Loving Life

(More Than Food)

My Profile

  • Name: SolaGratia111
  • City: Wilmington
  • Region: Ohio
  • Country: United States

My Weight Loss

Height: 165.1cm
Start weight: 240.00lb
Current weight: 229.60lb
Goal weight: 130.00lb
Lost to date: 10.40lb
Remaining: 99.60lb

My Calendar

26
May '12
< May >
S M T W T F S
    1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31    

My Photos

Before After
Really Simple Syndication
03/28/2009 16:19

Fluctuation

So I just stepped on the scale right now, and it read 229.6! Just a couple days ago, it said 234.0. Hmm. I guess when they say that the body fluctuates with water intake, food, exercise, etc., they really mean it!
 
The past few days have been good. I've decided to walk/jog at least 30 minutes each day, do 30 crunches, and hula-hoop for 25 seconds. Yes, hula-hooping, lol. I hope to increase steadily...if I'm feeling I can do more, then I will. I'm also trying to be mindful of what I eat. No large portions. But I'm not really restricting anything yet. I'm playing with the idea of becoming a vegan. Interesting, I know.
 
I've been getting a lot of encouragement from the site I mentioned before (The Weigh We Were). Everytime I feel like munching on something, I pull up that site and read one of the weight-loss stories. I like to find ones that are similar to my own situation (losing 100lbs on exercise and eating right); not too interested in the bypass surgery stories. Though I do find myself watching shows on TLC/Discovery Health about the morbidly obese. My sister finds me odd when I sit down to watch those documentaries, but sometimes I think, That could be me someday if I don't do something NOW.
 
And the biggest thing on my heart lately is how I feel God has given me this space and time in my life to DO something about my physical state (as well as others: financial, emotional, etc.). He is allowing me to prepare and change for whatever else is to come. I'm sure all my family and friends know how I long to fall in love, get married, and raise a family of my own. But I've realized how I need to work on myself before I can get tied to anyone else just yet. How amazing to be given this gift of time. God is awesome and loving and faithful. I can't wait to see what happens in the years to come! :)

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (2) Top
03/08/2009 04:28

So Long

So long, farewell...(sorry, typed that title and started thinking of the song from Sound of Music!)

Don't worry- I'm not giving up this blog. But yes, it has been a very long time since my last post, considering I was trying to do this on a daily/weekly basis. As you can see, my weight has gone up (233.2lbs). And as much as I'd like to say, "I have no idea how that happened!"...I can't. Because I know exactly why I am where I am: pop, overeating, no exercise, overall laziness. Each rule I tried to abide by, I made sure to break! And...the whole THE ONE ideology stayed just that, an idea.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

So, I'm learning from my [recent] past, and I now know it's silly to expect me to abide by such rules each and every day without any slip-ups. Knowing this, I can give myself a second chance. I think. I hope.

Saw something earlier today, a man talking about "losing fat, not faith." It was a video spotlighted on this website [theweighwewere.com], which I find very encouraging, by the way; check it out if you haven't before! Anyways, a lot of what he said made sense (though I didn't listen to the whole thing). I realized how I [thankfully] have an ever-growing faith in God and what He's doing in my life, but that I had lost faith in myself in attempting to conquer this battle with my weight. Long story short, I came back to the point that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Somehow, along the way, I had let go of that insight when I was letting go of everything else in my life (no worries!). :)

I am back. It might take some time, but I'm here. I want to put this blog to use. Next quarter, along with some regular classes, I'm taking a Zumba one! And I hope to start jogging again. This is a season within my life where God is preparing me and changing me for the next chapter. I really feel as if I'm getting straightened financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and yes, physically. So I'm going to enjoy it. There's so much out there to be worried about...but God is good and faithful, and I'm simply resting in Him. Everything's going to be OK. :)

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (1) Top
01/30/2009 17:39

Forever!

It has been FOREVER, I know. And I'm sorry to say I've pretty much veered off course. My last weigh-in was a couple days ago when I remembered to do it (I've been back home now for a few days after dogsitting for a week and a half). I'm at 225lbs. But it feels like I'm back where I started. I really think lack of exercise does result in a body that feels down and sluggish. And even so, I continue to push it off! I know I need to get back with it. Foodwise, I'm doing alright. But the lack of activity is getting to me...can't let it win!

By the way, I'm trying to post to my previous blog again (started a few months ago in Blogger: http://jorocheleau.blogspot.com/ Come visit. :)

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (0) Top
01/20/2009 01:17

Miry Bog

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

Psalm 40:2


This verse has encouraged me in the past, and I'm definitely needing it now. Goodness. This past week has NOT been good at all. Emotionally, I was feeling down more than up, and I really think it affected my habits concerning eating and moving (or lack thereof). I also gave in and had pop on a few days, including today. :( Overall, I haven't been eating well, haven't been drinking a lot of water, and haven't been exercising. I'm feeling it too; my body is crying out for better treatment! 

Right now, I'm house/dogsitting, which has been great so far, but makes it hard to get to the gym (the puppy can't be left for more than 4-5 hours at a time, and I either have work or class to get to, then back to the house). However, I'm the only one to blame here for my actions...knowing that this year is going to be THE year, I've realized how it all lies within me as to how I spend my days. God lays out the course, and I choose which way to go.

I recently purchased Chris Tomlin's "Hello Love" CD. Listening to track #4 "God of this City", and I love it. It resonates within me and reminds me of how God is faithful; He will provide, take care, and be with me always!

"You're the light in this darkness; You're the hope to the hopeless; You're the peace to the restless. You are...There is no one like our God...For greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this City..."

I feel like God's saying to me, "You CAN do this. Stop letting what others have/don't have get to you. Don't let Satan whisper words of shame, guilt, sorrow, and hate to you. I love you. I will never leave you. Greater things have yet to come, and you have a hand in helping them come."

I've been there where all I can do is cry. I cried out to God why life is the way it is: why can't I have this, look like that, be like her? It's hard. But I do think it's necessary. To cry and to ask those questions. God answered me in His perfect timing. I am who I am because of what my life has been like up until now. The experiences of the past have given me a unique perspective on life, one I wouldn't trade for the world. It's taken time, but I am convicted and totally convinced of His hand on my heart, His arms around me. He loves me for me. No matter how I act, what I look like, what I think. There is nothing I can give Him that can come close to repaying Him for how He saved us, by giving us Jesus. And yet He doesn't ask for anything either. He just lets us know of His love and how we can be with Him. It's up to us to choose.

Didn't mean for this post to get so deep! But this has been on my heart lately. I had to voice it so that I can see it in writing, so that I can apply it to my life. This is just what I needed, I think. 

Since I'm at this "home away from home," I don't have a scale here. I came across one in a bedroom, but it doesn't seem to be working. So, I'm going to weigh in tomorrow morning when I stop by home. It's not going to be pretty, but...life isn't always pretty. 

This isn't just about weight-loss. Everything connects. I've always believed this, and each day God shows me just how true this is. I can't stand alone and expect to reach my dreams and goals. I need to pour out my heart, and I need to cling to Him. He's the one who gives us not a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (1) Top
01/12/2009 20:00

High School

Weighed in this morning (3rd week) and found that I weigh 225lbs. Not much of a change, but no gain, which is great! This past week I was a little sketchy (especially towards the end). There were a couple nights I snacked in the evenings, and I really didn't hit the gym as much/move around. Hmm, I think I was getting a little lax about things because that's what I tend to do with weight-loss efforts. But, something is different this time around. I want to build up and purify this temple God's given me...I want to change. And this is the year to do it. I know it. :)

For some reason, the past few days have had a recurring theme of "high school." For one, I remember having a physical during my junior year of high school and seeing those numbers before: 225. It's scary to think that during high school, I weighed so much! And now, I've come roundabout to that number. I want to blast that number out of my life forever!! Also, I saw Twilight this past weekend with a couple friends and that book/movie totally encapsulates the high school experience! :) Good movie, better book (as always). Lastly, I took my siblings and cousins to see the High School Musical On Ice show...fun stuff. I love watching figure skaters!

All in all, great week and splendid weekend. I just need to keep with this decision to get fit! I signed up to join the 90in09 challenge that singer Mike Weaver is taking on (you can find out more about this at www.klove.com). This coincides well with my efforts, and I just know God is working in the hearts of everyone! :) Have a blessed week!

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (1) Top
01/09/2009 03:39

So Good! Until Now...

For the past week or so, I haven't eaten past 8 o'clock at all!! But tonight I'm going to have to...I work 5-10 on Thursdays this quarter, and today I had "lunch" around 3 (meaning I tried a few bites of what I was cooking)...had to rush around after cooking/cleaning and so didn't pack dinner (to eat on my 15 min. break), so I am STARVING right now...

When I get home, I need to eat something.

I made Cornbread Hamburger Pie and Almost Stuffed Peppers today. Not sure how many calories in a serving of each. They're both from a cookbook titled "Cookbook for Busy Families," but no nutritional info. Still, with my one-serving philosophy, I don't necessarily avoid foods, just eat in moderation. :) The second dish is probably more healthy though as the first one has quite a few sauces (steak sauce, ketchup, salsa, tomato soup) along with the cornbread bit.

The good news is I totally went to the gym in the afternoon today! Now, this gym is the fitness center on campus, and my goodness, it was jampacked in there at 4:00pm! Usually, I hate working out with a lot of people around, but I just did my thing (20 min. on the elliptical) and went on with my day. :) Doesn't sound like much I know, but I cooked and cleaned earlier today. Plus, I'm using the fitness center a lot, more for the shower than equipment right now (as we have water issues at home), but hopefully that will turn around gradually. :)

Other than the slight detour I'll be taking tonight, I have been really good staying on track! No pop and drinking lots of water. And moving more. :) Hope everyone else is doing well!

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (0) Top
01/05/2009 20:02

Round Two

Second weigh-in of my chronicled journey, first weigh-in of the new year.

Drumroll please...

 

227lbs.

:)

This makes me happy. Saturday evening, I went to a dinner party (to get aquainted with neighbors of the couple I'm house/petsitting for) and yesterday, I even indulged a little. I had a no bake cookie in the afternoon and still had snack at my church's Sunday evening youth program (2 sugar cookies with icing and fruit punch). But the dancing over the weekend has paid off, I think. :)

Still, the significant drops in my numbers make me wonder if it's mostly water weight. Guess time will tell! I'll just keep at it. :) Later this week, I think I'm going to try making something for dinner called "Almost Stuffed Peppers." A friend got me a Busy Family Cookbook by Taste of Home for Christmas, and I can't wait to put it to good use! Also, I bought my very first food processor! Should be delivered to the house anyday (got it off Amazon). I'll let you know how all that goes...;)

Have a fabulous first full week of 2009!!

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (2) Top
01/02/2009 22:34

The One

I've promised myself that this new year is going to be all about the one. One serving, one bowl, one cookie, one morsel. I'm going to be mindfully aware of what I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat. I truly believe it's "everything in moderation." (I've just never been big on the moderation part of that statement!)

I came across a neat quote:

"Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues."
Bishop Joseph Hall

And I've always been a fan of this passage from 1 Corinthians:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body..."
1 Cor. 6:19-20

In the past, I would eat and eat and eat because food tasted SO good and comforted me physically, emotionally, and mentally. But no more! This year is going to be the year I reach my goal weight and stay there! And I hope and pray the same for you! :)

Jo

P.S. So I forgot my workout DVD at the house I was watching the past couple weeks (though I'll get it back tomorrow!)...for the past couple days, I've been playing a game similar to DDR, but based on High School Musical. :) And this morning I did a few sets on the weight machines at home, getting some strength training in. Also walked for about 20 minutes yesterday on my road -- I love being out in the country air! I hope to work up to walking 2 miles a day. Lastly, I've looked up some information about hiking in the area (we have some great parks around here) and can't wait to get started!

P.S.S. Foodwise, I've been sticking to the one philosophy! ;) Yes, New Year's Eve I had a couple cookies and some snacks...but as of the start of 2009, I've been watching what I eat; no more mindless eating! We'll see how things go when I weigh in this Monday...

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (1) Top
12/31/2008 21:10

Oh Dear...

So I spent the evening with my baby sister last night and had loads of fun!! :) :) But...we went to Chili's for dinner, and I had the Chicken Tacos (3 tacos with a side of rice and black beans). Today, I found out that the dish consists of 1200 calories! My goodness.

Now I did save one taco for lunch, but I should have split the meal like I did at the Chinese place earlier this week. I've learned my lesson...when eating out, always check menu items' nutritional information beforehand and usually, if not all the time, split the meal in half!

Today's breakfast was again Cheerios and green tea, with a banana. Lunch was the leftover taco, a bologna sandwich w/ ketchup and mustard (on wheat), a pear, and a glass of skim milk. (I used to drink 2% all the time when I was younger, but my family slowly acclimated ourselves to skim a few years back and that's all we drink now!) And I'm not sure what dinner will be, but I know I'll just keep it to ONE serving (overeating is my weakness).

I'm heading home in a little bit. Right now, I've just about finished tying up the loose ends of a cat/housesitting gig (washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuuming, cleaning the litter boxes, etc.). I've been here for almost two weeks, and I'm glad to be heading back home for a while before my next outpost: ten days watching a bouncing 2 year old lab (I think) named Sophie. :)

Anyone going all out for New Year's? I'm just hanging with my little sisters; I think we're going to switch back and forth from singing our hearts out to Disney's Sing It and dancing to High School Musical songs. Oh, the joys of XBOX360...:)

Happy 2009!!

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (2) Top
12/30/2008 01:57

Progress :)

Just weighed in and I come to 231lbs! Now, as much as I'd like to report that I've lost nine pounds already, I really should come clean. Last Monday I said I was about 240lbs. In actuality, a couple days before that I weighed in at 236lbs. Though I've hit 240 recently, I can't claim to have such a significant loss in one week! So I've probably lost about 3-4lbs...I hope! :)

I tried out the dance DVD, and it is crazy fast! Last night, I worked up a sweat doing all five segments, but I also did a couple segments this morning (for some early morn. cardio)! Foodwise, I've been snacking on bananas and pears, breakfasting with Cheerios and green tea, and having bologna sandwiches for lunch/dinner (I'm housesitting this week, and I'm kind of limited with food selection!).

For New Year's I'm heading home to stay the night and to say goodbye 2008, hello 2009! Crazy, isn't it?

Posted By: SolaGratia111 Add Comment | Comments (2) Top