Between volunteering at the hospital, delivering meals on wheels attending the Shape Up Tennessee Class, and doing my exercises, I haven’t been able to find my way to the computer to make a post.

One benefit we have as a hospital volunteer is a free meal each day we work.  They always have healthy well-balanced food choices as well as some not so healthy (french fries and cheese sauce). 

I was proud of myself, as I chose healthy food each day I worked.  I took my dessert home to my mom every day.  It was hard to resist the lemon cake but I got it home in one piece.  I made a point of drinking 3 bottles of water while I was working as well. 

Although I haven’t set in records in weight loss…..I have lost 2 more pounds.  I know I put this weight on faster than I’m taking it off.  I’d rather be more like the hare than the tortoise when it comes to losing weight.  I know slow is the way to go….but I’m tired of these ups and downs. 

If I don’t drink enough water, my weight can go up by 3 pounds in one day.  I can tell I’m retaining water when I don’t.  My fingers feel funny when I try to bend them and the skin on thecalves of my legs feel like  it’s going to tear open.  You’d think feeling like that, I’d drink enough water everyday..but I don’t.

I went and grabbed a bottle of water while I was typing this blog.  Since I’ve only got to work one day at the hospital next week, I’m going to blog everyday.  I need to be accountable to myself. 

I’m off to the kitchen to make a broccoli and green apple salad.  I had it for lunch at the hospital last week and loved it.  It will be my first time making it.  I’ll post a picture tomorrow (if it doesn’t look too bad). 

Grabbing my water and off to the kitchen.  I’ll be eating shrimp cocktail  while my husband eats hot wings during the Super Bowl.  It’s the first time I’ve made hot wings and the sauce from scratch.  I going to eat one to see if they turned out ok.  If they aren’t good…it will be the first and last time I make them.  Gosh….that was a lot of work!!!!!!

Yesterday was the 2nd week I have attended the Shape Up Tennesse 2009 Class.  I know I said I thought the exercises would probably be hokey and not be of much help.  Geesh……I’m proven wrong again!!

I never realized how much my right shoulder had tightened up until I tried to do a specific exercise.  Hold your arms out to your sides with your palms facing down and then bring your arms up straight over our head with th back palms of your hands touching.  If you are doing it right, your arms should be touching both sides of your head.

The first few times I tried this exercise….yikes…my shoulder cracked like I had just broken a twig. Then of course, it really hurt and burned like heck.  I only did that one a few times because I couldn’t stand the pain.  The good news is, I practiced it all week and was able to do it without any problem yesterday.  It still makes a little crinking noise but it’s not painful like the first week.

Another exercise which was really good for me is putting one hand over the shoulder and reaching back as far as I can while using the other hand to reach behind your back (as if unhooking a bra) and reaching up as high as possible.  Then you have to switch and do it the other way. I sure feel that one in my shoulders.  

These exercises are better than any physical therapy class for me.  I remember going for physical therapy twice in my life.  Once for my back.  Those whirlpool baths were only good while I was in it.  Once out….back was right back to where it was.   I  went to therapy for my left shoulder.  Now that was really goofy.  She put this electrode thing on my shoulder.  It didn’t do a darn thing.  After my  third session,  I quit going.  I ended up joining the gym at the hospital and started working out on the weight machines.  That really helped.  Now it’s my right shoulder that needs some limbering up.

Each week I’ll share another exercise or two that I’ve learned at this class.  Becoming more limber will help to make a person more mobile.  Thus, increased exercise which will equal weight loss.  I love how they all work together.

I went to the senior center excited about starting this new Shape Up Tennessee class.  Since this class is free, I was surprised to see  there were only about about 15 people that signed up.  

I know three of them are not actively going to participate.  They only came to get the free blood tests that are part of the program.  With so few signed up, this surely will through off the final results of this group study.

When we were filling out the paperwork to become part of this group, I had to laugh when we had to put down our age.  It was the day I could say I was 57….my birthday was the following day.  I’m sure both of those years are lumped in a bigger age group so I don’t think it matters.

I was already to get started with the program but all we did was fillout the paperwork and had our vitals taken along with the blood work.  I was surprised to see I was still the same height I was when I was young.  I figured I would have shrunk some by now.  My weight was ugly….in fact….it was up 2 pounds from the day before.  I know that was because I couldn’t sleep and didn’t lay down until 5 am and then got up at 8.  I had been drinking soda all night.  I hate when I have nights like that.

My blood pressure was 110/56.  They used one of those wrist cuffs.  I really wonder how accurate they are.  All three of us sitting at the same table had similar blood pressures.  My blood sugar was 105 which is pretty good.  My cholesterol was 211.  It had been at 261 so I’m doing better.

I was not impressed with the woman that is going to be giving the class.  She said the exercises we were going to be doing were the type done by people with arthritis.  I know I had a puzzled look on my face when she told us that.  She said we wouldn’t have to worry about breaking out in a sweat.  I thought, oh great this is going to be one of those finger exercise classes.  Shen then told us that when she gave this class last year, she had been the only one who gained weight.  YIKES!!

Needless to say, I’m rather disappointed but not surprised by the explanation of this program.  Heck, most that signed up for this class are 70+ and older.   The oldest one is 92…but she is one that only wanted the free blood test.  The lady sitting next to me who uses a walker is 82. 

I’m hoping the nutritional material she is going to disperse during the classes will be stuff I can find helpful.  I enjoy the company of most of the people  (few newcomers) that will participating.  I plan on following through with 8 week program but realize I’ll have to do this weight loss/get fit program on my own.

Perhaps I will be surprised by these exercises.  I do have a little arthritis in my shoulders.  If it helps with that….I guess it’s worth it.

I went to the senior center for lunch today.  It only costs $1.25 for a balanced meal.  We had baked chicken, turnip greens, small piece of cornbread, and some fruit cocktail along with butter milk.  I brought water with me since I don’t like butter milk.

I found out today the center has received a grant for healthy living.  Let’s Get Fit In 2009 …..Tennessee Shapes Up is the title of the program.

The program starts tomorrow.  The best part is the program is FREE.  I’ve got to be there tomorrow at 9:30 am for pre-screening.  This will include height, weight (ugh), blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol.  The program is going to run for 8 weeks.  It will focus on nutrition education and exercises.  There is a gym and workout room in the community center upstairs which we will be able to use for free as well.  At the end of the 8 weeks there will be a post-screening to determine the health improvements.

I’m looking forward to participating.  I’m not sure how many I eat lunch with are interested in this class.  Most of them are quite a bit older than me (67+ years).  Although most are over weight like me, they don’t care to make any lifestyle changes.  I am bound and determined to lose this weight!!!!

I’ll write more about this program when I get home tomorrow.

I belong to the pink ladies and volunteer in the gift shop at our local hospital.  The bloodmobile had a scheduled visit while I was working.  I thought….how perfect….I can give blood when I get off at 4:00 pm.

Since I started/restarted this weight loss journey, I have increased my vegetable and fruit intake.  I figured I shouldn’t have any trouble giving blood.  Boy, did I get a surprise.

The nurse stuck the index finger of my right hand (ouchie) to draw blood.  I’m not sure what all they test for.  The one thing I know they test for is your level of iron.  Much to my surprise, my iron was at 10.4.  The nurse told me it had to be at 12 before they could except my blood.  She then said they could test the other hand because sometimes it will be higher.  I said ok and got my left index finger pricked.  Sad to say, my iron level in that test was 10.2. 

This tells me I have to start looking at iron levels in the food I’m eating.  I’ve been concentrating on low fat and low carbs when checking food items.  I felt bad I couldn’t give.  I’m sure they wondering how someone my size could have low iron.  Probably no more surprised than me….I don’t live on twinkies and candy bars.  Geesh……

The nurse explained they would send a notice the next time the bloodmobile would be coming to the hospital.  She suggested I eat a little snack box of raisins for two weeks prior to their arrival.  This should bring up my iron level.  I stopped at the store and bought 3 packages (18 boxes).  There are 90 calories in a box and 4% iron content.  I’m going to start eating one a day now to see if it will make a difference.  I think it’s going to be 3 months before they come back so it’s going to give me plenty of time to get my iron built up.

I’m glad I like raisins!!!

I was proud of myself refraining from the cookies and candy during this holiday season.  I kept it from my house and all was well….until December 24th. 

It was all down hill starting Christmas Eve after the mailman, UPS man, and Fed Ex stopped and dropped of all kinds of goodies. 

When my kids were growing up, they knew how much I liked peppermint patties and they would always get me some for Christmas.  This year my youngest son got me Ghirardelli Peppermint bark along with another type made by Lyndon Reede.   I’ve been trying to ration myself by just putting 3 pieces at a time in the freezer and telling myself that’s all I could have.  But, alas, I find myself getting back in the freezer and munching down three more.  I lost count on Christmas day on how many of them I ate.

My son also sent my husband 4 different orders of various kinds of sausage and cheese.   We’ve been munching on all these goodies watching tv.  It’s amazing how much a person can eat while watching tv.  We also got some home made walnut fudge and carrot cake from his sister.  I’ve been getting into the fudge in the middle of the night.  Grrrrr….where is my will power. 

Christmas day, the next door neighbors brought over some of their famous home made peanut brittle.  It just melts in your mouth.

I haven’t gotten on the scale since I started this downhill slide.  I don’t even want to know how much I have gained.  

I’m feeling lots of emotions with this eating frenzy of mine…..anger, disappointment, and sadness.  I can’t believe I have such little will power.  I keep asking myself, how did I lose 100 pounds before?  I never knew losing weight was so hard until I read it.  I know that sounds ridiculous ….but it’s true.  I use to just set my mind to losing weight and did it.   Now that I have a computer and I read how hard losing weight really is, I’ve made it hard on myself.

When I read about the statistics of successful weight loss, I wonder if I can really achieve my goal.  It’s time for me to get ready to go to work.  I volunteer in the gift shop at our local hospital and am filling in for someone today.  The good thing about that is I’m not home to get into any of the goodies.  Yippee!!!

This Christmas Season has been flying by.  I finally got my last two packages in the mail today.  I gave a sigh of relief as I walked out the door at the post office.  Next year I think I’m going to give gift cards, postage has gotten so high.

I didn’t bake any Christmas cookies or candy this year.  This kept me from going to the cookie exchange held at the hospital every year.  I also did not attend  the holiday brunch the senior center put on yesterday.   

All the cookies I like, are all fattening.  Since there aren’t a variety of “Diet” xmas cookies in any of my recipe books, I figured the best thing I could do right now is to avoid them.

Perhaps next year, I’ll have the ability to pass on the sweet holiday treats or be able to eat one and quit.   I just know this year, I’d  be eating them all and then feeling guilty afterwards. 

I think it is important for each of us to be able to take an honest look at our weaknesses and draw up a plan to overcome them. Right now avoidance is what is working best for me this season.  I have not gained any weight during the holiday season.  That is a plus.  In fact, I must have been carrying water weight when I thought I had gained when my husband had surgery.  I’ve lost that three pounds plus another three after he got home. 

I know I’m not breaking any records with my weight loss.  I just keep reminding myelf of the story of the turtle and the hare.  Steady as she goes…..I’m going to reach my goal!!!!!!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!!!!!!!

Making correct food choices to accomplish our weight loss goals is tough when we are on a any type of diet.  There are a million books on these topics.  There are also seminars you can attend to help accomplish your weight loss goals.  All of these cost MONEY!! 

Today theNational Dairy Council is offering a FREE online seminar between 2-3 Eastern Time.  On the right side of the page about half way down, you will see a highlighted area called JOIN US FOR A NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS WEBINAR. At the bottom of that article is the place to click on to sign up for the class. This webinar will teach you about Nutrient-Rich Foods and how it’s a positive way of eating.  It will focus on a food’s complete nutrient package.  This class will shift the focus from foods to avoid to food to enjoy.  The featured speakers will be Adam Drewnowski, PhD, University of Washington and Amy Mobley, PhD, RD of Purdue University. 

This website also has Plan Took Kit available for DASH eating (dietary approaches to stop hypertension).  They also have nutrition and product information, health professinal resources, and recipes. 

Even if you aren’t interested or able to watch the seminar today.  Check out the website.  There is plenty of information you can use for your entire family.  You can also subscribe to  their monthly newsletter.

It’s been awhile since I posted.  Excuses….I’ve got a million of them.  I have been doing a lot of running with doctor appointments with hubby, mom and myself but deep down….I know that isn’t why I haven’t made a post.  It is because I have fallen completely off the wagon so to speak.  My weight loss has come to a halt.

With all the running I’ve been doing, I found it so easy to run through a fast food place to pick up something to eat.  Then for supper, it was much easier to stop and buy food already prepared….fried chicken being the favorite.

I had been doing so good with drinking regular and flavored water.  Next thing I knew, I was drinking a diet coke.  It tasted so GOOD!!!  The experts say it takes 21 days to make something a habit.  To restart an old habit….it must be a day or two.  I’m back to drinking 6-8 diet cokes a day.  My water consumption is close to nill.

I can tell I’m not drinking enough water because my fingers, legs, and feet are so swollen.  I know the water  I’m retaining increases my weight. I am my own worst enemy.  I took a look out in the garage and I only have 4 cases of diet coke left.  I usually keep about 10 cases on hand.  I’ve decided when they are gone, I am not buying anymore.  This will force me to quit drinking it.

I haven’t gained any weight this month but I haven’t lost any either.  I’ve been reading several blogs which are quite inspiring.  If you need some motivation, check out Fixing Myself Thin.  She is so upbeat and it’s a fun blog to read.  She has already lost 145 pounds.

My husband and I have been busy this past week.  The best workout I got was definitely this past Thursday.  We volunteered to distribute commodities to families in our county.  We were told this is one of the largest counties this agency services. 

I spent four hours lifting grocery bags full of food into a shopping cart and then unloading them  in the people’s trunks.  I always seemed to get the person that was parked at the far end of the parking lot.  I had to laugh to myself when I’d ask them where they were marked and they would point and say, “Way down there.”  I said to myself,  “Ah, just more exercise.”

I forgot to bring my Onrom pedometer.  It’s the perfect size and easy to use.   I didn’t take one break during the four hours of food distribution.  Heck, just pushing the cart from one end of the armory to the other was quite a haul.  All in all, it was a great day.  I was tired when I got done but my arms and legs didn’t hurt.  

This agency only distributes food 3 or 4 times a year.  This makes the 3rd time in succession I have helped.  I can see I am getting in better shape.  The first time I only worked for two hours and went home a whipped puppy and my arm and leg muscles were sore for a few days.  Three months ago, I helped for about 2 and half hours and had sore arms for a few days. 

I enjoyed talking with the people as we walked to their cars.  I hope I was able to brighten  someone’s day.  I look forward to the next commodity day.  I’ll be volunteering again.  Perhaps the next time, I’ll remember my pedometer.