Weekly Weigh In

I weighed in this morning at 278 pounds.  That's.6 less than last week.  I'll take it.  It's another step closer to Onederland.  My goal for next week is to stay off the scale until Next Tuesday.  You have no idea how hard this is for me.  I'll weigh before my shower, after the shower.  I get obsessed and if I am going to talk the talk of not letting a number define you on the scale than I better walk the walk.  Heaven help me because I don't think I can go 48 hours. <pondering> Maybe I should set my goal for 48 hours.

Seriously, in my mind it makes sense because you can't change what the scale reads anyhow, it is what it is.  Your weight fluctuates throughout the day. If you're doing what you need to do, then in the end, it will get done. In it's own time.  It's so easy to get hung up on the number being the ultimate ruler in how successful you were in the past week or yesterday.  It reminds me of The Biggest Loser and how they rely on a number.  Jillian was right when she said that Nathan didn't deserve to go home.  The rules caused him to go home but I saw a spark in him last night prior to weigh-in where he got his "juice"- I can't wait to see where his journey took him after he went home in the end.  I'm a Nathan Fan. I've said it. I'm committed.  

This is my first season watching with Jillian because up until two seasons ago, this show was off limits in my house.  I didn't watch it because I didnt' want to face reality.  I didn't want to be reminded of anything to do with my weight and sure as hell didn't want to sit and watch someone "getting it" and "doing it" while I sat on my couch and played the victim.

I wish I could box her up and take her home with me.  I at first didn't love her tough love approach but have to say, sometimes that's what it takes.  I find that every time, I think she is too harsh, I find I'm having victim thinking.        I have to laugh at some of the tweets about Jillian.  My favorite was "If Jillian talked to me that way, I'd *&)(#@#$ beat her **&!" Really, would you now? I'd like to watch you try!

I've got some busy work to do at my desk this afternoon, so I'm going to tune into some of her You Tube videos.  Daily Dose with Jillian Michaels.  - How to be the Best you Can.

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 5 of 5

The final step to Following the Golden Road to Happiness is when you lay your head to rest, write down at least five (5) things you were grateful for today.  You can state the obvious like food, shelter, clothes, but as you continue this habit you'll realize you have an abundance of things you're grateful for.  As your awareness of being grateful broadens, so will your heart and mind open up to the other things in your life you weren't seeing.



Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 
10.  Write down at least 5 things you were grateful for today. 


Now that I've taken you on the complete journey, it's time to create your own.  Print out the Golden Road to Happiness to start yours.  

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Late Night Update- I am the Trouble Champion

Today was a fun family day.  While hubby went grocery shopping, I revealed to the kids my new game I purchased for the Wii on Thursday.  I think they were more excited to play than I was.  We danced our socks off to "Just Dance" Greatest hits.  We were are all moving and grooving and definitely working up a sweat.  It was good quality fun time and got us all moving too.

This evening all four of us played Ants in the Pants and Trouble and then later played SSX Tricky on the PS2.  Ants in the Pants felt like we were all competing in Minute to Win it.  It was a lot of fun! I was champion in our Trouble Match!

I have good news to report on the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. I absolutely loved all 5.3 ounces of it for 80 calories, 0 Fat and 12 grams of protein.  The texture was thick, yet creamy and reminded me of mousse or a really thick pudding.  It has a great flavor just like the Light & Fit brand is known for. I find myself looking forward to the next time I have it again.  It's a great breakfast or snack item that I'm adding to my list of favorites.  I tried the Cherry last week and hubby brought home the strawberry and blueberry flavors today.  The other flavors are Vanilla, Peach, Pineapple and Raspberry.  The vanilla also comes in the quart size.  You can look to see if it is in your area here.

My wellness coach suggested adding peanut butter and a banana to my protein shakes so I plan to try that this next week.  He tells me it's important to jump start myself in the morning and to put some calories in the first half hour after getting up.  I don't like to eat when I first get up so I've been really trying to at least do a protein shake.  This helps me to get 1/3 of my required protein in before I ever leave the house and sets me up for a super day.


1. List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
Today my family made me smile today.  Fixing dinner for my family made me smile and getting up and moving made me smile. 2.  What did you celebrate today? 
I remembered to take my vitamins on the weekend!!

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

Today, I'm harboring no ill feelings toward anyone or myself. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

I exercised today, spent quality time with my kids, remembered my vitamins and ate on plan! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
I need to put my color in my office at work.  I need more mental reminders. 6.  What did you do to move today? 
Just Dance Greatest Hits 7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
My closet needs to be re-organized. It's driving me nuts. 8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
While I didn't do anything specific just for me, I had a very relaxing day spending it with my family. 9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 
I sent a tweet to one of my followers congratulating her on the great day she had with exercise and food journaling. 


Tomorrow is the season premiere of Biggest Loser and this season includes children.  Dr Oz had Jillian, Bob and Duvet on the other day and asked about how they'll be handling the children portion of the show.  Jillian responded that it would be fun and positive experiences for them and they would not be weighing.  I'm torn about them even being on the show.  As an obese child, I wouldn't have had the courage to be put on TV as it was just one more validation that I was fat.  Heck, I wouldn't even write Richard Simmons because I feared he'd really show up at my door.  It's almost like if I didn't face it/or admit it, no one knew it. I know .. I had a very warped sense of my self.  So, I'd like to know, what are your thoughts on children being on the show?

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 4 of 5

Today our steps take us to nurturing our bodies.  We must first take time to take care of us first.  I find I like to sing with the music turned up and then next thing I know, I'm either shaking my booty or getting those pesky tasks marked off my nag list.  Sometimes, when I'm alone, which isn't very often, I take a hot shower and spend extra time shaving my legs and using my favorite body sprays.    After that, I'll put on some cozy pajamas and settle in with a good book or movie.  Other times, I'll call a friend and we'll find ourselves laughing and giggling over the past or our busy lives.

Our last step for today in Following the Golden Road to Happiness is to plant the seed of happiness in others.  Can you imagine the garden we'd grow by just planting one seed at a time? It doesn't have to be something extravagant.  It can simply be saying hello with a bright smile to a stranger on the street, dropping off a card at someone's desk or maybe even shoveling that not-so-friendly neighbors's sidewalk.  Think back how it makes you feel when others do for you and then remember how good it feels when you do for others.  It's uplifting and it's contagious.  We are only one person but if we all take the time we can make this a happier world.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 3 of 5

As we embark on our journey to happiness today, our next steps start with looking where we can put more color in our life.  I used to hide behind the color black.  My closet is now a rainbow of colors from greens to reds and can you guess? PINK! Bright colors make for a bright heart.  Shine some light on yours.

The next step is to start moving your body.  It doesn't matter what it is but start moving every day. I remember my first trip to the gym at work with a friend and I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to go very long.  I expected 3 or 4 minutes but I pushed myself to 10.  That feeling was empowering. My heart was beating and I felt alive!

Our 7th step is to start marking off the things you want to get done you keep putting off.  All they do is nag at you and weigh you down.  Don't you have enough to carry around? Move them out so you can let happiness move in.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Make a list of the tasks or things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 2 of 5

In our second set of steps to Following the Golden Road to Happiness, we must forgive ourselves and others.  Carrying around the extra baggage only fills our mind and hearts with negativity.  Free yourself from these burdens so that happiness can radiate within you.  I wrote a letter to myself and forgave myself for abusing my body all these years.  I wrote to my father who has passed and forgave him for his alcoholism and how it affected my life.  I gave him love again rather than my resentment and it was freeing.  Others, I was able to put aside and say it doesn't matter anymore because it was time to move on.  I can't say what will work for you but it's important that you take this step.

Next, we need to list out all of our accomplishments.  What are you proud of? We all have them, you just have to admit to them. Some of mine are raising my children, getting my Master's degree. paying off my new car, surviving Cervical Cancer and of course loving myself.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

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Honey, I Shrunk the Mom: Random Acts of Kindness

Honey, I Shrunk the Mom: Random Acts of Kindness: Random acts of kindness are something that I try to do on a regular basis. Not because I want something in return, but because it just feels...


Please read this and consider what you can do in honor of the little children that were taken from us too soon.

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 1 of 5

This week , I want to take you on a journey.  An interactive journey to find your happiness.  People who are happy are more likely to naturally take the actions to meet their goals.  What I mean by finding your happiness is to choose to surround yourself with the things that make you happy every day.  

First, you start by focusing on your journey.  I don't mean that day of the journey when you meet your ultimate goal.  I mean the steps it takes to get there.  What good is the end result if you aren't enjoying the ride? I remember the first time I took the stairs at work by choice after surgery and how freeing it was to know that I had already come so far.  Every step I took, I smiled a little brighter and the top step didn't make me any happier than the first.  Every time I made a healthy food choice in the cafeteria I smiled because I knew it was getting me one step closer to my goals.  Every time I joined a friend in the gym at work and walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes or 30 minutes, I smiled because I knew I was getting stronger and it meant future play dates with my kids.  Every time I stood with my family in line at the amusement park this summer, I smiled because this was where I wanted to take them when I reached "my goal" and I had just begun the journey.

Second, I learned to find something that makes a tingle in my heart every day.  When you make a conscious effort every day to find a celebration, your mind will start to do it automatically.  Before you know it, you'll be your own cheerleader of your journey.  I can tell you that every ride I fit into, I celebrated.  I celebrate getting up in the morning and having life. My children's school programs, volunteering at their school, helping at a food bank, going out with friends, date night with my hubby, walking down the pier at Lake Michigan, family dinners, playing in the yard and even cleaning my bathroom. I celebrate it all.  All of those things fill my heart with happiness. All of those things are important to me in order to have a fulfilled life.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

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A Deliberate Life: How in the h*ll did I get here..and How do I get out?

A Deliberate Life: How in the h*ll did I get here..and How do I get out?

Powerful and Spot on.

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The Day After the Gumball Dropped

I really enjoyed my last day of vacation with my family today. 

For breakfast, hubby made a full course.  I enjoyed a 1/2 piece of toast with about a teaspoon of peanut butter, 1 turkey sausage patty, 1 scrambled egg (with catsup) and about a tablespoon of hash browns.  All for 245 calories and 18 grams of protein.  The sausage patties were new to our house and they were pretty good.  I would have preferred a little spicier but nothing a dash of Red Hot won't fix.  

8 grams of Protein per Patty

 

 My four year old, "K", helped me make dinner today and she turned her nose up at every turn.  Especially at the mushrooms I covered the main course with.  She exclaimed she was not going to eat that and I explained to her that sometimes we have to eat things that are better for us in order to eat the other things we really like to eat.  She wasn't buying that so I reminded her that yesterday she got to pick Chicken nuggets for dinner and tonight it was my turn to pick.  She seemed to accept that a little easier.  

She was obsessed with the ball dropping last night or the "gumball" as she referred to it.  She was out like a light within 20 minutes after the stroke of midnight.  Bless her heart, she was a trooper.  She spent a good deal of the day wanting to play "Happy New Year" all over again.  

My hubby went to the store and picked me up some new Greek yogurt I haven't tried.  I'll let you know how it pans out.  I'm not a big fan of Greek yogurt but I sacrifice for the protein punch it gives me.  One day, I too, shall find one I like or resort to throwing in a 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein into a low-fat one.  

Tomorrow, on the blog,  I am starting a series of "Following the Golden Road to Happiness.  There will be five posts throughout the week.  I'm excited for you to join me on the journey!  It's inter-active, so I'm excited to see your responses.  

I'm going to wind down the rest of my evening watching some television with my family and visiting some other blogs.  TLC is re-running My 600 Pound Life if you haven't seen it, it's amazing.  

With that, I leave you a picture of Poochy, part of the inspiration that created this blog. 

Poochy

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Weekly Weigh In

Today is the last day of my vacation before returning to work.  Having the last nine days off have been nice spending time with family.  I'm excited to get back to the grind with a new refreshed mind and attitude. I'm excited to have a blog up and running again.  I can already tell a difference with my mind-set and staying focused.  My blog makes me happy.

I weighed in at 278.6 pounds today.  That's a loss of 152.6 since October, 2011.
This also marks 20.6 pounds away from being the weight I was when I married my first husband in 1990, 70.6 pounds away from when I graduated high school in 1987, and 78.7 pounds away from Onederland.  I am so close I can't stand it!

My son and I dropped the dog off at the groomer's yesterday and then went and had our own hair cuts.  Later, I went to the mall and took back the blouse that I had originally intended on wearing to the company Christmas party with token black pants. When the cashier asked me the reason for my return, without thinking, I said, "Well I found this little cute dress." And I stopped for a moment in my head and thought, "Oh my, I said that about me.".  I'm still a work in progress but I'm polishing up quite nicely, if I do say so myself.

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Poochy Pointers: Get your Food Choices on Target

Have you seen this page?  This Food Target was created by Chris Johnson of On Target Living. The idea is to select your food choices by getting as near to the center of the target as possible.  I've printed this and keep one copy at home and one at work.

This shows you that even by making little changes like moving from white potatoes to red-skinned potatoes or to purple potatoes, you're making better choices and making progress.

So tell me, how many food choices do you make a day are at the center of the target? 
How many food choices are at the center of the target you've never tried? 
Can I get you try 1 new food you've never tried at the center of the target for 1 meal? How about eat an entire day from only the center of the target? 
If you do post about it on your blog and leave me a comment so I can tell you what good choices you're making! 

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