tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27669792812745844812024-03-08T06:34:23.459-05:00Diary Of A Fat GirlAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-27662584861214906602016-12-30T21:08:00.003-05:002016-12-30T21:08:47.656-05:00As One Year Ends...... <span style="text-align: center;">A new one begins and I feel refreshed and determined.</span><br />
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While my overall weight is lower than it was when the year started....not as low as I wanted.<br />
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I have some good plans in place to make it happen and my bestie <a href="https://gulfsidegal.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie</span></a> and I have great plans in the works to be successful!<br />
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This year's motto:<br />
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I AM......<br />
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What is your motto for 2017?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-17361982490444320512016-12-13T12:00:00.002-05:002016-12-13T12:00:57.263-05:002nd Day of Fitmas<i>On the 2nd day of fitmas, my Tuesday gave to me....my TOPS Christmas Potluck Party!"</i><br />
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Today is Tuesday, which means it's TOPS night. While I haven't blogged or reported on it in quite some time....I am still a member. Tonight is our annual Christmas potluck. I am bringing my "famous" cold veggie pizza and bringing some buns and butter.<br /><br />I say famous because it goes over so well and it's the only time I get it.<br /><br />I'm hoping to also get my miles in before the party, it will just depend on how my day goes.<br /><br />I will do a bigger blog update later with my trek to North Pole, Alaska later :-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-22327708438391385462016-12-12T14:25:00.001-05:002016-12-12T14:25:00.703-05:001st Day of Fitmas<i>"On the first day of fitmas, my best friend gave to me.....a challenge to get me healthy!"</i><br />
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Did you sing along?<br />
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So, today marks the first day of a virtual walking challenge sponsored by <a href="https://yes.fit/Home" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Yes Fit</span></a>. It's a Christmas themed one, with limited medals available. The minute my girlfriend <a href="http://gulfsidegal.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie</span></a> brought it to my attention, I knew I had to sign up! I had to because I have actually been to this destination, and it was during some of the best times in my life!<br /><br />The challenge is pretty simple...the race itself is 11.5 miles or 18.5 km, for us Canadians! We decided to give ourselves 12 days to complete it...starting yesterday technically and ending on December 23rd. For me it means I have to walk about 1.5 km each day extra. As part of the challenge, we also agreed to wear festive hats while doing it and be pretty active on all our forms of social media...so stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram for me.<br /><br />Even though it's too late you officially join the race and earn the medal...you can still join us in spirit!! Follow along with us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amysdiaryofafatgirl/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Facebook</span></a> or on<span style="color: yellow;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amybickmore/?hl=en" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Instagram</span></a></span>...we have some awesome hashtags for you to throw around!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-72545649254020720702016-06-29T14:27:00.001-04:002016-06-29T14:27:40.725-04:00So Yeah........It's amazing how time flies!<br />
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I have hardly paid any attention to this little blog space in quite some time.<br />
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So, here's the thing....I'm back on my low wave of motivation and inspiration and I am trying my hardest to ramp it back up. I did really well and lost almost 10 lbs in a month and then in a quick 3 weeks, I let myself slack and put on 3 lbs! I was so disheartened, with no one to blame but myself of course. I just gave up on watching what I was eating and didn't think twice about that piece of chocolate or that ice cream bar, etc. I didn't worry about my step goal each day or doing any form of extra exercise.<br />
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I was having a little conversation with another friend on her own journey. I asked her what she was doing to be so successful. Aside from her weekly meetings with TOPS for accountability, she is also doing Weight Watchers online to help with staying on track with the food. Why had I not ever thought of that? I always avoided Weight Watchers like the plague, because it's expensive and meetings are about 30 minutes away from me. So I looked up the cost to do it online and it's only $22 a month, which isn't crazy expensive, considering I can spend that on crap each month. So, I'm going to give it a shot. Perhaps it will give me the boost I need to get me through for a little bit longer. <br />
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I wish I could simply calorie count and exercise on my own, but it's not working out for me in the long run.<br />
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So, I am going to finish up this post and head on over and sign up. No excuses, if's and's or but's!<br />
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What are you going to do to make a change for the better in your life? How is your current plan working out for you? If it's not....make a change.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-80437447757095141442016-04-27T12:00:00.001-04:002016-04-27T12:00:28.457-04:00My 600-Lb LifeIt's been a very long time since I have sat down and written anything in this space. It's not because I don't think this page has value or that people don't enjoy reading it....it's just that:<br /><br />
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<li>I got hooked on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amybickmore/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Instagram</span></a> and realized I can use it to send out short messages and updates.</li>
<li>I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Diary-of-a-Fat-Girl-548240945297995/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Facebook page</span></a> where I do the same thing</li>
<li>At the end of the day, I am tired, ready to relax, but also need to get my exercise in, because I prefer to do it at the end of the day when the kids are in bed.</li>
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I have been doing my best to stay motivated, but it is so hard! I set myself a challenge for April to hit my step goal every day. My daily step goal is 10,000 steps and while I don't often have much trouble if I put my mind to it...there are times when it just can't happen. So I challenged myself to reach 300,000 by April 30th. So far, I am ahead of schedule and expect that not to change in the next few days. This challenge had me realize that to reach that goal, I needed to just walk for an additional 30-45 minutes each day. For May, I am planning to increase my daily step goal to 11,000. I reached that most days during April, so I want to experiment with that.<br /><br />While I have the exercise part down, the food aspect is still in the crapper! My results on the scale each week are pretty much NOT inspirational! I know what needs to be done and I need to focus on that!<br /><br />By now, you are probably wondering where my blog title fits into all of this.<br /><br />Have you watched the TLC show,<span style="color: yellow;"> <a href="http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/my-600-lb-life/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">My 600-Lb Life</span></a></span>? I would label this as a guilty pleasure show...one I don't really tell anyone I watch and if someone comes in the room, I switch it off. At first I thought I liked to watch it because it gave me something to watch that left me feeling better than someone else....and part of that is still true if I am being honest. I watch it and am always stunned as to how these people could get to 600+ pounds and not realize it....and then one day....I watched and realized just how easy it could be! Weight is a funny thing....it creeps up on you....it's not like you put on 100 lbs in a week....no, it's a little bit here and a little bit there, until eventually, your clothes are a bit snugger, so you go up one size. Maybe you have a partner that loves you regardless of your size, or family that makes excuses for you. For most of these people on the show....they appear to come from a low social economic class, which I know contributes...they often come from a family where other members are larger too. Far too often I also see family that enables their behavior, however, I can understand that one too. One of the other key points I noticed is they have not set themselves up with any check points. They do not have anyone or anywhere to be accountable to on the scale each week. For many of them....until they start seeing the doctor that will perform weight loss surgery on them...they don't even really know how much they weigh. For me...this is SUCH a key piece! I attend my TOPS meeting each week and I know that without it....there is a very real chance my own weight would be over 300 lbs!<br /><br />I beg you...if you are on this journey and have not set up some sort of weekly accountability with the scale...please do so! I KNOW the scale is not the only reflection of how you are are doing or the success you are having, but you have to start somewhere! It's at least going to tip you off if the scale is going up more than it should. <br /><br />How can you find accountability? Joining TOPS is always my first recommendation....but there are other programs out there...find one and join! If that doesn't work for you....find a friend or family member and ask them to help you out. Set one day each week where you will report to them. Even if you don't want to actually tell them your weight....as least report if you are up or down! The point is...you need to do SOMETHING! Message me....I am more than happy to be your support! While the work going into it needs to be something you do yourself....this journey does not need to be...the "weight" and challenge that goes along with it needs to be spread out! You can do it...but you don't need to do it alone!!!!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-60780821352569473042016-01-10T19:10:00.001-05:002016-01-10T19:10:17.070-05:00Week In ReviewSo, I have completed my first week of my new plan.<br />
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I have to say, it didn't go terrible, but there is still room for improvement.<br />
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As for the challenge.....I need to LOG, LOG, LOG! That is my toughest point and will be for so long! Log Amy, Log!!!<br />
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I decided for the week to kick the soda habit (or for us Canadians...pop) I had gotten to the point where I was drinking about 3 cans a day. While I wasn't able to resist the urge completely, I did only have about 3 cans of pop over the entire week and increased my water intake significantly! So, I consider it a success!<br />
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As for my daily challenges....the only one I failed was the NO SWEETS or TREATS! My co-worker brought me a fresh brownie and it was SO delicious!!<br />
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I was also on par with my Supernatural walking challenge...I won't have final numbers until tomorrow morning....but I did some good time on the treadmill this week....so I should hit my minimum of 39.90 km and hopefully a bit more...I'll let you know Wednesday.<br />
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So, what do I have in store for this week? <br />
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Weekly Challenge:<br />
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Distance Challenge: Walk 40 km, with only 10 km coming from your everyday walking...that means 30 km of pure walking or running.<br />
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Daily Challenges:<br />
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Monday - (#15) Take a picture of your lunch today<br />
Tuesday - (#12) Donate to your local food bank today<br />
Wednesday - (#16) Burpee Day...do 25 burpees today<br />
Thursday - (#20) Make all your meals homemade today...no processed foods, snacks, etc.<br />
Friday - (#27) Aim for 100 oz of water today<br />
Saturday - (#7) Create a new playlist to get your groove inspired<br />
Sunday - (#17) Write yourself a compliment today and pull it out when you need it<br />
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Personal Goals:<br />
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1. No take out for dinner after work this week<br />
2. Keep up with the laundry, including washing, folding and putting away<br />
3. Straighten my hair after washing and wear my wedding rings every day<br />
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I will also do my blog after TOPS and continue with my Supernatural Roadtrip.<br />
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To finish it off, I have picked a qoute to inspire for the week:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-13331769397159331082016-01-06T11:27:00.001-05:002016-01-06T11:27:32.664-05:00The Truth Of Tuesday NightWell, I think it's time to get back into these posts. I will keep it short and consider it a new starting point from here on in.<br /><br />This week: 266 lbs<br />
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Next week, I will have more to report!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-37924036478756346672016-01-04T19:17:00.003-05:002016-01-04T19:17:48.765-05:00Ushering In 2016<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As the calendar turns, it is always quite easy to feel refreshed and recharged. I admittedly am one of those people that jump on that band wagon and quite frankly, I take the motivation when I can get it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://itzjusttheredhead.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie</span></a> and I came up with a month long challenge to help us get started. Actually, the original plan was to use it to get through the month of December, but in the end, December was just too overwhelming and stressful for both of us, so we decided to put it off until the new year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We took inspiration from the calendar idea we did last year, but switched it up to make it a bit easier to accommodate our varying schedules and lifestyles.<br /><br />The biggest changes were instead of putting an "activity" on the calendar for each day....we simply made a list of items and you get to pick which one you would like to do everyday. Secondly, in place of the 1 month long challenge, we created 4 week long challenges. This allows you to decide which one works best for you each week. If you now you are going to be stuck behind a desk or in meetings for a week, an exercise challenge might not be the best suit for that week. Lastly, you must food log every day for the month and do your weight and measurements at the beginning and end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We also gave it a snazzy name and Instagram hashtag!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Are you ready?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me introduce you to the:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="h.gjdgxs"></a>30 Day – Getting
Our Shit In Order Challenge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">#FaCaingGettingOurShitInOrder<br />
Jan 1st – Jan 31st<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">THE
RULES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Weight,
Pictures and Measurements to be done on the first and last day of the
challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Food logging for the entire 30 days. <br />
<br />
Challenge consists of 4- week long challenges and 30-Daily Challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You
pick a new daily challenge for each day and a new week long challenge at the
beginning of each week (Friday) as best suits your schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Weekly
Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cut
and Burn – aim to cut 100 calories and burn 100 calories each day this week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Distance
Challenge – walk 40 km (24.85 miles)…only 10 km (6.21 miles) can come from
everyday moment…the rest must be walking and/or running.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Drop it like a squat - Every time you use the restroom, do 20 squats to
add in some extra fitness to your day!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">4)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">No Soda Challenge - It's that simple. Cut out any and all soda for the
week! Replace it with water or tea instead!</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daily
Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Add
10 extra minutes of exercise to your workout today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Try
a new healthy recipe today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Drink
a minimum of 8 glasses of water today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Skip
all sweets and treats today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Take
a picture of yourself in action today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Write
a note to a friend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Create
a new playlist to get your groove inspired<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What’s
in your fridge? Take a photo and share
it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How
can you make your dinner healthier tonight?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Get
the recommended daily servings of fruit and veggies today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Have
a meatless meal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Donate
to your local food bank today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">13)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do
something for yourself today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">14)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“Spruce”
yourself up today…when you feel good about the way you look, you feel better<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">15)<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Take
a picture of your lunch today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">16)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->BURPEE
DAY! Do 25 burpees today (sets of 5, all at once, your choice!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">17)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Write
out a compliment, and pull it out whenever you need a pick-me-up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">18)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Suns
out/Guns out! Flex and snap a pic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">19)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->NO
DESSERT! Skip any additional food after dinner, opt out for water instead!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">20)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Make
all of your meals HOMEMADE meals! (No processed foods, sweets, snacks, etc!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">21)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Try
a new breakfast recipe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">22)<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Time
for a new blog!! Get a new post up today!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">23/24) Set a personal distance record for running/walking 2km,
then break it on another day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 25) Post about
something (big or small) you've accomplished... you deserve kudos!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 26) Snap shots of
your breakfast, lunch, and dinner that day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 27) Aim for 100oz of
water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 28) Get up 10
minutes early and write in a journal or take time to meditate/reflect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> 29) Make 1 short
term (1 month), mid-term (2-4 months) and long term (up to 1 year) goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: white;"> 30) Clean out your
closet, if it doesn't fit, donate it!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, this challenge was to start on January 1st, and that just didn't work for me...so instead of giving up before it began, I just modified it and started it today and will tack on a few days at the beginning of February.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For my first weekly challenge, I picked the No Soda challenge. I had gotten back into the habit of going days without drinking any water. I know my body appreciates when I do and I am healthier when I do drink more water. With winter here, I need all the help I can get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My 7 daily challenges are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday - # 22, new Blog Post</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday - # 4 - skip all sweets and treats today</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday - #29 - set some goals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday - #1 - add 10 extra minutes to your workout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday - # 6 - write a note to a friend today</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday - # 19 - no dessert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday - # 8 - what's in your fridge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, there you have it, I hope you join us! Don't forget to check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Diary-of-a-Fat-Girl-548240945297995/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> page to follow along and share pics of you in action with our hashtag </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-81180237991672168792015-10-12T12:32:00.002-04:002015-10-12T12:32:44.510-04:0030 Day Photo ChallengeJulie and I have been teaming up together to keep the motivation train running. We have scoured Pinterest for different challenges. We did a plank challenge and decided to switch it up a bit for October. Instead of a different exercise challenge, we decided to make it a bit different and take advantage of technology. Considering nearly everyone has a phone with a built in camera, we took on a photo challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03Fdy7oUoEXDLPLo9SG6bkD3hFktFNZORcMNkY3QOvdpdlMhj18vDNSBmnUE1GUjN7XbUK5avRgI7ccxrJs59DPnoTo50M_Ymu22fxCCq0Ocv2lSp7eArd13BvnrAvuTnvn1nzJ4vAtY/s1600/12072664_768907803231307_4010187414228622094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03Fdy7oUoEXDLPLo9SG6bkD3hFktFNZORcMNkY3QOvdpdlMhj18vDNSBmnUE1GUjN7XbUK5avRgI7ccxrJs59DPnoTo50M_Ymu22fxCCq0Ocv2lSp7eArd13BvnrAvuTnvn1nzJ4vAtY/s640/12072664_768907803231307_4010187414228622094_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /><br />We are up to Day 12 now and today's challenge is SUNSET. Looks like it might be a nice one tonight too!<br /><br />Make sure you are following along with us. We have our own hashtag on Instagram, so find us there!<br /><br />Here are your "links"<br /><br /><span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://itzjusttheredhead.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie's Blog</span></a><br /><a href="https://instagram.com/pinkelbows/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie's Instagram</span></a><br /><a href="https://instagram.com/amybickmore/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Amy's Instagram</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Diary-of-a-Fat-Girl-548240945297995/timeline/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Diary Of A Fat's Girls Facebook</span></a><br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/facaingphotos/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Photo Challenge Hashtag</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-33100814893350895352015-10-10T17:24:00.000-04:002015-10-10T17:24:13.949-04:00Motivation And My Lack Of ItIt has been so long since I have sat down to devote some time to this blog. It's not that I haven't wanted to or couldn't come up with something to write....it's just.....meh!<br /><br />Life has been a roller coaster this year....full of emotions, busyness and nothing real important. <br /><br />We sold a house and built one on to my parents. The summer was busy with trying to get things set up and just enjoy our time.<br /><br />Everything sort of went on the back burner. I got lazy and when things were done for the day, instead of going to spend even 20 minutes on the treadmill, I sat down on the couch and wasted time on the computer. I paid no focus to what I was eating and everything that goes along with that.<br /><br />I stopped making TOPS a priority, because I wasn't seeing any results and just kept dropping and gaining the same 10 pounds!<br /><br />I have been more active on my Facebook page, because I can easily post a picture for motivation or an interesting article, but I want to get back into being on here....this is my place to write it all out...the good and bad and have you follow along with me....that is assume there are still "YOU's" out there following this blog.<br /><br />It's Thanksgiving here....I'm going to enjoy this last long weekend until Christmas. I'm going to have turkey, stuffing, potatoes and dessert and not feel guilty. I am also going to focus on getting back into the routine of exercise. I think I need to create myself another walking challenge and a roadtrip based on my favorite show. <br /><br />My bestie <a href="http://itzjusttheredhead.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie</span></a> and I are doing a photo challenge for the month of October....you can follow along with us on Instagram with our special hashtag #FaCaingPhotos.<br />
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Here's to more constant blog updates!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-70161033306197537132015-07-15T12:11:00.001-04:002015-07-15T12:11:13.928-04:00The Truth Of Tuesday NightIt has taken me a while to get into the swing of things again. TOPS was last night and is back on my schedule of priorities in life. I have struggled with it and my results for the past 6+ months. <br /><br />Last night I was back on the scale for about the 3rd week in a row. I started off my week strong with food logging and staying within my budget, but then the weekend came and it went off the rails from there. I wasn't sure what to expect with the scale. In the end, I got on and weighed in at 262.25 lbs, which was a loss of 1.25 lbs from the week prior. Now to keep it up.<br /><br />I was back with my trainer today and can get myself back into the groove of things.<br /><br />I plan to back on here more too!<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-53656853692565262352015-06-18T21:07:00.001-04:002015-06-18T21:07:58.796-04:00Children At PlayI wanted to share a little story from today. For those of you on my personal Facebook, you have already read about it, but I also needed to vent my frustrations a little bit too.<br />
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I live in a small village of about 500 people. It's a quaint little place and I feel very lucky to be raising my children here. It's a place where I feel safe letting them walk to school, to a friend's house or outside playing without me needing to be there for every second of that time.<br />
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We built a new house attached to my parents house to be closer to them. While located on a main road, we are situated beside a church that only sees people on Sundays. My daughter, Abby (who is 5 1/2) thinks it's the perfect spot to ride her bike and I agree. At our other house, there was no sidewalk, no paved shoulders to the roads and people who neglected to pay attention to the stop sign. Her favorite thing though was to ride her scooter along the edge to the stop sign and back. She would do this from 7:00 am until dark if we let her.<br />
<br />
Now that we are have moved, she now likes to ride her bike along the shoulder of the road, which runs along my parent's front yard to the church drive way. The driveway itself is a large circular driveway with so much space. Having assessed the risks of being close to the main road, I still felt it was ok for her to do this unsupervised. She is a smart one and knows to stay off the road itself. She has been doing this alone for the past 3 days. She basically rides down our driveway, along the side, around the church and back home. It has been completely uneventful....until this morning.<br />
<br />
My dad walked the kids to school this morning and on his way home, he was stopped by a police officer. The officer explained that there had been a complaint called in about a child, around the age of 4, riding her bike on the road at 7:20 this morning. Yup! My child is 5 and has had the cops called on her. My dad went in to see my mom and told her "Abby's in trouble this time...like REAL trouble!"<br />
<br />
My mom called me at work to let me know. I was stunned to say the least. I wasn't upset about the person being concerned, but about their approach to it. I am not a person that comes off as stand-offish or unapproachable. It's a small neighbourhood and should I suspect one of my neighbours, I know which one is on the top of my list...if it was a stranger...well, I hope they at least waited to call until they were no longer behind the wheel of the car!<br />
<br />
Here is the route in question:<br />
<br />
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I roughly measured it out tonight....approximately 55 feet across with about 4.5 feet of paved shoulder for her to ride on. So, when I got home, I had to sit and explain to her that someone saw her, got concerned and the police came by to say someone saw her and were worried about her safety. I also explained that instead of taking the side of the road, she would have to push her bike across the grass to the church. Needless to say, tonight she did not want to play outside or ride her bike.</div>
<br />
See, here is the trouble...I know people say it a lot....we need to go back to letting our kids play, but for people like me, who do that...there are others who don't agree and apparently feel the best way to deal with by calling authorities. <br />
<br />
For now, I will keep an eye on her a bit closer and then once she gets comfortable again, I will let her be on her own. She just loves to be out there, playing away with babies and her imagination!<br />
<br />
What do you think? Was I in the wrong or did this person act a bit to rash? Would you let your child ride this route?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-25971542481680468812015-06-17T12:32:00.002-04:002015-06-17T12:32:39.739-04:00Hitting The Refresh ButtonIt's been well over a month since I have sat down to write a little something on this blogspace.<br /><br />If I'm being honest...I was on a slippery slope, going nowhere fast, letting life get the better of me.<br /><br />I lost all interest in it all....in blogging, in TOPS, in attempting to get healthy. It's a journey I have been on for so long, with so far to go and it was feeling overwhelming and pointless. I felt that no matter how hard I tried, I wasn't getting anywhere, however if I took a moment to be truthful, I wasn't really trying either. My days and weeks were full of excuses and time lines I really had no intention to sticking too. <br />
<br />
"When most of the house is packed, I can get back to focusing"<br />"When we are in the new house, I can get back to TOPS"<br />"When we are in the new house, I am going to start myself of on the right foot and exercise"<br />"When I get myself back on track, I will go back to TOPS...I can't go back having gained this much"<br /><br />It's been almost 2 months since I have been to TOPS....I am neither back on track or into a new routine. It's been 3 weeks since we have been in the new house and I have not exercised once!<br /><br />Enough was enough and I knew I needed to do something. I felt like a fish out of water and really needed to take action to fix that. <br /><br />I have a girlfriend that is a<a href="https://www.facebook.com/poshfitness1?fref=ts" target="_blank"> <span style="color: yellow;">personal trainer</span></a> and I took up the courage to message her and find out what she would charge for some sessions. Feeling it was reasonable, I have committed myself to at least 5 sessions, but I foresee it being much longer. I need that weekly accountability and someone to help me make a plan for the week. Left to my own devices, I would still continue to wallow in self pity, promising that tomorrow was a new day and I would get my shit together.<br />
<br />
She came today and we did a little consult to find out exactly what I was hoping to get out of this and then about 20 minutes of exercise.<br /><br />
I'm not new to exercise...I have joined a few gyms and have had a personal trainer before, but haven't done any of those exercises in about 4 years. We did a bit of circuit work, some squats, planks, push ups, curls and other work. She also had me use the <a href="https://www.trxtraining.com/?c3api=3300,56534439409,trx&gclid=CLSbp5WSl8YCFcSPHwodgK4A3w" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">TRX</span></a> equipment. It hangs over your door and once I was able to convince myself that I wouldn't rip the door from the frame, I was able to appreciate the equipment for what it was.<br />
<br />
It was exactly what I needed...I needed to once again feel confident in my abilities and know that this is something I can do...that I am much more capable than I have convinced my mind of.<br /><br />As for TOPS....I am back to it next week. It's our yearly potluck and awards night. It will be nice to see everyone again and be motivated by everyone's success. While I may be heavier than when I was last there, I am ready to start fresh. So bare with me as I get this blog going again, my inspiration calendar back up and going and my Facebook page. I hope you will take a minute or two to encourage me on and moving!<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-19138397548778380772015-04-28T21:18:00.001-04:002015-04-28T21:18:07.964-04:00The Truth Of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i></div>
<br />
I skipped posting last week and if I was being completely honest...I was too embarrassed to! Over the course of one week, I had gained 3 lbs! I suspect that most of that was put on during our night away to see the new house.<br /><br />The trip did make me realize something.....I have an unhealthy emotional attachment to food. While I don't think that it's uncommon, I didn't every really attach that to myself. But I came to realize it when we stopped at Tim Horton's for breakfast sandwiches. I was anticipating it the whole 45 minute drive....we ordered and I got everyone's out. When I got to mine, it was totally wrong and I honestly wanted to cry. YES! I was so disappointed over a bagel and egg sandwich that I wanted to tear up. I shook some sense into myself and realized how foolish that was!<br /><br />So, I went last week, armed with my <a href="http://amybickmore2.blogspot.ca/2015/04/the-truth-of-tuesday-night.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">homework</span></a> we had from my program the previous week.<br /><br />My week one challenge to change had me exercising everyday. I did it! Even if it was only 15 minutes, I got out and did something extra everyday. It must have paid off a bit because I was down.<br /><br />Last week: 260.00 lbs<br />
<br />
This week: 258.50 lbs<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">Loss of 1.50 lbs</span><br />
<br />
For this upcoming week, I have decided to stay within my calorie limit (1625 as per Lose It) and log every day. I also intend to keep up the exercise.<br /><br />I actually have a virtual 5 km tomorrow with my bestie, <a href="http://itzjusttheredhead.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Julie</span></a>! Wish us fast feet and success! :-)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-73833116916303788652015-04-14T21:04:00.002-04:002015-04-15T17:09:09.308-04:00The Truth Of Tuesday NightIt's been a few weeks since I have gotten to this. Life has been insanely busy and when I sit down for the night, I just want to relax on the computer for an hour before bed.<br />
<br />
My weight hasn't changed much in the past couple of weeks. Tonight I weighted in at 257.00 lbs, which I think is down about .50 lbs.<br />
<br />
I was responsible for the program tonight and I did it on change. The first thing I made everyone do was to stand up and move 4 seats to the right. Each week we all tend to sit in about the same spot. This had everyone at a totally different end of the table. I've decided to include the program here for you to read through if you wish. We all thought it was very good.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: yellow;">CHOOSING TO CHANGE</span></b></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Change can be hard. We get so comfortable in our lives, in our
daily routines, that when something comes along and shakes us
up, we are actually startled by the change. Small changes are
undoubtedly easier to handle.
Think about all the changes you make every day without thinking.
You change your shoes. You change your clothes. You change
light bulbs when they burn out. You change the batteries in your
smoke detectors and remote controls when they go bad.
What are some other changes you make without thinking about
them?</span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>You change your hairstyle sometimes. There are days when you
change your mind about what to have for dinner. Most women
change their names when they marry. Life changes all the way
around when couples have children.
These are changes that, for the most part, we don’t really think
about. Something needs doing, so we get it done. Why aren't we
approaching our health the same way?
Changing the way you approach weight loss and wellness can
become as second-nature and logical as the changes you make
every day. It takes practice, sure, but what doesn't? Did you know
how to change a light bulb until you’d actually done it? Did you
hate a new hairstyle and then have to change that change when
your hair grew back?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Let’s talk about ways to implement changes in our
lives. Let’s talk about changing our approach to
change by discussing the habits and principles of
successful people and organizations.
Be proactive instead of reactive. When we are
proactive, we are accountable and responsible for
ourselves and our choices. When we are reactive,
we blame others for problems in our lives. How
does this affect our weight-loss and wellness journeys?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Once we accept responsibility for our health, we
can then take action by choosing weight loss for
wellness by incorporating into our daily lives a
healthy balance of foods, regular exercise, and
regular attendance at TOPS meetings.
If we visualize our end result, essentially we’re
setting a goal for ourselves. This can include
smaller goals inside the bigger picture. If you have
a large amount of weight to lose, try and picture
stepping on the scale and weighing just 20
pounds less. Imagine the sense of accomplishment
you’ll feel. Imagine how you’ll want to keep
succeeding.
Taking advantage of resources is another sign of
success. How are you managing your time? Are
you scheduling exercise like you would any other
important appointment? There is no appointment
more important than your health and wellness.
Are you really using TOPS’ famous support to
reach your goal? What are some ways our chapter
is a great resource?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>We are all here to bolster one another’s self-confidence
when we feel unsure, when we doubt we
have the strength to reach our goals. We are all
here to cheer and applaud successes when we
have them. If you aren't taking advantage of a
KOPS as a mentor or supplying support if you are
a KOPS, then you aren't using one of our most
valuable resources.
Another step toward changing the way we
approach change is making sure we have all the
information we need before moving forward. Do
we feel comfortable with the exchange system so
we can put it to use for our weight-loss efforts? If
not, what can we do about that so we can utilize
this tool? How can we apply these same principles
to exercise?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Perhaps the strongest tool you can use for change
is to change your mind. Stories about KOPS in
TOPS News always stress the same theme: you
must truly embrace the journey and all of its challenges;
you must change your mind about the
way you look at food and exercise to truly succeed.
Once you make a commitment to change,
tackling plateaus and other issues along the way
gets a little easier.
You make changes every day that are almost second
nature. Let’s work on making changes that
help us reach our weight-loss and wellness goals.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>This activity is for you to take home and fill out.
It’s designed to help you choose to change your
approach to a goal of your choice each week for
four weeks. Maybe you’ll choose to eliminate artificial
sweeteners or maybe you’ll choose to get up
30 minutes earlier to take a brisk, 20-minute
walk. The choice is yours.
To help keep us all accountable, we’re going to
track our goals for four weeks. I've entered all of
our names on this chart and put the dates of our
next four meetings across the top. Each of you
will write your change for the next week and
then, each week, we will come back together and
briefly discuss whether or not we successfully
made these changes. We’ll hand out fun awards
at the end!</i></span><br />
<br />
See activity below:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">ACTIVITY: Choosing to Change </span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Week One</span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i> I commit to _________________________________ this week. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Small changes I can make this week: </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">• Take a new route to school, work or to our TOPS meeting.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;"> • Write an old-fashioned letter instead of sending an email.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i> Week Two </i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I commit to __________________________________this week. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Small changes I can make this week: </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">• Try a new, low-fat recipe in place of a family standard.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;"> • Sit in a different seat at our TOPS chapter meeting. </span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Week Three </i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I commit to ________________________________this week. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Small changes I can make this week: </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">• If you've never done it before, volunteer to lead a chapter program in the future.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;"> • Invite someone new to a TOPS chapter meeting. </span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Week Four </i></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I commit to _________________________________this week. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">Small changes I can make this week:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;"> • Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year to charity. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: yellow;">• Try three new seasonings on your food this week.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><i><br /></i>
<i> © 2008 by TOPS Club, Inc</i></span><br />
<br />
I sent everyone with this activity sheet and assigned it as homework. Next week I will have the chart ready where we will write our goals down for everyone to see and get our stickers if we succeed. I challenge you to try it too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.shesabigstar.com/" title="She's a big star"><img alt="She's a big star" src="http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/shesabigstar/Button_zpsr3unay6j.jpg" height="200" style="border: none;" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-44575405528498317772015-03-11T12:28:00.002-04:002015-03-11T12:28:32.317-04:00The Truth Of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i></div>
<br />
Hi everyone! I'm back reporting on my weigh in's. I haven't been to a TOPS meeting since the last time I posted. I have been busy in camp planning mode for my Brownie unit and those meetings have been on Tuesdays as well and then last week was cancelled due to weather.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how I would do. I know I had been WAY down due to some stress. That stress caused me not to each much. But the stress lifted and I went back to munching away.<br />
<br />
I did manage to get it a few walks the past few days and perhaps that was my saving grace. I did see a loss on the scale, but not as huge as it could have been for 3 weeks.<br />
<br />
Last "week": - 255.50 lbs<br />
This week: - 253.75 lbs<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">Loss of 1.25 lb</span>s (go me!)<br />
<br />
I decided last night that it's time to step it up and make a concerted effort to change. I say that so much and then flounder around. Again that is what I have been doing, but I'm hoping the nice weather will be encouraging.<br />
<br />
Here's hoping anyway. If nothing else, I still have not given up on the battle!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-26569125818222115552015-03-04T09:28:00.001-05:002015-03-04T09:28:10.459-05:00Bullying AwarenessThis is a post I have intended to write for a long time and never actually got around to it.<br />
<br />
Last Wednesday was Bullying Awareness at the school for the kids. Everyone was encouraged to wear pink as a way to come together.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how I feel about this.....I have heard stories of kids getting picked on by NOT wearing pink and secondly, I'm not sure that this really does anything for Bullying Awareness.<br />
<br />
Here is my point of view on bullying....and it comes from my own personal experience and of being a parent. I should also note that my soap box is a bit high on this subject, but it's mine to shout from.<br /><br />I whole-hardily believe there is no such thing as bad kids.....they are a result of bad parenting. Does that actually mean I think their parents are bad? No, but I think they have perhaps misguided them. Did you know that I am a parent that will make their kids sit in a time out in the middle of Costco or apologize to strangers if they have done something impolite? Case in point....during a family vacation to a hotel with a water park, Hayden was having a hard time keeping his excitement under control....he got spoken to by the life guard a couple of times. We made him sit for a time out and then go apologize to the life guard. On this same trip, Hayden cut in front of a toddler who's dad was waiting to go down the slide with him....I made him go and apologize to the parent for doing that. Why did I bother you might ask? Because it's polite. It's not that his action was a big deal, but he needs to understand that even his small actions have consequences. Another case, a boy in Hayden's class approached me after school and told me that Hayden called him a loser. I asked Hayden about this when he got home and he was very upset and insistent that he didn't do it, that it was another boy blaming Hayden. I phoned the boy's mom and let her know about the situation in case it came home. I told her that Hayden was insistent that it wasn't him who said that, but if she found out different information that was convincing, then to let me know and Hayden would be calling to apologize. I think the mom was a bit shocked that I phoned...I get the impression that things like that just don't happen much anymore, but in my house they will. I feel you always have the opportunity to make it better if you act quick.<br /><br />I am fortunate that I haven't had to deal with my kids coming home and being bullied...not yet at least. I'm not sure how I would handle it either, to tell you the truth. My parents were good at comforting me and talking about it, but not the type to march down to the school and demand change. Mind you, that was also a different time. While bullying itself has not changed, the way kids are reached has. At least when I was being picked on, it ended when I went home...there was no social media to follow me home (and I won't even get started on kids and social media access!) Is it a lack of engaged parenting? I don't know the answer to it. <br /><br />Here are more of my thoughts on bullying. I once answered questions about this topic for a parenting magazine and my thoughts were this.<br /><br />Bullying has a lasting impact on the person that receives it. The person that dishes it out forgets completely, I'm nearly 100% positive of that! This whole article came out about the same time as the Columbine shooting and my first thought was....I get it! I get how that child could not get past it. While I don't agree with the level of violence, don't think I am condoning that, but I get the lasting impact they felt. I still clearly remember so many events.<br /><br />A snip-it of things I remember: In kindergarten, a boy opening and closing the bathroom door while I was in there and making fun of me. Not wanting to go to Fun Day at school because they made you do things like crawl under chairs and benches and I knew I was too big to do that. Going on a trip in high school and having kids throw candy at me on the bus...it was stuck in my hair and on my clothes and those same kids yelled at me to stop following them in the mall and told the kids I did meet up with to not let me walk with them. Walking down the street in Toronto in college and a stranger walks by and says "excuse me, you have something on your chin" when I wiped it, he laughed and said "no, your other one!" I'm 36 years old and these events are at least 15 years old and I remember them pretty clearly. But why do I think the bullies don't remember? I think to them, it's just words, that don't have an impact. I ran into a girl from high school at the hockey arena when I was dating my husband. Keeping in mind that she had had too much to drink, she commented that someone just told her she was mean in high school, she then asked if she was mean to me in high school and for a minute, I just about gave the "no" response, but decided against it...realizing I owed her nothing and said "yes, you were actually". She was MORTIFIED and very apologetic. I suspect if I approached a number of other people, they would have the same response. <br /><br />I am also not suggesting that I am blame free and I did some bullying myself. Some I have made amends for and others that I am unable to. I would if I could though. I know I did it because I needed to feel that I was better than someone...anyone. <br /><br />I could go on much longer about this, but I will leave you to think about this....hopefully this will give you something to think about.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-21440866264165906252015-02-21T19:27:00.000-05:002015-02-21T19:27:57.233-05:00A Note Of ThanksToday's challenge on the Inspiration Calendar was to write a Thank You Note.<br />
<br />
Once I thought about this a bit longer, I realized there were so many different places this could go, so here goes mine!<br />
<br />
First off...Thank you to the people who read this blog. It's through that I am encouraged to keep writing and have a space just for me.<br />
<br />
Thank you to my family. My parents have shown me unconditional love and support throughout the years. Despite how much I frustrated them, angered them and disappointed them, they have still been by my side.<br />
<br />
Thank you to my husband. You were able to see past this plush exterior and get to know the woman inside. Through that, we fell in love and created a wonderful little family of our own. No matter my size, he loves me and encourages me to do the best I can.<br />
<br />
Thank you to my kids. You have shown me what my parents have always known. Your children are unconditional love. You show me youth and love. Through your eyes, I can see the pureness in the heart of others.<br />
<br />
Thank you to my friends. While my cup might not overflow in numbers, the ones I have are true. I don't keep in touch with some of them like I should have or want to, but thy are in my thoughts every day. These people are my family. I would drop everything to help them out. They each add something to my life and also love me unconditionally and support me through my ups and downs and are not afraid to tell me how it is.<br />
<br />
Thank you to the bullies in school. From the day I started, I was picked on. It wasn't easy and I hated school, but I had those few close friends that made it bearable. To the bullies...you made me a better person, because it was through your uncaring and cruelty that made me love others and teach my children how to treat others. Despite the fact that your actions and words are still as clear as day to me, I have matured and can now walk past you, smile and carry on a polite conversation....because that is the kind of person you turned me into.<br />
<br />
As you can see, there is so much to be thankful for! This path called my life was destined for me. It's mine alone to travel and learn from. I do my best to encourage others, love others and help others. <br />
<br />
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would love to read your "Thank You" note!<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-4977964100997867572015-02-10T21:16:00.002-05:002015-02-10T21:16:51.128-05:00The Truth Of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i></div>
<br />
I'm going to keep this as short and simple as I can tonight. It's already 9:10 pm and I am ready for bed.<br />
<br />
The scale was not my friend this week. While I can't JUST blame it on "girly" things, I know it's a contributing factor...I just feel BLECH!<br />
<br />
Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?<br />
<br />
Last week: 253.50 lbs<br />
This week: 255.50 lbs<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Gain: 2.00 lbs</span><br />
<br />
Together as a group tonight, we made a plan. We started doing our "Forbidden Food" of the week again. This week it is Bread. I personally am not one for the forbidden food, because once I am told I can't have it, I want it even more...and bread is basically my life, so this one won't happen for me, but I will do my best to have LESS bread!<br />
<br />
We also agreed that anytime we have done a food journal as part of our program and someone presented it...that person lost weight. So for this week, we are ALL going to keep a food journal and share them next week. This will without a doubt help me, because it always does, I just suck at doing it!<br />
<br />
So, there you have it....that is MY truth of Tuesday night!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-41644600728496020622015-01-27T21:03:00.000-05:002015-01-28T09:21:47.792-05:00The Truth Of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i></div>
<br />
After having missed last week, I was ramped and ready to go to TOPS tonight.<br />
<br />
I felt I had a pretty good week. I followed the advice of my girlfriend and made small manageable goals for each day. I set them so I could succeed. My girlfriend advised me (wisely, might I add!) that if I make small changes they will help lead to results on the scale.<br />
<br />
For this week, they did. <br />
<br />
Last week: 255.75 lbs<br />
This wee: 253.50 lbs<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">Loss of 2.25 lbs</span><br />
<br />
I'm encouraged. My simple goal for tomorrow is to get in 30 minutes on the treadmill. I'm home alone and haven't taken advantage of that in such a long time. I just have to make myself do it.<br />
<br />
I won't be able to attend TOPS next Tuesday again, but I hope to keep it going and have similar results when I am back in 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
So, on the heels of my positive scale results...what simple goal can you make for tomorrow? What one little thing can you do to make your day better?<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-67782243629159229802015-01-22T20:30:00.001-05:002015-01-22T20:30:31.954-05:00Focus On TodayIn my last post, I created myself a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish for the week. One of my super-wise friends commented and made me re-think what I wrote. She suggested that my goals were a bit too broad and should be trimmed down and focused even more. Her exact response said this:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: justify;"><i>I think you should just put a big red line through your first goal. To say you're going to lose weight is so frickin broad. It's no wonder you're overwhelmed! I know that you know that if you do the other goals, the first will happen so why write it! Concentrate on the smaller goals and maybe even break them up into smaller goals for the day. "Today I will walk for 30 mins". "Today I will drink at least one glass of ice water". "Today I will tell myself I'm beautiful no matter what I weigh". "Today I will not weigh myself". Don't worry about tomorrow or yesterday just focus on today.</i></span><br />
<br />
As I thought about this a bit more, I decided she was right. I was also encouraged by the knowledge that this woman has done AMAZING things...all through hard work and motivation. If you need motivation, you MUST check out her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cleanfitdiana" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Facebook page</span></a>. I know her personally and I really mean it when I say she is a down to earth, "real" person. Her pride and accomplishments are well deserved!<br />
<br />
I did look at my list and if I'm being honest, it really just set myself up for failure. Let's review them again, shall we?<br />
<br />
- lose weight and earn a "star" at TOPS<br />
- log my food EVERYDAY<br />
- complete 30 minutes of walking, 3 times this week<br />
- do the bedsheet workout, 2 times this week<br />
- update my blog at least one more time<br />
<br />
So far, the only think I have done is update my blog (with this post)<br /><br />
She said to put a big red line through my first goal, so here it is....<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">- <strike>lose weight and earn a "star" at TOPS</strike></span><br />
<strike><br /></strike>
I have decided to make one simple, small goal to get me through until Saturday. It is to not eat after dinner. I have gotten into a nasty habit of snacking after dinner. Not out of hunger by any means, but just because. And the snack isn't something healthy like an apple...no, it's chips or ice cream or something else along those lines. I never used to be the type to snack after dinner. I don't feel the need for a bedtime snack unless I have had a dinner without protein and then I truly do get a feeling of hunger. I want to go back to being like that. So, for tomorrow, I will not eat anything after dinner. That is it.....small, simple and something I can realistically accomplish. I'll re-evaluate on Saturday and add a new goal.<br /><br />
How about you? What is one, small simple goal you can set to get you through to the next day?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-11318353515289213282015-01-21T08:17:00.000-05:002015-01-21T08:17:18.756-05:00Planning PostI had to forego my TOPS meeting last night for some important Girl Guide camp planning, so I don't have a Truth Of Tuesday Night post for you. I truthfully don't even really have an idea on how the scale would have performed for me.<br /><br />I am still in a funk if I'm being honest. I have this great plan laid out with friends and all the tools around me to make it all work, but somehow, I just CAN'T!<br /><br />I have decided to write out a simple weekly plan to get me started. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">Goals for the week:</span><br />
<br />
- lose weight and earn a "star" at TOPS<br />
- log my food EVERYDAY<br />
- complete 30 minutes of walking, 3 days this week<br />
- do the bed sheet workout, 2 times this week<br />
- update my blog at least one more time<br />
<br />
I know if I do the middle 3, I will see the first one happen! <br />
<br />
I've said it before and I will say it again....THIS IS HARD! Hardest thing I have ever done! Some days I really think it will never happen, that this task is just too big, but then I see others who have done it and realize that the difference is their level of dedication to it. <br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-49761176719014726382015-01-17T19:39:00.001-05:002015-01-17T19:39:25.132-05:00TOPS SuccessI've talked about TOPS on here a lot. Our chapter is a small chapter, with about 12 members, all female, except for one. Last year was a year of fantastic for our own lone male member. With lots of hard work and dedication, he hit his goal weight and went from TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) to KOPS (Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly)<br /><br />His story is great and I think it's important to share. Partly because I feel that TOPS is not very well known and people probably question the success of the program.<br />
<br />
When he started with us, he weighed approximately 282 lbs and by the time he hit his goal weight last year, he weighed 191. This loss earned him the title of Provincial King with recognition on a provincial scale and was then flown to Milwaukee for International recognition. We are so very proud of him. You can read his full story <a href="http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4565831-peterborough-man-recognized-for-losing-90-pounds/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">here</span></a> as it appeared in the paper.<br /><br />I had this article on the fridge and there is one line that always stuck out for me.....near the end of the article, Richard encourages you to get up and do 10 of something....something physical. How simple right? 10 squats, 10 lunges, 10 jumping jacks...whatever you decide your 10 to be. Get up and shake a blanket as hard and fast as you can for 10 seconds. The point is to just move. The more you do it, the more you will get used to it. Soon, your 10 of something will turn into 20, then 30 and so on!<br /><br />It's a long hard journey and I feel most days I am far from the most motivated person on earth...BUT, I have not given up and I don't plan to....even if it takes me 10 more years!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-5642347185418899782015-01-13T21:20:00.001-05:002015-01-13T21:20:37.880-05:00The Truth of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;">I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, I didn't let anything be my excuse to not go tonight to my meeting. It would have been easy to say it was too cold or that I got home to late and just want to get into my jammies and relax...BUT, I had signed up to do the program tonight, so without me, there would be nothing planned.<br />
<br />
So, despite the fact that I knew I didn't have a great week or try as hard as I'm capable of, I went.<br />
<br />
I'm glad I did.....turns out my weekend of painting and swimming must have worked a bit.<br />
<br />
Last week: 256.50 lbs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week: 255.75 lbs</div>
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That's a loss of <span style="color: lime;">.75 lbs</span>.<br />
<br />
As for the program I put on tonight, I had the members do the Bed Sheet Workout. I found it on Pinterest early last week and told them about it last Tuesday. I told myself I would try it over the course of the week, but of course I didn't. So, I gathered up my materials and made the 4 of us do it.<br />
<br />
MAN!!! Was that a work out and we didn't even do the full 10 minutes, because I didn't prep any of us to come prepared to exercise. <br />
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This truly is a no excuses work out! It can be done in 10 minutes, either sitting or standing and if a sheet is too much to handle, use something smaller like a towel.<br /><br />Like I said, we didn't do the full 10 minutes, but we were all out of breath and now, less than 2 hours later, I can feel it in my shoulder blades. I challenge you to try this one too!<br /><br />So, this week, I hope to do this work out a bit more and focus on the food again. Even if I can do well for a few days, is better than nothing.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2766979281274584481.post-84551164030139620762015-01-06T21:07:00.001-05:002015-01-06T21:07:03.175-05:00The Truth Of Tuesday Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am an intelligent person</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will control my emotions,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>not let my emotions control me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires, build up my ego or dull my senses,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will remember - even though I overeat in private,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>my excess poundage is there for all the world to see!</i></div>
<br />
So, it's been such a long time since I have faithfully gone to TOPS and weighed in. I was there for our yearly Christmas potluck in<br />
mid-December.<br />
<br />
Last weigh-in: 250 lbs<br />
This week: 256.50 lbs<br />
<br />
That's a honkin' gain of <span style="color: red;">6.50</span> lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
But, it's the new year and I have our monthly challenge lined up to keep me motivated! I've got this! I really plan to make progress this year.<br />
<br />
Let's compare where I was last year versus this year<br />
<br />
January 2014: 243.25 lbs<br />
January 2015: 256.50 lbs<br />
<br />
Overall gain of <span style="color: red;">13.25</span> lbs<br />
<br />
I have my work cut out for me...not only do I need to lose weight, I have to make up ground from all my hard work last year.<br />
<br />
I can do this though, I just have to focus and count on my challenge peeps to keep me focused! They have been awesome at it so far!<br />
<br />
Here is to a good week! My TOPS goal is to get a star each week for the rest of the month. To do that I have to lose weight or stay the same.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You take my hand, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and I'll take yours,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and we'll start out today.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For a helping hand is what we need to help us on our way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The way to goal is a lonely road, </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we need someone to care.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reach out my friend and take my hand, </i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and then we're almost there!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1