Okay, that was weird. I woke up and actually wanted to walk after taking yesterday off!
I may have officially entered an "I like to exercise" stage in my life. It is starting to seem like for the first time in a while I am working on developing a good habit.
Not saying that I am doing this alone. I found a couple of walking buddies and what home schooling Mom does not appreciate adult conversation? Plus, when I go by myself it makes a pretty good prayer interval. No phone, no interruptions. Is this what people mean by having a "quiet time"?
Saw another deer, too. Just the back of him, because there is heavy machinery "improving" the trail. Think I have until November when it will be too dark to walk before 8 a.m. I wonder if I can incorporate a walk at lunch break. If I take Amanda, it counts as P.E. Cool beans!
Random musings on trying to lose weight, journaling of the goofy thoughts I have about food and the rest of my life
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Fat (or Food) in my Head
I have come to the conclusion that most of my issues with food are not about the food in my house. It is about the food in my head.
When I was carefully tracking what I ate, I noticed that I was consuming more calories in snacks than my actual meals. And that I ate more in the later part of the day, which I considered to be my time to relax, than in the hours before dinner. I have known for a long time that I am an emotional eater. It is my fallback for celebrations, comfort and often, boredom.
Coincidentally, I eat more when my husband is home: weekends and evenings. Not that I am blaming him. I am just thinking, here. I know part of it is that growing up, eating felt like a competition. Sometimes, even a race! My Mom would sigh, put her fork down and tell my Dad, "Slow down! You're making me tired, just watching you eat so fast!" He learned to eat fast in the Army. They did not have leisurely meals. You ate as fast as you could, then on to the next thing.
Well, slowing down while eating. Another thing to do intentionally, instead of the way I've always done it.
When I was carefully tracking what I ate, I noticed that I was consuming more calories in snacks than my actual meals. And that I ate more in the later part of the day, which I considered to be my time to relax, than in the hours before dinner. I have known for a long time that I am an emotional eater. It is my fallback for celebrations, comfort and often, boredom.
Coincidentally, I eat more when my husband is home: weekends and evenings. Not that I am blaming him. I am just thinking, here. I know part of it is that growing up, eating felt like a competition. Sometimes, even a race! My Mom would sigh, put her fork down and tell my Dad, "Slow down! You're making me tired, just watching you eat so fast!" He learned to eat fast in the Army. They did not have leisurely meals. You ate as fast as you could, then on to the next thing.
Well, slowing down while eating. Another thing to do intentionally, instead of the way I've always done it.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Visible improvement
Well, this morning it happened. I was not just aware of sore muscles; I could actually see a muscle in my leg.
Wearing a pedometer on most days helped me to figure out that even when I wasn't "going for a walk" I actually could accumulate a couple of miles a day just doing what I normally do.
When the weather was snowy last year, going to the gym was not an option even if I had a membership. But I was surprised how many steps shoveling the driveway and doing laundry (downstairs) added up to in a few days.
Not saying that all my "couch potato" activities are eliminated. I still like to watch TV sometimes and a few games of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook is relaxing after a day of teaching, but my goal is not to make sitting around what I am characterized by. Don't want my legacy to be my knowledge of TV or movie trivia, but passing on a healthy lifestyle to my girl.
Wearing a pedometer on most days helped me to figure out that even when I wasn't "going for a walk" I actually could accumulate a couple of miles a day just doing what I normally do.
When the weather was snowy last year, going to the gym was not an option even if I had a membership. But I was surprised how many steps shoveling the driveway and doing laundry (downstairs) added up to in a few days.
Not saying that all my "couch potato" activities are eliminated. I still like to watch TV sometimes and a few games of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook is relaxing after a day of teaching, but my goal is not to make sitting around what I am characterized by. Don't want my legacy to be my knowledge of TV or movie trivia, but passing on a healthy lifestyle to my girl.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Deer me
Another serendipitous moment. Just as I got to a fork in the trail, I saw a deer. I stopped. He stayed still and so did I.
Then I went on around the bend. Ahhh. That doesn't happen at the gym.
Then I went on around the bend. Ahhh. That doesn't happen at the gym.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Caramel apples, sort of
There is just something about autumn that I love. The crispness in the air. The reduced air conditioning costs. And the one holiday that is just about food--Thanksgiving. (Not really, I do give THANKS, too.)
I also enjoy mixing candy corn and peanuts as a mix. Tastes reminds me of a Payday candy bar. This year I was really craving caramel apples...But that thick caramel is messy, not good for my teeth or waistline. So, I came up with a compromise alternative. According to the package of caramels, a serving is 5 pieces. I eat a giant Granny Smith apple, alternating bites with the caramels. Less calories than my first choice, but better than not feeding the craving and eating everything else instead.
What mind games do you play with food?
I also enjoy mixing candy corn and peanuts as a mix. Tastes reminds me of a Payday candy bar. This year I was really craving caramel apples...But that thick caramel is messy, not good for my teeth or waistline. So, I came up with a compromise alternative. According to the package of caramels, a serving is 5 pieces. I eat a giant Granny Smith apple, alternating bites with the caramels. Less calories than my first choice, but better than not feeding the craving and eating everything else instead.
What mind games do you play with food?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sore muscles
Well, after my third walk since Saturday I am noticing something odd. My muscles are starting to hurt. The advantage of sore muscles is: I must have some muscles or they could not hurt!
So, my body is no longer the consistency of pudding. My interim goal is to get rid of that roll of fat around my belly. I believe it's Indian name is Butt-that-bounces-in-front.
You remember that rap song "I Like Big Butts"? Well, I can sing that to myself with new lyrics. "I hate my big butt, and I cannot lie." But more than singing, I have to stop sitting on it.
So, my body is no longer the consistency of pudding. My interim goal is to get rid of that roll of fat around my belly. I believe it's Indian name is Butt-that-bounces-in-front.
You remember that rap song "I Like Big Butts"? Well, I can sing that to myself with new lyrics. "I hate my big butt, and I cannot lie." But more than singing, I have to stop sitting on it.
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