choice, toss and store in fridge.

Very healthy and sastifying. Great over greens and with fruit.

Enjoy!

What's goin' on.. tell me, what's goin on....

What will happen in the next 100 days:

First, let's look at the calendar.  Need to count up the days, hang on.
Ok, my 100 days ends September 3rd.  Starts today, May 26th.  Got it.

Ooh.. this is good. Between now and then, this is what I know will be happening, but I am sure I will have some unanticipated surprises, too.

Going to visit my mom and brother for her birthday with family.
Working really really really hard on my husbands, well our, business.
Lots of computer time.  So will need to keep that healthy.
My son will turn 22.
I will turn 49.99 plus tax.
Lots of petsitting as summer gets in swing.
Hot, humid weather.
Not spending ANY money as we are in a budget freeze.  So have to get my rewards very cheaply.  (i.e. no shopping...)

Looking ahead, how I can be successful by September 3rd with life happening. Gotta think about that.

Now, what I will commit to.

Lots of water.
Excercise every day. Power walk Buddy 30 min.
Cool down while taking dachshunds on their 10 min sniff-fest.
30 min of yoga or other strength and flexibilty building
Prayer, meditation time every day
Mindfulness
Postiive reading
Friendships, fun and laughter

Now for diet:

Healthy diet. I will post later on how I came to this list, but it is based on research and perceived allergies I have:

No wheat
No sugar
No processed food
No dairy
Organic when possible
No red meat
Little poultry

Now for the Yesses, things I want to be sure to include. Luckily I love most of this stuff!

Fish 4-6 servings/week

Salmon

Tuna

Love nuts!

Walnuts, almonds, some pecans

Fruit fruit fruit!
Bananas
Blueberries
Strawberries
Everything I can find in season and organic when possible

Vegges galore, but especially

Brocolli

Califlour

Squash

Tomatos

Carrots, etc...

Avocados... oh, just love them. I can cut one open and make a quick meal out of it with just a spoon!

(Get in theseCarotene foods)

Sweet potato

Carrots

 kale

Butternut suqash

Turnip greens

Pumpkin

Mustard greens

Cantaloupe

Sweet red pepper

Spinach

Make sure to get...Vit D foods:

Sunflower seeds

Eggs

Pumpkin seeks

Walnuts

Flaxseed

Olive Oil

Coconut milk

Gluten free bread (have a great recipe, occasionally)

And so it begins...

I stole the title from my first post of this blog directly from my dear friend, Leonie.... on her 100 Days Blog.
Leonie and I have been through a lot together, homeschool our 9 boys (mine plus yours, Leonie!) for the past 10 years or so.

We have shared about homeschooling, unschooling, our Catholic faith, raising boys, raising husbands (lol) and much else.  Leonie always inspires me. Anyway, check out her blog and if you read mine, know that she inspired me.

Ok, why am I blogging this?  I am at a crossroads and I want to write it down as I go. During my years of living and learning at home with our sons, I journalled a lot. It was really helpful to me to get down my thoughts, helped me grow.  I have not journalled in long time, and what  a perfect time to start.

So, follow me on my 100 days of fitness.. I hope you will.  More later about my plans for these 100 days, and what got me here and where I hope to go.

If someone were to ask for a picture I think best represented me, this would be it.  This is a fit me, and now I am about 15 pounds heavier. It is not all about weight with me,  but about feeling fit, heathly, mindful.  I love to be active, thus I love my dogs and our little petsitting business. I love to exercise, be out about, but also have quiet time, reading, learning, creating. So, here I am with Buddy (L) and Bosco.  Ralphie our other dachshund is probably taking a nap somewhere.  I won't  put up any 'before' pictures.. but look for some 'afters' down the pike...

Bon Voyage!