My grandmother decided to impart some of her invaluable wisdom to me recently. She said, "Guilt trips are a waste of time." So true! So why can I not shake them?
I think almost all of us (ladies in particular) fall into the category of beating ourselves up too much, too often. Mistakes are just that- mistakes. We shouldn't spend more time dwelling on them than it takes to learn from them. Then we should move on. Easier said than done, I know.
For instance, last night I couldn't stop myself from indulging in a late night snack of chips and salsa. YUM. But I had been so good all say, I felt guilty for letting a craving dive-bomb my otherwise calorie successful day! I could have said no, sure. Sometimes it just isn't that easy. To determine whether the 'indulgence' is worth it, what I have started comparing is simply this: Is the guilt I'll feel after eating this worth it?
No, I don't always sit down and analyze it like that, but I am trying. I know me, and guilt will never leave me entirely. I'm just not built that way. Chances are, I will continue to scold myself for grabbing that fistful of Cheez-Its or when I catch myself drooling in line at Walgreens over the PayDay candy bar I haven't let myself have in years. Oh yea, that happens.
I tell myself that I shouldn't want these things; they are BAD for me! But I still want them.
So, now I have a new goal. I want to learn how to live with myself after my inevitable slip-ups. Forgiving myself for being human isn't as easy as it sounds. However, I think as I rant against my weaknesses and lack of willpower vehemently in my head, at least now there will be another voice. One saying, "Yea, maybe eating that entire pizza wasn't a good idea, but..." Or, "Really, Heidi? How many S'mores does one adult need in one sitting, but...?"
But after the chastising, that new, more positive voice will tell me that all I can do is make a better choice next time. Tomorrow is another day. This is not a quickflash diet we are talking about, but a war waged over a lifetime. So, I'll live to fight another day.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Best Intentions
How does the old saying go? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I'd say that applies to the road to chubby too.
For instance, yesterday I packed my gym bag and even changed into my gym clothes before leaving my family dinner that always happens on Tuesday nights. (As a side note, I highly recommend seeing family at least once a week to gain perspective on yourself and life in general.) I find that if I am already dressed for the gym, I run out of excises not to go more quickly. As I drove up to the freeway exit to my gym, I found that it was CLOSED! Derailed again! No fear, I told myself. How hard can it be to find an alternative route? Harder than you think when not only my exit was closed, but the entire road that my gym is on was shut down. I drove around and around for almost 45 minutes before conceding defeat. Nothing I could do would get me there.
Sick of the metaphorical and in this case, literal roadblocks in my weight loss quest, I grumbled the rest of the way home. I thought of popping in my Turbo Jam DVD and dancing my butt off (literally, I hoped) but remembered the precious 4 month old mini-dachshund pup, Chili, that just moved into my family a week and a half ago. No doubt with my recent string of luck, I'd stomp on her and break her long, gorgeous little back. GRRR.
Instead, I settled for taking both of my beautiful dogs for a walk. Although I felt like a puppeteer and managed to walk past two apartment complexes in which the occupants were having contests fit for a bachelorette in a strip club (WINK, WINK), I really enjoyed watching my crazy canines interact with each other as we clomped along the sidewalk. Claire (our black lab and star hunter) walked slower to accommodate Chili's tiny legs and Chili learned to sit better and cooperate more by following Claire's every move with fascination. It was a heart warming dance to be a party to.
Was this the sweat-drenched, calorie-torching workout I had in mind? Not even close. But I had a lot more fun this way. Still, I definitely need to get back in the groove of hard workouts ASAP. In the meantime, I have been managing to keep my weight steady with a stricter diet. I'll pat myself on the back for that accomplishment because summer is all about parties, tailgates and the accompanying party food. All things that I love. I find myself learning moderation. Slowly but surely.
My good intentions may not me propelling me forward at a breakneck speed as I'd like, but they are keeping my head above water. And as I tread this water, I'll try to appreciate the summer moments while my beautiful pups swim circles around me and just BE GLAD. Happy is more important than skinny. And that's the truth.
For instance, yesterday I packed my gym bag and even changed into my gym clothes before leaving my family dinner that always happens on Tuesday nights. (As a side note, I highly recommend seeing family at least once a week to gain perspective on yourself and life in general.) I find that if I am already dressed for the gym, I run out of excises not to go more quickly. As I drove up to the freeway exit to my gym, I found that it was CLOSED! Derailed again! No fear, I told myself. How hard can it be to find an alternative route? Harder than you think when not only my exit was closed, but the entire road that my gym is on was shut down. I drove around and around for almost 45 minutes before conceding defeat. Nothing I could do would get me there.
Sick of the metaphorical and in this case, literal roadblocks in my weight loss quest, I grumbled the rest of the way home. I thought of popping in my Turbo Jam DVD and dancing my butt off (literally, I hoped) but remembered the precious 4 month old mini-dachshund pup, Chili, that just moved into my family a week and a half ago. No doubt with my recent string of luck, I'd stomp on her and break her long, gorgeous little back. GRRR.
Instead, I settled for taking both of my beautiful dogs for a walk. Although I felt like a puppeteer and managed to walk past two apartment complexes in which the occupants were having contests fit for a bachelorette in a strip club (WINK, WINK), I really enjoyed watching my crazy canines interact with each other as we clomped along the sidewalk. Claire (our black lab and star hunter) walked slower to accommodate Chili's tiny legs and Chili learned to sit better and cooperate more by following Claire's every move with fascination. It was a heart warming dance to be a party to.
Was this the sweat-drenched, calorie-torching workout I had in mind? Not even close. But I had a lot more fun this way. Still, I definitely need to get back in the groove of hard workouts ASAP. In the meantime, I have been managing to keep my weight steady with a stricter diet. I'll pat myself on the back for that accomplishment because summer is all about parties, tailgates and the accompanying party food. All things that I love. I find myself learning moderation. Slowly but surely.
My good intentions may not me propelling me forward at a breakneck speed as I'd like, but they are keeping my head above water. And as I tread this water, I'll try to appreciate the summer moments while my beautiful pups swim circles around me and just BE GLAD. Happy is more important than skinny. And that's the truth.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
My Olympic Obsession
All right, I admit it- I'm hooked on the Olympics. My DVR is fast filling up because I am foregoing my regular shows to watch the Olympics almost non-stop. Truthfully, I am driving Andy nuts. But that's just a bonus. Seriously though, I only get this opportunity every 4 years! I know that the Winter Olympics are only 2 years away, but the Summer Olympics inspire me more.
For instance, look at the women's sand volleyball team made up of Misty May Treanor and Kerry Walsh. INCREDIBLE athletes and those bodies! I am well aware that I cannot dedicate 8 hours a day to training like these ladies do- but they inspire me to try harder in the time I do have. Can you imagine playing a difficult, physically demanding sport in a teenie-weenie bikini? I sure can't! And in front of the whole world to boot? I'm feeling a little faint just thinking about it.
Truly, their dedication to their sport and being healthy is contagious. They, along with other women athletes competing in the Olympics, have been in every magazine I subscribe to lately. Each article makes me want to go to the gym- right now. And that in itself is monumental. I have even thought of posting a pic of Kerri Walsh on my refrigerator to inspire me every time I go looking for a snack, but let's be honest... no matter how little or healthy I eat, no matter how much I work out, I will never match up to the 6'3" frame of a professional athlete. Especially considering I'd have to grow a foot taller above and beyond the obvious training.
That being said, she inspires me to push myself. All of the Olympians do. Just look at what these gymnasts can do with their bodies~ I never cease to be amazed that the human body can bend and flip like that! They are fearless! I find myself sitting on my couch with Andy, mouth agape, saying more often than not, "WOAH! Did you see that!?" Incredible stuff.
Will I ever be an Olympic athlete? Puh-lease. Not only am I too old, but I don't have the raw talent required. Nonetheless, I am choosing to let these feats of human strength drive me to work harder and try new exercises I might not have considered before. I don't have the time to dedicate to perfecting a sport, but I can spend a little more time each week trying to improve myself. The Olympics have taught me that with the right attitude, almost anything is possible.
For instance, look at the women's sand volleyball team made up of Misty May Treanor and Kerry Walsh. INCREDIBLE athletes and those bodies! I am well aware that I cannot dedicate 8 hours a day to training like these ladies do- but they inspire me to try harder in the time I do have. Can you imagine playing a difficult, physically demanding sport in a teenie-weenie bikini? I sure can't! And in front of the whole world to boot? I'm feeling a little faint just thinking about it.
Truly, their dedication to their sport and being healthy is contagious. They, along with other women athletes competing in the Olympics, have been in every magazine I subscribe to lately. Each article makes me want to go to the gym- right now. And that in itself is monumental. I have even thought of posting a pic of Kerri Walsh on my refrigerator to inspire me every time I go looking for a snack, but let's be honest... no matter how little or healthy I eat, no matter how much I work out, I will never match up to the 6'3" frame of a professional athlete. Especially considering I'd have to grow a foot taller above and beyond the obvious training.
That being said, she inspires me to push myself. All of the Olympians do. Just look at what these gymnasts can do with their bodies~ I never cease to be amazed that the human body can bend and flip like that! They are fearless! I find myself sitting on my couch with Andy, mouth agape, saying more often than not, "WOAH! Did you see that!?" Incredible stuff.
Will I ever be an Olympic athlete? Puh-lease. Not only am I too old, but I don't have the raw talent required. Nonetheless, I am choosing to let these feats of human strength drive me to work harder and try new exercises I might not have considered before. I don't have the time to dedicate to perfecting a sport, but I can spend a little more time each week trying to improve myself. The Olympics have taught me that with the right attitude, almost anything is possible.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Case of the Ex
Do you know what the only thing worse than trudging into the gym on a day where all you can think about is sleep is? It's walking into the gym with your butt dragging, no makeup on, big old bags under your eyes and bumping into an EX. Oy.
Now this ex of mine, who for the sake of this entry we'll call Winston* was not a long term relationship. He was truly barely a blip on the radar that was my young love life. However, he keeps turning up like a bad penny!! The first few times I bumped into him was usually at a bar. Then he'd ask if I'd like to go out with him again and I'd explain my long-term relationship status. He eventually got the hint and luckily, he has stopped asking. UNfortunately, he still wants to wander around the gym following me making small talk. And it seemed that every time I'd turn around, there he'd be.
Of all the gyms in the world, he had to go and join mine. I get that he now lives in the Port Washington area, but he's a musclehead so I thought maybe some other gym would suit him better. Not so much. Now, I am not truly bothered that it happens to be this particular ex that's a member of my gym... it's just that an ex IS a member of my gym and a smile and a wave aren't enough to pacify him. It doesn't help that we often seem to be there at the same time. Selfish as it may be, I like my comfort-zone as judge-free and ex-free as possible.
Truthfully, I usually like bumping into people I know at the gym, as long as they are people (usually women) that I can chat up about what is working for them and what's not. No way I'm going to ask an ex what his best advice for dropping a few pounds is. And of course his first comment yesterday was "I haven't seen you here in a while. Why's that?" Big eyebrow raise to accompany said statement. Go away Winston, I don't need you to judge me- I've done enough of that myself for the two of us.
My gym is a public place, no doubt. I cannot and will not try to control who works out there. Believe it or not, I do have a better grip on reality than that.
I did learn something last night the hard way: The moral of this story is: ALWAYS remember your headphones! If you do happen to forget your iPod, just plug the cord into your waistband. :)
*Names have been changed to protect myself from anyone knowing who that ex really is! ;)
Now this ex of mine, who for the sake of this entry we'll call Winston* was not a long term relationship. He was truly barely a blip on the radar that was my young love life. However, he keeps turning up like a bad penny!! The first few times I bumped into him was usually at a bar. Then he'd ask if I'd like to go out with him again and I'd explain my long-term relationship status. He eventually got the hint and luckily, he has stopped asking. UNfortunately, he still wants to wander around the gym following me making small talk. And it seemed that every time I'd turn around, there he'd be.
Of all the gyms in the world, he had to go and join mine. I get that he now lives in the Port Washington area, but he's a musclehead so I thought maybe some other gym would suit him better. Not so much. Now, I am not truly bothered that it happens to be this particular ex that's a member of my gym... it's just that an ex IS a member of my gym and a smile and a wave aren't enough to pacify him. It doesn't help that we often seem to be there at the same time. Selfish as it may be, I like my comfort-zone as judge-free and ex-free as possible.
Truthfully, I usually like bumping into people I know at the gym, as long as they are people (usually women) that I can chat up about what is working for them and what's not. No way I'm going to ask an ex what his best advice for dropping a few pounds is. And of course his first comment yesterday was "I haven't seen you here in a while. Why's that?" Big eyebrow raise to accompany said statement. Go away Winston, I don't need you to judge me- I've done enough of that myself for the two of us.
My gym is a public place, no doubt. I cannot and will not try to control who works out there. Believe it or not, I do have a better grip on reality than that.
I did learn something last night the hard way: The moral of this story is: ALWAYS remember your headphones! If you do happen to forget your iPod, just plug the cord into your waistband. :)
*Names have been changed to protect myself from anyone knowing who that ex really is! ;)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
MANTRAS
I love the idea of having a weight loss, exercise, or dieting mantra. I have been in search of one that will work for me and remind me of what I am working towards in my times of weakness. In my search, I have turned up a few that I really love and I'd like to share . They are not ranked in any order except for the first one listed. I am adopting it to keep my world a little more in focus.
-- Don't give up what you want most for what you want in the moment.
-- Admire what you have accomplished and bask in it. The rest will come in time.
-- Every step counts.
-- Don't quite before trying.
-- If it was easy, everyone would do it.
-- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
-- I am building the life I love.
-- Don't try- just do.
-- No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping the person laying on the couch.
-- Nothing changes is you change nothing.
All of them are good advice and I think I'll print them out and stick them to my fridge. Or randomly on post-its all over my house. And on the rearview mirror in my car. And on my pantry. You get the idea.
Do you have a mantra? What works for you??
I do have one completely unrelated mantra that I have pasted to my desk to remind me of what life is about and that the only one responsible for me, is.... ME. Words to live by: "Make your own sunshine."
-- Don't give up what you want most for what you want in the moment.
-- Admire what you have accomplished and bask in it. The rest will come in time.
-- Every step counts.
-- Don't quite before trying.
-- If it was easy, everyone would do it.
-- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
-- I am building the life I love.
-- Don't try- just do.
-- No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping the person laying on the couch.
-- Nothing changes is you change nothing.
All of them are good advice and I think I'll print them out and stick them to my fridge. Or randomly on post-its all over my house. And on the rearview mirror in my car. And on my pantry. You get the idea.
Do you have a mantra? What works for you??
I do have one completely unrelated mantra that I have pasted to my desk to remind me of what life is about and that the only one responsible for me, is.... ME. Words to live by: "Make your own sunshine."
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Dreaded Slump
I'm in a slump. I know it. Just the idea of going to the gym just makes me want to hide- preferably under the covers with a good book and a bag of Oreo's. And recently, I have let myself be indulgent if I'm being honest. Well, sort of indulgent. Shortly, I have house guests arriving and one of them has allergies, one of the worst of which is my cat. Therefore, I have been cleaning like a madwoman (burning calories doing it, of course) and tearing out carpeting to help eliminate some of the fur. So many things like washing cabinets and walls that often go undone in my household for long periods of time, are now done. Certainly, I am no neat freak as anyone who knows me can attest to. But people will be living with me, not just visiting! I thought some extra effort was in order. Regardless, the house is far from perfect and it will remain that way.
All of this cleaning has conveniently allowed me to take time off from the gym. The cleaning has to be done sometimes and right now, I am calling it 'prioritizing.' True, I'm not melting into my couch with a tub of ice cream, but the calorie burn of housework is not nearly what it needs to be for me to make progress. Thus continues my slump.
It seems that many of my friends that are on the journey to weight loss have hit a similar rough patch. We all seem to be taking a step back, reevaluating what we are doing and starting again. That's the point, right? We have always been taught that when we get knocked down, it is time to get back up, dust ourselves off and start moving forward again. That's my plan. I haven't quite worked out the nitty gritty details. Some plan, huh?
However, I figure the fact that I am now recognizing the slump for what it is, is that all-important first step. Step two? Get my ass movin'! I'm going to shoot for working out a minimum of four times a week for now and see how that affects things. Step three will be tweaking the diet. I hate this part most. Food and I? We're BFF's. Food and my waistline? Not on such good terms. Luckily, I have learned to eat salad for lunch and keep the calorie count around 400, so I haven't gained much weight back, but I'd like to nip these sneaky couple of pounds in the bud before they call for reinforcements.
The Dreaded Slump seems to grab everyone at one time or another. I'm not any different. Now it's high time for me to get back up, brush the crumbs off my shirt, and start making my way to the gym again. And I think that's a damn good start!
All of this cleaning has conveniently allowed me to take time off from the gym. The cleaning has to be done sometimes and right now, I am calling it 'prioritizing.' True, I'm not melting into my couch with a tub of ice cream, but the calorie burn of housework is not nearly what it needs to be for me to make progress. Thus continues my slump.
It seems that many of my friends that are on the journey to weight loss have hit a similar rough patch. We all seem to be taking a step back, reevaluating what we are doing and starting again. That's the point, right? We have always been taught that when we get knocked down, it is time to get back up, dust ourselves off and start moving forward again. That's my plan. I haven't quite worked out the nitty gritty details. Some plan, huh?
However, I figure the fact that I am now recognizing the slump for what it is, is that all-important first step. Step two? Get my ass movin'! I'm going to shoot for working out a minimum of four times a week for now and see how that affects things. Step three will be tweaking the diet. I hate this part most. Food and I? We're BFF's. Food and my waistline? Not on such good terms. Luckily, I have learned to eat salad for lunch and keep the calorie count around 400, so I haven't gained much weight back, but I'd like to nip these sneaky couple of pounds in the bud before they call for reinforcements.
The Dreaded Slump seems to grab everyone at one time or another. I'm not any different. Now it's high time for me to get back up, brush the crumbs off my shirt, and start making my way to the gym again. And I think that's a damn good start!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Surviving Vacation
I just got back from vacation. Normally, that is no reason to celebrate! But this time, I do have one thing to be proud of. I only gained 2 lbs!
Sounds silly, right? To me, it isn't. I used to come home 10 lbs heavier than when I left. Then again, in those days, it only took me a couple of weeks to lose it again.
This vacation was full of fishing, eating, drinking and relaxing~ so how did I not put on more lbs? I think I have an idea. I always scoff at those crazy articles in fitness and health magazines talking about finding a gym wherever you happen to be vacationing. And I still say "Yeah right!" This vacation, I just made a concerted effort to walk, climb stairs and not eat EVERYTHING on my plate. I'm actually starting to get the hang of this 'stop eating when you are full' thing. Sounds crazy, I know.
We took a hike around a gorgeous county park, there are 44 stairs going down to the lake that my family's cabin is on, and I have a very active dog. Those things primarily are the only reason I think I survived this vacation with so little weight gain. I'm sorry people, but there is no way I am not going to eat basically what I want on vacation. I also get to indulge in a few extra beers. That's the way I like to unwind. Healthy? Probably not. But everyone deserves a break sometimes. So I decided not to sweat it, but to make a few healthier, more active choices. And it worked like a charm. Chalk one up for the good guys!
Now, I do have to go through the trouble of losing those extra 2 lbs all over again, but trust me- a week's vacation was more than worth it!
Sounds silly, right? To me, it isn't. I used to come home 10 lbs heavier than when I left. Then again, in those days, it only took me a couple of weeks to lose it again.
This vacation was full of fishing, eating, drinking and relaxing~ so how did I not put on more lbs? I think I have an idea. I always scoff at those crazy articles in fitness and health magazines talking about finding a gym wherever you happen to be vacationing. And I still say "Yeah right!" This vacation, I just made a concerted effort to walk, climb stairs and not eat EVERYTHING on my plate. I'm actually starting to get the hang of this 'stop eating when you are full' thing. Sounds crazy, I know.
We took a hike around a gorgeous county park, there are 44 stairs going down to the lake that my family's cabin is on, and I have a very active dog. Those things primarily are the only reason I think I survived this vacation with so little weight gain. I'm sorry people, but there is no way I am not going to eat basically what I want on vacation. I also get to indulge in a few extra beers. That's the way I like to unwind. Healthy? Probably not. But everyone deserves a break sometimes. So I decided not to sweat it, but to make a few healthier, more active choices. And it worked like a charm. Chalk one up for the good guys!
Now, I do have to go through the trouble of losing those extra 2 lbs all over again, but trust me- a week's vacation was more than worth it!
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