Sunday, April 18, 2010

You Can't or You Don't Want To?

More insight from Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. Can't say it any better.

When it comes to diet and exercise, I forbid you to ever use the phrase: I can't. I'm telling you, there's no such thing! There might be "I don't want tos," but there are absolutely no "I can'ts" from here on out.

Why am I being so hard on you about this? Because I know you can! In fact, I promise that you can do anything you want in this life — if you want it bad enough.

The next time you start to say "I can't," stop yourself and instead say the "antidote" statement, which is "I can." I can lose weight. I can start to exercise. I can get control of my life.

Think about what might be causing you to feel defeated before you even begin, and tackle those negative feelings or memories or harsh life lessons. You have the power to take your life back. Soon you'll see the evidence that you can accomplish your goals, that you are strong and intelligent, and that you deserve everything wonderful that life has to offer. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, kid!

Do you think you can do it? You can!!

Hugs!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

How to Get Started and Stay Focused

You know this whole weight loss and fitness process is funny. When I first started I thought I was pioneering a new thing. I thought I would be the one who would gain some insight on this whole thing, help spread the word and change a nation. I imagined I would write a book that would help guide people to the "freedom of fat". Well after reading some blogs, books, magazines, listening to TV and radio, reading emails from fitness people, meeting people who've already reached their goals and from watching The Biggest Loser ~ I realized that I am not quite the "weight loss" pioneer as I thought I would be.

I am not the first, the most talented, or even the smartest one out there and I have not even reached my weight loss and fitness goals, yet people are starting to ask me "How did I get started and how do I stay focused?" Amazing!!

Well....What got me started ~ Is I finally decided that it was time for me!!! That I was worth the time, the effort and the money to get this done. I am learning how to say "no" when I need to and I am learning how to prioritize my life so I can get everything done. (This is still a process) Even with the many setbacks and injuries ~ I just keep going ~ staying focused ~ no matter what!

What keeps me going ~ I thought I was brilliant because I had figured this much out by myself, that accountability is key!! I have saturated myself with it!! Here's my list: I am accountable to the Lord, I have given my plan and my body to him. I ask him for his guidance and wisdom each day. He really sees everything!! I am accountable to my sweet husband. He's great because he sees things too and he lovingly keeps me focused and on track. Most importantly, I listen to him and do what he says. I don't ever, ever, ever get offended by what he says. He only wants the best for me!! I am accountable to my kids and grandkids, because I want to be a great example to them and most importantly, I want to be here for them. I am accountable to my friend in Texas who asks me frequently how things are going. She speaks the truth, even if I don't want to hear it. She's watching! I am accountable to everyone at work, they are watching me and are inspired. Many are on their own journey, losing weight and getting fit. I am accountable to my friends who are on the same journey with me, they are watching me!! I am accountable to the new friends I meet at the pool, in the grocery line, walking on the street, at church, etc. People are watching me and I want to be an inspiration to them ~ I can't stop!!

While I was thinking about this I received an email from Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. We are friends you know :-) Anyway this is what she had to say about the matter of accountability:

Is there someone in your life who wants to change his or her life and get healthy? Do you have a friend, coworker, or relative with similar goals whose company you enjoy? Misery loves company, but so do strength and resolve.

Remember the buddy system in the scouts? Same idea here — you create a support system and hold one another accountable. Whether at home or in the gym, having the right person (or group of people) to share your frustrations and progress with is one heck (I did a little editing for Jillian, she needs to work on her potty mouth - I'll talk to her about that) of a motivator.

Without a doubt, pairing up has its advantages. Say you've been talking forever about taking a killer abs class at your gym. Your friend has agreed to try it out with you, and you've both put it on your calendars. The day of the class comes — and it's raining, work was awful, and you just do not want to go. Well, TOO BAD! You made a promise to someone. Working out with a partner is accountability at its best. If someone else is depending on you, it's that much harder to blow it off.

If working out regularly is a big change for you, the more you can stack the deck in your favor, the better. Having a familiar face nearby and knowing that person is feeling the burn right along with you can be just the trick to help you stick with it. That support can be an incredible motivator.

It's Joy again. See I don't really have to write anything new, it's already been said many, many, many times. But the nice thng is, we are all thinking the same thing, we all want to be fit and healthy. Great minds think alike. And with these great minds we are getting together, sharing the news, walking the talk and we all have hope to inspire a nation to change and achieve FREEDOM FROM FAT!!

Do you have an accountability system in place? Think about it!!

Hugs!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Do It Anyway

I saw the most amazing thing yesterday while I was at the gym. After my workout, I was leaving the locker room and noticed a lone figure in the cycling room. The room was semi-dark and I noticed this person on the bike, peddling like crazy. After closer scrutiny, I realized the person was a woman. She was totally absorbed in her music and focused on pushing herself to the fullest. Then I noticed she was wearing a sling on her arm.

This woman did not let adversity stop her from achieving her fitness dream. She did not give up and she did not use the injury as an excuse to not work out. She gritted it out and did it anyway.

That is the attitude we should adopt and implement into all aspects of our lives. To obtain an orderly life, to keep our sanity, and to achieve our goals and dreams, it is necessary to grit out everything that needs to be done to reach our goals and have success in our life!!

What have you had to grit through ~ how did it make you feel ~ Powerful!!!

Hugs!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Feeling Better

Everyday I'm feeling a little bit better, a little bit stronger. I am grateful! It's been hard staying on the plan when I have not had any energy. But I DID IT! It's hard to exercise, journal food, drink water and even to eat when you do not have energy (not to mention the other things you have to do to live). It's a struggle. But I DID IT!! And I will continue to do it. I won't give up!

I am praying for you right now, you have no energy or direction, you are right where I was. I pray the Lord will touch you right now and energize your body, your mind and your spirit. I pray for clear direction, energy, and clarity of mind. You can do it!!!

Start your plan today!!

Hugs!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Setbacks Stink

OK this is ridiculous!!! Another setback. When I had my chest wall contusion, the hospital did blood work. They were checking to see if I had had a heart attack. Of course I didn't, but unfortunately they found that my iron is really low. My doctor recommended I go to a specialist (Endocrinologist). Well I went today and got the scoop. He said they are concerned because I could have a number of things....Ulcers, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome or cancer. Or it just could be from taking too much Advil. Geez!! (Probably the case!)

Then I am still fighting the side effects of the cholesterol medicine, still very tired and I am still having eye ticks. I have about 60 per hour. They don't hurt, but are very distracting. Plus I look weird!!!!

I am not wavering from my plan, but I am a little deflated. Seems I take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. I really want to move past all of this medical stuff and start feeling better. I have literally had everything looked at from head to toe ~ from x-rays, MRI's, EEG's, EKG's, Ultrasounds, CAT Scans, Endoscopy,
colonoscopy, blood work and doctors visits and doctors visits and doctors visits. Over a years worth of time has been taken to get all of this done. I am so done with medical tests & doctors!!

When, not if, I get this weight off, I will have some stories to tell!!! I will continue on and push through until the end!!

What will you do to push through your setbacks?

Hugs!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

It Can Happen!!

Tonight I met an amazing woman at the pool. Her name is Emily and she has lost 77 pounds since July 2009. She is 23 years old and has been over weight her whole life. Her wake up call came last year when her doctor told her that she would have to start taking medicine for her high blood pressure and if she did not get her weight under control, she could end up with Diabetes. That was enough for her. She got busy and developed her plan.

It's a simple plan ~ she started a food journal, got her calories under control, started working with a trainer and started exercising. She went from being sedentary to being able to run 3 miles. She says she has more energy and a new zest for life!!

I asked her what has been her biggest struggle so far. She said eating out. For her it's a social thing. Her friends don't really understand why she can't eat and drink what she wants. It's a struggle to go out and she says she would rather stay home and cook for herself. Says is better anyway, she can eat "good" food and knows exactly what she's eating.

She looks great!! She says that she knows she's an inspiration to others and loves encouraging people in their journey.

Do you believe it can happen for you?

Hugs!!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Now More Than Ever!

Went to the beach with my husband this weekend. We had a fabulous time!! For the first time ever, I actually planned my food, ensuring that I would have success, even during vacation time!! I never do this!! We left Friday morning and I made sure that I had a good breakfast. We planned a healthy snack, knowing that we would have a high calorie dinner - I wanted fish & chips!!! I totally enjoyed the fish, my salad with the low cal dressing on the side, my water with lemon and savored my select 9 chips (fries). I really like the small crunchy ones! I bet there were 40+ fries on my plate. In the old days I would have eaten every one of them including a ton of catsup and dessert! While I was waiting for our food, I looked out the window and noticed there were a lot of heavy people there who moved really slow. They were smoking, drinking coffee & sodas and eating ice cream (it was freezing there, don't know what they were thinking) and they were carrying bags of Carmel corn, popcorn, elephant ears and salt water taffy. I also noticed while I was at the restaurant; the family next to us had a table full of fruity, sugary drinks, appetizers and plates of food everywhere. When they left, there was nothing left. The family just slugged out of their seats and moved ever so slowly toward the door. It was awful!!!

Take a moment and watch people, you will see what I mean. You know I'm not judging, but come on people, help yourselves!!!!

I have to tell you that I prayed the whole weekend. Every time I would see a large person I prayed for the Lord to intervene and help them. I prayed He would put healthy people in their path to help show them the way. I prayed He would give them the focus, just like He did for me, to get on a healthy path and to stay on it. (I know that I cannot do this on my own) It pains me so to see what we are doing to ourselves. Yeah our food source is probably not the best, but we can certainly help ourselves by not adding more crap to our bodies. We do have control over that!!

The other thing....Why do restaurants think it's necessary to put so much food on our plates. Granted we don't have to eat it, but what is the point? We went to our favorite place, Camp 18, for clam chowder. I ordered a bowl of chowder and a slice of bread. (I planned my day so I could enjoy this meal.) When I got my clam chowder, the bowl was as big as a pasta platter and one order of bread had 2 huge slices. I bet there was a minimum of 500 calories just for the bread and butter alone. Augh!! Needless to say, I took a doggie bag home for later.

I remember when I was a kid, I was the minority because I was the only fat one in the crowd. I used to think it would be great if it was the other way around. Now I'm in the majority because there are so many fat people in the crowd. I have to tell you, this does not make me feel any better. I don't want to be here and I don't want others to be here either!!! I want us all to get healthy!!!

Now more than ever, I want to get this weight off and keep it off. I need to because I want to help others and make a difference in this world!! I want to be the example for many to follow. Now more than ever I am focused on my goals and I am not going to stop until they are achieved!!

What do you want ~ now more than ever?

Hugs!