Endurance

A show of hands, has anyone else noticed that losing weight is not easy?  How about when you are over 30?  It is like my metabolism is staging a boycott yelling..”Heck no, We won’t go!”.  I have been on my wealth of health journey since last Thanksgiving.  By now I want the numbers on the scale to say less but the “fat” is slooooowly coming off. And I do mean slow. It’s frustrating.  At times, you almost feel like giving up. My self talk: I could try some quick fad diet and lose record weight in little to no time but what would that do?  For me, taking me right back in the place of never really learning the act of discipline.  If you are a parent isn’t this what we attempt to convey to our children.  No shortcuts, no easy routes, do it right the first time, give it all you’ve got!  Yep, as a mother of three children under the age of 6 years old. I had to swallow my pill today of “easy.”

Two weeks ago was a tough one.  I had an emotional charged situation and instead of expressing how I felt I turned to my old faithful companion:Food. I binged for two days as I processed what I had to deal with.  The hard reality after seven months of doing it “right” I went  back to my old habits.  I was disgusted with myself.  And I could feel it that Monday at the gym.  I felt alone. mad. sad. defeated.  I knew in that moment how a drug addict felt.  I did what I only knew how to do. I prayed. Yes, I prayed about my lack of discipline.  I had to put it on the altar so God could consume my issues with food.  I am encouraged to know God answers when His daughter calls.

In my time I learned a few things: I am not looking for a quick fix.  This is my way of life.  I have gone from never exercising to having a regular workout regime.  It will take time for my body and mind to get use to that.  I need accountability.  I can no longer be the lone ranger.  Just as a new believer in Christ I allowed people to teach, direct and hold me to the fire, I must have that same attitude in this “new” life.  And lastly, I have to renew my mind to food, exercise and my overall health.

My first step was to reach out to my workout partner “Beth” especially when I feel like down a whole case of Oreo cookies.  This is a huge step for me.  I am use to “taking care” of everything for everyone.  To admit I may need some help especially to someone who I am still getting to know made me vulnerable.  I need accountability.  I also decided to speak with someone about nutrition.  I can’t doing all this work and “eating” it back up. And finally, I decided to share my fitness goals with you. I am a transparent person, at least I would like to think so but the following let’s the world know what’s in my heart. (deep breath, so here it is goes)

• lose 45 pounds
• better relationship with food and money(will explain later)
• run/walk in a 5k( a walk or run)
• mud run (I know I have lofty goals)
• learn how to swim this summer
• wear a bathing suit
• build endurance
• stick with it

I am so grateful to all of you who send words of encouragement.  Please know I do not take it lightly.  Your encouragement has been the push I needed many days.  Along with the support of “Beth”, family and friends. I can say I am a blessed woman.  There are some “haters” but they only drive me not to quit.  My faith in Christ has been a great asset on those days when encouragement may seem far and few between.  Here are the two scriptures I am quoting this week.  I especially was saying the first during my first ever 6 mile walk/run last week.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  Matthew 24:13 NLT

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews 6:12 NIV

Run Forest, Run!

I have not posted in a while on my “wealth to health” so here is an update. I have joined my local YMCA. I have a workout partner and attend at least two classes within two days: Three C’s(core, cardio and conditioning) and Zumba.  I really enjoy Zumba. Did you know you can burn over 1,000 calories in one class? The first time I went I left class drenched in sweat.  It was a good workout.  I still attend my weight watchers meetings.  I have discovered on Pinterest several weight watcher friendly recipes that my family enjoys. (sidenote: some I had to adjust because the point value was under the old system.)   I have changed my eating habits and started drinking more water.  I had a “bad” weight in.  Not sure if you can call it “bad”. I gained a pound, not sure how because my pants are literally falling off.  I am losing inches and that is fine with me.  I am not stressing anymore over the number on the scale.  This is the best I have felt and looked in a long time.  My family is even starting to notice.  My parents came to visit and complimented me on losing weight.  You must understand that is huge coming from my rather vocal west indian parents. 

Then on yesterday I had another discovery.  I ran. Yes, while on my walk in the park as I was listening to worship music, I felt a prompting to run.  My first thought was how? You are probably thinking just get your feet moving.  oh, if it could be that easy.  But I can not remember the last time I just ran without chasing or lunging for my active 1-year-old son. My second thought, what if people see me? You know breathing heavy, arms flailing about like I am having a seizure not so pretty. Again, I felt the urging stronger now to just run. I know it was Christ speaking to me.  One thing I KNOW in all my years of being a born again Christian is when God is prompting me to do something that is outside my comfort zone.  Usually, this call to action is bigger than me and more often than not has spiritual ramifications. So I abandoned all self-doubt, fear and thoughts about others and I ran… and ran… and ran. My chest was tight, burning like I just swallowed gasoline, my legs ached but I RAN.  Within my one mile walk, I ran at least three times.  I may have looked like a sloppy mess but at least I did it.  There is a reward for when you are obedient to the Lord.  Towards the end of my time at the park, I threw my hands in the air, abandoning now all thoughts of who is around me and completely without shamed starting thanking God for the ability to run.  Oh, how we take the little things for granted! Immediately, I had this thought, I would actually do that again, run that is.  There is so much the Lord has taught me during this season of my “wealth of health” about Him, I one day hope to write more about it.  Until then, I am enjoying my Rocky Balboa moment and pray you have one today too.

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Rocky Balboa

What Your Poop and Pee Are Telling You About Your Body

I read this blog post which orginated by Kimberly Snyder.  It talks about umm, well, what you do in the bathroom.

If your poop looked “normal,” but were too embarrassed to ask anyone else what their poop looks like? Or has your pee ever smelled a bit putrid but you were too mortified to utter a word to your best friend, let alone your boy friend? Poop is an important part of health and affects your beauty, as everything in your body works as an interrelated system. Well don’t worry, because here is a guide to anything and everything you may have wondered about your pee, and yes, your poop. 

These “Sneaks” Are Made for Walking

It’s official. I am one of “those” people at the gym.  You’ve seen them.  They are the ones with matching shorts and shirt, clean crisp towel, gym bag in hand  and of course the footwear… Ah, yes, they are the ones with the extra fancy, super-duper supportive sneakers.  I have said this time around since I am serious about my workout I would become one of “those” people. My husband surprised me this weekend with a pair of Fuchsia and Black Reeboks.  They are so FLY! (By the way, does anyone say FLY anymore? lol.)  I was telling him after my workout last week how I was in desperate need of a new pair of sneakers.  On Friday night after our “date” night with the kiddos, he surprised me with a shoe box on my dresser. On another note: we have started this “friendly” competition of seeing who can outdo the other, he has won for now but oh wait until my Valentine’s Day surprise.) 

These sneakers are going to come in handy since I have worn a pair of old, tired Nike’s and  Curves sneakers that really don’t have much traction.  I am not a sneaker girl.  In fact, I really don’t know how to buy sneakers.  Ever since I can remember I have always loved heels. I remember the day it happened. I was watching Three’s company with my mother and Crissy came walking out in cork wedged heels and shorts. I kept looking and thinking how much I admired how long and lean she looked and how beautiful those heels looked.  And the rest is history.  I can buy heels like you wouldn’t believe but when it comes to casual shoes like sneakers I am totally sneaker illiterate.  Thank God for my husband.  Today’s workout was much better since having my new footwear.  The only problem is breaking them in.  During my first cardio class the sneakers and I were doing a Tango.  Both trying to figure out who was in the lead.  By the time I got to Zumba class we both were on the same page.   Apparently, having the right shoes is essential to any workout. Check out this story, WIS-News 10, a local television station did about having the “right” running shoes.  Running (sigh) something I hope to do one day.

Zero to 5K: On the importance of footwear

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Who is Cheering You On?!

Rah, Rah, Sis, Boom Bah… This post is really not about that kind of cheering but rather who is pushing you with their kind words towards a goal.  As many of you know I have been on a health journey since last Thanksgiving.  Recently, I joined Weight Watchers and started working out at the YMCA.  One of the parents at my daughters school is a substitute instructor at the Y.  My new friend, we’ll call her “Beth” texted me earlier this week and told me about a 9:30am exercise class.  Of course she was going and invited me.    There is something you should know about “Beth”.  She really enjoys the gym.  When “Beth” is not working out she is working out at home, even running her driveway with her children.  I really admire her passion to eat and live healthier.  As you can imagine I was a bit apprehensive about exercising with a workout instructor.  Anyway, I ran into “Beth” at school and of course she asked if I would see her at the gym. I could not back out now, right?  Whelp, I made it to the gym about 8:15am after dropping my children off at school.  I briskly walked around the track as I waited for the Pilates class to begin.  I figured I can handle Pilates. Seriously how hard is stretching?  Well, about 45 minutes later I was “stretched out” on my mat.  My friend “Beth” took the class with one bounced up off the floor and was ready for the next class, the actually class she wanted me to take.  I decided to stick around and take the Heart C. Training class.  It’s a combination of cardio and weights.  It was a bit challenging but I really enjoyed it.  Seriously, I want to go back next week.  During class “Beth” checked on me, offering modifications and encouraging me to make sure to drink water.  After class I received a high-five from “Beth” and the instructor. 

I am so grateful for “Beth’s”  encouragement standing behind and pushing me (almost literally).  The support and kind words, the pat on the back and the high-five make it much more  bearable on days like this week when doing the “right” things seems so painfully wrong.  So I ask who is pushing you from behind towards your goal? or who are you pushing towards success? I am not sure if they told you yet but I am certainly grateful for “Beth” she has made my road to health a smoother ride.  Thank you!

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Dropping LBS?!?!

  Say what? I actually got on the scale and I lost 2 lbs! I jumped off and got back again and sure enough I had lost 2 lbs. Go me, Go me, Go me!  It’s a small start but it was the encouragement I needed. Since I started this journey I have lost a total of 7 lbs.   This weight loss was the encouragement I needed after doing a radical change in my eating habits.  My goal: drop 45 lbs. So just 38 more to go. What’s my current weight you ask? You would want to know… but I am not ready to bare all just yet.  Umm, maybe one day(wink, wink).  I want to say thank you so much to all of you for the sweet comments, recipes and encouragement, this girl needs it.  It helps me to know people are counting on me when I have days when I want to eat that whole sleeve of Oreo cookies(or trust me, I can do it!).

So for all of you are on the journey to health and thinking about giving up… YOU.BETTA.NOT. Here is some encouragement I found on Pinterest and looking around on google, enjoy!

In His Super Grace(Your workout partner)

Ro:)

Food for Thought

I did it. I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting on Monday.  I was a bit overwhelmed by the process at first however, I am glad I did. Before I share about my experience let me just clear this up. I am NOT joining Weight Watchers because J. Hud has lost all that weight.  No, I am joining because I need accountability and their points system really intrigues me.  I have done my research, spoken to several people about the program and decided to travel almost twenty minutes away from home to attend Monday’s meeting. 

When I arrived at Harvest Baptist Church I was almost intimidated. The parking lot was full.  At first, I thought it was a Sunday morning service.  Little did I know that what was going on inside was reminiscent to small group bible study.   Once I entered the fellowship hall I met Joanie, the class facilitator and lifetime member with Weight Watchers.  She went over some information about the Weight Watchers then allowed me to sit in on the weekly meeting.  Today’s topic: Eating during the Super Bowl.  I found a seat in the back of the room.  For years, I would be very skeptical of these type of “support groups” but here I am sitting in this metal chair in desperate need of support.  Joanie talked to us about sticking with the “points” even with attending a Super Bowl party.  She spoke about eating a meat lovers pizza with all the most fattest meat  and how “bad” you feel afterwards. I giggled to myself because actually I feel pretty good afterwards.  Seriously, I noticed a common theme throughout the meeting  I must renew my mind to eating. Until this point, I never planned what I ate nor did I really consider portion control. All things Weight Watchers highly urge you do.  I must PLAN to eat healthy, I must PLAN to change or substitute my high sodium diet and I must PLAN to stay within my allocated points if I truly want success.  Romans 12:2 reads:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

My old stinking thinking had to go and go soon! In this meeting I also learned there is a difference between a snack and a treat. Did you know that? I guess I never thought about it.  But as I sat in this meeting once again my thoughts challenged me.  How could have eaten so poorly for so long and other destructive habits.  However, I did get some encouragement.  I learned people who keep food journals have good success in weight loss.  I purchased one the night before at Barnes and Noble for $2.  It has really helped me in keeping track of my points and consider what I am eating.    As the meeting started to close, our “Pastor” Joanie celebrated those who have lost weight thus far and ended the meeting with this thought, “We are born to win but we must plan to win…”  Immediately I went home and started putting what I learned to practice. And I started working out… again. That’s for another blog post. Already I notice a difference in my approach to food. I have started retraining myself in using “healthier” food to celebrate milestones and I certainly snack more on veggies(Mom would be proud).  However, I need some really good recipes in my arsenal on those tough days.  Do you have any healthy snacks or dinner suggestions? Please share in the comment line.

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

 See my prior Journey to Health post.

Disclaimer:It is essential that you seek professional advice for all issues about your health. Do not take any of the information in this blog (either in posts or comments) as professional advice.  Posts and comments on this blog are not intended to be used in place of  professional advice, unless implicitly indicated in the blog post.