Head Games

So much about health and confidence and body image and weight is all just in the head.

I've been making smart food choices and exercising regularly now for, what, 5 days? And, yet, I feel slimmer, sexier, more confident and I've got a little added swaggar in my step. And, while my weight is down a pound or two - I know, realistically, that doesn't translate to actually looking slimmer.

It's bizarre - but at least it does provide that much-needed will power to keep going and keep trying and keep on keeping on.

Exercise Report: Thursday - I rode my bike to the gym and back and worked out there for 45 minutes for a total of 75 minutes of exercise (30 biking, 35 elliptical, 10 rowing machine). Today I slept in so I haven't worked out yet, but I will! :)

Wasted!

I was reviewing some of my old photos the other day and I realized something. I have wasted so much time in my life worrying about my weight. In every photo I looked at...I remember the time when it was taken...and I remember thinking "boy, I feel fat" or "boy, I look fat in that photo" or "man, I wish I looked more like I did in that photo."

It reminded me of a quote on a magnet I came across at some kitschy shop in the Mall of America.

What a waste! It's going to take some effort - but I'm going to learn how to be happy. Regular exercise, healthy eating, occasional indulgences are going to turn me into a lean, happy gal. While counting days and minutes exercised and tracking my weight loss is vital to the success of reaching a healthy weight - I am done worry about numbers.

Looking at each picture I could tell you how much I weighed in that photo. Ridiculous! Because, you know what? It doesn't matter. I have some amazing memories at all weights. It's about being healthy and comfortable (and, yes, there is a number associated with that - but it's not the number I thought it would be). Finally.

I'm feeling good about things today. Strong. Confident. Maybe it helps that the number on the scale was down. :-)

Exercise Report: Geoff and I went golfing last night, so that brought my total exercise for the day to 80 minutes. I got up to take a long bike ride this morning, but about 1/8 mile from the apartment - my front tire popped! I jogged back to the apartment with my bike and walked the dogs while hub fixed up the tire. So, the hour long bike ride turned into a 25 minute bike ride with a 15 minute dog walk and a 5 minute jog. Oh, well, that's still 45 minutes! I'll find the other 15 before the day is over.

Allegiance Olympics

Well, today was a rockin' good time at work. We have been having a heath and fitness goal this year. The first quarter is over, so we had our "retreat" today. We had six 'events' consisting of scrabble, boggle, Norweigian golf, bean bag toss, pictionary, and mini golf. We were split into four teams and competed.

It was loads of fun. My team ended up "winning" silver. There were awards for those who reached their exercise goals. I was a failure at this last quarter - but so far this quarter I'm on a roll.

Exercise Report: I made it to the gym this morning and did 50 minutes of cardio (25 minutes on the cross trainer - killer. and 25 on the treadmill). I plan to walk the dogs for 10-20 minutes tonight to reach my goal of 60 for the day. :)

The Snack Basket Revisited

Well, super-wife and lazy-wife came to an agreement today.

Snack basket = great idea.

Snack basket full of cookies, chips, rice krispies and other sugar/salt-filled goodies = evil idea.

Thus the "new" snack basket, or "reincarnated" snack basket arose.

In the fridge: a purple bowl filled with baggies of cucumbers, radishes, edimame, cheese sticks and low-sugar yogurt.

On the counter: an orange bowl with baggies of roast garbanzo beans, pita bread, and dried mangoes.

I'm already looking forward to snack time!

Workout report: 45 minutes at the gym this morning (15 elliptical, 30 stationary bike). 2 short (15 minute) walks with the dogs. For a total of 75 minutes.

It's fun to stay at the...

Well, today I finally felt well enough to get out and about a bit. Geoff and I took our first Fargo bike ride together. The wind made things a little tougher then expected, but overall, it was sunny and warm and great to be on my bike again.

We rode to the YMCA and signed up for our memberships. So, my first weight loss challenge will officially begin Monday morning. After my nasty allergic reaction last week, I'll need to start things a little slower then I would normally like to, but getting back into the swing of a regular workout is going to be glorious.

I'm also excited to get back into the swing of cooking. Before I got sick, I made a delicious days worth of meals - and I'm soooo ready to have that every day. Tonight I made steak with tomato topping (a new favorite of ours from the South Beach Diet cookbook) and boiled asparagus. I LOVE the southbeach cookbook. Mostly because everything is delicious. It's a great feeling to know that whatever I decide to cook will be great.

Anyway, tomorrow I have planned a London Broil (in the fridge marinating as I type) with Roasted Asparagus Soup (I love this time of year when asparagus is practically free!) and Broiled French bread with Garlic and Melted Medium Cheddar Cheese. I'm hopefuly that the weather will be gorgeous and we can pack it up for a picnic.

YMCA - here I come.

Ready - Set - oh, wait...

Well, I was all ready and set to start my 15 pounds in 30 days challenge, when my body decided that I needed to take a week of bedrest and have a severe allergic reaction. I'm hoping to get my gym membership all squared away this weekend and get started on Monday - Oh, yeah.

The Challenge

The Challenge: 15 pounds lost in 30 days

Starting Date: Whatever day I get my YMCA membership - hopefully 03/31/10.

Completion Date: 04/29/10

Methods for Weight Loss:

• Cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and packing healthy snacks to eat at 11am and 4pm.
• Exercising at least 60 minutes, 7 days a week (this includes, but is not limited to, the gym, dog walking, geo-caching, golfing, and cleaning).
• Limiting my TV watching to 2 shows a night.
• Drinking as much water as I do Soda each day.

Wish me luck - I'll keep you updated!

Ready, Set, Go!