We have a new lawn customer and we cut and trimmed her yard yesterday.  I volunteer with her in the gift shop at the hospital when her partner can’t work.  I decided to rake all the leaves that were in the front ditch and under her hedges.  This bright idea took me three hours and a multitude of leaf bags.  

Raking…..bending over and filling the sacks…..carrying them/dragging them to our truck….wow….that was a GREAT workout.  Although the weather was cool, I managed to work up a sweat.  When I finished and stepped back to look at my work.  I was pleased.  It looked great.  She kept telling me to quit because she thought I was working to hard. I knew she was happy with the end result.

My husband did most of the lawn with the riding lawn mower.  I also did all the trimming.  Where I live in Tennessee, there aren’t very many flat yards…so it’s my job to use the push mower on the areas that can’t be done with one of our riders.  I finished cutting along the ditch and bank of the front yard. 

Back and forth…..up and down with the lawn mower is great exercise.   I like doing that much better than going to the gym.  Today I have a little soreness in my shoulders.  My stamina is getting better.  One day at a time…..that’s what I’m telling myself.

I tell myself:     Healthy eating=weight loss……………… Working out=building muscles and toning up.  What can I say………Life is great……I’m feeling good…….ready to tackle another day on my weight loss journey through exercise and healthy eating.

Off I go……today’s my day to work at the hospital gift shop.  I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!!  I wanted to thank everyone for their comments.  They are such a confidence builder for me.

This blog is like a dairy to me.  I realize there are many that read it but since I don’t have personal contact with them…it’s ok.  In fact, there were only three people who know of this website…..two of my sons and my husband.  None of them read it very often.

I’m so upset at my husband.  He took it upon himself to show my website to a couple of his friends when he was doing something to their computer Saturday.  (They have to know VERY little about a computer to ask him for help.)  I told him it was an invasion of my privacy. 

I only got about two hours sleep Saturday night.   All I could think about is someone I know, reading my stuff.  (I’m hoping they read this and delete the website off their computer.)  I’m actually a very private person and don’t share things about myself.  I’ve always been that way.  Actually, I’m a good listener and most people do love to talk about themselves or people in their lives.

My point is with sharing this is…..I am still staying on my weight loss path.  Normally, when things use to upset me, I’d find myself raiding the refrigerator for comfort.   There’s nothing like a cheeseburger and fries  or a pizza, to take my mind off what’s bothering me.  This time, I’m sticking to my bottled water.

Today is my 10th day on introducing my healthy life change.  I have decreased my calorie intake, and increased my exercise.  I am proud to say, I have lost 5 pounds.  I had lost 6 pounds but the scales says 5 pounds this morning.  Either way, I’m happy with this weight loss.  I am not using any particular diet or drugs.  I’m just back down to the basics….eating healthy food in moderation and going to the gym.

I refuse to let anyone rain on my parade…even if it is my inconsiderate husband.  Gotta run…time to deliver Meals on Wheels for the disabled.

The grass cutting season is finally here.  Today was my first day helping my husband with his lawn service.  He does the riding mower and I do the push mower.  It’s one of our bigger jobs.  It’s a small apartment complex along with 3 single dwellings.  The isn’t a lot of grass with the complex but each of the homes have good size yards.  Of course, two of them have pretty good inclines at the back of them.  Trying to cut grass on the side of a hill…..IT’S HARD!!!!!

The first cut of the year always calls for clean up first.  Plenty of sticks, bottles, cans, and plain old junk to pick up first.  I know the bending up and down is good for me.  It’s just that I’m so out of shape.  I was surpised how much my arms and legs bothered me pushing the lawnmower.  I’m taking notes of how I felt in my food journal so I can compare how I feel as the season progresses. 

It’s now been four days since I have recommitted to my weight loss journey.  I have been doing great.  Last night after everyone had gone to bed, I was sitting there thinking….hmmm…..I could get into the fridge and they would never know.  Yikes……what the heck kind of thought was that.   It’s funny how I talk to myself in my head.  Maybe I’m a basket case and don’t even know it.  Oh well, if that is the case, I’m going to be that way only thinner.  I told myself to get a bottle of water and forget the food. 

My mind is set, I’m going to lose this weight and KEEP IT OFF this time.  I’ve lost 100 pounds three different times.  I didn’t use pills, drinks, or any weight loss program other than one I set up for myself.   I called it the “Green Diet.”  Believe it or not, I only ate green vegetables.  I also use to walk the track near my home at night the last time I lost the weight.  The other two times I lost 100 pounds, I was a letter carrier, so I got plenty of excercise delivering the mail.

Time for me to hit the shower.  I am working in the gift shop at the hospital for a friend tonight.  I hope I’m busy so the time will go by fast.  I’ve had four good days in a row with my weight loss journey.  If you haven’t started or had a bad day……just put it behind you and start anew.  Do like I did, get family and friends involved for support.  Once you tell them….you are going to feel a lot better.  It’s really a confidence builder.

In the past when I was attempting to lose weight, I never let anyone know.  I figured if I failed, no one would be the wiser.  Heck, when I lose twenty pounds, a person can’t really tell.

I know I’m serious about my weight loss this time.  I’ve told my husband and my mom (she lives with us) I am going to lose weight.  They were glad I’ve decided to take off this weight. 

I’ve told them we are going to start eating more fish and more salads.  They both said that would be great.  They are encouraging me. 

My husband said, “When you make up your mind to do something…you do it.”  (I’m stubborn as a mule)  I got to thinking about that….and he is right.  I’ve got the old fire and will power back I use to have when I tackled projects in the past.

I’ve done great the last two days.  I’ve always had the problem of turning into a chow hound after 9:00PM.  I’d usually snack until I went to bed.  I’ve now traded the food in for bottled water.  When I feel hungry, I am drinking my water and telling myself…..this feeling will pass.  I say a prayer and find something to  do.  When I’m working on a project, I don’t think about eating.

I’ve restarted my food journal.  I’m writing down everything.  I’m also keeping track of what I do that day.  I want to see, if I end up having a bad day…. what may have triggered it….or what I use as an excuse for eating unhealthy.

I’ve have  a busy schedule  for today.  I’ve got to deliver Meals on Wheels and then work in the gift shop at the hospital.  I’ll be leaving the house at 9:00AM and won’t get home until about 4:30PM.  I’m going to have to go the gym tonight after I fix supper.  Good weather is finally here.  I don’t mind going out in the evening when I don’t have to wear a coat.

Time for me to get ready to go.  Hope you all have a great day on your weight loss journey.  Remember, we aren’t dieting….we are making healthy lifestyle changes!!!

Today after I made my post I put on my tennis shoes and out the door I went…heading for the gym.  I turned off the main street on to a side street one block from the gym.  There was an older gentleman in front of me in an older grand am.  His car stalled out on him.  Naturally I stopped to help.  We got it pushed off the road. 

He didn’t live in town and didn’t have a cell phone.  Of course, who can you find to help on a Saturday afternoon.  I took a look at the car but couldn’t get it started.  I figured it was probably the fuel pump.  He had me take him down to Auto Zone and he bought a fuel filter.  I knew I wouldn’t fit under the car to be able to change it.  He could barely walk and I knew he wasn’t going to be able to do it either.

My solution…..call my husband. I explained the situation to him and asked him to bring jumper cables, gas, and tools to see what he could do.  It took him about 20 minutes to get there and he tried to get it going without any luck.  He thought it was the fuel pump too.  

The elderly man locked up his car and my husband took him home.

This side-track episode took over an hour.   The whole time I was waiting for my husband I was rationalizing why I was going to have to skip the gym.  I had to go to the store to get the fish for supper.  I just knew I couldn’t do both and have supper on the table by 5 pm.  It’s funny how I fight with that little voice in my head.

The little voice tells me….”You NEED to go workout at the gym….supper can wait.”  The othe voice says, “Tomorrows another day…you will have more time.”  I went back and forth with those thoughts while we were messing with that car.

What won out…….The GYM!!   I was so glad I went after I finished my workout.  I only worked out for 35 minutes but it was better than not going at all.  I was happy to see there wasn’t anyone else at the gym.  I don’t feel self-conscious working out when I’m alone.  I was glad I went once I got in the door.

I ran to the store when I was done but didn’t get home until 5 pm.  We ended up having leftovers for supper.  I’ll be fixing the fish tomorrow after I go to the gym.  I bound and determined to lose this weight!!

I had to go to the doctor this past week for my yearly check up.  I can’t skip it anymore because I have to get my prescriptions renewed every year.  For the past 5 years, I have been taking medicine for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and water retention.

I hadn’t gone to the doctor’s in about 20 years but had gained weight and started having dizzy spells 5 years ago.  I had blamed it on the stress I had at work but thought I better get it checked out.  I had a 75 mile commute one way to work and didn’t want to pass out and cause an accident.  That is when I the doctor diagnosed me with high blood pressure along with an irregular heart beat. 

I had worked for over 34 years so I decided to retire to eliminate that stress.  I chose not to take the heart medicine as you can’t ever quit it once you start.  I figured I’d be ok once I quit working. 

I have been plodding along on this weight loss journey.  I’ve been up and down more times than a Duncan YoYo.  Of course, I’ve never gotten close to my ideal weight.  This past winter, without having lawns to mow, I’ve gained the weight I lost last year and along with a few more pounds. 

I got a letter from my doctor yesterday along with a copy of my blood tests.  A new thing has popped up…..my sugar is on the borderline of being high!!  He sent me a letter explaining he had called a prescription into the pharmacy for me.  I went to town and picked it up.  I was surprised when I read the use of the drug…..to reduce the risk of heart attack, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain.  It is used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol and trigliceride levels in the blood.

Although the doctor didn’t tell me I need to lose weight….it’s quite obvious I’m wayyyy over weight.  I’ve posted a copy of the picture with the insulin needle in the cookies on my refrigerator.  That’s an eye opening reminder to me on what NOT to eat. 

I’ve been having a good day.  All I’ve eaten so far is a bowl of home made cabbage soup and it’s already two in the afternoon.  I’m fixing broiled fish, brown rice and green bean for supper.  I’m on my 4th glass of water and have only had one diet coke.  (hardest thing for me to give up)  

I’m got a membership to a local fitness center but haven’t been faithful at going.  I’m heading there in just a few minutes.  I hope this determination I have right now sticks with me.  I know I can win this weight loss battle…..one pound at a time.

I’ve got to go back to the doctor’s in 6 weeks and have my blood drawn again.   These tests will tell me if my diet and weight loss regime is working. 

Time to head to the gym.    I’m grabbing a couple of bottles of water and my Ipod.  Wish me luck!!

By reducing our calorie intake by just 500 calories a day, we will lose one pound a week.  Here are a few tips to implement when you are baking to help.

1. Replace 1/2 cup of butter/margarine by using 1/4 cup of applesauce + 1/4 cup of canola oil, butter or margarine.

2. Replace 1 egg by using 2 egg whites  or 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute.

3. Replace sweetened condensed milk by using lowfat/nonfat sweetened condensed milk.

4. Replace evaporated milk by using evaporated skim milk.

5. Replace 1 cup all-purpose flour by using 1 cup whole-wheat flour or 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or 7/8 cup all-purpose flour + 2 Tbsp. soy flour.

6. Replace butter milk by using an equal amount of nonfat or low fat yogurt.

7. Replace 1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate by using 3-4 Tbsp. cocoa powder + 1 Tbsp. oil + 1 Tbsp. sugar (for frosting or sauces) or 1/4 cup cocoa (for cakes or cookies)

8. Replace 1 cup chocolate chips by using chopped dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries (for quick bread and muffins) or chopped nuts.

9. Replace frosting by using sliced fresh fruit or pureed fruit orlight dusting of powdered sugar.

Making these few sutle changes can help reduce your calorie intake thus helping with weight loss.  It’s hard to give up some of the foods we like.  By using  the above food exchanges, we can still lose weight without giving up many of the foods we like.  We just have to remember, we can’t eat two pieces instead of one because we lowered the calories.  (I use to be good at that type of reasoning)

Time for to get ready to go to work.  I’m filling in for a friend working  in the gift shop at the hospital.   I’ll be eating a healthy lunch in the cafeteria before my shift starts.  (love when someone else does the cooking)

These tips were made available by the American Institue for Cancer Research.  Fat cells can lead to cancer….so come on all……lets get rid of our fat!!!!

I recently had a comment made by a website promoting their product.  I went and checked it out before I posted it.  Geesh, I can’t believe the claims people can make about their weight loss.

Many years ago, someone talked me into buying the product.  This picture is what the pills look like.  I remember there was a powder stuff to use for shakes. 

I remember having a little pill container with 6 separate slots.  Some pills you take three times a day, others were two.  It was rather confusing.  I used masking tape to write down which pills were to be taken when.  It was ridiculous.

Here are a few claims that were made with no mention of exercise.  A person lost 33 inches by losing just a mere 21 pounds and went from a size 16 to a 12.  (Yea right)  Another person stated they lost 21 pounds and went froma size 14 to an 8.  The third example was a woman lost 43 pounds which equaled 5 dress sizes.

Any of us that have lost and gained weight in the past, know that is ludicrous.  Twenty pounds does not equal  this type of size change or inches lost.  Especially without exercise. 

I know there are people that buy this product by reading this type of hype.  I think most know it can’t be real.  They just have a hope that perhaps….just this time….they have found a product that will give them these kind of results.  Know wonder the weight loss business is so profitable.  I see it as an honest way of stealing.  Nothing happens to these companies when people don’t lose like the ones that left there testimonials.  They will tell you, those results aren’t typical.  Why post them then, other than to entice people into buying a product that most likely won’t give you those results.

I guess you can tell I’m angry.  Angry at the fact these kind of products can legally be offered and secondly, people are dumb enough to buy them. (I’ve bought many of them myself)  I’ll get off my soap box now. 

I’m heading off to the gym.  Have a great day!!

  I love to buy cards for all occassions but usually forget to send them.  Yesterday I found this card I bought for a friend when I was visiting in Australia  four years ago.  She called me last night and I shared it with her.  I’m still going to mail it to her but I also wanted to share it with everyone else.  It’s so touching.

           THE LAW OF GIVING

What ever you give away today, Or think or say or do, will multiply about tenfold, And return one day to you.

It may not come immediately, Or from the obvious source, But the law applies unfailingly, By some invisible force…

What you feel about another, Be it love or hate or passion, Will surely bounce right back at you, In some clear and secret fashion.

Your thoughts are broadcast of the soul, Not secrets of the brain, Kind ones bring you happiness, Petty ones bring you pain.

Giving words as surely, As reflections in a mirror, If hate you see, then it’s hate you get, But loving brings love nearer.

Remember as you start your day, And duty clouds your mind, That kindness comes so quickly, To those who first are kind.

Let that thought and this one, Direct you through each day, The only things we every keep,  Are the things we give away. 

The author is unknown.  It’s kind of sad.  I’d love to read more writings by this person.  It just leaves your imagination to wonder if he/she wrote more.

I know this doesn’t pertain to weight loss but I know I need to be more like this in my everyday life.  I made a copy of this and am hanging it near the phone.

I hope everyone is having a great day!!

If you have gained weight and wonder why, you need to rethink what got you to the point you are at.   You need to analyze what can trigger you to over eat  and to eat when you aren’t even hungry. 

Some of the things you need to consider are:

1.  Are you a clock eater?                                  I remember as a kid, our family ate by the clock.  Breakfast was at 7:30 am, lunch was at noon, and supper was at 5:00 pm.  Hungry or not, we had to eat at those times.   You need to listen to what your body is telling you and don’t eat if you aren’t hungry.

2.  Do you clean your plate?     This was another thing I had to do as a child.  We were not allowed up from the table until our plate was clean.  Even today, I find it hard to leave food on my plate.  You need to get rid of the guilt and realize it’s ok to leave food when you feel full.

                                                                        3. Do you eat when you’re emotion level is high?

If you are eating when you are upset, mad, feeling sorry for yourself, or plain ole tired, you need to find another source of relief other than food.  (Chocoate use to be my comfort food)  Take a walk, do some volunteer work, go window shopping (my favorite), or go vist a friend.  Sometimes I’ll just jump in the car and take a ride…never sure where I’ll end up.

                                                                    4.  Do you eat because there isn’t any else to do? 

This is the hardest one for me.  Late at night when I can’t sleep and there isn’t a thing on tv….I find myself navigating towards the refrigerator.  Face it, at 1:00 am…..there isn’t much to do.  I’ve started reading more, working suduko puzzles and also crocheting.  I’m making baby booties to sell in our hospital gift shop. 

Take a look at all these factors and identify which ones are keeping you from losing weight.  Realize your limitations.  Get rid of the food that is your worst enemy.  Start making good food choices.  We all know a salad is better than a candy bar. 

When you have had a great day, you should congratulate yourself.  Look back on that day and see what made it success for you and carry it into the next day.  If you faulter one day, don’t beat yourself up.   Analyze why it happened and come up with a plan to keep it from it reoccuring.

Weight loss is not easy.  I don’t care what anybody says.  Weight loss is a struggle. Anytime I see the words “fast” and “easy”, I know it’s bologna.   Stay focused and determined and you will win the battle.  We each have our own weaknesses and strengths in our weight loss battle.  Identify yours and you will be successful.