Wednesday!!!!

Whew! what a day! And a pool party to end it all! I was sooooo good with my eating I surprised myself! I mentally wrestled with myself over some homemade chocolate chip cookies that I wanted, but I won! (I didn't eat any!!) Hard to keep the eyes open tonight....
Good night to all and at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I completed the pyramid with 1.37 minutes to spare!!!!! Yes, I am dripping wet! Yes! I am super pumped!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Have a great day to all here and at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Sunday 6/20/10

I believe we all have much more power than we realize...and we are the ones in the way! I believe I am an evolving being, ever growing and changing, as long as I keep my mind open! I am strong in my religion, and believe in Heavenly Father and in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and his perfect example, which if followed will help us return to our home with Heavenly Father. I believe that I am not hiding in my religion as a protection, but have tried and tested it, getting answers to my prayers, and feeling spiritual inspiration and peace. These affirm the truth to me. I have worked it and seen results. Now this is what I must do physically! For some strange long-standing reason, I have given up on myself too easily. I am sure it is a multilayer-ed issue! I have a black lab pup, about 10 months old, and when we take her to the dog park, she rolls on her back in the submissive mode.....it annoys the heck out of me! Part of the reason it annoys me, is it reminds me of how I have acted for years! Please like me....don't be angry....smile all the time....make them laugh..... don't kill me! That is the me I am trying not to be anymore. It is a hard habit to break! I have one dialogue going on in my head and another mask on my face! Well, those that know me know I can't hide my real feelings...they say it is written all over my face...WELL THEN WHY NOT BE TRUTHFUL? Hmmmmm?
The realization came to me recently that my weight problem is based not only on the fact that I have used food as an emotional escape, but that being overweight has provided a level of safety for me. Years ago, as a 5"1, curvaceous young lady, I had a lot of unwanted attention, and was a very frightened, brightly blushing girl. Once I met a huge protector, who I married, I still had the attention when he wasn't around, but once I gained weight....the scary noises stopped! The whistles, leering smiles, fresh comments...all went away, except for times when I would start losing weight again.... Much better (safer) to eat and keep the weight! But that is not my belief NOW! I am a mature woman and know I can not let fears run my life. I know I can get fit and take defensive courses, or martial arts classes which will help me to be more confident. There are no more excuses. It just takes application and the proof will show up...maybe not as fast as I'd like (kind of like the answers to some prayers!) but if I focus, work and stay on track I know I will achieve my goal.
Even if I have given up on myself at times, I never give up hope! Thanks Dax for your inspiration!
Good night to all here and at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Another exciting Saturday!

Plenty of hard work, and good eating today! Got a nap, too! Went shopping and bought nice fresh veggies to eat and strawberries for Fathers Day. I will have plain strawberries for dessert, but the guys will be having a strawberry and whipped cream laden cake for dessert! My daughter in law, who is 8 months pregnant, planned the meal...hamburgers, potato salad, and I am doing the corn on the cob, and the dessert! I will also have a green salad, since I won't be having the potato salad! It will be great to all get together! Maybe we can talk instead of just eat, right? LOL!
I bought some rice chips earlier today, and enjoyed munching on about 12 of them. I felt comfortable and stopped eating instead of finishing off the bag! Drank less water than usual, but will catch up...maybe...
Good night to all here and at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Interesting....

Yesterday, I wrote a post called Thursday...but where did it go? I must have not hit publish post! Yesterday I was complaining of not feeling good....having pain in my knees and feet, and it taking so long to get off the floor between exercises! I was tired on Thursday and dragging at work by 12 noon! It went downhill from there! I was not happy...but not discouraged.
On Friday I decided to get up and do some of the exercises early, instead of leaving it all for the end of the day.....MUCH BETTER! Friday I did my weigh in and was pleased at 211.6 lbs that I am still going in the correct direction! Not bad with a start weight of 219. I don't physically feel that much difference. Need to hang in there much longer to see the rewards!!! Friday was a crazy day at work, too! Our boss had a pizza party for the employees! No, I didn't eat any! They had a lovely baked tilapia with spinach and a side of fresh green beans, broccoli, carrots mixture in the cafeteria!
We were also having a surprise party for the boss.... (customer service award) and someone got a huge 2 layer, double size cake with sugar frosting vs whipped cream (so, I'm told) and made punch.... I walked into the room and left and got myself a large cup of water, so I wouldn't feel deprived... When I returned, I looked around and felt like sugar was dripping off the walls, and lingering in the air!!! No interest in it at all! I felt rather sickened by the sight. I was thinking how this is the department of endocrinology and it looks like a poor example!
My husband wanted Chinese for dinner, and I chose a spicy shrimp dish with veggies, and ate that over the usual breaded sesame chicken or general tsao chicken! I really feel good about that!
I get to see my new grandchild next weekend in Maryland, and I now have every expectation of being under 210! I am not going to push the number, but I am going to work harder this week to get to a number that pleases me...more.
Well, good night for now! Catch you tomorrow!
Hope your weekend is wonderful here and at :http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Wonderful Wednesday!

Another good day! Did some walking at lunch, ate well, did OK with my pyramid (not as good as yesterday!) Still happy with the system!
Tired!!!!!
Goodnight to http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Terrific Tuesday!!!!!

I've always wondered how my eldest son could be so "addicted" to exercise.... he works out daily, and is superfit! (He runs a martial arts school and physical fitness is his passion.) I think I am getting it! I love the feeling of the sweat dripping off my face, and knowing I have worked hard! I don't think about anything else during the workout....just totally focused on what I am doing at the time. Today was a terrific day! I ate well, I walked during lunch, the weather was sunny and in the 80's! I even went further along my progression on the pyramid! I am sure to finish it by Friday! I am sooooo excited! Off to run the dog outside, and then take a shower!
Good night to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Magic Monday!

Weighed in on the work scale....saw a 4 lb loss! Did well today with eating. I feel funny admitting this, but I told my friend at work (the one that I thought was sabotaging me..)that I am looking forward to my workout tonight! I mean it too! I didn't want to put it off! I was interested in seeing how much better I could do today, and I did do better! I was able to complete a whole other level on the downside of the pyramid! I have every expectation of totally completing the pyramid by the end of the week! I am sooooooo pumped! I am also dripping sweat....and I love it! SHOWER TIME!
Good night to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

addendum to Sunday...

I just finished my 20 minute pyramid for the first time, and am dripping sweat... I didn't totally complete...but finished 4th level on the down side, which, frankly surprised me! I was using 10lb weights for the curls and shoulder press and the arms are about to scream! I am impressed by the workout in 20 minutes! (BIG SMILE!) Now, I hit the shower! My dog kept coming over and licking my sweaty face while I was doing curls! LOL!

Well, it's Sunday, and a new exercise plan looms!

Yikes! That's all I will say right now about that!

I've been stressing...(even though I tried not to) over the news of my daughter in law going into labor 3 weeks early. Everything worked out fine, but I guess I just feel disconnected and it frustrates me! I like to be in the middle of things, helping out....can't when you live far away! REALITY!!
Anyway, I am focusing on what I can and that includes this program! I am planning my food for tomorrow. Haven't been drinking all the water, yet...
I feel sore today! My left side more than my right, so I am walking funny again! I feel like I have pulled a muscle in my left "bum"...I think I need a good massage! Oh, well! A hot shower and tylenol will have to do it!
On to the pyramid, eh?
Goodnite to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Exciting Saturday!

Too many distractions, and too little time! I went to the party, and thank goodness they had Indian food that I could choose well from! Drank lots of water! When I got home, I received a call that my daughter in law was in labor on the way to the hospital....and she is due in 3 weeks! We know babies often have their own timetable! I am waiting to hear anything! It is hard....they are in Maryland, and I am in NY! I will try not to stress over something I can't do anything about.
Looking forward to next weeks new "torture" LOL! I will even work harder at staying with the intensity! I can't believe I have exercised 6 days in a row!
Well, good night to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Happy Friday!

Yeah! I made it to my first Friday....intact! I think I am even feeling a little stronger....still achy, (hips, thighs, delts) but also stronger...
Not much to report. I am exhausted, and I am slacking on intensity again tonight...but I am still hanging in there.
Tomorrow I go to my first "party" and I will do my best to watch what I am eating! Our elevators were not working well today, so that encouraged me even more to take the stairs...with my shaky legs! LOL! But I did it! Drinking more water and lemon. I think it makes my throat scratchy! That's OK! Well, off to bed after my last round of exercise!
Goodnight to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Keep going.....

Well, I'm still here! Today at work my best friend has begun to worry me!....AFTER I told her that I am on a diet where I don't eat sugar, flour, dairy, etc...she tells me that someone brought in special bakery pastries as a treat! Then, she gives me a bag of candy she bought for me while on vacation at the beach! I did NOT eat any of that, by the way! I hope she isn't trying to undermine me! In the past, it wouldn't take much! The lure of sweets, and 3pm in the afternoon...Kaboom!
I have been thinking of some of the core reasons that I have stayed overweight for so long.... and I am facing those "fears" and dealing with them so I can move on and live with a new reality! There is no reason for me to hide in my poundage...and I refuse to continue to do so any longer than I need to! No major change, except I am running out of food! Tomorrow is Friday, and I shop on Saturday! Planning is everything...and it must improve, so I can continue to!
Off to finish my exercise!
Goodnight to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Here we are again!

I'm going to bed extra early tonight! I am so sore and walking funny! Not drinking enough water yet... I always have a cup of water, but I know it isn't the "recommended amount"! Had a few hunger pangs today! Of course, that's when I walk through the office and see that some "kind" person has left goodies (sweets) for everyone to take! Did I indulge? NO WAY! I just drank a cup of water and went back to my office. I am having a cup of fruity herbal tea right now...(no sugar, etc) It tastes great straight! My biggest issue is that I need to break up the hour of exercise, because it is killing me to do it all at once at night! I have to try to fit in pieces before breakfast, during lunch and I even have a stretch of time that I basically sit for 20 minutes waiting for the bus coming home, that I could somehow incorporate a portion of this "activity". I just need to figure out the best way to do it, (and start!) and be consistent with the exercise! I will plan that today and report tomorrow!
For now, I will begin the self torture (LOL!) and go to bed!
Good night to all at : http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

2nd official day (day 5 for me!)

Today was another good day! I was not as sore as I expected to be this morning! What a surprise! I also didn't want to get out of bed, but that is another matter! I do not look forward to doing the exercises tonight! BLAH!! Even if they aren't exactly the same, I am just not in the mood... but I AM DOING THEM!
I found my other 10lb dumbbell, so I have two and can hopefully perform more than 10 shoulder presses in one minute! LOL!
Still working on drinking the amount of water stated...it seems like a lot! I don't want to have to fight the pregnant women for the toilet! LOL!
Ate a huge salad like yesterday for lunch, with a half of baked yam (cold)... Yummy! Dinner was salad and baked lean pork chops....I know, but that's what I had! Husband had a huge amount of rice with it. I don't even miss rice! I also wasn't as hungry in between meals today.
Well, off to the torture chamber!
Yippee! Good night to all at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

First official Day (day 4 of practise for me!)

I can't believe how badly out of shape I am! (Yes, I saw the pictures!) WOW!! Those exercises are hard! I feel achy but OK! These combination of exercises are rough but so is living in the fat suit!
I will hold on and see what I can do! There's a diamond under all that!
Gruesome Number Report#1:
Chest: 52"
Waist: 53"
Hips: 51"
Thighs: 20.5"(4 " above knee) and 23.5" (8" above knee)
Upper Arm: 12"
Wt: 217.6 lbs (started unofficially Friday...and weighed 219.4!) That's encouraging!!

My individual workout/test was as follows:(I tried not to think bad things of Dax during it!)
6/7/10 testing each per minute...
P/U =32
SQ= 40
Sp Mn= 15 ** need work on form/flexibility!
Russ Twt= 20 same as above!
Sh Press= 10 (with a 15lb set of dumb bells...which was too much right now!)

I ate fine today, and found I was hungry several times today! I haven't been drinking enough water yet! I still need to get the supplements, and the salt for the water! Did start with the lemon water! Noticed a few zits...and I don't usually have them! Used the stairs at work. I am SOOOO ready to go to bed!
Good night to all those at: http://www.londonpersonaltrainingstudio.com

Day 3

For breakfast, I had an omelet with 2 slices of deli ham, 1 medium portabello mushroom sauteed in butter, and 2 eggs...drank water....yummy!
Just got home from church and I was RAVENOUS!!!!!!! I made myself a large salad with 2 slices of deli ham in it, and 2 handfuls of blueberries. Drank water...feel better!

Planning on having steak and sweet potato for dinner with either salad or green veggie.
(I'll decide after my nap) I find I am very sore and sunburn today from working in the yard yesterday.

Here are the promised "before" pics.... very scary!
It is important to do this, because the reality in my head looks nothing like the one in this picture! I need to get the pictures closer together!

Day 1 is past....Day 2 is even better!

Well, this is day 2 of the Elimination Diet, and although I have been having some dizzy spells, it may be due to the heavy yard work I was doing today! I recently started on a blood pressure medicine, and I think I am still adjusting to it!
Anyway, as to the diet... I weighed in fully clothed at work yesterday, and saw the scary number of 219 lbs! Wow! No wonder I feel tired! I am only 5'1"! My first day went well...and then my husband prepared dinner. That was my mistake. I told him what my diet was, but he is not any better off than I in the fitness area...he is actually worse! (My opinion!) He made chicken and a fresh tomato chunky sauce to go with it....the chicken was breaded... I did eat it...but mine was only with the fresh tomato sauce...no cheese, no pasta. Before bed, I boiled some eggs for the next day, and so glad I did! I was on the run in the morning, and ate egg and had a few strawberries and water. This held me over until lunch, which was also egg and an apple. I went food shopping and had the urge for something with a crunch. I bought celery....but that wasn't what I wanted. I found some rice chips in a bag (gluten and dairy free) and ate them! They were good and I didn't feel left out. My husband ate a whole frozen pizza, and I ignored him... (I don't like them anyway)
I noticed a few things today....there were several times I felt HUNGARY!
It is harder when you share the house with someone who will not go on the diet, and who will bring ice cream, and other foods around...on a hot day!
Shopping in the store, I kept looking and saying "Everything is another vehicle for sugar!"
(Well, not everything...but it was surprising how much sugar there is in so many products!)
Oh, I forgot to tell you about "breakfast"...I had eaten a hard boiled egg and then we were out the door to the garden store! My husband said Let's stop at McDonalds! He want's me to come in with him, since he will be eating inside... I got an orange juice and a hash brown....and had a hard time finishing it! He had his double egg mcmuffin breakfast with hash brown and coffee.
I was proud of myself for having control.
Pictures coming in the am!

Prepare to be blogged to death!!!!!

Prepare to be blogged to death on the details of this journey as I follow my buddy, Dax Moy, at http://www.mylondonpersonaltrainer.com , on a day by day report of what is happening in this MAP Challenge!
HA! Loving Life!!

Going on the Challenge takes planning!

I have been used to just eating as I feel, and that is alright...depending on my feelings!!! LOL!! I have given up my power to vague feelings for way too long! It is time to use my brain cells, and choose to nourish myself! The Elimination Diet is a good, clean diet, and I will be able to regain my energy and celebrate life the way I love to! Telling myself that I want the cookie or whatever sweet or dairy product is a self indulgent lie! I want to feel better and that means keep the garbage out! I will be going through my cabinets with a fine tooth comb, and get rid of the body trash that is hidden there! Tomorrow is trash day for me, too! Yippee!!
Pictures are coming of trash day, and of the me prior to the challenge! I will be making a food plan that I can easily use, at work and home to resist temptation around me.
Ready? Set?......