Motivation Monday

And the journey continues....

Here I am again....

It has been awhile and I have had so much going on in my life. Our day to day lives sometimes keep us crazy but they need to keep us motivated as well. I have had a lot of health issues as of late (none related to weight loss) and that on top of family and work has pulled me away from one of my biggest motivators... This blog. I am so ready to get back to being healthy, exercising, pushing myself to my goals. I set goals for myself and I am the only one that can accomplish those goals...

So, here I go.

1. Get through medical issues.

2. Exercise daily.

3. Healthier eating.

4. Accountability.

5. Goals met.

6. End results.

And the journey continues....

It's definitely Motivation Monday!!

Sitting in the surgeons office.  My last visit was for reflux and I DO NOT want to go through that again.  So, more motivation for future progress.

And the journey continues...

Transformation Tuesday

I have gone through so many transformations since I began this journey.  Not just weight loss transformation but many other aspects of my life as well.  I have found recently that I need a little adjustment once again.  I have to get my mental transformation back on track.  Back on the bike, back on the jogging trail, and back on track with all of my healthier foods.   Ultimately these lead to the more weight loss transformation but as I have stated multiple times, the mental transformation is what gets us to the ultimate goal of a healthier, thinner person.

So, today's transformation Tuesday is to help me see where I've been and where I am still headed.

And the journey continues...

Monday Motivation

A little Monday Motivation to get the week started.  Happy Labor Day all.

And the journey continues...

I'm Back

Wow!  I bet some of you thought I fell off the face of the earth.  It has been a whirlwind summer and maybe things can get back to some kind of normalcy now.  The boys are back in school.  I can't believe I have a high schooler and no longer have an elementary student.  Things for us tend to be a bit slower during the fall and winter months as far as the boys' activities.  So, I am going to take full advantage of that and make them exercise with me.  As the weather (hopefully) starts to cool down a bit, we can get back out and get back on the bikes and on the jogging trails.  It's a bit difficult to have group (all 4 of us - yes, hubby is one of those that will be exercising too) exercise time in the house.

My husband has decided to challenge me.  I am still working on those last pounds to my goal and he says he can get there before I do.  Well, it's on darlin.

And the journey continues...

Proud Mom

There are so many times that, as a parent, you are proud of your children.  My youngest told me today that he's decided that he needs to be eating healthier and exercising more like Mom does.  I always want the best for my children and being healthy is an important part of that.  I will work to help get him where he wants to be.  

And the journey continues...

Monday Menu

I usually post motivational images/quotes on Monday and I decided that healthy recipes would be good motivation as well. Today, as with any day, is a great day to start eating healthier and to start developing a portion control habit. Remember that eating healthy alone will not get you to your optimal weight loss/healthier lifestyle goal. Add in some cardio and strength training to help get you to that goal as well.

And the journey continues...

http://inspiredreamer.com/spinach-burger-patties/

http://www.runningaragnar.com/2013/05/pioneer-woman-recipe-for-perfect-salmon.html

Telling My Story

As I have said before, I have the most amazing support system.  My husband and my two amazing sons help get me through every aspect of my life.  I have a wonderful family and many amazing friends as well.  My life would not be the same without each of them as well as each of you (the people that follow my journey).  I have been fortunate to be able to share this journey and I appreciate everyone that has shared how I have touched their lives and how inspirational that I have been for them.  You help me as well.

My story has been shared now on the Bailey Bariatrics website (www.baileybariatrics.com) and their Facebook page.  I want to thank them as I would not be where I am without the help of Dr. Kirk, Dr. Katsis and the wonderful staff at Bailey Bariatrics.

Here is the link to my story:  http://www.baileybariatrics.com/blog/blogging-about-weight-loss-journey#.U8AvJhZ8zHg

And the journey continues...

Weight lost

I still have not made it to my goal weight but I am still battling to get there and maintain that weight.  This is and never has been a diet (that word should be removed from your vocabulary).  This is a lifestyle change and developing healthy eating habits while exercising and becoming a healthy person.

Since my journey began, I have lost 123 pounds.  As of today I have officially lost the same amount of weight that my 14 year old son weighs.  I have lost an entire human.  This is a crying moment for those that know me.

And the journey continues...

Monday Motivation

A few thoughts for your Monday.

And the journey continues...

Non-scale Victories (NSV)

We all focus on that number that we register each time we step on the scales. Often we are consumed with the pound lost or gained and forget some of the NSV's that we experience.  These often are more important or actually mean more to us than that number way down there between our feet.

I personally have had several NSV's since my journey began.  Walking into my closet and pulling out a dress that I had worn almost 20 years ago, putting it on and it being too big was probably the first one.  The second major NSV was getting out of the shower and wrapping a regular bath towel around me without it gaping open.  These "victories" may sound goofy to some but for someone that has been overweight their entire life, these are moments of tears.  Some people can't/won't understand these victories but we all experience them.  These can be goals that we set for ourselves or they may be something that just happens.  Enjoy them and be proud of each NSV as  these are major accomplishments.  

One MAJOR NSV that I look forward to and set as a goal when I started this journey is my husband carrying me across the threshold of our home.  This never happened when we were first married as I weighed a considerably greater amount than he did.  My plans are for our 20th anniversary (December 2, 2015) next year, he will indeed carry me for the first time.

And the journey continues....

Time to get serious again

As some of you know, I've been on a Roadtrip vacation and have gotten in a lot of walking/hiking but I am ready to get back to some serious exercising and some real, home-cooked healthy food.  I have joined a July challenge for a "1,000 minutes of exercise" and I challenge each of you to try this as well.  You don't lose (well, maybe weight) if you don't make it to 1,000 minutes but the greatest success is trying.  

Please leave comments regarding your plans/successes.  I would love to hear what you a are doing.  

And the journey continues...

Vacation

Each of us likes to get away from our daily grind and some time away can be a welcome thing.  Vacation is a word that tends to make everyone smile.  

We have to remember that vacation doesn't mean go crazy and forget your healthy eating or exercise.  Take time to get in some exercise, whether it be in a hotel exercise room, the pool, walking, hiking, or jogging.  You can exercise wherever you are.  As for healthy eating...  Watch those carbs and always order everything with the sauce/dressing on the side.  

And the journey continues...

Eating Healthy While Traveling

We all know that it's close to impossible to purchase anything healthy from fast food places.  You have to be very careful when eating out anywhere and when traveling, convenience makes healthy even more difficult.  One solution that I have come up with in regard to eating healthier while traveling (via car, not airline) is to take your own food and snacks.  High protein & low carbs are the goal.  Some suggestions include beef jerky, peanut butter, boiled eggs, light Babybel cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken salad with light mayo, plain almonds, and don't forget the water.  Lots and lots of water.  

Watch what you eat and work on getting in exercise (even walking) while traveling as well.

And the journey continues...

Motivation Monday

Okay people, now that my "bumps in the road" seem to have passed.  It's time to get motivated again and get back on the exercise wagon.  I have some serious bat wings that need attention and I need some muscle on my backside in a bad way.  So, time to get moving.  Back on the bicycle, back to walking/running, back on the elliptical and back to Shaun T and Rockin' Body.  Look in those mirrors, get on those scales, whatever it takes to get motivated and let's do this....

And the journey continues...

Bumps In The Road

We all have them but unfortunately during weight loss, bumps in the road suck!  I have had my share of those bumps over the last few months but as the old saying goes, "that which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."  My most recent "bump" was a small issue with my lap band.  I started having terrible bouts of reflux at night, was not sleeping, was keeping my husband awake, was scaring my husband half to death, started having difficulty eating and even taking in water.  DO NOT let a "bump in the road" become a hazard to your health.  Whether you have a lap band, a gastric sleeve, roux-en-y, or you are just trying to lose weight the old fashioned way, if you have any medical problems...  See a doctor.  Do not put off something and suffer for something that could be an easy fix.  Enough soap box because I should follow my own advise (yes, honey, I'm hard headed.  You knew that when you married me).

So, as for "bumps in the road."  Face each challenge as you get to it, whatever it may be.  Face it, deal with it and overcome.  Whether that challenge is health related, weight loss related (plateau, 2 more pounds, etc), exercise related, food related, or just life in general, win the challenge.  Look for the positive in every situation and repeat to yourself, "I will (notice I said will and not can) do this!"

And the journey continues...

Dehydration

We have all heard it...  Drink lots of water.  In fact, we are told to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day (that is 8 - 8 ounce glasses).  Water intake is extremely important for multiple reasons but one of the most important is to prevent dehydration.  As the weather continues to get warmer and more outdoor activities (exercise, yard work, fun) take place, you need to be more aware of your water intake.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults

The signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:

* Increased thirst
* Dry mouth and swollen tongue
* Weakness
* Dizziness
* Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
* Confusion
* Sluggishness fainting
* Fainting * Inability to sweat
* Decreased urine output
* Muscle cramps
* Headache
* Dry skin
* Constipation

Urine color may indicate dehydration. If urine is concentrated and deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated.

Minor dehydration can usually be reversed by additional fluid intake (try to stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they will make dehydration worse). If there is a possibility of severe dehydration, seek immediate medical care. I, personally, have been a victim of dehydration which has led to increased thirst and muscle cramps. These cramps are not pleasant and taking in more liquids is much easier than suffering through muscle cramps.

In regard to weight loss, dehydration is your enemy.  When your body is dehydrated, it can't get rid of toxins and stores them in your fat cells.  The body will not release the fat unless it is hydrated sufficiently to safely remove the toxins.

And the journey continues...