[Fresia]

I don't know if anyone is interested, but what about a thread that we could log and track what we have been able to do (or even days that we can't), just to check in, help with motivation, recommendations and tips towards meeting our goals, and/or for support.

If interested, I have started it below.

Meanwhile, I hope y'alls routines are going well. You can do it!

[Fresia]

My day:
- I started today by walking this morning with the dogs. The weren't happy because there was no "sniff time" but straight walking time. I got a little further than I would normally go by an additional block before turning around. It was nice as I was not winded and so far, not sore either. We'll see by tonight/tomorrow however.

-My surgery has healed and weight has come down enough that I have a Total Gym that the doc said I can use again; will give it a go this afternoon on the low setting of course. Nervous about how it will be but looking forward to trying something else now. Let you know how that goes.

[Beholden]

I'll oin in with you F.

I walked the dog a short walk this am and just got back in from our usual walk. So I walked just over a mile today. In the rain. Though the temperature was mild.

I'm back to tracking my food because since about April I've really fallen off my little red wagon.

Thanks for starting this for us.

[Fresia]

Thanks Beholden for your update. '

I battled the rain this morning too but dogless this time, as out of town at the moment. Dealt with trucks though that thought it was so funny to splash me while I walked. SO glad I brought extra clothes. It's hard for me to tell how far I got, but will check it out in the car this afternoon when I leave.

I too have loss track off food and just recently have made of point of doing so again. I have to remember too with the holidays, not to cut everything out either but to look for alternatives. If none of that will do then have it, but in moderation and smaller amounts, slowly until the craving goes away. I'll eat too much more of it later if I don't allow myself to have some now. This has been learned, tried and true for me so I don't blow it. Unless there are other recommendations?

I still cannot find my gym, but it's somewhere in the house. I am hoping my brother did not make off with it. Hmmph. So hopefully when I get back tonight, I'll find it in the last few spots to check, and get going on it. Looking forward to it.

Enjoy your walks and (((( Beholden))))).

[Beholden]

Yeah, moderation, portion control, tasting little amounts of the things we have hanging around during the holidays.

Here is another statement that helped me when I did my lifestle changes (though I've slipped) is:

"If I ate it, negate it with exercise"!

Life and all is a balancing act afterall.

I walked the dog before 8:30am for our usual mile. We got snow last night! But the sun was shinning and no wind out there. I ate just one serving of my bran cereal, high fiber, low sugar with fat free milk and have alreadyl planned on a fresh orange to eat for my mid morning snack!

Go for it F. I hope you find your gym.

[Perna]

I have a new goal of trying to do what is "good" versus what I "want". I believe it is good to take care of one's self but often that gets lost in the personal desires one has; others make suggestions and instead of considering them, we just shoot them down, in my case, without even putting my own suggestions on the line!

I don't want to get further in the habit of thinking my opinion is worth more than another person's, just because it is mine. Most of what we think and say throughout the day is an opinion but we treat it like fact. So much gets out there automatically without thought or listening to others and I want to put a stop to that, so I don't do that to others, and with myself, so I don't just say, "I want that cookie, gimmee!" and eat what I like instead of doing the harder resisting or refusal on my part. We talk about will power but I think that's just a convenient "excuse" to not do the hard work of paying attention in the moment and making choices based on what is good, versus what we want which may/may not be good.

[Fresia]

It can be very difficult at times to separate opinions from fact. Mindfulness in choices plays an important role in how we treat ourselves too. Really good reminders, thank you, Perna.

I did yoga this morning and feel so much better, also got to stay in the warm comfort of the home as it is cold out this morning. As you mention Beholden, about the snow, it is right around the corner here too and have some figuring to do to supplement the walking when that happens and to keep up the momentum.

Ordering food yesterday was fun while out of town. Apparently, I was "crazy" according to the waiter for asking for dressing on the side and requesting that the steamed vegetables not have anything on them. The menu did not say "no substitutions". I know it's picky but I don't need the extra stuff and like the flavor as is. As much as I like eating out, not having to do the cooking, it's nice to be able to prepare things at home yourself on one hand exactly as you want. The only judgments then I have to suffer are my own.

[Beholden]

Perna,

That sounds like a very interesting goal! Opinions are just that, opinions.

I walked to day with Jack, just over one mile. It was sunny and cool. Snow's gone, but I enjoyed today's temps.

I have rolls to make, mixed the sweet dough last night. Will make some plain with just a bit of brushed butter, some with cinnamon and brown sugar and the last ones with white sugar and grated orange zest and oj.

Will freeze most so we have treats waiting for us.

I know what you mean, F. about ordering veggies without anything on them at a restaurant! Or harder yet is to get something without salt in the prep. Unless it is a very pricey place. I like the taste of the food too.

[Beholden]

Welcome morningcalm.

good goals for today I'd say.

I've walked Jack just over a mile again this morning. He comes up to me while I'm at the computer and nudges my mouse hand when he wants to go walking. What a dog! He can be very determined too.

My goal today since my laundry is caught up is to finish tayloring my new jeans. I bought really cheap boot cut ones that flair too much and were too long. I've done the ripping out, which is the hard part with all the seams! Last night I marked where the new cutting lines are, so now, it is off to the machine!

hmmm.. well i very much like the idea of this thread. (((just not sure where to start here is all)))
I did want to say that it's a little inspiring for me, as i need to begin tracking my diet/exercise. so thank's :P

[Fresia]

Hi Vicvickienc16,
The tracking is exactly what this thread is for, plus! Use it as you need it towards your fitness goals. Good to see you.

Hi Morningcalm,
I know there are days I have to take break; today was one for me as well. Those days can be just as important to take care of ourselves.

Beholden,
I love that Jack does that when it's time to go. Mine will nudge my feet or pick up my walking shoes to let me know it is time. Whoever says they don't have a mind of their own, SO wrong.

I walked with the pup today, a much shorter one though, due to being sore from moving the gym down the stairs yesterday. Oh was it heavy but it is nice that I can cancel the gym membership now. Although T won't like that it will be more isolating to work-out at home, but right now with everything that has happened the solace will be nice. Not looking forward to telling her this week. However, I must have been in better shape when I moved it up to store it. Ah, to be fit again.

The walks have become more interesting. I remember what you said, Beholden, awhile ago about checking out the surroundings and being more mindful during the walks. It has made them more enjoyable and not so boring. Thanks for that.

[Beholden]

My goals today are to go out to buy hair color, come back home, color my hair.

Then go to my hair appt for a good cut/style.

I've been growing my hair out so I can put it back into a pony tail. Also I haven't colored it for about 3 inches of roots showing. It has been highlighted so it wasn't so awful. Well, ok it was bad, but I but up with it. (I don't get out much.)

We have a family wedding on Dec 10 so I must not look frumpy.

I know it will make me feel good too.

[Fresia]

Yesterday in the morning, I hiked in the fields while the dog ran. It was lovely to be out in nature. In the afternoon, I did some yoga to help with some of the stiffness from moving things a few days ago. It was really helpful. Today, I plan to work out using the gym and will probably take the dog for another run, hiking in the fields instead of around the neighborhood.

I am starting to notice the difference after some exercises that there is an energy boost again, instead of feeling fatigued. So instead of dreading the exercise, which still is not something I look forward to, I do look forward to its benefits. It has affected my sleep as well so that am sleeping deeper and longer, w/o waking throughout the night, but feeling rested in the morning.

I was thinking about things to feel better and what can do to treat ourselves. Beholden, the hair color for me is something that always makes me feel better and helps my self image, as I started to prematurely gray in my twenties. It was too young to be gray then and even now, the color makes such a difference. The other thing in response to all these changes has been to do some pampering, and with the exercises and soreness at times, getting some scented/unscented bath salts/soaks or things for hot baths to treat muscles. They can be inexpensive in the store and for me, have done wonders for re-energizing my body and spirit.

Are there are things that y'all do to treat yourself to help re-energize, pamper and take yourself, as you make these changes with your exercises and goals?

Good going everyone so far! Best wishes with the daily goals and believe in yourself that you can do it!

[Beholden]

I am loving my new hair style. My husband said it is the best my hair has looked in years. He usually doesn't even notice when I've "had it done"! So it must be as great as it makes me feel.

NOW for me to do the cut justice.

Benefits to exercise . The best one for me is that I actually feel tired (in my body) rather than the fatique/bored/feeling I often have with my mood when it is bed time. I love feeling physically tired and sound sleep.

well, i cant say that my first poast is going to be a good start...
but,

today i had a few shoartbread cookies and an energy drink for breakfast, i walked around the center and now im in trade. my goals for today are
-eat a balanced lunch & dinner
-successfully complete my clothing run
-remain at a tolerable stress level
-and get plenty of sleep tonight

i know it might sound strange.. but such is life at this time and in this place

[Fresia]

I walked this morning with the pup in the fields since the weather was so nice. I made it to the Farmer's Market to get additional vegetables for the week for better food choices and so they would be on hand.
My goals for this afternoon are to do the weights and walk again with the pup.

[Fresia]

Stiff today but not sore from doing weights yesterday; I'm afraid it will show up tomorrow,we'll see. Did yoga instead and walked with the pup.

Going out town tonight and dreading it. I packed some of my own food so I would not have to go out and since there is a fridge and microwave in the room to use, this will be helpful.

Hope all is going well for everyone.

[Beholden]

Got back to walking with Jack. Just over my mile again. Did a complete clean out the drawers of my sewing cabinet!!!! (It is acutally our old computer table.)

My friend left early this morning so I took a nap - we were up late last night having a pj party and catching up on all the news in our lives since about 6 months ago.....

[Fresia]

Sounds like it was nice visit. It can be good to catch up with friends, tiring at times but fun. Good going on the mile walk and getting stuff cleaned out. I have been putting this off and probably will continue until after finals, but inspiring.

My goals today have included increasing the walking time today, making it to the last class before finals, and getting to group. It was all struggle but managed to do it; despite being physically and mentally exhausted now, I am THRILLED to have made it through today. It was a rough one. Dinner, play with the pup, and bed blissfully awaits.

[Fresia]

I was far from motivated today. Enjoyed walking with the pup but did not manage to add anything else in and was quite lazy today in fact. Goals for tomorrow include weights or yoga along with the walks and need to study. This thread is holding me to it.

[Fresia]

Brrrrrr, it's chilly out. The walk was definitely brisker than usual, and no lingering. It was nice to get back inside. Walks, check and check; yoga, check. It's nice there are things that can do inside to exercise as well now that winter is here. However, I am glad for taking the day off yesterday but it was nice to do something today as well. Off to study in by the cozy, warm fire.

[Beholden]

Good for you F!

We went to an out of state wedding on Friday which messed with dog walking and eatttttting! It is so good to be back home instead of hotel.
I did my late walk with Jack about 5pm and the air was chilly.

When were were at the wedding it was only 3 degrees outside when we came out of the reception. BRRRRR in my dress and thin coat. But I looked good.

Goals are to eat less now that I'm doing the cooking again.

[Fresia]

Oh, that's such a nice feeling to be looking 'good' for such an occasion, even if it means freezing in the process. I remember my grandmother saying beauty is painful at times.

I got everything done that I needed to the last couple of days. I'm not so sure about today. So much on my plate with appointments and a final today out of town. Trying to figure out when to squeeze everything in, so it may not be until late tonight I will get either a walk or some tai chi/yoga in in the hotel room. I am promising myself here that I will do at least SOMETHING today. Gotta run, definitely figure of speech.

[Beholden]

Well being home isn't motivation enough for me to walk more.

I cheated myself and my dog on our morning walk. I just didn't love it when we left the house, so after his 3rd leg raising, I made us turn around.

Yesterday was my follow-up with my family doc. It was wonderful.

I can stay on my lower dose of high blood pressure medice.

My pre-diabetes numbers (A1c) is 5.7 so that's great.

My cholesterol is greatl. I'm taking Lipitor now. My good guys went up, my bad guys went down

I got hand cream for my horrible dry skin! My thyroid numbers improved with a small tweak in meds.

I've gained 18 pounds since Feb '10.

I will loss it. Literally, I have to run!

[Fresia]

YEAH, On the labs!!! Good news!!

The 12 lbs is frustrating but how do you feel? As you said, being home now, there is more control over food preparation. I'm glad I won't be traveling so much now and will have a chance to prepare my own stuff now.

I found a gym at the hotel last night so I got in a small workout. Noticed energy level was low but it was something. Even lower energy level today but will definitely walk later; the dog needs to walk.

Have to talk to the doc tomorrow about the fact that symptoms are not getting better, not worse though, but not better either. Am anxious to see what the values are after all these shots; it should be interesting.

Off to a final exam, and literally the final one, thankfully.