When You Don't Want To...

Find a way so you do!

Yesterday I wasn't motivated to go to the gym, but I really wanted to walk Riley and take Mason to the school to play. I did both of those things AND I took a towel and an exercise band. I worked out while Mason played. I did chair dips from the bench on the picnic table, I did crunches, push-ups, and multiple exercises using the band. I finished up by running two laps around the school with Riley and Mason joined me on his scooter. We all walked home and each of us got to do what we wanted.

I'm really proud that I made it happen. It felt good to do something different and there was no pressure to do the full 30 minutes, or get through the complete circuit. I was doing something and that was enough. Having Riley with me and Mason on his scooter while I ran, made it fun. I felt like a good mom and I was taking care of me, too.

I'm Practicing

I'm practicing patience. I'm practicing kindness. I'm practicing acceptance. All these things are things I need to practice giving to myself. I find that I don't care for me the way I care for everyone around me. Even more, I act more lovingly toward strangers than I do toward myself!

Today I'm committing to doing the things that make me happy, healthy, and strong. I'm going to choose nutritious food (like I do for Mason), I'm going to go to the gym and enjoy my workout (not worrying about the other things I should be doing), and I'm going to do one project that is on my list of things I want to do. For just today, I'm practicing making me a priority. Wish me luck, patience, kindness, and acceptance. I wish all and more for you, too!

Bean Me Up!

I'm discovering the protein-rich world of beans! I like beans, peas, and lentils. On average, beans have twice the protein found in cereals. Most are a good source of thiamine and also have moderate amounts of riboflavin and niacin. I just made split pea soup using the bone from our Easter ham. Delicious, and nutritious, too!

Oatmeal

I really like oatmeal. That's good for me, because it's really good for me. My problem is that I particularly like the prepackaged flavored oatmeal, cinnamon & spice being my favorite.

Today I thought about splurging and having a packet of my favorite, sugar-flavored oatmeal. I looked at the nutritional information and saw that one packet had 170 calories. I stopped right there. One packet makes about a 1/2 cup of breakfast. That's not enough to get me through to lunch. I thought better of it and went back to work.

Still thinking about oatmeal, I went to my whole oats and looked at that nutritional panel to find that a single serving of regular oatmeal only had 150 calories. I opted to make it the old fashioned way and when it was done, the single serving directions (1C water and 1/2C dry oats, no salt) yielded almost 2 cups of cooked oatmeal! WOW! I added some organic cinnamon and two packets of Splenda (I know, I know! I just can't quit EVERYTHING!), and a splash of 1/2 & 1/2.

The nutritional value of the real oatmeal versus the prepackaged product is obvious. What's not so obvious, is how much more bang you get for your buck in bulk! It was a great way to start my day!

Had A Visit With My Doc

I saw Dr. D today about my back. It seems that maybe it's something more than just overexertion since by all accounts, everything I'm doing should be improving my condition. I'm going to the gym and as soon as I reach the point of increasing the difficulty, my back gives. I start over, and take it a little slower, same-same, only takes longer to go out (since I'm taking it slower!).

She ordered and MRI and said to keep working out, just don't take it to the level that creates the outage. She reminded me that even though I'm not increasing my time/intensity, I'm still reaping the health benefits. I don't know about you, but when I feel like what I'm doing is too easy, I don't want to do it. I want to feel like I'm "working," pushing it even if it's just a little. But, okay, I'll stay at it and just do the minimum to keep exercise on my schedule.

She also advised me to quit worrying about my weight and suggested that if I take my mind off it, it may just come off. After all, she added, "You're not exactly the fat lady in the circus." Okay, that's a more fun quote than the one she used, but you get the idea. I love Dr. D, she has such a way of putting everything in perspective.

What Do You Do When You Have A Setback?

Wednesday my back went out. I didn't follow through on my commitment to hit the gym. I really don't like not keeping my word so I went for an hour long walk, about 3 miles instead. It wasn't easy, but I'm a believer that moving is better than not for many reasons. Keeping your blood moving and your heart rate up is good for healing. It's also good for your bones to keep them moving and lubricated, back to circulation. I'm by no means a medical professional, I've just drawn these conclusions from the advice Ive received over the years, and what just makes sense in my little brain.

With that, my back is better, I saw the chiropractor, but still not 100%. I'm taking it easy and then I'll go to the gym for an easy walk on the treadmill. What do you do to work around an injury or physical set back? I know resting is as essential as staying fit, but it's so darn hard when you feel like you're finding a rhythm and making progress.

I Broke Down

Shoot! I weighed myself and as I suspected, I've gained 4 lbs back. I can admit that my monthly cycle is probably partially the culprit, but I know that I've slipped from my regimen. I'm back on track with my menu but not with my exercise. Exercise is critical for me to lose and maintain weight loss.

I'm going to the gym today and I'm going to give it all I have. At least 40 minutes of cardio and equal time weight training. I'll post again to report my trip. Penny, I'm counting on you to hold me accountable. You're the only one who read this blog, laughing, keep me honest! See you in a bit! Oh and by the way, Dave redeemed himself by taking all the excess Easter candy to work. He gave me back my "no fail" environment! Just thought it was only fair since I held him to the fire on Monday.