Knitting...

I guess I have to admit this - I have become addicted to TV!  I don’t necessarily let it run my life, having the DVR makes it so easy not to, but it has become a good friend on all those evenings Bob has to work!

A few years ago I picked up my knitting needles and started up again! Besides being super therapeutic, it also helps keep me distracted from snacking whenever I do have the chance to sit in front of the magic box!  So I guess this story will be about, keeping busy and distracted during those times when you might be snacking!  I also feel that when I am knitting, I am not the total couch potato and TV addict, and that I am actually accomplishing something!  The Holidays are approaching, and nothing makes for a better gift, than something you make!  So I say - get crafty!  Needlepoint, crochet or knit, keep yourself occupied.  No hands free to grab those tempting chips, cookies or candies!

Morning Darkness...

Until we “fall back” on the clocks, and as magnificent as a sunrise may be, this time of the year it is just plain dark when I need to get out and run!

Monday, I wrote about my eating as not being as much work, I wish I could say the same about my working out!  Oh! Some of the pitfalls of the Fall!  LESS SUNSHINE, so sad!  It isn’t that it is hard for me to wake up in the morning, I always wake up at about the same time everyday, with or without an alarm clock.  What’s hard is getting motivated to get my workout in, in the morning!  I am defiantly one of those people, if I don’t work out in the morning, there is a good chance I won’t workout at all.  I love my morning routine. I sometimes get my best ideas in the morning, workout some problems in my head, figure out my menu for the day, get organized and best of all, I already accomplished one of my major goals for the day.  I am still doing my strength training 3 days a week, crunches 5 days a week, still able to ride my bike to and from work and started doing my hallway lunges again, I just can’t get out the door during the week for a good run!  Thank God for the weekends!  I love my treadmill and I know it will become my best friend again, but right now, the weather is still perfect for running and I want to be outside,  but I guess I am just SCARED OF THE DARK! In all seriousness, the reality is - SAFETY!

My Report Card....

I just have to share this! 

This is probably the most proud I have ever been of any report card!  

The proof is in the pudding - oops - the blood!

My Blood work results...

3/2009 8/2010 8/2101

Cholesterol 255 174 205 (s/b between 165-200)

HDL 78 93 113 (s/b between 60 or greater)

LDL 142 73 84 (s/b between 100 or less)

“weight loss did amazing things” quote from my doctor!  My cholesterol is a little high, but my doctor explained that my HDL and LDL are so excellent that my blood is in the “protective” state!  WOW!

October Already!

On a personal note...

This is another emotional stepping stone for me!  May 2008 I started this quest, October 2009 I hit my goal, October 2010 I am maintaining the goal!

When people ask me how I have lost this weight and I tell them it s all about eating healthy and exercise, it is almost as though they are disappointed!  Everyone wants a miracle or a quick fix!  I apologize in advance to anyone who has been on a “diet” before.  I know we all say “it’s a lifestyle change” not a “diet”.  But, what it really is about is wrapping yourself around a whole new way of thinking! I swear, eventually it will feel more like just your daily routine or just a good habit instead of a whole lot of “work”.

Believe me, it was not easy and I was extremely fortunate, I had a lot of support and encouragement along the way!  My “guru” always gave me the confidence I needed and she always reinforced that it was all about my willpower to do it!!  My husband, had to learn a whole new way of cooking, and now we share in the task!  It has become more of a team effort!  

Of course there has been some slip-ups along the way, but I have LEARNED and keep LEARNING more and more about food everyday!  People had tried to get me to join weight watchers with them, but I see the points system as a way that if I had any extra “points ”I would probably have gone for anything that was sweet and not necessarily healthy.  Hungry Girl has a lot of great advice and ideas, but also promotes a lot of processed foods!  Atkins was a great quick fix, but once that weight came back on, it came on like a vengeance and it was hard to take it off again!!!!  If you have the funds and maybe your insurance will cover it, I highly suggest going to a nutritionist! I still keep a food journal and log my exercise, and keeping this blog also keeps me very focused!!!!  I am just beginning to get comfortable and enjoying the “new” me!

What’s your portion IQ?

Q - Your portion of food should be the amount listed as a “serving” on the Nutrition Facts label?

a.) Yes

b.) No

c.) It depends

A - c.) It depends.  A serving size listed on the Nutrition Facts label is a standardized amount of food as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, so consumers can compare the calories and nutrients among brands.  It is not necessarily a recommended portion - the amount of food you choose to eat at one sitting - though it is a good yardstick.  And if you don’t pay attention to the serving size listed, the calories and nutrients listed are  meaningless, because you might be eating twice that amount.  Keep in mind, although the amount of food you are served may not always be under your control, you are always in control of the portion of food you consume.  And if it’s you doing the serving, then wise up to reasonable portions!

Until Monday - keep thinking veggies and protein!