Healthy renewal - new fitness goal

I tried something new this morning, pancakes made with unflavored protein powder instead of flour. It was easy, 4 big scoops of protein, 2 eggs, about a teaspoon of baking powder, and about 2/3 cup of milk. I was surprised how much it looked and tasted like a "real" pancake. That yielded about 9 roughly 3 to 4 inch pancakes, which was 2 servings for me. I put Greek yogurt with a little honey and some blueberries on top, it was really good - I have been obsessing about pancakes so I decided to try it. I dislike protein shakes immensely, but this works for me. The only carbs are for the honey, blueberries, and the little bit in the milk.

Sounds interesting and will have to try this. Once in a awhile, there is nothing better than pancakes. Mmm-mmm good.

I have mostly been walking as of late. For some reason, the movement on the bike is a little too much flexibility despite the lack of pressure. Darned if do and don't with one or the other, but it feels like it is getting stronger and more stabilized over time. I was chicken this morning to get on the scale, dreading in fact but I will later today to see where I stand.

Goal today and every day this week: walking

My goal is to go running today and Wednesday. I haven't thought far enough in advance for the weekend yet.

Went on a run with some friends last week. It was a little stressful, though. Big group and not everyone is a runner and one of them (who is not a runner) took offense to me saying "I'm going on a 'real' run" with the only other friend in the group that also runs. We'll see how many of them come back for the next group run

My classes are finally completely done! Time to start ordering graduation pictures!

Sorry you're having so much trouble, Fresia. Hopefully you'll get your strength and flexibility back soon. I can only imagine how crazy you must be going without being able to get out a do something active. It's weird how much you miss it and realize you need it once you start but can't do it for some reason. And good for you for sending out resumes and job applications! That's awesome! I totally understand how scary it is. Now that I've actually graduated (Associates after 8 years of school), and working two internships that feel like "real" jobs, I'm starting to get a little antsy. It's the... I've never gotten this far, now what? And don't mess up and end up back at start! feeling. One day at a time, I suppose?

Good luck with the healthy eating, MJ and Fresia! We're trying to get back into cooking more. We tend to eat healthier (and cheaper) when we cook. What kinds of things do you guys make (besides protein pancakes )?

RomanSunburn - my diet is actually really simple now, because there isn't a lot I can eat due to various "don'ts" imposed upon me by different people I work with, and also by virtue of the fact that I'm really hypersensitive to dietary sodium and bloat up with water like a balloon if I eat anything salty (as you know, processed food in the good old USA is full of sodium!).

So, it's a lot of pure, lean proteins - white fish, some salmon and mackerel and monkfish (when I can find it), shellfish like shrimp, scallops, lean beef, lean pork, turkey, chicken. Not a big lamb eater, once in a great while. A lot of eggs and egg whites. A little whole-fat dairy, mostly cheese in small amounts. A lot of non-fat dairy, mostly Greek yogurt. Nuts and seeds that are nut-like {pumpkin, sunflower, hemp). For carbs, it's mostly brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and winter squash, the rare serving of white potatoes or real pasta. For oils, butter, olive oil, nut oils, coconut oil. I don't fry things, so it's mostly just either as a dressing/condiment (like on salads) or to grease a non-stick pan.

Fruit is limited, 2-3 servings a day. I would eat a lot more if I could, but it's the sugar. Non-starchy vegetables - all I want. I eat a ton of things like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, eggplant, carrots, salad greens.

Herbs/spices/lemon juice/vinegar/mustard ... any kind of low sodium/low calorie flavoring agent is good.

I should do more protein shakes, but ... yuck, I just don't like them, and they often give me a stomach ache short-term for about half and hour.

I do use some "fake" products, even though the registered dietitian I see periodically says that's a big no-no (she is really strict with herself, I can't be quite that good!)- fat free mayo is one, I like to make things like cole slaw, and the caloric advantage beats out the disadvantage that it's all fake crap, IMHO, but I don't do it all of the time. Lately, I've been buying low-carb, 60 calorie flatbread/tortilla things, because I got sick of just lettuce wraps, makes a good sandwhich. Finally, another thing the dietitian would hate - I rediscovered sugar free jello - satisfies my sweet craving with almost no calories. I know, artificial sweeteners are bad, but it's a balancing act. I should try making my own jello from scratch with Stevia.

I should also say this - because I'm limiting both what and how much I eat, I don't place a lot of emphasis on food any more. I tend to do things "on the run" - dinner might be something like open a can of tuna, chop a little onion and celery into it, moisten with vinegar, and put it on a low carb tortilla and eat that with some carrots on the run to wherever I'm off to next.

I try and cook something like a chicken or a roast beef a couple of times a week, so I can "graze off" of it for multiple meals. Which is good and bad - cooked a turkey Memorial weekend, it lasted me all week, but I am SO sick of turkey and chicken right now (and, I just had chicken breast for lunch!).

I have had a lot of appointments lately, Dad and mine, trying to get them in in hopes these job interviews pan out into an actual job to start soon. So have also been spending a lot of time reviewing material for my field that have not seen in over a year in preparation for these interviews and for the job.

Despite feeling like a couch potato and sitting around studying so much, I have managed to lose enough weight over the last several months to get into my original goal interview suit that I started this thread for. It was such a comfort to know I will be dressed for success; I met my goal physically and financially not having to spend any money to do it, and will feel more confident going into the interview knowing I will be presenting a more svelte and professional appearance. It also feels good to know, my health is better getting the weight off, which makes me feel even better than how it all looks.

The downside is in having met with my doc yesterday... I am still considered obese but the good side is that I am no longer considered morbidly so. So I still have some serious work to do still.

So NEW GOALS to be healthier: June 10th, 2014
-Train to complete a bike race that is going on in October
-Look for healthier food choices to make changes
-Increase exercise to more days
-Challenge myself to find new routines
-Plan for no more than 1-2 lbs of weight loss a week, otherwise is unrealistic; if more, great and keep doing what doing; if less, make changes.
- No matter what, keep moving and know that I can do this. If I doubt, I will refer back to this post.


Best wishes with your goals. Good luck!

Those are excellent goals! And congrats on reaching your original goal! I love hearing all the positive self-talk! Please keep us updated on your job search!

I didn't reach my last goal. I can't remember exactly what happened. But went away for our anniversary and road the tandem all over the place, and did a lot of walking besides. This week, I plan on running at least three times. I'm not going to specify what days, I'm just going to go for the count. And if I go more times? Great! Less, I'll do better next week. I bought new running shoes and a new pair of shorts so I don't even have an excuse!

Keep all the positive energy going!

Happy belated Anniversary RS!

So I have been trying to do more days and am feeling it, sore-wise. I may have gotten a little over enthusiastic or just misjudged. Going to refigure things a bit. I keep wondering what is going to happen when I start back to work; the nice thing is I will have to walk more for my job as I will be on my feet all day. I have made sure I got appropriate comfortable shoes, but am thinking about getting a pedometer to see what the difference is between what I am doing now and when I start back. I also know that I will miss having the freedom to go whenever so am trying to take advantage of it now.

I think I will be going back to checking in daily however to try to stay on track; want to try to get as much and more weight off before I start back to ease the strain on my feet and knees. So this is the immediate goal, seems less tangible, decrease the pain and soreness over time, but tangible result is that my scrubs were a little snug when I tried them on, so to get them so I don't have to get more and will feel better. Goal after that will be to get new scrubs because these will be too loose.

Today's goal: biking

Keep on moving and shaking. Good luck with your health and fitness goals.

Wow, this is awesome; quite inspiring

Unfortunately the bike had a flat yesterday that I couldn't patch. Ended up taking it in for a replacement and I can pick up tomorrow. So I walked yesterday instead as it was gorgeous outside, 80 F/26.6 C, sunny, light breeze. I am just grateful summer is here and no shoveling.

The cool part of the day though was that while we were walking, 'we' as in the dogs and I, had a traveling companion. Surprisingly a cat joined us walking along side, even with the dogs, who were really good about it as if this always happened. I recognized him as our neighbor's from down the road that flyers have been put up that he has been missing for over three months now. I almost didn't recognize him; he was so much thinner and ratty looking, bless him, he definitely had been out in the elements for some time. We walked for a bit then tried to get him to come to the dog treats I had with me, and he came, taking the cheese treat. He let me scoop him up and we walked to the neighbors. Those girls faces, ages 5 and 8, and their Mom's were just priceless. They are taking him to be checked but hopefully all will be ok for him now. So nice to see them together again. I cannot see that our walk today will be so eventful.

Goal today: walking

I got sick of that drill fast - take it to the bike shop, wait a day or two, pick it up. So, I have a couple of pairs of tires (I rotate them seasonally, etc, anyway) and several spare inner tubes. Changing a bike tire is actually really easy, so I would rather just do that. I always carry a spare tube and patch kit on my rides, and I've had to do that more than once, too.

When I didn't have the patch kit, I made do with a mylar/plastic wrapper from a bandage and some electrical tape to McGyver up a hole for a 10 mile ride home. It worked. I've heard guys in the bike club say a dollar bill makes a good temporary patch, since it's reinforced, tear resistant paper.

I've only ever patched them but will ask about how to change them so I can do that in the future. It is a really good idea to keep spares on hand in case they cannot be patched. It is annoying to have to take them in. Thanks for the suggestion MJ.

I have some home projects and errands to run including getting the bike. So will do some other activity and bike tomorrow.

Goal today: weights and walking

Wow, I was really surprised yesterday as to how easy and quick it is to change a tire and or tube. All this time have been spending money for them to do it, not anymore. Thanks so much for the suggestion MJ! It is too bad though that they don't make run flat tires for bikes.

I did not make it to do the weights yesterday, only the walking as the yard work did me in. So another day this week will need to get that in, 3x this next week is the goal, only got in 2x this week.

It is another gorgeous day so definitely going to spend it outside. I have to repair the deck stairs, and have been putting this off; so I will do this first, then the reward will be to head out on the bike, and see the countryside. I just wish the one dog could go too, bless her she is still crate and leash bound, confined to the front yard. But she should be able to start on a bit longer walks next week after her check-in and X-rays; she seems to be doing well. Given how she is raring to go, it will be nice to have them both with me again.

Goal today: biking

So enjoying being outside. We saw a fox, an eagle, and a female deer on our morning walk today.

Goal this afternoon: another walk

I got free pass from a friend to go to the Y today. I used it to go swimming. I sure miss it. Every time I so enjoy it that I think about joining again, but until I start work again, it is just not affordable. Hopefully I will get this job that I can consider going again.

Goals today:Went swimming, and this afternoon, walking

The rain is back , so it is perfect day to stay indoors but will need to take the dogs out.

Goal today: weights and walk

Another lovely day so will do things indoors except go for a walk to the river today.

Goal: Zumba and hike

So I definitely got the job. I have to do the physical and pre-drug testing still, orientation, and official start date is in three weeks. I was also though able to negotiate paid time off when my family comes in August. So for my favorite time of year, I will have some time to enjoy this lovely weather and today is no exception.

I did not meet my goals yesterday as I only hiked. After the excitement began to wear off about the job, the reality set in of not having worked in so long, began to doubt if I could do this. I lost my enthusiasm yesterday and did not get to the Zumba. But I took a longer hike with the dogs. It was good to be out in nature even if the weather was less than ideal.

Goal today: walk and bike, hopefully can make up some ground for yesterday.

Omg! The cat probably recognized the dogs as her neighbors!! That is just too much!!

And congrats on the job. But what a heartwarming story!!

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!

You can do it - self-doubt is so normal in that situation. Ride it out, and in a little while, you will look back and say "what was I ever worried about".

Thanks for well wishes on the job everyone and the encouraging words. The last couple of days it has been harder to get motivated, which is surprising now that the weather is so nice. Those days am usually in heaven.

Goal today: walking

Good luck with everyone's goals!

Keep going, this is partnering?

Goal: walking in upward bow stance. Partners, wrestlers, sons.

Attempted this morning. Sons stance is for movement, mine stillness. Must modify arm stance. He went couple paces, couldn't move, just in upward bow...

Within hour, next attempt

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Partnering. My partners are four legged ones and I currently have a blackened eye thanks to one of mine from wrestling. You have my sympathies.

I have so been enjoying the hikes with the dog lately. I am looking forward to when the other one can start walking too, a week and half away. That will mean more walks during the day as she can only go on a leash, shorter periods. It will be good for all of us. I am hoping there will be a third joining us soon that my application will be approved soon for an adoption from a rescue shelter; we will see though, as there are several applications for the same dog. Here's to hoping, the home visit is supposed to be today so hopefully it will go well.

Meanwhile, goals for today... bike and walk.

We have been having terrible lightning and thunderstorms as an offshoot of the hurricane, not good to be out in at all. Hurricanes typically to do not come this far north but we do get the effects of them. I did head down to the beach, at a distance, chicken me though stayed in my car but to see the waves, 7-10 foot swells; the raw, magnificent power is amazing. Of course there were those who were out taking advantage of the chance to surf, in the lighting. Having been struck close by it once, and blown off my feet 20 feet back once, I don't like to mess around being exposed to it.

Meanwhile the adoption home visit went really well but did not say when will hear back about the application. I hope we will be having a new addition to the walking and biking club soon though. It would be nice to be able to give someone a new home. In the interim, have been keeping busy inside with weights and Zumba. A friend sent me a set of dance DVD's to try, swears by this alone for cardio. I would get bored doing it alone but am going to try this out today. Could be interesting at least to change up these rainy days.

Goal today: not to agonize over this adoption but to live, love, and dance.

Normally I would be excited for a holiday but that meant I have not heard anything about the adoption. This is wasted time I could have spent with this lovely new critter. I am so bummed. I have used the time to do more home projects and should be caught up after today. I just have to grout some tile in the bathroom this afternoon and some tree limbs to take care of. I may just drag them back into the woods, get a good upper body work out between the two.

The storms just passed yesterday. Between the hurricane and the front that came across the plains, we had so many thunderstorms. Glorious sunshine today, so will definitely need to take advantage of being outside before going to the wedding this afternoon. So glad they will have good weather for it. The challenge will be whether or not I can get into what I planned to wear.

Goal today: walking and biking
Food goals: get back on track, nerves have kicked in with job starting in a week; I have noticed I have been craving more carbs. I need to use more will power to pull healthier snacks and side dishes/portions with meals.