JULY W.I.S.H. Challenge - Summer of Positive Change

[sjrec]

I took some time today to plan out several days of lunches and dinners. We’re still not eating out, so I like to have several meals in mind even if I have to switch things around. I have at least one new recipe to try.
I put my walking shoes by the door-I didn’t walk today (too many people on the trail on Sundays) so I want to get out early before it gets too hot.

 

[4Mickeys]

I like your motivation reminder to be PERSISTENT. The first 4 weeks of change this time - I had it - next 2 weeks I slipped a bit on food and exercise. So this week - I need to focus on persistence in order to stay the course and build these new habits.

This week sees me back at work - but still primarily from home - so I set the alarm to wake me this morning but after a broken sleep last night - I snoozed another 45 minutes after I turned off the alarm! I tried writing out a potential schedule for my weekdays last night just to help my brain really shift into work mode whilst finding time for exercise. This is going to be a really busy term - work for me - helping twins with year 11 assignments - they put in a new grading system for seniors in school last year and it kind of results in year 11 being crammed into the first 3 terms of the year and then they actually start their grade 12 units of work in term 4 this year and it rolls into next year. ugh nothing like pressure. So I really need to be organised I think or this will just all get away from me again.

I walked and did my strengthening exercises this morning - and have another walk planned for this afternoon So I am kicking off the week in a positive way.

 

[PollyannaMom]

What are going to do this week that will help you stay focused on the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the month?

Last night I filled a water bottle so I’d have it first thing this morning.

I’ve been exercising in the evening again. It’s just easier to stay on routine that way.

And I’ve been getting outside in the mornings (courtesy of demanding cats) which combats stress.

 

[Zhoen]

Hello, Dearies!

Here's a fun fact... You know the plant "Queen Anne's Lace?" The one that is all beautiful and white and lacey? It grows all over the roadsides here and it is soooooo lovely. Sometimes I cut some for wildflower bouquets. And have you heard of "hemlock," the poison Socrates was forced to drink when he was executed back in the days of ancient Greece? I have been studying herbology a lot these past few weeks, and I discovered that you have to be very careful because these two look CRAZY-much alike. So after reading up on the two plants, sure enough, we have BOTH here in my area. sometimes side-by-side! None of that is the "fun fact." The "fun fact" is that if H doesn't learn how to stop talking about politics when I clearly say "stop talking about that . Now." I'm going to be going to jail for poisoning him with hemlock...

To turn that into positive motivation... I can say "I have lots of reasons to stay outside of the house as much as possible..." which SHOULD lead to more walking and weight loss and sweat and thirst, so I SHOULD be having no problems with reaching that water goal I set at the beginning of the month... but no, to all of the above. I still hate plain water and the scale was up a little today from last week.... boo hiss...

What are going to do this week that will help you stay focused on the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the month?

The answer to this is that I am going to not only offer myself a reward, I am going to make it into a game, and CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU to play along! If I drink 64oz of water every day now through Sunday, I am going to buy myself a new Disney Pin... If YOU set a water goal here and meet it for those days, I will send you one of my trading pins.... they are nothing special, but hey, free pin, maybe I'll grab one of those junk lots off Ebay so you have better choices. (Because every minute spent shopping is a minute NOT picking roadside hemlock...) Sam, I do speak metric, so you can play too! Only rule, no cheater goals, no "I'll drink water in the form of ice cubes in my sweet tea." It has to be an actual goal, otherwise, just go with what works for you...

Meanwhile, going back to self-care Sunday... I usually do my self-care during the week, since I never liked crowds even before all this, and all the things I like are crowded on the weekends... but I did download a new book and start reading that yesterday. Today or tomorrow I am going to go out to Michaels (craft store) and over-indulge in in shiny pre-made junk jewelry that I discovered yesterday is on clearance... I was in a rush yesterday (and it was crowded.) With two teenage girls, my clothes and accessories are ALWAYS wandering off (at this point, only my underwear is safe...) so I am very much in the marked for new clothes and accessories, but only those that "spark joy" ... which is quite the trick, isn't it? At least many of the stores have reopened... I have a few dollars left on a gift card from my birthday, which will cover the bracelet I was eyeing, plus a little something else... I am helping the store "declutter," I am "decluttering" my wallet using up the card... very Kon Mari, no? (We'll ignore the part about me brining more clutter into the house..._ ;P

Also, a group I am part of on facebook has just started a vitual book-club and ironically enough, yesterday (Sunday) they announced that our first book will be one with a self-care theme, so I ordered that and it should arrive in the next day or two... alas, our first "meeting" (online) is not until the first. but it was a happy coincidence anyway...

So, everybody set water goals... I need external motivation!!!

 

[sjrec]

Hello, Dearies!

Here's a fun fact... You know the plant "Queen Anne's Lace?" The one that is all beautiful and white and lacey? It grows all over the roadsides here and it is soooooo lovely. Sometimes I cut some for wildflower bouquets. And have you heard of "hemlock," the poison Socrates was forced to drink when he was executed back in the days of ancient Greece? I have been studying herbology a lot these past few weeks, and I discovered that you have to be very careful because these two look CRAZY-much alike. So after reading up on the two plants, sure enough, we have BOTH here in my area. sometimes side-by-side! None of that is the "fun fact." The "fun fact" is that if H doesn't learn how to stop talking about politics when I clearly say "stop talking about that . Now." I'm going to be going to jail for poisoning him with hemlock...

To turn that into positive motivation... I can say "I have lots of reasons to stay outside of the house as much as possible..." which SHOULD lead to more walking and weight loss and sweat and thirst, so I SHOULD be having no problems with reaching that water goal I set at the beginning of the month... but no, to all of the above. I still hate plain water and the scale was up a little today from last week.... boo hiss...



The answer to this is that I am going to not only offer myself a reward, I am going to make it into a game, and CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU to play along! If I drink 64oz of water every day now through Sunday, I am going to buy myself a new Disney Pin... If YOU set a water goal here and meet it for those days, I will send you one of my trading pins.... they are nothing special, but hey, free pin, maybe I'll grab one of those junk lots off Ebay so you have better choices. (Because every minute spent shopping is a minute NOT picking roadside hemlock...) Sam, I do speak metric, so you can play too! Only rule, no cheater goals, no "I'll drink water in the form of ice cubes in my sweet tea." It has to be an actual goal, otherwise, just go with what works for you...

Meanwhile, going back to self-care Sunday... I usually do my self-care during the week, since I never liked crowds even before all this, and all the things I like are crowded on the weekends... but I did download a new book and start reading that yesterday. Today or tomorrow I am going to go out to Michaels (craft store) and over-indulge in in shiny pre-made junk jewelry that I discovered yesterday is on clearance... I was in a rush yesterday (and it was crowded.) With two teenage girls, my clothes and accessories are ALWAYS wandering off (at this point, only my underwear is safe...) so I am very much in the marked for new clothes and accessories, but only those that "spark joy" ... which is quite the trick, isn't it? At least many of the stores have reopened... I have a few dollars left on a gift card from my birthday, which will cover the bracelet I was eyeing, plus a little something else... I am helping the store "declutter," I am "decluttering" my wallet using up the card... very Kon Mari, no? (We'll ignore the part about me brining more clutter into the house..._ ;P

Also, a group I am part of on facebook has just started a vitual book-club and ironically enough, yesterday (Sunday) they announced that our first book will be one with a self-care theme, so I ordered that and it should arrive in the next day or two... alas, our first "meeting" (online) is not until the first. but it was a happy coincidence anyway...

So, everybody set water goals... I need external motivation!!!

This sounds like fun! I will set a goal of 64 oz of water until one week from today.
But you do not have to give me one of your pins! I have given all that I had to my grandson. But I want you to get your new pin!
Anyway, I have already had 8oz-someone here suggested reaching for water first thing in the morning and I manage to do that.

 

[Oneanne]

Hello, Dearies!

Here's a fun fact... You know the plant "Queen Anne's Lace?" The one that is all beautiful and white and lacey? It grows all over the roadsides here and it is soooooo lovely. Sometimes I cut some for wildflower bouquets. And have you heard of "hemlock," the poison Socrates was forced to drink when he was executed back in the days of ancient Greece? I have been studying herbology a lot these past few weeks, and I discovered that you have to be very careful because these two look CRAZY-much alike. So after reading up on the two plants, sure enough, we have BOTH here in my area. sometimes side-by-side! None of that is the "fun fact." The "fun fact" is that if H doesn't learn how to stop talking about politics when I clearly say "stop talking about that . Now." I'm going to be going to jail for poisoning him with hemlock...

To turn that into positive motivation... I can say "I have lots of reasons to stay outside of the house as much as possible..." which SHOULD lead to more walking and weight loss and sweat and thirst, so I SHOULD be having no problems with reaching that water goal I set at the beginning of the month... but no, to all of the above. I still hate plain water and the scale was up a little today from last week.... boo hiss...



The answer to this is that I am going to not only offer myself a reward, I am going to make it into a game, and CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU to play along! If I drink 64oz of water every day now through Sunday, I am going to buy myself a new Disney Pin... If YOU set a water goal here and meet it for those days, I will send you one of my trading pins.... they are nothing special, but hey, free pin, maybe I'll grab one of those junk lots off Ebay so you have better choices. (Because every minute spent shopping is a minute NOT picking roadside hemlock...) Sam, I do speak metric, so you can play too! Only rule, no cheater goals, no "I'll drink water in the form of ice cubes in my sweet tea." It has to be an actual goal, otherwise, just go with what works for you...

Meanwhile, going back to self-care Sunday... I usually do my self-care during the week, since I never liked crowds even before all this, and all the things I like are crowded on the weekends... but I did download a new book and start reading that yesterday. Today or tomorrow I am going to go out to Michaels (craft store) and over-indulge in in shiny pre-made junk jewelry that I discovered yesterday is on clearance... I was in a rush yesterday (and it was crowded.) With two teenage girls, my clothes and accessories are ALWAYS wandering off (at this point, only my underwear is safe...) so I am very much in the marked for new clothes and accessories, but only those that "spark joy" ... which is quite the trick, isn't it? At least many of the stores have reopened... I have a few dollars left on a gift card from my birthday, which will cover the bracelet I was eyeing, plus a little something else... I am helping the store "declutter," I am "decluttering" my wallet using up the card... very Kon Mari, no? (We'll ignore the part about me brining more clutter into the house..._ ;P

Also, a group I am part of on facebook has just started a vitual book-club and ironically enough, yesterday (Sunday) they announced that our first book will be one with a self-care theme, so I ordered that and it should arrive in the next day or two... alas, our first "meeting" (online) is not until the first. but it was a happy coincidence anyway...

So, everybody set water goals... I need external motivation!!!

@Zhoen I'll also be your drinking buddy this week, but don't need a pin. I have my 64 oz pitcher at my desk and pledge to empty it every day. I found a container of Beauty Infusion drink in the cupboard that I had forgotten about, so having some flavor will make it that much easier.

 

[Oneanne]

View attachment 509420

Persistence is exactly where my head is this morning. I put together what I consider an excellent food weekend, yet I'm up two pounds this morning, and my blood sugar is high again. The blood sugar I think is a result of being a little light on water drinking and having some cinnamon toast and raspberries late in the day yesterday. I was telling myself Starbucks was what drove the numbers up, and I could have a little bit of refined sugar elsewise, but that seems to not be the case. The weight bounce I'm not sure about, but I think I need to start actually measuring and weighing and not just eyeballing and guessing.

I'm choosing a small near term goal of losing the next 4 pounds, and being persistent at getting those pounds off of my body. My banged up toe felt good enough to get out for a pre-work walk this morning, which I'll continue to do along with evening walks, getting my calorie burn up. We're in for a pretty nice stretch of weather this week, so if I want to walk at the beach it will have to be in the morning... which I may try to do tomorrow.

My visit to the Farmer's Market was lovely, and I'll continue to go each Sunday. The dripping morning weather didn't deter anyone and the line was already around the block when I got into it, but when they opened I was still in the first group let in... it was kind of like making rope drop! I got some nice raspberries as planned and also picked up a nice piece of salmon, which I had totally forgotten would be an option there. So more fish for me this week.

 

[Summer2018]

In spite of my health challenges right now, I'm staying the course. For me, staying away from sugar is essential. I lost my first 20 pounds on Noom allowing myself a treat every day, whether it be a "No Pudge Brownie" or ice cream, I just logged it into my calories. I am not giving up sugary treats forever, but for the time being, the only sugar I am ingesting will be the 1 tsp. of raw sugar in my morning coffee and whatever is in fruit. I also am not drinking any alcohol, and I haven't had a drink since the early spring when it was hitting the fan.

Water is easy for me because I take a water pill. I'm always thirsty. I have a 24 ounce Corkcicle that I drink from and refill all day long. I am drinking probably 5 or 6 of those a day.

I spoke with my asthma specialist this morning, and she is providing me the documentation I need for work. I asked her to provide as much info as possible including my obesity and high blood pressure. I want there to be no question that I cannot safely teach in school. I am unwilling to sacrifice my life so that I can be back in school with my kids.

 

[piglet1979]

I am not doing good at all. Just too many things this past week. Being back at work should help a lot.

So my anxiety is way up again. I want nothing to do with being in the office. I have felt sick to my stomach all day, didn't sleep much last night and have been on the verge of tears all day. By boss knows I am really stressed with being here. He told though that most of my team is out today so I won't need to interact with anyone. Well then why am I here. I can do all my stuff from home. I am thinking about asking my doctor for a note to work strictly from home. Another on my team is doing that but for a medical reason. Mine would be just mental. I just feel like am back to square one with this. I was doing so good.

 

[sjrec]

I am not doing good at all. Just too many things this past week. Being back at work should help a lot.

So my anxiety is way up again. I want nothing to do with being in the office. I have felt sick to my stomach all day, didn't sleep much last night and have been on the verge of tears all day. By boss knows I am really stressed with being here. He told though that most of my team is out today so I won't need to interact with anyone. Well then why am I here. I can do all my stuff from home. I am thinking about asking my doctor for a note to work strictly from home. Another on my team is doing that but for a medical reason. Mine would be just mental. I just feel like am back to square one with this. I was doing so good.

Have you considered talking to someone that could help you sort through things? You have a lot going on in your life right now and it can seem terribly overwhelming. A few years back I was dealing with a few things and although I have a wonderful husband, family and friends, I felt like I needed an impartial set of eyes to help me make some decisions and to help me cope. I used pastoral counseling, and I think I only met with her twice but it was an enormous help. I was only sorry I didn’t go sooner. Just something to think about.
((hugs))

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am not doing good at all. Just too many things this past week. Being back at work should help a lot.

So my anxiety is way up again. I want nothing to do with being in the office. I have felt sick to my stomach all day, didn't sleep much last night and have been on the verge of tears all day. By boss knows I am really stressed with being here. He told though that most of my team is out today so I won't need to interact with anyone. Well then why am I here. I can do all my stuff from home. I am thinking about asking my doctor for a note to work strictly from home. Another on my team is doing that but for a medical reason. Mine would be just mental. I just feel like am back to square one with this. I was doing so good.

 

[Oneanne]

I am not doing good at all. Just too many things this past week. Being back at work should help a lot.

So my anxiety is way up again. I want nothing to do with being in the office. I have felt sick to my stomach all day, didn't sleep much last night and have been on the verge of tears all day. By boss knows I am really stressed with being here. He told though that most of my team is out today so I won't need to interact with anyone. Well then why am I here. I can do all my stuff from home. I am thinking about asking my doctor for a note to work strictly from home. Another on my team is doing that but for a medical reason. Mine would be just mental. I just feel like am back to square one with this. I was doing so good.

You know what is right for you and if you're not ready to go back in to the office, working with your doctor seems like the right way to go.

 

[PollyannaMom]

This sounds like fun! I will set a goal of 64 oz of water until one week from today.
But you do not have to give me one of your pins

I'll also be your drinking buddy this week, but don't need a pin.

I'm on board as well! - My water bottle is 20 ounces, so I’ll shoot for 60 (filling it three times.)

 

[Summer2018]

I am not doing good at all. Just too many things this past week. Being back at work should help a lot.

So my anxiety is way up again. I want nothing to do with being in the office. I have felt sick to my stomach all day, didn't sleep much last night and have been on the verge of tears all day. By boss knows I am really stressed with being here. He told though that most of my team is out today so I won't need to interact with anyone. Well then why am I here. I can do all my stuff from home. I am thinking about asking my doctor for a note to work strictly from home. Another on my team is doing that but for a medical reason. Mine would be just mental. I just feel like am back to square one with this. I was doing so good.

I think you are very smart to prioritize your well-being. I would 100% get what you need from your doctor.

 

[sjrec]

 

[sjrec]

I wanted to share a story I saw on Today about a young couple that lost a lot of weight together. There were three things they learned that were a big reason they were so successful-

1. The mental health aspect of losing weight. If you aren’t in the right place mentally you won’t be able to make the necessary changes.

2. Find your tribe.

3. Find your purpose/the reason you want to lose weight.

Although none of us are/were in their
situation, these three things really resonated with me.
#1 I tried to lose weight several times-but for various reasons could not stick with it. Maybe someone could have, but I wasn’t successful until everything else in my life was in the right place.
#2. You all are my tribe! I love this little group because you understand how hard it can be to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I never hesitate to share my struggles because I know you don’t judge.
#3. I started so many diets because of a special event or occasion and then when I couldn’t lose enough I would give up. When I finally decided I just didn’t want to carry all those extra pounds anymore and I didn’t care how long it took, I found my purpose and it just clicked.

Here is the link to the article-

https://www.today.com/health/weight-loss-success-couples-loses-525-pounds-combined-t186100

 

[4Mickeys]

@Zhoen I'm in - I find I drink more water when I get my walks in - I tend to drink pretty much 500ml (16.9oz) on the walk or finish off the last bit when I am home on the couch recovering - lol - So in the morning I drink 1 cup (250ml - 8.4oz) to take my tablets then back it up relatively quickly with 500ml on my first walk. So if I walk twice in a day - I can do 1L (33.8oz) just on my walks. If I don't walk and with it being cooler here for winter I struggle to to hit close to that goal I find.

I was also going to suggest a cold infusion but @Oneanne beat me to it - I have tried them in sparkling mineral water as a soda alternative - not to bad and there was no sugar/sweetner in the ones I tried.

 

[Oneanne]

Topic Tuesday:

1. 100% also agree with this. I too have gone on "diets" and temporarily lost weight that I didn't keep off because I didn't address the emotional/spiritual reasons I put the weight on in the first place.

2. It's only in the past 4 or 5 years that I've realized the power of being in a group of like minded people thinking about and striving for similar things. Checking in here and sharing with y'all is so important to me.... thank you!

3. Purpose is so important! I have also used special events as end-goals, then when I got there stopped doing all the good things because I'd reached my goal and boom, the weight comes right back on. I do have a vision for where I want to be for my March WDW trip, and am starting to use it as a target to shoot for, but I also have a vision for how I'm going to eat and take care of myself when I'm there and it isn't going to be "I'm on vacation I can do whatever I want" this time... no I take that back, it is going to do whatever I want, but the want is changing from consuming high sugar and carbs to feeling good and energetic, and being able to do all the things.

I drank my pitcher full of water and then some yesterday. I think I got in an extra 1000 steps going back-and-forth to the bathroom, which is right next to my office. I did get in a short walk in the evening, but my feet were pretty tender, so I didn't get far. I have started taking Aleve, usually right before bed, but I'm going to take it in the early evening today and see if my feet are better for a longer walk.

 

[Summer2018]

1. 100%. Noom has helped me address my emotions and the reasons that I eat what I shouldn't. I wish I had this clarity a long time ago, but I have it now.

2. It has not been easy finding my tribe. A few of my friends have anorexia and/or bulimia, so their unhealthy behaviors have been terrible examples. I'm just glad that I didn't engage in those behaviors with them. Others' answers were diet pills or surgery which in the long run caused them far more damage than any weight loss was worth. I tried all sorts of groups and diet plans online and in person. At the worst weight watchers group I was a part of, the ladies talked about their recipes for lasagna, pastries, and fried foods. I also didn't find WW leaders who reached me. I went to a nutritionist whose idea of healthy eating was so extreme that I couldn't handle more than a week on it. I had a personal trainer at a gym who ultimately led to me getting injured because she thought I should "push through the pain." I found some support groups who weren't supportive. Instead, they were competitive always trying to "one-up" each other. I found it hard to bare my soul and be honest with these people.

No groups helped. No friends or family helped. And then I found all of you. Perfection. Thank you.

3. I put a lot of energy into losing weight for my cancelled WDW trip in June. As you all know, once the pandemic hit, my motivation disappeared. In the past few months while I have struggled with my emotions, and actually faced them, I have rallied and I am back on track. Now my motivation is much more than one vacation. It most definitely is feeling and looking better when we return to WDW in July 2021 (hopefully), but also how nice it will be to go for my physical and not get hassled by my doctor. I want to look great for all the special occasions that will come up one day...my DD's wedding...being an energetic grandmother...enjoying an active and healthy retirement. I want the next chapter in my life to be wonderful, and how I feel and look will have a great impact on how wonderful it will be.

 

[sjrec]

I found it interesting that the young woman in the article chose prepackaged meals rather than surgery to lose weight. I’m thinking the meals helped her with portion control and what healthy meals look like. I didn’t see if she’s still using them but I could see the appeal of them when she was starting out and feeling overwhelmed.