motivation

Weight Loss Struggles and Successes

I blogged a few weeks ago about how where I eat is directly related to the amount I eat and my ability to judge fullness. I have used the table more, but even with good intentions, I’ve slipped back into old habits and still eat in front of the television a lot.successes

Struggles

The truth is, I like eating in front of the television. It’s a reward after a long day of work, and when I force myself to sit at the table, I feel deprived. I don't have the same reaction eating on the patio or at a restaurant . I also continue to struggle with late evening snacks. Sometimes I’m hungry, sometimes I just want the snack. Last night… Read More

Exercise Challenge

Exercise Challenge

challenge Mt. Fernie, Canada In one of my first blogs, I wrote about obesity and I threw out an exercise challenge. I said that since I was motivated to exercise and eat right, I would be support and encouragement for those of you who can’t. I promised I’d do double time—extra sit ups, run or swim an extra lap, ride another mile—all in honor of you. I’d be your helping hand, your lift up until you could take the torch and do it yourself. challenge Mountain biking Spense Mountain, Oregon So I took up the challenge, and since July 14, 2015 when I posted that… Read More

Shaking Up My Workout Routine

Shake it up is the theme to my workout routine. If it gets boring—shake it up. If it gets too easy—shake it up. If the weather is bad—shake it up. workout Crater Lake, Oregon

Changing my workout routine

I’ve found doing the same workout again and again has pitfalls. First, I’ll get bored, and if I’m bored I’ll be looking for any excuse to postpone or avoid doing it at workoutall. Second, I’ve improved and now I can do the exercises easily. Once this happens, my aerobics instructor tells me I’m not getting the most from my workout. This means it’s either time to push myself a little harder or try something… Read More

Mirror, Mirror

Mirror Mountain biking Bend Oregon Why is it when I look in the mirror all I see is a new wrinkle, another gray hair, or God forbid a long, curling hair coming out of my chin! Right now I’m satisfied with where I’m at on the scale, but I don’t always like what I see in the mirror. Too much cellulite, saggy underarms, you name it, I fixate on it. Maybe I’m too focused on my reflection. Maybe what I should be asking myself is what are my strengths? What do I do best? What makes me stand out from the crowd? I’ve started a top-ten list of things I like about myself that aren’t weight or image related.… Read More

Life is More Than a Number

Outlaw Bathroom Scales

I think bathroom scales should be outlawed, banned like plastic grocery bags, sent to the crusher never to pop up an unwanted number again. My life seems to revolve around the number on that tiny screen. When I’m a few pounds under 150 I’m on top of the world, and when I’m a pound or two above it I’m down in the dumps, and yet I still look the same. scale Image courtesy of vorakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Name That Bathroom Scale

My bathroom scale has two names. It’s Darth Vader when I’m over, and Matt Damon when I’m under. I actually have a love/hate relationship with my scale. Getting on it once a week motivates me… Read More

Weight Loss is not for Sissies

weight loss Image courtesy of KEK064 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Weight loss is not for sissies is a truth no one wants to admit. My experience has been there is no easy way to lose weight and keep it off, but gaining it is a piece of pie, literally. That’s not to say it can’t be done. I’m here to tell you I have done it and kept it off. I’ve always struggled with 10 to 15 pounds, but two years ago that figure jumped to 20 pounds. My fear is 10 pounds will lead to 20 pounds, then 20 pounds will lead to 40. I had a favorite weight loss program that had always worked for me until 2013 when they… Read More

Motivation Meals and Movement

Motivation, meals and movement.

When I have these three components in my life maintaining my weight is a snap, but motivation is a continual challenge for me. When I have motivation nothing stops me. I'm invincible, I'm Wonder Woman, I'm a mover and shaker. I’m unstoppable. When I'm unmotivated procrastination takes control. Tomorrow I will eat better. Tomorrow I will get my butt off the couch and move. Tomorrow I will start yet another diet. Motivation Image courtesy of Apolonia at FreeDigitalPhotos.net  What I need is middle ground between hopped-up-on-caffeine enthusiasm and stuck-in-the-doldrums procrastination. One of the best things I’ve found that keeps me on track is having good healthy snacks and nutritious meals available.… Read More