Shopping Injury

So how did you do at holding the line on eating for Thanksgiving? I did fine on T-Day. I did somehow put the two pounds back on that I had just lost the week before during the long holiday though. So its back to seek the "routine" again. My routine typically involves walking and jogging these days. A "shopping" injury, however, is hampering those activities.

I was roped into going to an outlet mall near Mebane NC at 10pm Thanksgiving night. I was wearing some cheap unbroken in work boots as we walked aimlessly in search of who knows what. The walking in those boots really tore up my right Achilles tendon area. So I was limping around for a couple of days and its still tender but ok to walk. Haven't jogged since though. Will give jogging a try again today. Just shows you how important proper footwear can be.

Now lets all get back to it and keep on keeping on my fat buddies.

Doing What You Must

How many of you love getting up early every morning to wake your kids or yourself up to go to school and to work.  If you were truthful, you'd admit that there are probably other things you'd prefer to do today, but yet everyday you get up and follow your normal routine.  Why?  You do it because you must.

Those who know me well, know that in my perfect world, my day would not start until 10am.  I am a night owl and no amount of blogging has changed this fact.  My body prefers to work until the twilight of the day, but I have come to realize that I lose more weight when I do three things:

• Get up early and get breakfast
• Have a plan to accomplish three key projects, two ad-hoc requests, and one thing on my procrastination list (I know I am NOT the only one out there with this list :) ) and then
• Take some time for myself

So, this week I strive to go to bed my 10pm (Toastmasters, you can stop snickering now) and work on my to-do list, and finally take some time out of my crazy schedule for M-E.  Every day I follow a routine that goes against my natural rhythm doing things for others because I must, so this week I am going to try doing something different to help rekindle my weight loss journey.  I know this last one will be the hardest, but I am going to give it a good try and will post about it next week. 
Until then take care

Nancy Johnson

Take a Minute to Appreciate

Its that time of year where I take time to give thanks for life, my family and friends and even for the negative parts of life -- like being overweight.   Why would I be thankful for being overweight after almost a year of trying to lose weight?  As much as losing weight is my goal, today I wish to remember those that do not have enough to eat -- even here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

So while you are enjoying tomorrow's festivities, do something for those who could use our help. Donate some food, or some money, or even some time to those who are less fortunate.  Enjoy the holidays and take a walk (or in Dan's case, a run) it's a great way to reflect and to work off the bird.

Nancy Johnson

Weak Week

This is it. A week not for the weak of willpower. Enjoy family and friends and small portions of good food. Get that exercise and come out of this week victorious weight loss buddies.

Due entirely to tight schedule and smaller amounts of food I lost another two pounds this past week. That's 34 pounds so far. Four inches in the waist. A good start for 2012 when I must continue pushing onward.

Next 5k race/run will be in Kannapolis on December 17th. It'll be nice and slow again but something to help me focus on jogging more miles.

I have much to be thankful for and this week allows us a time to reflect on our many blessings.

Now get out there and walk my fat buddies.

Setting Goals

Good morning, blog readers. It has been a while since I posted.  Sorry, but a lot has gone on.  Good news since my last post, I've lost another 3 pounds. I've only got 9 more pounds to go to meet my annual goal!

I realize that many have been disappointed by my progress. I understand that many expected a huge weight loss through a stringent diet and exercise.  That was never my goal.  I set my 36 weight loss goal based on the craziness of my schedule and the reality of my life and I am almost there.

Many overweight people stay overweight because they set goals that are not achievable for their life.  Everyone has a different motivation.  I started the year with three motivations -- my health, my daughter and a reunion. I will end this year with only two.  It's never good to put an event as a motivator. 

I've learned alot since starting this blog, but I have a lot more to learn and do.  Setting goals is a great way to start, but getting and staying on the course is the only way to achieve the results.  Stay true to Y-O-U.

Until next time.

Nancy Johnson

Don't Stop Now

The last page of the wall calendar keeps wanting to flip on over to January. Its like I'm in a time warp blasting ahead to the future while still needing a lot more time to "do stuff".

This past week my favorite dog/pet ever had to be put to sleep. Very emotional for this old guy. A few days later I wake up with my heart beat pounding in my upper front tooth. Yep, a root canal. I'm now in my last few days of clinical for my Phlebotomy class with the final exam on Friday.

My daughter has a big birthday this weekend and T Day is next week.

Life goes on and our diet and exercise may be harder to fit in but don't stop now. For that matter, don't ever stop. A lot of us have lost weight in the past to only gradually have it come back onto our bodies a few pounds at a time until we were back to the heaviest weight ever.

I can't be honest and say it won't happen to me or you again. I can say we can't afford to allow it to happen again. Use these holidays as your experiment with willpower to defeat the food demons and come out of this at least one pound less by January 2nd. That will be one small victory toward winning this battle.

My total for the year now stands at 32 pounds lost. Not the goal. It is a good start to keep on working on for next year.

Keep at it my fat buddies. You are worth it.

Soup or Salad?

Getting ready to "not" mess up during Thanksgiving week. Planning ahead and being aware to not gain weight during this time is important to keep or get on track. No need to start off the New Year with an extra five to ten pounds.

To help curtail overeating on Thanksgiving try having something filling for breakfast that isn't too caloric. An apple, whole grain toast...oatmeal etc.

For the big meal consider slowly eating your salad or if you can have a soup before hand that is also satisfying and yet not too caloric.

Go ahead and enjoy the company the color and smell of the food. Think about the occasion while drinking a glass of water. Let others at the table begin eating first.

Enjoy each bite and savor the taste and chew very slowly. Just keep the portions and amount of food very planned and controlled.

Then there are the left overs. If you travel to someone else's house you don't have to take any left overs home. If you host a dinner, try to give away left overs to get them out of the house.

Last of all, you can freeze some things to get them away from tempting you later that day or the next.

Enjoy the total experience and if you are "into" such things, volunteer to work at a homeless shelter etc to serve others food while also helping you to stay on your diet.

Share any other ideas you have that you plan to do to help you stay out of "dieting" trouble this season.

Big Bird

Quick! Run! Walk! Hide the eating utensils! Thanksgiving and other eating
frenzy holidays are fast approaching. There is a Big Bird hovering over you and its not just a Vulture. Its a Thanksgiving Turkey with all the trimmings!!!
If you've lost weight this year don't let go of it for a few days of
gluttony. If you intend to keep on or start a diet don't start even further in
the "hole" by gaining ten pounds during the holidays.
Lets brainstorm some about how to enjoy these special meals and yet not
over do it. Give me your ideas or gimmicks that help you resist yet enjoy.
Certainly portion control and exercise during this time will be important.
But how about enjoying a meal? What are you going to do? Plan it now. Visualize
it now.
By the way, the exercise and walking and jogging on Monday was like being
super charged with this great outdoor weather.
Get out there and walk vigorously to stay warm. Read more: http://cltbiggestlosers.blogspot.com/2011/10/dont-be-turkey.html#ixzz1cjxfR8Eg