Healthy renewal - new fitness goal

SO, I discovered I have been overmedicating. I did not realize the doc called in a different dosage amount 60 mg's as opposed to 20 mg's and VERY stupid me thought they were a generic (as they are always changing the generics), and not reading the label to verify. I have been taking my usual 3 capsules, so I have been getting 180 mg not 60 mg. Yikes. No wonder I have been feeling so strange lately to say the least. Talk to the doc, and am tapering back down over the next week, but it explains a lot as far as lack of patience, unfocused, increased appetite, lack of sleep, etc.... I am maniac. I have to let the anger go at myself because I know better with meds; I will not be making assumptions again. Good time to practice self compassion meanwhile to let go of my anger at myself. It would explain why have been so focused on the treadmill, it is soothing and can keep moving, and why I cannot focus on doing the weights as still have not done them, no patience to sit still that long.

Goal today: try to do Zumba; fallback is the treadmill so at least there is something; to try to feel less stupid.

At least you figured it out and it's an easy fix! But yes, definitely time to practice self compassion and try to let your anger go. There's really nothing to be angry about it. It was a mistake, but the world didn't end. And you learned something. So just be gentle with yourself.

I'm surprised no one mentioned it to you, though. I've been very annoyed picking up my prescriptions lately... No matter how long I've been on the exact same medication, I still have to wait and have a pharmacist ask "Have you taken these before? Any questions?" before I can go. The pharmacist always seems busy and I feel like it's just a waste of both our time. But the few times I did change either dosage or even brand to generic, they always mention the change to me. Luckily, this last prescription is good for three months so I don't have to feel like I'm constantly going to the pharmacy... It's also a sign of how far I've come, cause that's a heck of a lot of pills!

I'm glad you got everything straightened out. Now you'll be able to get your routine going again. I've never tried Zumba -- how do you like it? It sounds like a great thing to do if you're feeling manic

Goal: Gym today. Going today will make my week goal as well. I'm thinking about a new swimsuit as a reward for going to the gym X number of times, or something. I'm going on a short vacation with my sister in April and wouldn't mind a new suit, even though I clearly don't need it...

Always love getting a new swimsuit and perfect timing given the vacation. I know what you mean about not needing one but well, makes it fun nonetheless to get a new one.

Zumba is a challenge especially for the uncoordinated, but a workout nonetheless and energizing as there is great music to workout to in the process.

I did not meet my goal yesterday. I have less and less energy and procrastinated something fierce. I feel like I am in a slump though I am getting closer to my normal med level now. I don't feel like doing much of anything. I know I will fell better; it just will take some major convincing to get started.

Goal today: cardio, that should be uplifting.

So the struggle continues. I did manage to do the treadmill yesterday and the day before but not for normal times; at least it was moving, is how I am considering it at this point. Today's goal will be weights.

I got a letter that my GP is leaving. I have been assigned to a new doc that am impressed with his credentials, verified does accept my insurance, and also they put me for an appointment the same week my physical was supposed to be in a few weeks. They already called in my lab work to get done ahead of time. So they are organized as well which is a good sign. I even asked for additional lab work that usually gets done and they agreed.

I am nervous about meeting with a new doc and wonder how it will go with current health status and how labs will come back, which is a whole other issue. I hate having to discuss all this stuff with someone new, again. However, getting a physical done at this time will help solidify fitness goals though and may be the kick in the arse that need at this point. Still, discussing hx, let alone mental health dx with someone knew does not excite me and does not help my nerves. So something to look forward to at this point, not, and yet it will be good, so many mixed feelings.

Goal today: yoga

Despite being grey today and drizzly, it was nice that the roads were clear so that could walk outside. What a difference that made for rejuvenation to be outside.

Goal later today: to walk again

Weigh-in: 2 lb loss this week and will take it and run. I was surprised even at this amount.

Busy week this week with a deadline tomorrow for a school project, appointment out of town Thursday, and test Monday. It is so easy to push exercise aside to get other things done but need to make sure to make some time for it, if for no other reason than stress relief.

I hope your health and fitness goals are going well. Best wishes as your work towards them!

Good job, Fresia! I agree; you should definitely make time to exercise while your stressed/busy. You'll definitely feel better when everything is all said and done. It's funny, because I think exercising is generally the first thing to go. But it's probably the only thing keeping me sane the rest of the time.

Made it to the gym last night. Probably won't go tonight because we need to go grocery shopping (but that still counts as exercise, right? I should totally get me pedometer working...).

Goal for the week: Gym 4 times. Monday [Check!], Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday or Sunday.

How are things going this week R.S.? I hope the gym is going well.

I spent the earlier part of this week snow shoveling for several days. The last two days nothing however as have been out of town and crammed schedule. Today the roads are clearish that am going to walk. It will be good to be outside as a storm is coming back in tomorrow.

I am concerned as have been craving carbs, which is not like me and is something new. I would rather avoid them if I can and only eat them in proportion. I don't know how to get around that. Does anyone have an issue with this and if so how do you deal with it?

Hope your health goals are going well.

Goal today: walking

Hey Fresia, thanks for checking in!

I met my goal last week -- went to the gym on all four days I said I would. It was a pretty good feeling. My neighbor came over to ask me to watch her kids one night, but I already had plans to go to the gym. At first, I felt bad saying no, but then I decided, I wouldn't feel bad saying no if someone asked me to stop taking my meds, so why should I feel bad about going to the gym? My mental health is the whole reason I go to the gym in the first place. It's just another aspect of my treatment plan.

I think I'm going to run my first road race of the year this weekend. I'll probably try to work out Monday (today), Wednesday, and Thursday. Hopefully, I'll get to run outside Wednesday or Thursday. It's supposed to snow a little, but it'll be a lot warmer than it has been!

Are you craving any carbs in particular? Or just in general? I'm not sure I ever crave carbs so much as I crave specific foods... like cookies... or chocolate... or granola bars... I just did a google search on "Craving carbs" and the first thing that popped up was "Carbohydrate craving and depression." There was also something about healthy ways to deal with cravings and they suggested whole grains, fruits and veggies, and beans. Don't know if any of that is helpful.

I hope you got to enjoy the outdoors before the next storm rolls in!

RS, I am so wishing you the best of the luck for your race this weekend. I hope training has gone well and you met your goals for each day this week. May the wind be at your back and lightness in your step.

I wish I had seen it sooner, I definitely have swung to the depression end of the spectrum, which makes sense given some things like sleeping a lot, lack of energy, the tears at the drop of the hat, and the carb cravings, which have been for things like breads, pastas, rice, cereals, granolas. etc. Depression, it so fits. The joys of the roller coaster at times in coming off the mania, it is a delicate balance and it shouldn't take much to adjust them though. Hate it when that happens, sneaking up on me like this but easily changed.

A big storm is coming this afternoon and tomorrow, so I did walk last night, brought wood in for weights yesterday, and will try to walk again this morning. I see shoveling in the future.

Goals today: adjust meds, walk, take care of self

Again good luck this weekend RS! May Atalanta be with you this weekend, the greek god of running, for swiftness and so you take flight across the finish line with your best time yet.

I have been better lately about watching what I eat, especially the carbs, substituting in more vegetables for them instead and trying to limit intake otherwise. I have not written because all I have been doing is shoveling and I have more of it to do today; it will probably take me two days to get the last of this shoveled out. I am hoping we will have a break from it for a bit. It is amazing how tiring it is and even how sore afterward it makes things all over, nature's workout.

I wondered if your race went through RS. Hope it went well.
Hope everyone's goals are going really well. Keep it up!

Goal today: shovel, shovel, shovel, and more shoveling.

Oh, yes, my race went through. It was a whole winter sporting festival with ski races, snow bike races, and whole bunch of other things I can't even remember. I did pretty well, about 31 and a half minutes. Considering I hadn't run outside since the beginning December, and I haven't been running as much distance since then either (I did three miles on the thread mill two days before to make sure I could still run 3 miles since I hadn't since, oh, probably also December). I came in 9th in my age group. Wonder if I could medal this summer Wishful thinking

I've been keeping up a pretty good gym routine. I go two days in a row, then take a day or two off. Tomorrow, I hope to run outside since it'll be nice and sunny. I'm all signed up for my March race, too!

Sorry to hear about so much shoveling!! Good grief, you get a lot of snow! I hope you get a break soon!!

Congratulations on the race! Awesome time! Good luck with your workouts.

This is an unusual amount of snow; though for fun, I picked up a Farmer's Almanac and they predicted this much snow, even down to the storms themselves and when they were coming. Astounding, yet the weather men have trouble each day?

I forget to post my weigh in on Monday; I gained 4 lbs. Not thrilled and not surprised. I have been better this last week with foods, which is what got me this lovely number, and hopefully the increased exercise will make a difference this week. Nothing like a setback to at fuel to the fire.

Goal today: to be a hamster, and get on my wheel.

Recovered from shoveling and going to get in some cardio today. Roads are still a mess so walking is out as is the below 0 temp. I don't know what is up with this winter but it has been SO unusual. So I will do something indoors today and will find something more festive to stave off the cabin fever and winter blues for a change, so a mini trip to Latin America sounds good.

Goal today: Zumba

I had to take the weights down for company so today I will get them set back and do them tomorrow.

Goal today: treadmill and firewood

Setback with Dad this week in the hospital but he is home now, thankfully, and doing better.

I met with my new GP and was impressed. He was impressed that what I have been doing dietary-wise has improved my lab values, cholesterol:LDL came down by half into normal range and HDL increased double, but my weight he was not so impressed with and neither was he impressed with my triglycerides were still borderline high; so that makes two of us. I am obese, facing facts, such a horrible word though. He admitted I have made some great strides but I have long way to go. He gave me some tips though instead of just lecturing which was a nice change.

I need to keep my calories between around 1100-1200 a day, so I don't shut down my metabolism but still have enough to do my activities and start burning fat. I am not looking forward to counting calories however but somehow knew this day would come.

Other tips for reducing triglyceride levels, which also reduces cholesterol and decreases weight:
Cut back on Fructose (corn syrup, honey, sucrose, glucose, fructose, honey or maltose listed as one of the first ingredients). Reduce saturated and trans fats: Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and are found in fried foods, red meat, chicken skin, egg yolks, high-fat dairy, butter, lard, shortening, margarine, and fast food. Reduce trans fats, which are hydrogenated fats and are found in many packaged foods, such as chips, cookies, cakes, donuts, microwave popcorn, and pastries; trans fats are also present in margarine, shortening, fried foods, and fast foods. Instead, choose lean proteins, such as skinless white chicken meat, fish, low-fat dairy, egg whites, and legumes. Good oil choices are olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Avoid refined grains or starchy foods: such as enriched or bleached white bread, wheat bread, or pasta. Also avoid sugary cereals, instant rice, bagels, (oh how I love these), pizza, pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes. Starchy foods include high-starch vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, peas, parsnips, pumpkin, squash, zucchini and yams. Instead, choose foods with 100% whole grains, long-grain rice instead of instant rice, and non-starchy vegetables: non-starchy vegetables are typically flowering parts of the plant. Lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomatoes are all considered non-starchy vegetables for just some examples.

To increase: Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglyceride levels significantly. This fat is found in fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and tilapia. Try to eat fatty fish at least twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in walnuts, flax seeds, canola oil, and foods made with soy. Fish oil or omega-3 supplements are also available and may be an excellent addition to your care regimen. A diet high in vegetables and fruits can help lower triglyceride levels. Try to get more than three cups of vegetables a day and choose low-GI fruits (glycemic index). Lowest GI fruits /Fruits Lowest in Sugar: Small Amounts of Lemon or Lime, Rhubarb, Raspberries, Blackberries, and Cranberries; and Fruits Low to Medium in Sugar:Strawberries, Casaba Melon, Papaya, Watermelon, Peaches, Nectarines, Blueberries, Cantaloupes, Honeydew melons, and Apples.

So, no more slacking off. I will be a bean counter and a whirlwind of activity.

Goal today: weights

Good luck with your health and fitness goals!!!

Oh it's been a busy week. I did weights two days this week and thanks to the weather walked four days. I have a test coming up a week from Monday and am struggling with the material. I can see foregoing exercise to spend more time studying but am going to make sure I take some time each day to do something even if it is just minutes. Eating is still a problem and fighting with myself over some food cravings. Some changes are harder to make than others. I think the next step will be just not to have certain things in the house anymore and better substitutes instead. Perhaps that will make it easier as there will be no choice.

Goal today: fitness video, 20-30 minutes

It sounds like going to your doctor was productive and helpful. The changes are hard, but you're doing great. I think you should be really proud of yourself. See how far you've come, not just how far you have to go.

I hope your dad is doing better. Sorry to hear about the set back.

Been really busy myself, but still trying to get some running in. Ran a race over the weekend in about 31 and a half minutes. Now that the weather is improving, I'm starting to run outside again and that makes me very happy! I'm thinking about setting a new time goal for the end of summer. I have to ask my husband to help me figure out what might be realistic because I have no idea.

Thank you for the well wishes for Dad and congrats on the Race! How is it coming towards 'getting the new swimsuit' goal?

I went back to the drawing board because I realized, as my clothes are getting tighter, something is not working. I don't dare get on the scale, going to wait until Monday. My portion sizes have increased besides the bad snack choices. I have poor self control; I thought I could keep the snacks until they were finished with some self control but that is not the case. Like the old commercial, "bet you can't eat just one", well, that is me so I gave them away. I also need better portion control for meals and started reading labels again for what size they should be. I also need to move more again as I have been slacking off. I look forward to the weather changing and the roads clearing up; I miss biking, hopefully soon.

Goal today: weights

It's funny, once I verbalized my swimsuit goal, I didn't feel I needed it any more... Very strange. I kind of resigned myself to the fact that I might get one, I might not, but I'm going to keep working out anyways. I think with the warmer weather coming, it's easier for me to get out the door. All the same, I have coupons so I'm going to go shopping tomorrow

Sorry to hear about all the set backs! I think food is the hardest part. You definitely have to think ahead to eat healthier and bring snacks with you if you're going some place. It's also hard if that's what you have in the house. My mom has one of those plates with the divided sections to help with portion control.

Good luck, I know you can do it!

Thanks R.S.! Sounds like a great goal! Good luck!

I talked to the doc about starting a running program; he said I should keep with low impact exercises for the time being, until I get to a lower weight, to be safer with my knees and feet so I will be sticking with biking, walking and swimming for the time being for cardio. I like the program you described before though and have been keeping it in mind and will as a goal when I get to a bit lower weight. I think it will be more interesting to add to the routine.

So I chickened out getting on the scale yesterday and will need to do it today. Ignorance is bliss right now. There are patches of ground now peaking out and roads have cleared in time for snow, yet again tomorrow, (what is up with this winter, yikes! it never ends ) Hopefully it will be light and won't last. So going to get in some outdoor time despite the cold. Going to get Dad out too. Fresh air will be good for both of us.

Goal today: walking 2x

How is the weather helping or hindering everyone's goals at this point? Hopefully Spring is upon you. Hope all is going well with your goals! Keep it up!

I am currently trying to convince myself to go for a run. I have about an hour before the sun sets. But it's fairly cold outside. Not the freezing it has been, but cold enough that I don't want to go running. It's deceptively bright and sunny, though, so I'm feeling a bit guilty, especially since I haven't gone for a run since Saturday. But it's going to start warming up to above freezing tomorrow and I kind of just want to wait it out... But if I do wait it out, I won't be able to run until probably Friday, since tomorrow is my ballet class and Thursday looks rainy. Oh fiddlesticks! Its really hard to motivate myself to go outside when it's cold when I know it's going to be warmer very soon! I probably won't go for a run today, but ballet tomorrow, and then run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bah, we'll see... Maybe I'll change my mind another three times before I finish this post

My mom's doctors all generally tell her she shouldn't be running because of her weight, but she refuses to listen. She doesn't run very fast, and I'm not sure how far she's running right now, but I know it makes her happy when she does go out running. Not that I"m saying you should go ask what you're doctor is saying, just pointing out that my mom doesn't listen to her doctors Oh, and feel free to join my poor, little social group. Hopefully, we'll get some more members and we can all help each other along with our running (because clearly I need that today).

Hopefully you won't get too much snow and you and your dad are able to enjoy the weather outside! Spring must almost be here, right?

I just keep trying to think, Spring is coming soon; it is, it really is. I am so over the cold. I did not realize how it zaps motivation until the we had a couple of warmer days into the 50's; I never thought that would be heavenly but to get out and move in the sun and on clear roads, it made such a difference than being all bundled up, with burning lungs from the cold, and frozen fingers and toes; it so zaps my energy. So I know what you mean about not wanting to go out in it, I really do.

Today unfortunately it is cold again, in the 20's, gray and rainy, with sleet. With shutting down on Friday and Saturday due PTSD symptoms returning full force, I will need to do something more strenuous, and primarily indoors.

Goal today: weights and walk (think Spring, think Spring, think Spring!)

Good luck with everyone's goals! Hope all is going well. Take good care!

50 degrees today and sunny, he roads are clear finally, oh my yeah! So excited. I am so getting the bike out.

I am having a hard time still saying no to carbs but portion sizes have come back down. I did realize as much I would like, especially with summer coming, to be slimmer for summer that I am afraid to slimmer. I do want to be healthier; I want my lab numbers to improve and the weight off; but I just do not want the attention that it brings. I have to find a way to be ok with this and know that what happened in the past was not because of something that I did or how I looked; it had nothing to do with me. That I need to do this now for myself though.

Goal today: biking, yes!