Happy New You in 2012

"Embrace the process and the results will follow." This quote by actor,  Bradley Whitford,  summarizes what I learned during my weight loss journey this year.  Real weight loss comes when you learn and follow the process of eating the correct portions of the right foods followed by exercise. I lost 25 pounds this year so  I did have some success.   However, I focused too much on the short term results on the scale and not enough time on establishing a healthier routine and embracing the full process required for long term success.

Thank you readers, for your support. I wish you much success in your weight loss journey. Take the time to learn what works for you. Make the small changes daily and the results will follow. Take care and good luck!

A Gift To Yourself

Tis the season and all that kinda stuff. In my opinion there is way too much emphasis on food and shopping and buying gifts for people who don't really "need" the gift.

Of course, giving to charities and keeping the less fortunate in mind this time of year is a good alternative to rampant consumerism.

How about your own health and weight loss needs? Why not give yourself a gift of a membership to a gym or the "Y"? How about a good pair of walking or running shoes and a goal relating to "going the distance"?

2011 is almost past and a new year on the calender lurks just ahead. For those of us who must and need to continue to lose weight, its not the "end" of anything in that regard. This battle for a better physical "self" never ends. Keep fighting the fight and never give up. After all, the gift of better health and fitness is the gift that keeps on giving.

In Sickness and in Health

Good morning fellow worker bees. In my blog last week, I mentioned that I was going to take some time out for me. What happened? I ended up staying home to care for my daughter who was sick. So while I did not get my "me" time, I did have time to reflect on just how important health is to everything. Losing weight is really important and I am glad I've finally decided to lose some, but health is the long-term goal. Being out a couple of days made me more appreciative of this fact.

If you are blessed to be without a serious disease, give thanks and then do something to continue your blessing while you can -- relieve stress, exercise more, drink water or just sleep more.

Until next time.

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.