It looks like I am getting around to my blog about once a week. That is OK, except that I get behind on reading my blog buddies' posts.
My life plan is continuing about like my last post with one new change. Alan and I are getting up earlier in the morning so that we can exercise after breakfast. Hopefully, that will start to show some new lower numbers on the scale for both of us.
We have a conference at a big, fancy hotel the end of October, so we decided to use that date to set some new goals. We both would like to lose 20 pounds over the next 10 weeks -- two pounds a week is a good goal.
So the battle continues!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Whirlwind
It seems like the last few days have been a real whirlwind of activity, and I suddenly realized that I hadn't blogged since Friday! Where does the time go?
To summarize the days since then, I am hitting about 1500 calories on average, 1 to 2 miles per day on average, and I have lost 1 pound down to 234. My blood sugar numbers are a bit high because I really need more consistant exercise than I have been doing -- so I need to work on that.
I am off and running again today, so I will check in tomorrow. Have a great day!
To summarize the days since then, I am hitting about 1500 calories on average, 1 to 2 miles per day on average, and I have lost 1 pound down to 234. My blood sugar numbers are a bit high because I really need more consistant exercise than I have been doing -- so I need to work on that.
I am off and running again today, so I will check in tomorrow. Have a great day!
Friday, August 5, 2011
It's Good to Be With Friends
I went to quilting today for the first time since March, and it was really good. I had needed the time off to get my "life plan" underway, to get moved, and finally to have a good vacation. But it was so good to get back to friends who share my interests and many of my same struggles. What a great day!
The only bad news is that when I quilt all day long, I sit for most of the time. So I will have to be careful to make up for that the other days of the week.
Alan and I are doing pretty well on our new plan. We eat a moderate breakfast, a good sized lunch, and then I have a salad with a bit of protein and a bit of carb (like some crackers) for dinner. He just has water or sometimes watermelon for dinner. We are finding that we aren't missing our evening snacks in front of the TV at all. Amazing!
Both yesterday and today I hit a total of around 1600 calories, so I still need to cut that back to about 1200. My blood sugars have been excellent -- all in the "green" range.
We hope to do a lot of walking this weekend, so I will let you know how it goes.
The only bad news is that when I quilt all day long, I sit for most of the time. So I will have to be careful to make up for that the other days of the week.
Alan and I are doing pretty well on our new plan. We eat a moderate breakfast, a good sized lunch, and then I have a salad with a bit of protein and a bit of carb (like some crackers) for dinner. He just has water or sometimes watermelon for dinner. We are finding that we aren't missing our evening snacks in front of the TV at all. Amazing!
Both yesterday and today I hit a total of around 1600 calories, so I still need to cut that back to about 1200. My blood sugars have been excellent -- all in the "green" range.
We hope to do a lot of walking this weekend, so I will let you know how it goes.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
I'm Back At Last
We are finally moved in and back from vacation and back to the life plan full time.
We had a smooth move and a terrific vacation. We went to Texas to visit with family and meet the two new babies in the Horn clan -- Logan and Julie. Both are adorable, friendly, curious, and just everything else that is just perfect! We had great visits with the family, too many good meals, long drives in the Texas countryside, and lots of sleep and snuggles. Who could ask for more?
The downside of moving and vacation, of course, is lots of meals at restaurants. We both gained back some of our weight -- especially since Alan sprained his foot during the move and could barely walk for a couple of weeks.
I am back at 235 this morning.
But, Alan can walk normally again, and we are somewhat settled in our new nest -- so we are back to our life plan.
The doctor who looked at Alan's sprain also had a new suggestion for our eating plan. He said to eat all of your calories at breakfast and lunch and to just have water and more water for dinner. Alan is doing that, and I have modified it for my diabetes to eating most of my calories at breakfast and lunch and having salad or veggies at night. We will see how the new idea works for us.
Glad to be back!
Yesterday's Stats:
Weight: 235
Calories In: 1270 Calories Burned: 113 Total Calories: 1157
BS Average: 122
We had a smooth move and a terrific vacation. We went to Texas to visit with family and meet the two new babies in the Horn clan -- Logan and Julie. Both are adorable, friendly, curious, and just everything else that is just perfect! We had great visits with the family, too many good meals, long drives in the Texas countryside, and lots of sleep and snuggles. Who could ask for more?
The downside of moving and vacation, of course, is lots of meals at restaurants. We both gained back some of our weight -- especially since Alan sprained his foot during the move and could barely walk for a couple of weeks.
I am back at 235 this morning.
But, Alan can walk normally again, and we are somewhat settled in our new nest -- so we are back to our life plan.
The doctor who looked at Alan's sprain also had a new suggestion for our eating plan. He said to eat all of your calories at breakfast and lunch and to just have water and more water for dinner. Alan is doing that, and I have modified it for my diabetes to eating most of my calories at breakfast and lunch and having salad or veggies at night. We will see how the new idea works for us.
Glad to be back!
Yesterday's Stats:
Weight: 235
Calories In: 1270 Calories Burned: 113 Total Calories: 1157
BS Average: 122
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Moving Along
It looks like we will be moving on Thursday. Obviously, I have been up to my eyeballs in boxes and getting ready to go. I wanted to move my sewing machines and fragile items myself, and Alan won't let anyone touch our computers! The movers will pack up the leftovers and get us hauled over to the new place.
At any rate, I will be off of the internet for probably about a week. Don't worry!
My blood sugar numbers have come down enough to lower my insulin again, and I am doing better with my exercise. Our doctor vist went well and he was pleased with how I am doing -- even if I haven't lost anymore. Hopefully the lower insulin and the increased exercise will fix the scale!
Have a great week!
At any rate, I will be off of the internet for probably about a week. Don't worry!
My blood sugar numbers have come down enough to lower my insulin again, and I am doing better with my exercise. Our doctor vist went well and he was pleased with how I am doing -- even if I haven't lost anymore. Hopefully the lower insulin and the increased exercise will fix the scale!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Good Start for a New Week
I had a good start for the new week. I walked 3.5 miles yesterday and had 1250 calories total. My blood sugars continue to come down closer to normal and my weight dropped back down to 230. Hooray!
This is a busy week. I took the truck in yesterday to have the air bag fixed and the oil changed, etc. There was a recall on the air bag -- evidently they have had some of them deploy for no reason. Ouch! I am glad to have that fixed so we don't have any nasty surprises.
I will be giving notice at the old apartment today and we will be talking to the movers this week. We will also have our last checkup with Dr. Wang. We will need a new doctor because of the new insurance plan, so we might as well find one that will be in Irvine. It looks like we will have a dentist and an optometrist right across the street from the new apartment. It looks like we will make up some of the higher rent in lower gasoline bills!
Hope you all are having a great week.
This is a busy week. I took the truck in yesterday to have the air bag fixed and the oil changed, etc. There was a recall on the air bag -- evidently they have had some of them deploy for no reason. Ouch! I am glad to have that fixed so we don't have any nasty surprises.
I will be giving notice at the old apartment today and we will be talking to the movers this week. We will also have our last checkup with Dr. Wang. We will need a new doctor because of the new insurance plan, so we might as well find one that will be in Irvine. It looks like we will have a dentist and an optometrist right across the street from the new apartment. It looks like we will make up some of the higher rent in lower gasoline bills!
Hope you all are having a great week.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Hip, Hip, Away, Away!
I have had a bunch of things to celebrate the past few days. First of all, I am officially in a smaller size! I have been tugging up my pants, so I decided to try on a smaller pair of jeans. To my amazement, a size 20 fit perfectly -- not too tight -- just right! Hooray!
We also went today to sign up for a new apartment in Irvine. We found a complex that we fell in love with. It is only 1 mile for Alan to walk to work. We figure most days I will walk with him, since I try to walk at least 2 miles in the morning anyway.
The complex is also next to a 44 mile long bike/hiking trail that goes both north and south. You can actually take it about 10 miles down to the Pacific Ocean, or north up past Tustin to several different parks. Since we love to walk, this is just perfect! We may just go to Walmart and pick up a couple of bicycles, too.
Our new apartment is on the 3rd floor, so Alan joked that we were getting a new "stairmaster" for free! Across the street is a shopping center with a grocery, pharmacy, and just about anything else you might need. So I won't need the car to go shopping.
We are really pleased and hope to move in around the first week in July.
Meanwhile, I had some birthday goodies today -- so way too many calories. However, I did do 10,230 steps for 3.71 miles, so it wasn't all bad.
Hope you all have a great Sunday!
We also went today to sign up for a new apartment in Irvine. We found a complex that we fell in love with. It is only 1 mile for Alan to walk to work. We figure most days I will walk with him, since I try to walk at least 2 miles in the morning anyway.
The complex is also next to a 44 mile long bike/hiking trail that goes both north and south. You can actually take it about 10 miles down to the Pacific Ocean, or north up past Tustin to several different parks. Since we love to walk, this is just perfect! We may just go to Walmart and pick up a couple of bicycles, too.
Our new apartment is on the 3rd floor, so Alan joked that we were getting a new "stairmaster" for free! Across the street is a shopping center with a grocery, pharmacy, and just about anything else you might need. So I won't need the car to go shopping.
We are really pleased and hope to move in around the first week in July.
Meanwhile, I had some birthday goodies today -- so way too many calories. However, I did do 10,230 steps for 3.71 miles, so it wasn't all bad.
Hope you all have a great Sunday!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Back in the Groove
I feel like I am almost back into my groove, and that feels good!
Yesterday my blood sugar average was 153 at 74 total units of insulin. I walked twice and reached 10,472 steps. That came out to 3.8 miles. And my total calories were 1309 for the day.
Today my numbers were very similar, although my calories for the day came out to 1530.
Hopefully, after about a week I will get my blood sugar numbers down closer to an average of 100 for the day. Then I can start reducing the insulin again.
Since my insulin level is higher, my weight has been sitting at between 230 to 234. I sure can't wait to get into the 220s!
Yesterday my blood sugar average was 153 at 74 total units of insulin. I walked twice and reached 10,472 steps. That came out to 3.8 miles. And my total calories were 1309 for the day.
Today my numbers were very similar, although my calories for the day came out to 1530.
Hopefully, after about a week I will get my blood sugar numbers down closer to an average of 100 for the day. Then I can start reducing the insulin again.
Since my insulin level is higher, my weight has been sitting at between 230 to 234. I sure can't wait to get into the 220s!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Pretty Good Weekend
I thought this weekend would be a bad one, because my honey had to work long hours rather than go have fun with me. But it turned out not to be too bad. I made major progress on a baby quilt for my new niece, Julie. It has a large pink elephant appliqued in the middle. Fun!
I got back into my Bible study, and that helped a lot. I am going verse by verse through Isaiah at the moment.
I got my blood sugar average down to 165 on 74 units of insulin. So that was a big improvement, too. Part of that was getting back into the exercise after breakfast and dinner. Did well with the breakfast exercise, but not so good with after dinner. So I need to work harder on that this week.
My weight this morning was 233. Still up from where I had been, but going back down. So my plan for this week is just more of the same:
Daily Bible study and prayer
Get blood sugars level at about 100
Exercise for 1 hour after breakfast and dinner
Get the calories down to about 1400 intake
I got back into my Bible study, and that helped a lot. I am going verse by verse through Isaiah at the moment.
I got my blood sugar average down to 165 on 74 units of insulin. So that was a big improvement, too. Part of that was getting back into the exercise after breakfast and dinner. Did well with the breakfast exercise, but not so good with after dinner. So I need to work harder on that this week.
My weight this morning was 233. Still up from where I had been, but going back down. So my plan for this week is just more of the same:
Daily Bible study and prayer
Get blood sugars level at about 100
Exercise for 1 hour after breakfast and dinner
Get the calories down to about 1400 intake
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Reving Back Up
Yesterday went much better, although I still have a ways to get back to where I was. At least this morning I lost 2 of the pounds that I had regained.
Average BS: 184 Still too high
Insulin Level: 98 Total for the day
Exercise: 30 minutes after breakfast, 30 minutes after dinner
Steps: 6,114
Miles: 2.21
Yesterday's weight: 234
This morning's weight: 232
Average BS: 184 Still too high
Insulin Level: 98 Total for the day
Exercise: 30 minutes after breakfast, 30 minutes after dinner
Steps: 6,114
Miles: 2.21
Yesterday's weight: 234
This morning's weight: 232
Friday, June 10, 2011
Where Am I and Where Am I Heading?
Where Am I?
Well, I have regained a few pounds, so I am at 234 this morning. What is worse is that my blood sugars have soared up into the 200s again. I tried for several days to raise my insulin a little and increase my exercise, but it wasn't enough.
Where Am I Heading? My new goals for the coming week:
First, I need to get back into my prayer and Bible study time. I let that slip, but it is my primary weapon in this battle for change
Second, I need to get the blood sugar back under control. So I am raising my insulin back up to its previous high level. As I increase my exercise again, I will be able to reduce the insulin back down. But first, I have to get this into normal ranges. (I really do hate diabetes!!!)
Third, I need to get back to 1 hour of walking or other moderate exercise after breakfast and after dinner. This is a must to keep those sugars in control.
Fourth, I am going to watch my calories this week, but not obsess about it until my blood sugars are back to normal and steady.
Fifth -- CHILL OUT! I have been really stressed about things in my life for the past week, but worry never helps and certainly hurts. So stop it already!
Thanks again for all of the input and encouragement out there. Hopefully, I will see some pounds start to come off again soon.
Well, I have regained a few pounds, so I am at 234 this morning. What is worse is that my blood sugars have soared up into the 200s again. I tried for several days to raise my insulin a little and increase my exercise, but it wasn't enough.
Where Am I Heading? My new goals for the coming week:
First, I need to get back into my prayer and Bible study time. I let that slip, but it is my primary weapon in this battle for change
Second, I need to get the blood sugar back under control. So I am raising my insulin back up to its previous high level. As I increase my exercise again, I will be able to reduce the insulin back down. But first, I have to get this into normal ranges. (I really do hate diabetes!!!)
Third, I need to get back to 1 hour of walking or other moderate exercise after breakfast and after dinner. This is a must to keep those sugars in control.
Fourth, I am going to watch my calories this week, but not obsess about it until my blood sugars are back to normal and steady.
Fifth -- CHILL OUT! I have been really stressed about things in my life for the past week, but worry never helps and certainly hurts. So stop it already!
Thanks again for all of the input and encouragement out there. Hopefully, I will see some pounds start to come off again soon.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
AWOL and Thank God for Blog Buddies!
I've been AWOL from my blog as well as my new life plan. I got completely off track the past week and was too embarassed and ashamed to write about it.
How stupid can you get? That's the whole point of blogging each day -- so that you can admit when you've blown it and get back on track. Sigh!
So there I was, beating myself up over it, and I decided to start catching up on my blog buddies sites. Wow! Why did I wait so long to do that? You all are an amazing bunch that so inspire me! There were so many comments that went right to the issues I had been facing all week. Just what I needed to hear.
I think two things are really going to help me get back into the battle of a new life style. One was a comment that my brother-in-law posted on Facebook:
How stupid can you get? That's the whole point of blogging each day -- so that you can admit when you've blown it and get back on track. Sigh!
So there I was, beating myself up over it, and I decided to start catching up on my blog buddies sites. Wow! Why did I wait so long to do that? You all are an amazing bunch that so inspire me! There were so many comments that went right to the issues I had been facing all week. Just what I needed to hear.
I think two things are really going to help me get back into the battle of a new life style. One was a comment that my brother-in-law posted on Facebook:
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What a Difference a Good Breakfast Makes!
Since I last posted, I raised my breakfast calories to about 400 to 450. Wow! What a difference!
It has made it much easier to get my total calories for the day down to around 1500 total for the last few days and to increase the time and intensity of my exercise. And my energy levels have stayed up throughout the day. Hooray!
Bottom line -- I am down to 229 pounds. Hip, hip, hooray!
It has made it much easier to get my total calories for the day down to around 1500 total for the last few days and to increase the time and intensity of my exercise. And my energy levels have stayed up throughout the day. Hooray!
Bottom line -- I am down to 229 pounds. Hip, hip, hooray!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Extremely Wishful Thinking??
Several of you pointed out my new weight -- 131! I wish!
Actually, that is very close to where I want to be eventually, so it must have been wishful thinking on my part.
I am unfortunately still at 231, but still working on it!
Actually, that is very close to where I want to be eventually, so it must have been wishful thinking on my part.
I am unfortunately still at 231, but still working on it!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The "Aha" Moment
I've talked quite a bit this past month about how stuck I have been as well as how discouraged and depressed it has made me. I realized that I had somehow switched from "lifestyle change" to "diet think."
Alan and I talked and prayed about it today, because he has had problems, too. A little while later, he came up with the answer. Both of us had cut back on our breakfast calorie intake.
By the time I did my morning exercise, I was out of fuel and never got "caught up" with my energy levels for the rest of the day. So I ended up eating more yet still feeling too tired to work as hard as I had been.
That old saying of "Eat like a king at breakfast, a prince at lunch and a pauper at dinner." still makes a lot of sense as a guideline. We increased our calorie intake by just 100 calories at breakfast this morning, and my energy level was better all day!
That having been said, I still fell on my face at dinnertime. We were watching TV, and mindless eating set in again. Oops! Thank heavens that tomorrow is another day, God willing.
Report Card:
Weight: 131
Calories in: 2295
Calories burned: 226
Exercise time: 75 minutes, 9291 steps, 3.37 miles
Average BS: 128
Alan and I talked and prayed about it today, because he has had problems, too. A little while later, he came up with the answer. Both of us had cut back on our breakfast calorie intake.
By the time I did my morning exercise, I was out of fuel and never got "caught up" with my energy levels for the rest of the day. So I ended up eating more yet still feeling too tired to work as hard as I had been.
That old saying of "Eat like a king at breakfast, a prince at lunch and a pauper at dinner." still makes a lot of sense as a guideline. We increased our calorie intake by just 100 calories at breakfast this morning, and my energy level was better all day!
That having been said, I still fell on my face at dinnertime. We were watching TV, and mindless eating set in again. Oops! Thank heavens that tomorrow is another day, God willing.
Report Card:
Weight: 131
Calories in: 2295
Calories burned: 226
Exercise time: 75 minutes, 9291 steps, 3.37 miles
Average BS: 128
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ready for a New Day
I am feeling good this morning and ready for a new day of eating healthy and moving my body.
Yesterday:
Weight: 231
Calories In: 1740 Calories Burned: 415 Total Calories: 1325
Exercise minutes: 65 Steps: 9617 Miles: 3.49
Average BS: 146
Yesterday:
Weight: 231
Calories In: 1740 Calories Burned: 415 Total Calories: 1325
Exercise minutes: 65 Steps: 9617 Miles: 3.49
Average BS: 146
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Mini Vacation
If you are wondering where I have been for the last few days, I took a mini vacation from worrying about weight loss while I figured out what was cramping my progress. Stepping away from the problem for a while helped a lot.
I realized that sometime in April, I switched my brain from "life plan" to the deadly "diet think".
For those of you who are Christians, you will understand when I say that I switched from living freely under God's grace to self-righteously living rigidly under the Law.
In other words, I stopped freely embracing daily choices for a healthier life and enjoying the process. That process was a free expression of my love of God, my family, and myself. Instead I was rigidly trying to stick to diet and exercise "rules" and beating myself up when I didn't get instant results. For me, that is a sure fire road to self-sabotage and failure, and this time wasn't any different.
So I have readjusted my attitude once again. I know that will be an ongoing process. It is just so easy to slip back into those old thought patterns and behaviors!
In the meantime, Alan and I had a great weekend. We drove down to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Sunday and had a great day. We had never been there and were surprised at the large botanical garden section as well as the animal exhibits. We didn't worry about calories, but I took my pedometer and found that we walked over 5 miles during the day.
I found during that day and the days since that I can see a marked increase in my strength and endurance in walking. My pants are also getting really loose!
Talk to you all again tomorrow!
I realized that sometime in April, I switched my brain from "life plan" to the deadly "diet think".
For those of you who are Christians, you will understand when I say that I switched from living freely under God's grace to self-righteously living rigidly under the Law.
In other words, I stopped freely embracing daily choices for a healthier life and enjoying the process. That process was a free expression of my love of God, my family, and myself. Instead I was rigidly trying to stick to diet and exercise "rules" and beating myself up when I didn't get instant results. For me, that is a sure fire road to self-sabotage and failure, and this time wasn't any different.
So I have readjusted my attitude once again. I know that will be an ongoing process. It is just so easy to slip back into those old thought patterns and behaviors!
In the meantime, Alan and I had a great weekend. We drove down to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Sunday and had a great day. We had never been there and were surprised at the large botanical garden section as well as the animal exhibits. We didn't worry about calories, but I took my pedometer and found that we walked over 5 miles during the day.
I found during that day and the days since that I can see a marked increase in my strength and endurance in walking. My pants are also getting really loose!
Talk to you all again tomorrow!
Friday, May 20, 2011
A Good Friday
Well, I made some changes based on my talk with Alan this morning. We will see over the next few days if they show up on the scale! Overall, it was a good day with my exercise balanced throughout the day and smaller meals.
Weight: 232
Calories: 1380
Exercise minutes: 95 Walking, recumbant bike, and treadmill
Average BS: 121 Much better!
Weight: 232
Calories: 1380
Exercise minutes: 95 Walking, recumbant bike, and treadmill
Average BS: 121 Much better!
Getting Unstuck
OK -- I've been stuck at around 231 for almost 4 weeks now. Enough already!
Alan and I talked this morning about what might be the problem, now that I am exercising again.
It really comes down to too many calories which is due to too much insulin. It is obviously time to lower the insulin again and exercise harder for a while to get my blood sugars down -- but then I will be able to lower the calories and get off dead center and lose some more weight. I hope!
Wednesday: Thursday:
Weight: 228 (A fluke?) 232 (stuck, stuck, stuck)
Calories: 1520 1670 (still too high)
Exercise minutes: 60 90 (going up)
Average BS: 137 128 (still a little high)
Alan and I talked this morning about what might be the problem, now that I am exercising again.
It really comes down to too many calories which is due to too much insulin. It is obviously time to lower the insulin again and exercise harder for a while to get my blood sugars down -- but then I will be able to lower the calories and get off dead center and lose some more weight. I hope!
Wednesday: Thursday:
Weight: 228 (A fluke?) 232 (stuck, stuck, stuck)
Calories: 1520 1670 (still too high)
Exercise minutes: 60 90 (going up)
Average BS: 137 128 (still a little high)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Lovely Rainy Day
We had a nice gentle rain today -- always refreshing. And it was quite cool this morning, which was perfect for working out with the windows open in the exercise room. An older Chinese gentleman kept me company on the recumbant bike next to mine.
Most of the older Chinese in the apartment complex were born on the mainland and know only a little English. In fact, I have enjoyed listening to their English lessons in the study room next to the exercise room. It is a little like first grade for the 70 something crowd! They are always very friendly, though, and we can usually make ourselves understood to each other in simple terms.
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1530
Exercise minutes: 35 3,526 steps
Average BS: 151 I kind of bounced around a bit on that today
My hubby is working late again today, so I am going to relax and wait for him to get home.
Most of the older Chinese in the apartment complex were born on the mainland and know only a little English. In fact, I have enjoyed listening to their English lessons in the study room next to the exercise room. It is a little like first grade for the 70 something crowd! They are always very friendly, though, and we can usually make ourselves understood to each other in simple terms.
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1530
Exercise minutes: 35 3,526 steps
Average BS: 151 I kind of bounced around a bit on that today
My hubby is working late again today, so I am going to relax and wait for him to get home.
Monday, May 16, 2011
New Monday, New Week
Today went pretty well. My foot was healed enough for a 30 minute walk with my hubby this morning. And I got my calories down to a more reasonable effort.
The funny thing was that I was tired around 10 AM and decided to take an hour long nap. I didn't wake up until 4 in the afternoon! I guess I was more tired than I thought!
I have had that happen several times in the last few months. The only reason I can think of is that my body is going through changes that aren't obvious to me. Has anyone else had anything similar happen?
I hope all of you are starting out a great week, too!
Report Card:
Weight: 231
Calories: 1230
Exercise minutes: 30
Average BS: 127
The funny thing was that I was tired around 10 AM and decided to take an hour long nap. I didn't wake up until 4 in the afternoon! I guess I was more tired than I thought!
I have had that happen several times in the last few months. The only reason I can think of is that my body is going through changes that aren't obvious to me. Has anyone else had anything similar happen?
I hope all of you are starting out a great week, too!
Report Card:
Weight: 231
Calories: 1230
Exercise minutes: 30
Average BS: 127
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Emotional Eating Strikes Again!
I had problems with emotional eating this weekend. At least I ate fewer calories "binging" than I used to do, so my weight stayed at 231 pounds. And after a long talk with my hubby, we got straightened out what was bugging me so badly. Whew! I am glad that is over with. It messed up my sleeping as well as my eating.
My foot is just about healed up, so I plan to begin short walks again tomorrow. I am looking forward to walking again -- I missed it! I also want to get a bit stricter with my calories than I have been.
Hope you all have a great week!
My foot is just about healed up, so I plan to begin short walks again tomorrow. I am looking forward to walking again -- I missed it! I also want to get a bit stricter with my calories than I have been.
Hope you all have a great week!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Back on Line
I am back on line after getting a few days behind.
Basically, this week has gone pretty well except for the exercise. I kept my calories about the same as the week before, and I am down to 231 pounds. Without as much exercise, my blood sugars did spike a bit more -- but not as bad as in the past.
I have had a hard time getting one of the blisters to heal up properly. That has made walking for any distance nearly impossible. I had to drain it again today. I finally cut away some of the calloused skin that was on top. Ick! Hopefully, the skin underneath will have a chance to heal up now, and I will get back on track this coming week.
While I have been on exercise hiatus, my husband has been walking to work every day this week! He walks 4 miles to work in the morning, and then gets a ride home. Wow! His legs are really showing the build up of muscles. I notice a difference in how my pants fit, too. The waistband is certainly loose now.
We got the A1C report from the doctor. Mine was down to 6.8 and Alan's was at 5.8. Not bad at all!
Have a good night, and I will be back on line tomorrow!
Basically, this week has gone pretty well except for the exercise. I kept my calories about the same as the week before, and I am down to 231 pounds. Without as much exercise, my blood sugars did spike a bit more -- but not as bad as in the past.
I have had a hard time getting one of the blisters to heal up properly. That has made walking for any distance nearly impossible. I had to drain it again today. I finally cut away some of the calloused skin that was on top. Ick! Hopefully, the skin underneath will have a chance to heal up now, and I will get back on track this coming week.
While I have been on exercise hiatus, my husband has been walking to work every day this week! He walks 4 miles to work in the morning, and then gets a ride home. Wow! His legs are really showing the build up of muscles. I notice a difference in how my pants fit, too. The waistband is certainly loose now.
We got the A1C report from the doctor. Mine was down to 6.8 and Alan's was at 5.8. Not bad at all!
Have a good night, and I will be back on line tomorrow!
Better Choices Mean Better Results
This article is from my AccuChek newsletter and has really good tips for lowering your calorie intake..
Better choices mean better results
There's no question about it—losing weight is tough. But if you really commit to some changes, you'll start to see results. And that's the best encouragement of all.
You probably already have a good idea which foods and eating habits get you into trouble and what a nutritious meal plan looks like.
So instead of focusing on what to eat, here are 12 strategies that can help you make better choices and beat those ever-present cravings. Some of these ideas are easy to adopt—some are a little tougher.
Pick 3 of these strategies to start using today. Then add more and more to your routine. Remember—don't try to do everything at once. Start slow and give yourself a chance to really win (or lose—pounds, that is).
There's no question about it—losing weight is tough. But if you really commit to some changes, you'll start to see results. And that's the best encouragement of all.
You probably already have a good idea which foods and eating habits get you into trouble and what a nutritious meal plan looks like.
So instead of focusing on what to eat, here are 12 strategies that can help you make better choices and beat those ever-present cravings. Some of these ideas are easy to adopt—some are a little tougher.
Pick 3 of these strategies to start using today. Then add more and more to your routine. Remember—don't try to do everything at once. Start slow and give yourself a chance to really win (or lose—pounds, that is).
Weigh your food. Get an inexpensive food scale and measure every serving. This can be a real eye-opener, especially when you start measuring things like pasta and breakfast cereal.
Use the 10-minute rule. If you crave a between-meal snack that's not on your meal plan or an indulgence you know you shouldn't eat, think about it for 10 minutes while you consider the pros and cons of giving in. You may forget all about it.
Write every bite. Start a food journal and keep track of everything that goes into your mouth. It'll help you watch the fat, calories and variety you take in to see if you should seek a better balance.
Arrange your plate. Devote approximately 1/4 of your plate to starches, 1/4 to protein and 1/2 to vegetables. Even better, don't let them touch. That'll keep you from piling on too much.
Eat in one place. Don't eat at your desk, in front of the television or standing up at the counter. Always sit down and eat slowly, savoring every bite.
Stick to your list. If it isn't on your grocery list, it doesn't go in your shopping cart. After all, keeping temptation out of the house is half the battle.
Chew sugarless gum. When you're at the grocery store or cooking at home, chewing gum can keep you from giving into cravings and taking little "tastes" as you go.
Leave some behind. Take less food or try to leave some of your food on your plate. Many of us were brought up to clean our plates, so you have to retrain yourself not to think about waste, but about waist.
Choose high-fiber. Just about anything from the bakery section will have a wheat, bran or high-fiber version. These are often more flavorful and can keep you feeling "full" longer.
Don't lick the spoon. Bites, licks, and tastes are not calorie-free, so try to minimize tasting when you're cooking.
Carry water everywhere. Water can squelch hunger pangs and it's great for your overall health. Plus, dehydration can feel a lot like hunger, making you eat when you're actually thirsty.
Reach for filling foods. Oatmeal, oranges and soup are three foods that can help you feel "full" longer than other choices. In fact, a study at the University of Pennsylvania found that people consumed an average of 20% fewer calories when they started their meals with soup. Just stick with a broth-based (not cream-based) kind.
Whatever you do, don't "diet." Make new changes that you can live with for a lifetime, adding new approaches as others become habit. We promise you'll see the results.Monday, May 9, 2011
Doing Something Crazy
Well, today I did something crazy and I am glad that I did -- sore feet, blisters and all! I decided to walk with Alan to work -- an 8 mile round trip.
Now I did 4 miles yesterday, but before that, I hadn't walked more than about 2 miles in a day in many years. So, for me, that was a very long hike!
Today it took me about 4 hours to do the 8 miles (not counting 2 breaks of about 20 minutes each).
Yes, I got some doozy blisters on my right foot. Yes, my legs are stiff (although not as sore as I thought they might be at this point.) But what a great sense of accomplishment I am feeling! I can't wait for my feet to heal up so I can do it again!
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,850 919 calories burned
Exercise Minutes: 240 21,413 steps, 8 miles
Average BS: 127
Now I did 4 miles yesterday, but before that, I hadn't walked more than about 2 miles in a day in many years. So, for me, that was a very long hike!
Today it took me about 4 hours to do the 8 miles (not counting 2 breaks of about 20 minutes each).
Yes, I got some doozy blisters on my right foot. Yes, my legs are stiff (although not as sore as I thought they might be at this point.) But what a great sense of accomplishment I am feeling! I can't wait for my feet to heal up so I can do it again!
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,850 919 calories burned
Exercise Minutes: 240 21,413 steps, 8 miles
Average BS: 127
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Focusing on the Positive
I was feeling really negative yesterday, but today is a new day. I stopped and took stock of the positive things that happened last week.
I got some major exercise in, I was able to reduce my insulin again, my blood sugar numbers just keep getting more stable, and my pants are getting looser. I think that far outweighs some days with higher calories!
Today Alan and I went on a terrific walk -- 4.75 miles! Two months ago I couldn't have gone nearly that far, let alone keep up the pace that we did today. Hooray!
We also decided that I would walk with him to work in the mornings and see how that went. It is 4 miles to get there. I would love to walk to work with him and then walk home -- and then do it again in the afternoon. Wouldn't that be an accomplishment! I will let you know the results....
Weight: Still 232
Calories: Mother's Day eating out again, so high -- 2550
Exercise: 120 minutes, 13,117 steps, 4.75 miles
Average BS: 128
I got some major exercise in, I was able to reduce my insulin again, my blood sugar numbers just keep getting more stable, and my pants are getting looser. I think that far outweighs some days with higher calories!
Today Alan and I went on a terrific walk -- 4.75 miles! Two months ago I couldn't have gone nearly that far, let alone keep up the pace that we did today. Hooray!
We also decided that I would walk with him to work in the mornings and see how that went. It is 4 miles to get there. I would love to walk to work with him and then walk home -- and then do it again in the afternoon. Wouldn't that be an accomplishment! I will let you know the results....
Weight: Still 232
Calories: Mother's Day eating out again, so high -- 2550
Exercise: 120 minutes, 13,117 steps, 4.75 miles
Average BS: 128
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Not a great week
This has not been a great week. While some days I did great on exercise, others I did zip because of a foot injury and stomach cramps. I should have and could have worked around it, but I didn't.
My calorie intake was even worse this week. I am really upset with myself on that one. I started out so-so and went downhill from there. Yuck!!
So -- What went wrong? I just let myself fall back into old habits -- Why? Obviously, I was self sabotaging. Why do I do that?
I am going to have to do some more thinking about that. In the meantime, I need to get back with the program and stop beating myself up about one bad week. It is not the end of everything -- it is just one bad week. It does not mean that I cannot get back on track and succeed -- it is just one bad week. So I should stop making a mountain out of a molehill, right? Right!
Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
Weight: 232 233 232
Calories: 1510 1300 1920
Exercise: 105 0 30
Average BS: 132 136 149
My calorie intake was even worse this week. I am really upset with myself on that one. I started out so-so and went downhill from there. Yuck!!
So -- What went wrong? I just let myself fall back into old habits -- Why? Obviously, I was self sabotaging. Why do I do that?
I am going to have to do some more thinking about that. In the meantime, I need to get back with the program and stop beating myself up about one bad week. It is not the end of everything -- it is just one bad week. It does not mean that I cannot get back on track and succeed -- it is just one bad week. So I should stop making a mountain out of a molehill, right? Right!
Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
Weight: 232 233 232
Calories: 1510 1300 1920
Exercise: 105 0 30
Average BS: 132 136 149
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wierd Days
The last two days have been wierd for me. On Tuesday, I really stepped up the exercise a lot.
But then we ended up going out to eat for dinner -- never a good, and this was really bad.
This morning I had actually gone back down in weight to 232 lbs. So that was a good.
But I was physically exhausted. I went back to bed at 10:30 AM and slept until 3:30 PM!! And I have been dragging my tail this evening. So I am not sure what is going on.
Oh, well -- better luck tomorrow!
Tuesday: Wednesday:
Weight: 234 Weight: 232
Calories: 2,650 Yikes!! Calories: 1,520
Exercise: 155 minutes Exercise: 50 minutes
Avg. BS: 122 Avg. BS: 112
But then we ended up going out to eat for dinner -- never a good, and this was really bad.
This morning I had actually gone back down in weight to 232 lbs. So that was a good.
But I was physically exhausted. I went back to bed at 10:30 AM and slept until 3:30 PM!! And I have been dragging my tail this evening. So I am not sure what is going on.
Oh, well -- better luck tomorrow!
Tuesday: Wednesday:
Weight: 234 Weight: 232
Calories: 2,650 Yikes!! Calories: 1,520
Exercise: 155 minutes Exercise: 50 minutes
Avg. BS: 122 Avg. BS: 112
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Upping the Ante
I decided it was time to up the ante, now that I have my doctor's hearty approval. I want to try to work off as many calories as I take in each day. I know that will take a lot of hours of work, but it would be nice to get some of this weight off in "Biggest Loser" style. So I plan to do a lot of walking today -- counting my steps and calories burned.
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,580
Exercise Minutes: 60
Average BS: 119
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,580
Exercise Minutes: 60
Average BS: 119
Sunday, May 1, 2011
An Active Sunday
My hubby and I have talked a lot this weekend about what the doctors told us and what we want our next steps in the process to be. I am so glad that he is taking the lead in our journey together!
Today we enjoyed a great day outdoors. We took a two mile hike in the morning and then swam twice later in the day. It was nice being out in the sunshine with each other.
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 1,540
Exercise Minutes: 105
Average BS: 113
Today we enjoyed a great day outdoors. We took a two mile hike in the morning and then swam twice later in the day. It was nice being out in the sunshine with each other.
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 1,540
Exercise Minutes: 105
Average BS: 113
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Celebration!
Alan and I went for our 2 month check up and blood work yesterday, and boy, were the nurse and doctor surprised! Alan has officially lost 19 pounds and I have lost 11 pounds. Celebrate!
The doctor was also very pleased with how I was managing my blood sugars and insulin and encouraged me to continue doing what I was doing. Alan was able to avoid an increase in his blood pressure medicine, too! I am anxious to hear what my test results are for the A1C blood sugar average over the last 3 months.
We did go to a restaurant for breakfast after the blood work. Sigh! It is getting impossible to have a restaurant meal under 1,000 calories at the places that we have been going to. Most are over 1,500 calories, and some of the appetizers are 1,800! No wonder Americans are getting fatter!
We had already been cutting back a lot from eating out in the last 2 months, but we decided to do even less eating out this morning. It just isn't worth it! (We ought to save a lot of money, too.)
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 2,052 (We went to a restaurant for one meal.)
Exercise minutes: 60
Average BS: 129
The doctor was also very pleased with how I was managing my blood sugars and insulin and encouraged me to continue doing what I was doing. Alan was able to avoid an increase in his blood pressure medicine, too! I am anxious to hear what my test results are for the A1C blood sugar average over the last 3 months.
We did go to a restaurant for breakfast after the blood work. Sigh! It is getting impossible to have a restaurant meal under 1,000 calories at the places that we have been going to. Most are over 1,500 calories, and some of the appetizers are 1,800! No wonder Americans are getting fatter!
We had already been cutting back a lot from eating out in the last 2 months, but we decided to do even less eating out this morning. It just isn't worth it! (We ought to save a lot of money, too.)
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 2,052 (We went to a restaurant for one meal.)
Exercise minutes: 60
Average BS: 129
Plateaus, plateaus
I thought on Wednesday that I was past the plateau, but I am now in the bouncing ball syndrome -- back up to 233. At least I know I am lower than I was a month ago!
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 845 I wasn't very hungry today
Exercise minutes: 90
Average BS: 115
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 845 I wasn't very hungry today
Exercise minutes: 90
Average BS: 115
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hooray!
I am off of another plateau! Hooray!
I had a great day today, although a bit high on my calorie count. I enjoy walking in my apartment while I watch "The Biggest Loser" on Amazon on demand. That way, when I get sweaty, I can look at them and realize I don't even know what real sweat is! :-)
Friday Alan and I have a check up and blood work with our doctor. I think he is going to be really surprised that we have both lost weight since we saw him two months ago.
Report Card:
Weight: 230
Calories: 1,455
Exercise minutes: 105
Average BS: 126
I had a great day today, although a bit high on my calorie count. I enjoy walking in my apartment while I watch "The Biggest Loser" on Amazon on demand. That way, when I get sweaty, I can look at them and realize I don't even know what real sweat is! :-)
Friday Alan and I have a check up and blood work with our doctor. I think he is going to be really surprised that we have both lost weight since we saw him two months ago.
Report Card:
Weight: 230
Calories: 1,455
Exercise minutes: 105
Average BS: 126
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Inspiration from my Hubby
My husband has really been inspiring me with his own weight loss journey. He has already lost 20 pounds and 1 slacks size. Today he decided to walk the 4 miles to work and back! Wow!
On top of continuing to encourage me, he has taken over the cooking in the house and made sure that we are both keeping to our calorie goals. I am so proud of him and so thankful for his support!
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 1,442
Exercise minutes: 90
Average BS: 151
On top of continuing to encourage me, he has taken over the cooking in the house and made sure that we are both keeping to our calorie goals. I am so proud of him and so thankful for his support!
Report Card:
Weight: 233
Calories: 1,442
Exercise minutes: 90
Average BS: 151
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday again
The scale finally smiled on me again and I came off of the plateau -- just barely, but I will take it!
I am pleased at how well I am doing in lowering my calories. So far, the biggest problem is that sometimes my insulin dose ends up requiring a snack to bring my BS levels back up. So I lowered the dosage a bit again today. It is quite a juggling game, but I am learning to keep all of those balls up in the air! Ha!
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,485
Exercise minutes: 120
Average BS: 134
I am pleased at how well I am doing in lowering my calories. So far, the biggest problem is that sometimes my insulin dose ends up requiring a snack to bring my BS levels back up. So I lowered the dosage a bit again today. It is quite a juggling game, but I am learning to keep all of those balls up in the air! Ha!
Report Card:
Weight: 232
Calories: 1,485
Exercise minutes: 120
Average BS: 134
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A Joyous Resurrection Sunday!
Alan and I had a wonderful day celebrating our Lord's resurrection. We didn't go to a sunrise service because it was rainy and cloudy. But when we got up for breakfast and fed the birds, we had a wonderful surprise. Two orange orioles came to our feeder -- and they looked like the sunrise themselves!
Our Lord and Savior is so good! Our Bible study this morning was all about our future in heaven. Hallelujah!
Report Card:
Weight 233
Calories 1,150
Exercise: Day of rest
Average BS: 123
Our Lord and Savior is so good! Our Bible study this morning was all about our future in heaven. Hallelujah!
Report Card:
Weight 233
Calories 1,150
Exercise: Day of rest
Average BS: 123
Friday, April 22, 2011
Having the Hungries
I had the hungries this evening and I am not sure why. At any rate, I ended up eating more calories than I had planned, but not binging as badly as I used to. I think I will be satisfied with that for now. Overall, it wasn't a bad day.
Report Card:
Weight: 234 Still!
Calories: 1,900
Exercise minutes: 105
Average BS: 126
Report Card:
Weight: 234 Still!
Calories: 1,900
Exercise minutes: 105
Average BS: 126
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Another Day
I decided to rename my blog today to something a bit more descriptive of my journey right now. Other than that, it was another ordinary day.
But... is any day really ordinary? God gives us a precious gift with each new day. A new day to grow closer to Him. A new day to work toward our life goals. A new day to be with our family. A new day to dream and plan. A new day to enjoy the sunshine.
The list of blessings goes on and on. What an amazing thing -- an ordinary day!
Report Card:
Weight: 234 Stuck on a plateau again
Calories: 1,200 Meeting my goal!
Exercise minutes: 90 Good!
Average BS: 133 Excellent!
But... is any day really ordinary? God gives us a precious gift with each new day. A new day to grow closer to Him. A new day to work toward our life goals. A new day to be with our family. A new day to dream and plan. A new day to enjoy the sunshine.
The list of blessings goes on and on. What an amazing thing -- an ordinary day!
Report Card:
Weight: 234 Stuck on a plateau again
Calories: 1,200 Meeting my goal!
Exercise minutes: 90 Good!
Average BS: 133 Excellent!
Body Protests
I knew going into a new lifestyle that my body would protest at various points along the way. I expected muscle aches and pains, water retention at times, and hunger pangs at times.
What has caught me off guard is the days when I am just exhausted! I have days when I sleep a lot more hours and still find myself dragging through the day. I push through it with my exercise, but the fatigue can be more annoying than muscle aches to me. Alan has had the same thing in his weight loss journey.
Maybe it is just normal when we are making big changes in our "senior" years.
At any rate, yesterday was one of those days, and today hasn't been much better so far. Oh well! Keep on keeping on!
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 234
Calories: 1,200
Exercise Minutes: 115
Average BS: 130
What has caught me off guard is the days when I am just exhausted! I have days when I sleep a lot more hours and still find myself dragging through the day. I push through it with my exercise, but the fatigue can be more annoying than muscle aches to me. Alan has had the same thing in his weight loss journey.
Maybe it is just normal when we are making big changes in our "senior" years.
At any rate, yesterday was one of those days, and today hasn't been much better so far. Oh well! Keep on keeping on!
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 234
Calories: 1,200
Exercise Minutes: 115
Average BS: 130
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Settling in to a New "Normal"
I feel like I am seeing the beginnings of settling in to a new "normal" life for myself. I know I still have a long way to go on my weight loss journey, but my diet and exercise routine is beginning to fall into place. I am really pleased with that development.
Eventually, I should have a life plan in place and established as a habit. Then I will have more time for the other activities that I love in my life and I can start adding them back in without getting distracted.
Report Card:
Weight: 234
Calories: 1,370
Exercise: 75 minutes
Average BS: 146
Eventually, I should have a life plan in place and established as a habit. Then I will have more time for the other activities that I love in my life and I can start adding them back in without getting distracted.
Report Card:
Weight: 234
Calories: 1,370
Exercise: 75 minutes
Average BS: 146
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, Monday
I had a good day today overall. I am slowly working my exercise level back up to what it should be, and the scale is being kind.
Weight: 233 11 pounds lost so far!
Calories: 1,533
Exercise: 40 minutes
Average BS: 156
I hope to get back to more exercise tomorrow, and that will bring those blood sugars down even lower.
I have been watching "The Biggest Loser" on Amazon pay-per-view, and I manage to learn something new every day about diet and exercise. If you discount all of the "drama", it is an inspiring show about getting healthy.
Weight: 233 11 pounds lost so far!
Calories: 1,533
Exercise: 40 minutes
Average BS: 156
I hope to get back to more exercise tomorrow, and that will bring those blood sugars down even lower.
I have been watching "The Biggest Loser" on Amazon pay-per-view, and I manage to learn something new every day about diet and exercise. If you discount all of the "drama", it is an inspiring show about getting healthy.
Weekends can be hazardous to your health
This weekend was rather scary because it seemed like my hubby and I were slipping back into old habits. I was still sick, and he had twisted his back -- so most of the weekend was spent resting and vegging in front of the tube.
Ususally that means we also overeat -- big time! And it seemed like we were overeating. But it turns out that we were overeating on more healthy foods and in smaller portions! Maybe this new lifestyle is beginning to stick!
While we both ate more calories than our goals and got very little exercise, we didn't binge like we used to. My blood sugars were higher, but not horrible. Hooray!
Saturday: Sunday:
Weight: 235 Weight: 234
Calories: 1,430 Calories: 1,660
Exercise: 15 minutes Exercise: 30 minutes
Average BS: 128 Average BS: 177
Ususally that means we also overeat -- big time! And it seemed like we were overeating. But it turns out that we were overeating on more healthy foods and in smaller portions! Maybe this new lifestyle is beginning to stick!
While we both ate more calories than our goals and got very little exercise, we didn't binge like we used to. My blood sugars were higher, but not horrible. Hooray!
Saturday: Sunday:
Weight: 235 Weight: 234
Calories: 1,430 Calories: 1,660
Exercise: 15 minutes Exercise: 30 minutes
Average BS: 128 Average BS: 177
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday Frump
Today seemed like Friday Frump for me. I was too sick to even want to get dressed in the morning -- so I didn't. And even walking in the apartment was quite an effort, so I didn't get much done on that front.
At least I got our bookkeeping accounts up to date. Alan's new job has certainly made that chore much easier!
Report Card:
Weight: 234 I am still bloated from the flu
Calories: 1,570
Exercise: 50 minutes
Average BS: 157
I also had some spikes from lack of my regular exercise -- but I look on the bright side that those spikes are getting fewer and farther between these days!
At least I got our bookkeeping accounts up to date. Alan's new job has certainly made that chore much easier!
Report Card:
Weight: 234 I am still bloated from the flu
Calories: 1,570
Exercise: 50 minutes
Average BS: 157
I also had some spikes from lack of my regular exercise -- but I look on the bright side that those spikes are getting fewer and farther between these days!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Diabetes and Exercise
I am still fighting the flu today, but it ended up giving me another practical example of how important exercise is to controlling my diabetes numbers.
With how I was feeling, I only ate 2 meals today. Even though I was eating less calories for the day, exercise was still the crucial component to keeping my sugars level and in range.
After breakfast, I walked back and forth in the apartment for 15 minutes -- then I crashed back into bed. But that little bit of walking kept my numbers good. The same amount of calories at dinner, but sitting afterward, and my numbers shot up through the roof and only very slowly came down. At bedtime, they are still high.
So exercise within 1/2 hour of eating is a real key for me needing less insulin and keeping my numbers stable and in the "green" zone. Good lesson.
The good news after another day of flu is that the scale has finally relented and I have lost some more weight. 3 pounds -- Hooray!
Yesterday Report Card:
Weight: 236
Calories: 1,490
Exercise: 80 minutes -- 12,356 steps
Average BS: 114
Today Report Card:
Weight 233
Calories: 1,120
Exercise: 15 minutes
Average BS: 174
With how I was feeling, I only ate 2 meals today. Even though I was eating less calories for the day, exercise was still the crucial component to keeping my sugars level and in range.
After breakfast, I walked back and forth in the apartment for 15 minutes -- then I crashed back into bed. But that little bit of walking kept my numbers good. The same amount of calories at dinner, but sitting afterward, and my numbers shot up through the roof and only very slowly came down. At bedtime, they are still high.
So exercise within 1/2 hour of eating is a real key for me needing less insulin and keeping my numbers stable and in the "green" zone. Good lesson.
The good news after another day of flu is that the scale has finally relented and I have lost some more weight. 3 pounds -- Hooray!
Yesterday Report Card:
Weight: 236
Calories: 1,490
Exercise: 80 minutes -- 12,356 steps
Average BS: 114
Today Report Card:
Weight 233
Calories: 1,120
Exercise: 15 minutes
Average BS: 174
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Flu, Flu, Fly Away!
Actually, for having the flu, I don't feel too badly. I got a nice long nap in this afternoon, and that seemed to help a lot.
My blood sugar numbers are doing really well, and I was able to reduce my insulin again today.
Report Card:
Weight: 236 Again, and again, again.........
Calories: 1,470 Much better
Exercise: 105 minutes
Average blood sugar: 112 Really good!
My blood sugar numbers are doing really well, and I was able to reduce my insulin again today.
Report Card:
Weight: 236 Again, and again, again.........
Calories: 1,470 Much better
Exercise: 105 minutes
Average blood sugar: 112 Really good!
A Day or Two with the Flu
Well, I got the flu and started having symptoms right after lunch yesterday. By bed time I wanted to rip that hurting tummy out of my body. Luckily, today is much better -- just lots of runs to the bathroom. Sigh!
The good news is that I have lowered my insulin dosage once again this morning. Hooray! I had left it the same yesterday and my numbers got so low twice during the day that I had to eat extra calories with 2 large snacks -- so it was time to lower again.
I am also trying for a goal of 1200 to 1400 calories per day this week. 1200 calories is what I should be at to maintain my goal weight.
My leg muscles are getting stronger, although I am more tired today with this "bug" bugging me.
Yesterday's report card:
Weight: 237
Calories: 2,010
Exercise minutes: 150
Average blood sugar: 123
The good news is that I have lowered my insulin dosage once again this morning. Hooray! I had left it the same yesterday and my numbers got so low twice during the day that I had to eat extra calories with 2 large snacks -- so it was time to lower again.
I am also trying for a goal of 1200 to 1400 calories per day this week. 1200 calories is what I should be at to maintain my goal weight.
My leg muscles are getting stronger, although I am more tired today with this "bug" bugging me.
Yesterday's report card:
Weight: 237
Calories: 2,010
Exercise minutes: 150
Average blood sugar: 123
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Handling Discouragement and Guilt
It was discouraging this morning because my weight went up to 237. Sigh!
When I hit a moment like that, I think it is time to look back on the progress that I have made and realize that my body will catch up eventually. One encouragement is to compare how much walking I could do a few weeks ago to what I can do now. Just a few short weeks ago, I couldn't go 15 minutes without a rest. Now I can easily go 30 to 45 minutes with no rest and at a faster pace! God made such amazing bodies for us!!
The guilt is a little harder for me to handle. I tend to get caught up into "obligations" to others, even when the others are not looking at it as an obligation at all. This week, I got bummed out because I wasn't making new quilts for Wycliffe Kid Zone because I was spending so much time on me. I felt like I was letting them down.
That is the time to talk to God and ask for guidance and also go talk to a good friend or family member and work it out in your head. Lucky for me, I have a husband who is also my best friend, so I didn't have far to go for a good talk.
He helped me remember that my quilting is my hobby, not my obligation. He also helped me look more realistically at the huge changes that I am making in my life and how much of the day that consumes keeping track of the data and then analyzing it.
I also realized while talking it out that I hadn't been able to give my best to my family, friends, or my hobby because I have been so out of shape and sick. I would go to quilt class one day and then sleep most of the next day.
One thing that helps me now in my own head when I have to prioritize my weight loss is what we went through after bankruptcy a couple of years ago. We had some debts that still needed to be paid, so a lot of other things in our life went on hold until those obligations were paid off. But once the debts were paid off, we had a lot more options and have been able to do some things for our families that we couldn't do before.
It is really the same kind of thing now -- other things have to go on hold so that I can get really healthy. Then I will have the energy and resources to help others in even better ways than I have been. So goodbye to the guilt and back to work!
Report Card:
Weight: 237 Yuck!
Calories: 1,465 Good job!
Exercise: 60 minutes
Average blood sugar: 114 Good!
When I hit a moment like that, I think it is time to look back on the progress that I have made and realize that my body will catch up eventually. One encouragement is to compare how much walking I could do a few weeks ago to what I can do now. Just a few short weeks ago, I couldn't go 15 minutes without a rest. Now I can easily go 30 to 45 minutes with no rest and at a faster pace! God made such amazing bodies for us!!
The guilt is a little harder for me to handle. I tend to get caught up into "obligations" to others, even when the others are not looking at it as an obligation at all. This week, I got bummed out because I wasn't making new quilts for Wycliffe Kid Zone because I was spending so much time on me. I felt like I was letting them down.
That is the time to talk to God and ask for guidance and also go talk to a good friend or family member and work it out in your head. Lucky for me, I have a husband who is also my best friend, so I didn't have far to go for a good talk.
He helped me remember that my quilting is my hobby, not my obligation. He also helped me look more realistically at the huge changes that I am making in my life and how much of the day that consumes keeping track of the data and then analyzing it.
I also realized while talking it out that I hadn't been able to give my best to my family, friends, or my hobby because I have been so out of shape and sick. I would go to quilt class one day and then sleep most of the next day.
One thing that helps me now in my own head when I have to prioritize my weight loss is what we went through after bankruptcy a couple of years ago. We had some debts that still needed to be paid, so a lot of other things in our life went on hold until those obligations were paid off. But once the debts were paid off, we had a lot more options and have been able to do some things for our families that we couldn't do before.
It is really the same kind of thing now -- other things have to go on hold so that I can get really healthy. Then I will have the energy and resources to help others in even better ways than I have been. So goodbye to the guilt and back to work!
Report Card:
Weight: 237 Yuck!
Calories: 1,465 Good job!
Exercise: 60 minutes
Average blood sugar: 114 Good!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Life is Complicated
When I started the journey to repent my old way of life and adapt a new lifestyle, I knew there would be some difficulties. After all, I am 60 years old, my colon has been removed, and I had diabetes. But, all in all, I thought it would be fairly straightforward -- reduce the calories and increase the exercise. I thought within a month I would have a detailed strategy nailed down.
Well, I am finding it a bit more complicated than that. I am not only having to basically run experiments on myself to test how I react to various foods, but also having to run experiments about how and when to exercise.
For example, I have found that eating my normal snack of a pack of peanut butter cracker sandwiches at 190 calories will spike my blood sugar numbers worse than 2 slices of bread spread with peanut butter that have closer to 250 calories. They are both carbs, both have peanut butter and a type of bread -- but my body processes them differently. I also find that both process better if I add a cheese stick to the snack -- even though that is 90 more calories.
Of course, the extra calories there have to be deducted off of another meal or snack -- so that is something else to experiment with and figure out.
So it is complicated.
I have also found that even a half hour difference in when I exercise can determine whether I have a spike or my blood sugars stay stable for several hours.
Each time I am able to lower my insulin dosage or my weight drops another pound or two -- things change and I have to figure some things out all over again! I know it will get more and more stable as I go along, but right now it can be frustrating.
So I continue to spend a lot of my day keeping detailed records and trying different combinations. Each day I get a little closer to my goals and the knowledge I need to change my life and keep it changed.
It may be complicated, but it is achievable!
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 236
Total Calories: 1,590
Exercise: 90 minutes
Total number of steps: 9,632
Average blood sugar: 129
Today's Report Card:
Weight: 236 Seems to be another plateau
Total Calories: 1,850
Exercise: 105 minutes
Total number of steps: 9,879
Average blood sugar: 135
And the battle continues..............
Well, I am finding it a bit more complicated than that. I am not only having to basically run experiments on myself to test how I react to various foods, but also having to run experiments about how and when to exercise.
For example, I have found that eating my normal snack of a pack of peanut butter cracker sandwiches at 190 calories will spike my blood sugar numbers worse than 2 slices of bread spread with peanut butter that have closer to 250 calories. They are both carbs, both have peanut butter and a type of bread -- but my body processes them differently. I also find that both process better if I add a cheese stick to the snack -- even though that is 90 more calories.
Of course, the extra calories there have to be deducted off of another meal or snack -- so that is something else to experiment with and figure out.
So it is complicated.
I have also found that even a half hour difference in when I exercise can determine whether I have a spike or my blood sugars stay stable for several hours.
Each time I am able to lower my insulin dosage or my weight drops another pound or two -- things change and I have to figure some things out all over again! I know it will get more and more stable as I go along, but right now it can be frustrating.
So I continue to spend a lot of my day keeping detailed records and trying different combinations. Each day I get a little closer to my goals and the knowledge I need to change my life and keep it changed.
It may be complicated, but it is achievable!
Yesterday's Report Card:
Weight: 236
Total Calories: 1,590
Exercise: 90 minutes
Total number of steps: 9,632
Average blood sugar: 129
Today's Report Card:
Weight: 236 Seems to be another plateau
Total Calories: 1,850
Exercise: 105 minutes
Total number of steps: 9,879
Average blood sugar: 135
And the battle continues..............
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sore Legs
I stand corrected that it is a "recumbant" bike. Whatever you call it, my legs were really sore today, so I only walked and did less total time. Here's my stats:
Weight: 235
Total calories: 1,790
Exercise: 35 minutes
Average blood sugar: 128
I completely forgot to wear my pedometer, so I don't know how many steps I took today.
Weight: 235
Total calories: 1,790
Exercise: 35 minutes
Average blood sugar: 128
I completely forgot to wear my pedometer, so I don't know how many steps I took today.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Trying Something New
Today I decided to try something new. We have a tiny little exercise room here at the apartment complex, so I went in and tried out the reclining bicycle. (I think that is what you call that contraption.) I set it for a cardio workout and managed to keep at my heart rate target for 20 minutes.
I thought I was going to die for about the first 5 minutes, but, of course, I didn't. After I got through the first pain, I found a rhythm that was tolerable. Hopefully, it will get better over time. It certainly got me into a good sweat!
I also bought myself a whiz-bang pedometer that keeps track of steps, miles, and calories burned. It also has a computer program so you can download the data and keep track of your progress. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I recorded 8,190 steps throughout the day -- 3,300 of them in the aerobic range. But, it also told me that I only burned about 332 calories with all that work. Whew! I definitely need to step it up -- so to speak. :-)
I was able to reduce my insulin dosage again today, so all of this is really helping me get healthier. I am shocked at how level my blood sugar numbers are when I exercise after every meal.
Good report card for today:
Morning weight: 235 I think I am finally off of that plateau!
Total calories: 1,970 A bit higher than my 1800 goal
Minutes of exercise: 60
Average blood sugar: 107 Hooray!
I thought I was going to die for about the first 5 minutes, but, of course, I didn't. After I got through the first pain, I found a rhythm that was tolerable. Hopefully, it will get better over time. It certainly got me into a good sweat!
I also bought myself a whiz-bang pedometer that keeps track of steps, miles, and calories burned. It also has a computer program so you can download the data and keep track of your progress. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I recorded 8,190 steps throughout the day -- 3,300 of them in the aerobic range. But, it also told me that I only burned about 332 calories with all that work. Whew! I definitely need to step it up -- so to speak. :-)
I was able to reduce my insulin dosage again today, so all of this is really helping me get healthier. I am shocked at how level my blood sugar numbers are when I exercise after every meal.
Good report card for today:
Morning weight: 235 I think I am finally off of that plateau!
Total calories: 1,970 A bit higher than my 1800 goal
Minutes of exercise: 60
Average blood sugar: 107 Hooray!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Today's Report Card
Morning weight: 238 Up 1 pound
Total calories: 1,710 Great!
Total minutes exercise: 75 Hooray!
Average blood sugar: 106 Time to lower insulin again
I had a great day today. My brother, Pete, gave me some wonderful encouragement with his progress on weight loss and lowering his blood sugar numbers. He has really been able to lower the amount of insulin he has to take by a bunch!!
Total calories: 1,710 Great!
Total minutes exercise: 75 Hooray!
Average blood sugar: 106 Time to lower insulin again
I had a great day today. My brother, Pete, gave me some wonderful encouragement with his progress on weight loss and lowering his blood sugar numbers. He has really been able to lower the amount of insulin he has to take by a bunch!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Today's Report Card
Okay, it is time for today's report card:
This morning's weight: 237 No change
Today's calories: 1810 Did eat some chocolate in there
Minutes of exercise: 35 2 sessions
Average blood sugar: 130 2 spikes from too many carbs
Tomorrow's goals -- Less carbs and more protein and veggies
More exercise
This morning's weight: 237 No change
Today's calories: 1810 Did eat some chocolate in there
Minutes of exercise: 35 2 sessions
Average blood sugar: 130 2 spikes from too many carbs
Tomorrow's goals -- Less carbs and more protein and veggies
More exercise
A Life Plan, NOT a Diet Plan
It seems like the first thing anyone asks when you say you are losing weight is, "What diet plan are you using?" But all of the diet plans in the world boil down to how many calories you take in versus how many calories you spend.
And at 60 years old, I don't want a diet -- I want a changed life.
So I had several goals starting out -- all of which had to do with breaking the destructive cycle that I was on.
First, I needed to figure out what kind of healthy, balanced diet would work best for a 60 year old body that no longer has a colon and does have diabetes. What foods would nourish me well, be digested easily with just a stomach and a small intestine, and would help level out my blood sugars throughout the day without those destructive peak and valley spikes?
After experimenting and taking copious notes, I have found for me that meant:
a change to more protein,
more vegetables (of the kind that have no fiber or tough skins),
about the same amount of fruit (of the kind with no seeds or peels),
and less carbohydrates (especially sugary processed breads, etc.).
When I changed the balance of those foods, my blood sugar numbers came into a more narrow range.
Secondly, I needed to increase and get consistant with my exercise. I also needed to figure out the best times to exercise to keep my blood sugars steady.
Again, after experimenting and taking copious notes, I found my blood sugars dropped dramatically if I exercise about 1/2 to 1 hour after every meal. It didn't even have to be more than walking in place in front of the TV for 15 to 20 minutes to make a big difference. So my goal now is to do this consistantly and increase the time and intensity. Already, I have been able to drop my insulin dosage by 4 units per day.
Third, with the blood sugars fairly level and dropping, I needed to lower my daily calorie intake. The doctor wanted me to do this gradually and he suggested that I get down to a consistant 1800 calories per day by the time I see him again at the end of April. At this point, I am consistantly at about 2000 calories per day, and plan to lower that level this week. The eventual goal will be 1200 to 1400 calories per day recommended for a woman my height.
All three of these changes will make me healthier, help me lose weight, get my blood sugars under control, which will help me lower the insulin dosage and maybe eliminate the need for some of the other medications that I am on at the moment.
So, the journey continues!
And at 60 years old, I don't want a diet -- I want a changed life.
So I had several goals starting out -- all of which had to do with breaking the destructive cycle that I was on.
First, I needed to figure out what kind of healthy, balanced diet would work best for a 60 year old body that no longer has a colon and does have diabetes. What foods would nourish me well, be digested easily with just a stomach and a small intestine, and would help level out my blood sugars throughout the day without those destructive peak and valley spikes?
After experimenting and taking copious notes, I have found for me that meant:
a change to more protein,
more vegetables (of the kind that have no fiber or tough skins),
about the same amount of fruit (of the kind with no seeds or peels),
and less carbohydrates (especially sugary processed breads, etc.).
When I changed the balance of those foods, my blood sugar numbers came into a more narrow range.
Secondly, I needed to increase and get consistant with my exercise. I also needed to figure out the best times to exercise to keep my blood sugars steady.
Again, after experimenting and taking copious notes, I found my blood sugars dropped dramatically if I exercise about 1/2 to 1 hour after every meal. It didn't even have to be more than walking in place in front of the TV for 15 to 20 minutes to make a big difference. So my goal now is to do this consistantly and increase the time and intensity. Already, I have been able to drop my insulin dosage by 4 units per day.
Third, with the blood sugars fairly level and dropping, I needed to lower my daily calorie intake. The doctor wanted me to do this gradually and he suggested that I get down to a consistant 1800 calories per day by the time I see him again at the end of April. At this point, I am consistantly at about 2000 calories per day, and plan to lower that level this week. The eventual goal will be 1200 to 1400 calories per day recommended for a woman my height.
All three of these changes will make me healthier, help me lose weight, get my blood sugars under control, which will help me lower the insulin dosage and maybe eliminate the need for some of the other medications that I am on at the moment.
So, the journey continues!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Joining the Blogging Crowd
I decided it was time to start a blog of my own, especially as I continue on my path of self discovery and weight loss. It will be an easier way to share with those of you who are interested in my progress and also a good way to keep me accountable to my friends during the tough days.
There are a lot of reasons that I could site as to how I became 100 pounds overweight. But I have dealt with them in the past and what is important to me now is to stop using the past as an excuse not to do something right now. So, as some of you know, I decided to take some time off from my regular activities and focus on getting my blood sugars and weight under control and headed down in the right direction.
I am happy to say that after one month, I have lost 7 pounds and my blood sugars are now stable. I have also been able to lower my insulin dosage by 4 units per day. Hooray! I have also learned a lot about what to eat and when to exercise to improve my blood sugar numbers and even them out through the day.
Now I need to continue to lower my daily calories and increase the level of my exercise. So I will continue to post my journey here to keep me honest! :-)
I welcome your suggestions and encouragement -- but, most of all, your prayers. This is a spiritual journey even more than an emotional, intellectual, and physical one. Without Christ, I can do nothing -- with Him, all things are possible!
Becky
There are a lot of reasons that I could site as to how I became 100 pounds overweight. But I have dealt with them in the past and what is important to me now is to stop using the past as an excuse not to do something right now. So, as some of you know, I decided to take some time off from my regular activities and focus on getting my blood sugars and weight under control and headed down in the right direction.
I am happy to say that after one month, I have lost 7 pounds and my blood sugars are now stable. I have also been able to lower my insulin dosage by 4 units per day. Hooray! I have also learned a lot about what to eat and when to exercise to improve my blood sugar numbers and even them out through the day.
Now I need to continue to lower my daily calories and increase the level of my exercise. So I will continue to post my journey here to keep me honest! :-)
I welcome your suggestions and encouragement -- but, most of all, your prayers. This is a spiritual journey even more than an emotional, intellectual, and physical one. Without Christ, I can do nothing -- with Him, all things are possible!
Becky
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