Yesterday was family night we decided to have a movie night and made homemade pizza and hot dogs for dinner (that's what you eat at the movies). The pizza was fun to make, and delicious because we added what we wanted and all the ingredients were fresh. I particularly enjoyed it because I love Pizza, It's one of my difficult foods to avoid. But making my own pizza was guilt-free because I knew what I was putting in my body and could also control the amount.
My 11 year old son Weslie was in a good mood necause he got a hundred on his math test. He asked his sister, myself, and his dad what we were happy for this week. I immediately said " I am happy I don't have to go under the knife. As you recall from my last post, I was diagnosed with 2 fibroids. Well, after getting evaluated, I don't have to get cut. Technology is very advanced and the doctor can remove most of it without having to cut me. This is a blessing to me, having had both my children by C-section and having fibroids removed previously. I am thankful to our Lord that he has spared me the pain and discomfort of having to go through that again. Be thakful in everything..when we complain about our situation It's like telling God he doesn't know what he is doing
Hello Ladies, I havent' written in a while. I've been so busy at work and home. I also encountered some health issues. A simple routine blood test after telling my doctor at the last weight-in I was fatigued, discovered that my Hemoglobin was at a 9 ( average is 13-15). So you can imagine. My doctor began searching for the reason. I have never stopped eating 3 meals or more during my diet, just smaller poertions. So I knew it wasn't lack of food. I had a sonogram which revealed 2 fibroid tumors causing a lot of blood loss during menstrual cycles. (common occurence so I hear) I have had this before so it is not a cause for major concern, except for the fact I may have to undergo surgery. Well, as you may guess, I stopped the diet pills , but continue to watch what I eat so I haven't gained any of the weight I lost. I put an after picture on my blog showing me in the same tank top now at a size 10. This weight journey has been a blessing. Because of my regular check ups, my doctor was able to find a big reason for my weight fluctuation and now we are on our way to correcting it. Ladies, check yourself regularly, Prevention is always better than correction!
The exciting news is that I went to New York November 7 & 8 to audution for Who wants to be a millionaire? I had a great time in New York and believe me, I would have never been able to keep up with my friend, walking and running to catch the subway before my weight loss. I was thankful I had the energy to keep up. The show was great fun! I didn't get picked to go for the money, but I would do it again just for fun.
I haven't written in my blog for a while, mainly because there was really nothing happening. So I thought. I went to a local clothing store with my husband last saturday and just for curiosity sake I tried a size 10 dress! (given it is stretch fabric) but even so I didn't have the 3 bellies I was so accustomed to seeing with stretch dresses. I was prohibited by my doctor to weigh myself until my next visit which is October 25th, so I really can''t say how much I've lost. As a fun project my family is having a weight loss pool and the winner gets $10 if they guess my weight loss within 2 pounds. They are all excited. I have to say my weight loss became real when I prayed and turned my weight loss struggle over to God. I touched my belly and prayed a simple prayer "Lord, I surrender my weight loss to you". I have to say that my appetite has decreased miraculously. I don't crave the sugar or the carbs and this has made it easier for me to make better food choices. Also, I always have breakfast, something that was non-existent for me in the past. I make a point to eat something even if I am not hungry. I found that I like salty as opposed to sweet things in the morning. Usually I have a bit of soup or toast and cheese. eating breakfast jumpstarts your body to burn calories.
I'm still struggling with the excercise, but I manage to get a brisk walk at least once daily 30 minutes or more. My energy level is back, I don't remember the last time I walked or excercised without loosing my breath. evn bending down to pick up something was a struggle. My sleep pattern has also gone back to normal.
Ladies, there is so much you loose when you carry around that extra weight. Don't Give up! It's worth it! My goal is 130 lbs by my 43rd birthday in January. I will be a size 7-8. My friend took this picture on Sunday in my size 10 dress!
Well, I haven't written in my blog probably for more than a week now. Went to the Doctor on September 25th and was a bit dissapointed. My scale said I had lost 8 lbs since my last visit. His scale said I lost 6. The more I tried to convince him I had really lost 2 more pounds than his obviously faulty scale indicated, the more I got into trouble. "Didn't I tell you not to weight yourself until your visit? I admitted, he did tell me that, but you girls know how it is..we want to see or progress right? Well, He was very happy, said I am doing great, and to keep up the good work. It makes it hard to keep a log of my weight loss when I can't weigh myself.
But , yesterday at my job the boss announced a "Jeans Day" as a treat and to celebrate our annual "Pie Contest " (remember my food-at-work predicament?) Anyways, I was not happy. I knew that 4 months ago I donated some clothes to create closet space. I knew I gave away about 4 pairs of jeans raging from sizes 10-14. Well, I scrounged this morning for at least one pair that might have been spared. I found one! But it was a 12 petite. I had nothing to loose, so I tried them on. Wow! They closed and I didn't have to lie down to button them! WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! Just a month ago I decided to get on this diet because I couldn't find anything that fit me in 14's and was headed to the 16's rack! Loosing Inches count too, right? It's only downhill from here...10's here I come!
On one of Oprah Winfrey shows, I heard that one of the hardest things she had to overcome when struggling with her weight was celebrating or rewarding accomplishments with food. This is one of my downfalls. when I accomplished a goal, I would reward myself with food, usually something sweet and decadent. I've found a way to reward myself without food. I treat myself to a MASSAGE! It is relaxing and doesn't cause weight gain! Now days massage has become affordable, you can even have memeberships with just a monthly fee. I always have the same massage therapist, her name is Amy , we have become familiar and we talk about lots of things. This makes it even better if you want someone to talk to or listen to you.
Try it! set a weight loss goal for yourself, and when you reach it , treat yourself to a MASSAGE! You are worth it!
Why Do we love to Celebrate with Food? Our culture is conditioned that way. And it's O.K., but it makes our weight loss effort more difficult.
I was raised in the Latino culture (Dominican) to be specific. All of our gatherings involve a lot of food. Good food. Rich, delicious, fatnning food! So how do you overcome this temptation without hurting your family's feelings? One healthy practice that I have used before attending family gatherings or church potlucks is to eat a big salad or a large healthy planned meal before you attend the event. That way you are not hungry and will not be tempted by the food. If you can't eat before you go, Take you food with you! you can serve yourself anything else that is healthy from their food and accompany yours. That way you can eat with everyone, but not worry about cheating.
I don't know about you, but I love getting compliments they motivate me and keep me going. I decided to start excercising. It was difficult at first but now I am looking forward to it. I feel more energized, and have noticed a significant change in how my clothes fit. This morning my husband and children complimented me too. I do feel hungry more often during the day so I am eating small low carb meals, and this is working!
Small meal samples are: 1. 1 mozarrela cheese stick and a peach. 2. Six to seven baby carrots and a small bunch of grapes. 3. 2 slices of low sodium ham rolls and a slice of real american cheese.
When I/m not too hungry I have an Atkins shake or Nutrition bar.
My larger meal is dinner, usually before 7:00 pm. I wake up early to do excercise with my husband. I changed my routine of low impact walking and toning to mid impact since I have more energy. Kickboxing on Mondays (to shed the weekend pounds) and Aerobic Step on Wednesdays. This is working great for me. Yeay!
Yesterday a co-worker asked me If I was loosing weight. I excitedly replied YES! Does it show? She said she could tell my face, my cheeks and my neck looked thinner. I immediately went to the ladies room to look at myself in the mirror and confirm her statement. I saw what she saw, and I also saw something else, something she failed to mention. Something I was afraid of. Yes my face and neck looked thinner, but my cheeks were saggy. My laugh lines have become very pronounced. I am beginning to look 42! That's my real age, but I never really looked my age because of my chubby cheeks. Well, It's a small price to pay for feeling healthier and being happier.
Weekends are particular difficult for me because of the relaxation and laid back attitude it promotes. When I am at work my mind is occupied with my work duties. Being home on weekends, waking up late and just knowing that I am not rushed or really obligated to do anything but maybe a little cleaning and laundry contibutes to my desire to eat. Since I am on Phen, I decided to not take them that day and give my body a little break. I didn't go too bad, I did realize that I have more control than I actually gave myself credit for. First, I don't crave the sweets that were my downfall. Also I am able to eat just what makes me feel satisfied and push away the rest sometimes half or more of the portion I am eating. Sunday we had a potluck at church. Thankfully there was salad and fruit. I ate that and 1 chicken drumstick. I did reject the flan and cake. My clothes are fitting much more loose and I feel like I've lost inches, but I still cant' fit into my size 12's. I hope to by the end of the week. I Struggle with excercise. Basically, I'm not doing anything. I just don't feel motivated. I know that if I excercised I would loose more weight. Help me please.
NEVER HEARD CREATION EXPLAINED THIS WAY BEFORE !!!
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?"
And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
And God created healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.
So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.
God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."
God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.
God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.
