The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly....
The Good - and there's a lot of it!:
The Bad:
The Ugly:
Changes and Challenges:
I am pleased with where I have ended 2016. I reached my initial weight-loss goal this year and met it. I accomplished one of the 3 personal goals I set for myself this year: lose weight, become fluent in Spanish, learn Quickbooks.
I am considering leaning towards a more vegetarian lifestyle next year. Doing some reading and research into easy recipes. Since I live with devoted meat-eaters, I will still have to include meat in the menu, but then I would just eat less or none of the meat. I am hoping to increase consumption of vegetables and fruit.
I do need to devote this year to finding a new job. I love my job but there are inequities which are so frustrating, plus no benefits, although I do have a very generous boss when it comes to leaves of absences, especially for family reasons. For example, when my husband fell and was in the hospital, my boss said to not worry about working, to be with him and do whatever I needed to do for my family, and I still collected my base salary. I also got a nice bonus this year. And I enjoy the work that I do. But I need insurance coverage. And I need a job that stays at the job, and doesn't creep into the weekends.
For today though, I will be going for my long walk shortly, then to the grocery store, then back home to read and/or ride my stationary bike. My husband has to work tonight, and my daughter is going over to a friend's house for New Years Eve celebrations ( a long-standing tradition she has with her best friend), so it will just be myself and my 18-yr old son. We might play some Wii games, but just in case he prefers to play his own computer games, I have a movie for myself to watch, and then off to probably an early bedtime.
Happy New Year!
______________
Edit: I wanted to add that I still cannot fit into my wedding band -- at only 7lbs away from what I weighed when the ring fit! One way I could tell I was gaining a lot of weight last year was when I started making so many typos because my fingers were getting fat!
Progress as of today: 37 lbs lost so far, only 9 lbs to go!
I was reading above with you & Puddy and i see saying you only accomplished the one goal. I think that is very good! After all, most of us only make 1 New Year Resolution, right? So you did accomplish 1 and that's nothing to smirk at...if that's the right word. You did good. Learning another language is time-consuming and so is your goal to learn Quickbooks and so is weightloss. Maybe you have another goal entirely, like you said, for 2017. So go for it! 2016 has passed and you do get to start fresh.
I do not eat enough legumes (hardly at all) to go entirely veg. I find myself getting hungry when i eat far less protein - but - starting to get used to some meals being less protein also! Do you ever crave meat once in while? Last night after gym I was craving grilled chicken. So bought it since i was conveniently at the supermarket lol.
No job is a perfect job. Everything sounds great about your job you have, really. Why does it creep into weekends? YOu sometimes have to go there on wknds? Really maybe set a limit like you will NOT go on weekends. It may cause you to work slower, but maybe you'll still work better at the job. It's that life and work balance. I am luckier i'd say than most that i can work at a pretty darn slow pace and still have my job. Not saying this is the approach you should take - but if you can prevent working on weekends it sounds good...also, can you purchase insurance through your job or can you ask your employer for insurance coverage? why don't you get insurance? I am sorta amazed that your job doesn't offer such minimal things like the benefits? why is that!? i am almost shocked this is allowed? i agree, that if that's the case, a new job might be a must...i hope you will find a job good for the long run? I hate seeing you have to job hop...when you seem to be good at what you are doing right now? any way the boss can give you the things you don't get now?
I hope you had a great long walk and that you are doing well on day #2 of the New Year my friend!
Much love as I said on fb too, i mean it. I love having good friends all over the US and the world!
So I almost posted earlier this week about feeling bad/anxious/concerned/whatever that I am eating too much this week. Then I got hit with some kind of stomach thing --- no symptoms other than being really tired, feeling really bloated and being hungry but not being able to eat much. So much for our anniversary dinner (21 years with Mr. Donkey), but at least I kept the calories in check. I think I would have rather have felt better and eaten too much.
As I mentioned to Horn of Plenty, I started responding to one of her comments, but then realized that I wanted to keep the comments for my own diary. She had mentioned to someone here (sorry, can't remember who) that she is focusing on maintenance now and really loves where she's at with it.
THAT is what I want for myself. I am not there yet -- I'd like to lose a little more weight, but when I get to my ultimate goal -- thinking around 135-138, I want to BE there and LOVE it and take PRIDE in maintaining.
I don't want to feel frustrated that I'm not losing, or worried about eating too much, or feeling forced to exercise. Right now, the only issue I struggle with is feeling like I might be eating too much. Some weeks I don't lose weight, and while I admit that I'm a little disappointed, I don't let that get me down. I guess sometimes I feel LIMITED in my exercise option because of the weather but I try to keep things in perspective that this is a habit that I'm still establishing, not a chore.
I'm posting tonight because I came home early from work. It was slow, I did all my tasks, and my tummy wasn't feeling good. (Plus I had a couple of things to get out of the way before the holiday weekend, just in case I don't get to leave early tomorrow.) It was nice to be home.
Progress as of today: 37.5 lbs lost so far, only 8.5 lbs to go!
In a new set of numbers this week! I've also received a couple of compliments at work, from co-workers. I admit though that it's getting really difficult to stick to a consistent exercise program -- I should be exercising now, but here I am on DD, lol.... And I've had a few nibbles of the chocolate goodies that have come into the office. *sigh*
This week's struggles had me thinking again about my self-imposed sobriety. I have a new-found respect for anyone who MUST be sober. IT IS HARD - and it bothers me to say this. Why is denying myself alcohol so difficult? I don't need alcohol to live, yet I find myself really struggling at times. There are folks out there who, by choice, abstain from vegetables, and a body needs vegetables! and they don't have a problem with not eating vegetables. So why do I have a problem with not having a drink? And an occassional drink at that!
I know that I could drink -- everything in moderation, a treat, yadda yadda -- but I'm using this time as a trial to learn more about myself, to see what it's like to have to be sober, to test my own dependencies, addictive tendencies, etc. Like I said above, it BOTHERS me that I find this hard to do at times. That doesn't seem right to me.
Anyway, feeling much better and healthier this week. Just about over the cold that I had. The only problem is that my sense of taste has returned so now things actually taste good -- just in time for the holiday week. Oh well, that's what it's all about.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah -- and most important, peace and love to you all!
Progress as of today: 37.5 lbs lost so far, only 8.5 lbs to go!
Congrats on making your goal and now setting a new goal. I understand that it's becoming more difficult to keep the weight off / make good choices. However, that's maintenance for me. It's a constant need to readjust and learn week to week of what's working and what's not.
It is okay to plateau every once in awhile as you will be able to learn what works for you, calorie-wise, at that weight.
I am not a moderate person. I like things all or nothing. So I do understand you not wanting to drink right now. I think it's saving you tons of calories and sugar rushes.
Stay happy - you've done so well.
Also, thank you for your comments, I've been meaning to write you on FB as well.
Either way, I wish you a really happy end of the year and so many good thoughts for you always!
Maintained this week, staying steady at 150.5 and that's fine by me!
Around the middle of November, I was battling a sinus infection that developed into chest congestion. Took me 3 weeks to get over that and then I immediately started up with a cold -- sneezing, stuffy nose, etc. Today is the first day that I don't really feel any sort of congestion, although still sneezing and blowing my nose on occassion.
The weather has not been cooperating as far as exercising outside, so I've been riding my stationery bike inside most mornings, sometimes doubling up at night - just to help dinner digest. But a few nights, I just went to bed after dinner. Some of that was being sick -- and some of it was being sick and tired of my family, who can act like real donkeys at times.
I'll be scrambling around this week to finish up Christmas gifts for the family!
Progress as of today: 36 lbs lost so far, only -4.5 lbs to go!
I am glad you are sticking to keeping some exercise in your routine. It's very important that we do this!
I survived the office Christmas party and still managed a great weigh-in! I confess that because I have a cold (not to be confused with the sinus infection I was battling for the last 3 weeks), it was rather easy to limit the eating. Still, mindful eating -- or "responsible eating" as one of my co-workers calls it :-) -- was practiced.
Because of this cold, I woke up early (but so early) so I got up and started my day. I already got my long walk out of the way, and now I'm chilling out until it's time for the Christmas party at church for the Prayer Shawl Ministry I belong to. I don't know if I should eat now so that I'm not hungry at the party or if I should wait so that I can enjoy some of the food there. My fear is that it will be cookies -- LOTS of cookies -- and those are one thing where just one won't do.
We're in for a big snow this weekend, and while I dread this, part of me is actually looking forward to the exercise that comes with shoveling. I'll have to follow up on this statement later this weekend to see if this is still true (LOL)...
Progress as of today: 36 lbs lost so far, only -4.5 lbs to go!
Congrats on getting your walk in early. It is nice when we get it done so that we don't even have to think about it for the rest of the day.
You can always have a snack with fiber or protein right before or on the way to the party so that it lasts with you a little bit and takes all hunger off the edge so when you are there it's not as hard to turn things down because you truly don't want much...I agree to cookies just being no good. They don't fill me and i have also a hard time limiting myself to just 1. I typically stay away from desserts.
Good luck with your snow and let us know what happens with Mother Nature. It's cooled down a ton over here in New York City area. In the 30's.
STOP THE PRESSES - Donkey is posting and it's not a weekend!
So I mentioned to my co-workers that the FitBit friend request I received late Friday afternoon had me contemplating all weekend long. What did this bring about? 3 more friend requests from co-workers! So I think I may accept these friend requests, but I do not know if I can do challenges. The one that everyone is focused on is called "The Work Week Hustle" --- to get folks active during the week. Well, most of us at my job sit on our butts all day in front of the computer, which is great, but I guess the same person was winning the challenges all the time, so 2 more people were added that have very active jobs.
See? I'm already over-involved in the challenge and I'm not even signed up!
I started a push-up challenge to give some spice to my December. So I do 3 sets of 15 reps of push-ups every day in December... Except that these are proper push-ups on the floor. I stand about 3 feet (1 meter) from the vanity counter in the bathroom and push up against that. It's supposed to be easier on the back. Anyway, don't think it's any easier, because my arms and elbows ache quite a bit.
I did this challenge a few years ago (back when I was exercising, etc.) and the results were amazing on the upper body. So that's why I've added it for this month.
Progress as of today: 33.5 lbs lost so far, only -2 lbs to go!
lol, you can still observe the other fit bit challenge to gain perspective and experience even if you don't partake. don't feel bad. do what makes YOU happy.
as for push-up challenge, well, you know i LOVE pushups. i support that challenge. good idea to do it against the wall...it's still gonna do it's job & get you stronger! nice to see a post from you again today!
Drumroll please.... Yes, I have met my first goal weight and surpassed it by 2 pounds - TA DAH!!!!
Part of it has been a result of being sick. Not much of an appetite. On the other hand, being sick, I have had to cut down my walking SIGNIFICANTLY because the cold air is too painful to breathe in. (Plus, cold air does nothing to help a cough.) To compromise for the lack of walking, I have been riding the stationary bike more, but somehow I don't believe that is as efficient as walking outside. I do know that the bike rides do not measure up on my FitBit, so it's harder to measure my progress accurately other than what the scale shows.
Speaking of FitBit, I guess you can do group challenges or something like that? and my co-workers are asking me to join in with them on these challenges. I have very mixed feelings about doing that. I went into having a FitBit to do my own thing. I don't want to be competative with other folks, but then again maybe that would push me out the door more. Maybe?? Trying to stay away from obsessive compulsive behaviors or any possible triggers -- which is one reason why I weigh in only once a week.
The Christmas parties are already starting: church ladies for breakfast today, company party this coming up Friday, sandwich party on Dec. 16th, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, anniversary on the 28th, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day... oh my!
Progress as of today: 33.5 lbs lost so far, only -2 lbs to go!
It’s good that when you were sick you decided not to overexert and continue with the same exercise regimen so that you could allow your body to rest & get well. It can be tough, but I know from experience that when I’m sick, my body demands a lot more rest anyways and it’s almost like no more time can be fit in anyways to exercise between being sick & time spent at work lol…ok, enough on this topic!
If my coworkers were doing a fitbit challenge, I also wouldn’t join I don’t think. First, I do not do a lot of walking. And second, like you, it becomes a major trigger for me too. I like to go at my own pace, not the pace of someone else. So, I understand your thinking completely as I do think me & you think very similarly to each other when it comes to a lot of situations! I do not weight often either as it also is a trigger that I do not need to see all the time since weight fluctuates anyways, so I only weight when feel usually slightly lower or higher…to see if indeed there’s been a change…
Wow…you have this much!? wowwwwww….take it easy and remember that you do not have to stay the latest at these parties, you do not have to eat poorly…you do not have to do anything that you PERSONALLY DO NOT WANT TO DO. Despite the feeling that you need to indulge because others are, or others are asking you to, you only need to do what YOU WANT TO DO. Remember this. You only need to please yourself. You do not have to make poor choices because other people are. Maintain your sense of self. And …. Let the celebrations begin :-D
Well, I didn't do as well as I had hoped. Up 3.5 pounds over the holiday. I was completely out of my element, as I was in Las Vegas visiting my brother and his family (delightful SIL and 5 little ones, ages 10 and 5), my folks, and my sister and her husband.
The hardest part is that I'm still sick. I need an antibiotic but I don't have a doctor, nor do I want to incur the charge that minute clinic or a doctor's visit would cost. I can't shell out $$ for something that will reconcile itself eventually anyway..
So over vacation I didn't have the energy that I might have had, and I've taken about 2 weeks off from walking so as not to inhale the cold air. Bottom line is that I have to get back on track if I want results.
*SIGH*
Progress as of today: 27.5 lbs lost so far, only 4 lbs to go!
Hopefully you have some go-to over the counter medicines that will help you? If your nose is clogged and you are congested, I have found that sinus sprays have done wonders for me - to take at least in the mornings & evenings - and really help with sleep and breathing. For the first time last year, I was sick 2x with a sore throat (and dry cough) caused by sinus congestion and the sprays helped along with an over-the-counter pill mostly for sinus congestion. If your sinuses are not congested, sorry for the long tip on that subject!! !!
Don't be too hard on yourself J-Donk because you are doing everything right. You've worked really hard and given it your ALL and this is now a time of year where you have to make sure to rest also.
I hope you at least enjoyed the "warmer" ? Vegas weather. I've never been & was planning to go last year but canceled the trip because the hotels and flight are expensive from NY and outta my budget for now :-) I have a friend in Miami so i will stay with her for a long weekend in April (also really never partied or stayed in Miami!). Excited for these last trips before my life really changes :-)
Anyways, remember to take care of yourself. Whenever i am giving you tips in particular, i tend to think how i could take the same advice that i'm giving you. Just keep looking up, forward thinking, in a positive way. Of course be in the moment, but in order to continue to progress or maintain a weight, even after you've lost the pounds, you have to continue the habits. This was ALWAYS the hardest part for me. this is the first year i haven't gone back to my own bad habits of weight gain after the newness of the lower weight fades away. but anything is possible. We create our destinies.
feel better & catch up with you soon, either on here or f-b. ;)
Half a pound away from goal... but I'm not very confident that this loss will stick. I think most of it was due to being sick, although I have not exercised in the last 3 days as to cut down on the stress on my upper respiratory system. I just didn't think that breathing in cold air would be the best thing for my congested sinuses and lungs.
PLUS Thanksgiving is this coming up week. The kids and I are flying out to be with my brother and his perfect family, my mother and step-father, and my sister and her husband. Oh, did I mention that my brother has 5 kids 10 years and 5 years old? (set of twins and a set of triplets, respectively) Definitely not a restful holiday, but hope it will be good nonetheless.
Right now, my major concern is trying to stop coughig and clear out my head. I feel like if I could handle everything if I could just feel better physically, first.
Progress as of today: 31 lbs lost so far, only 0.5 lbs to go!
I hope you are feeling a little better today, so sorry you were sick. :-/
I tend to feel stressed at holidays too, and i am not even cooking. I do get stressed worrying about the food options and if i can eat to be full or if there will be "enough veggies" for me....lol....but this year, i'm trying to be more confident and relaxed. I'll help my mom a bit to prepare some of the food...just remember, you can at least make sure to have a lot of veggies on the table...you don't have to prepare the fattiest dishes...and you don't even have to have crazy desserts...even coffee and tea and/or fruit too...and seltzer during the meal can help...try to make sure you have options that don't contribute to weight gain...and enjoy a little also of the dishes you love!
Feel better, JD....and keep your beautiful face and head up! Proud of you so close to the goal. Even if a half pound doesn't stick, it's still really close to the goal and FAR away from your upper number back in April! You rock. stay with it. stick with it. never give up.
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Look up Dave Ramsey and baby steps. Or check out "Total Money Makeover" from the library. His radio show is available in podcast form in many places including his website.
Cheers!
Don't have to because I've already drunk the Kool-Aid! I LOVE Dave Ramsey. I have followed his steps to get us out of debt except for the house. Dave does have a recommendation for our situation -- it's just a little scary to take that step. But pointing that out to me is probably reaffirming that this is the action to take. THANK YOU!!!!
innerpeace on 01/07/2017:
Good luck with your decisions. I too have tried to do vegetarian but it is very difficult when your SO thinks they cannot live a day without some kind of meat! I hope your financial issues are resolved. It has been brutally cold where I am as well (NE Ohio) so I can relate to not being about to go out. My dog can too! Have a great day.
Thank you! I'm in the Chicago area, for a point of reference. We're supposed to be warming up here this week. Unfortunately, woke up to -1F this morning :-(
Horn_of_plenty on 01/08/2017:
I am glad you have done some research on your own - looking at BB's comment and your reply above - to help yourself financially.
Remember to give yourself the credit where you deserve it. Change doesn't happen overnight & financial stuff can be a huge hurdle I am quite positive of that.
Remember that you are a very intelligent woman. That you do reach many of your goals.
Do not forget how far you've come this time around. Remember to eat plenty of veggies...haha....i hvae a story about that for another time on my journal. It's interesting to say the least about older people than myself (which isn't old!!!) now more than a couple that i know - that swear by eating nothing buy veggies for their last meal of the day (i don't think i particularly like this approach as it's not satisfying to me - and i wouldn't digest the volume in time for morning...so i'd be bloated the next day - no good...) but the evidence is in - "Eat Your Veggies" as the cancer research mailing label says on the outside of it's envelopes!
hmm...you MUST get more sleep. Try to take some sorta vitamin to help you get some more nutrition in - like a multi or even those small powder packets / effervescent tablets that you drop into water....but you must give yourself rest...and if you need to lay off exercise for a week, you should if it's to knock the cold out...but...as i remember well from last winter, once i got a cold / virus, i did have it for 2-4 weeks.
Horn_of_plenty on 01/08/2017:
I saw your comment to MsKay about being hit or miss...i'm that way also...
lately, in order to eat healthy all week, I actually need to order / buy / plan to have EXTRA food in my fridge so it actually lasts me all week into the next weekend...I've been doing better when i plan for a little extra it seems :-)