New Year New You – How’s That Going?
We are 13 days in to the new year. Did you make some New Year’s Resolutions? For example, the whole New Year New You – how’s that going? For a lot of people, they are all gung-ho initially but begin to fizzle out right about now. Don’t let that be you!
I will be honest and say that I ate too much around the holidays. I tried to “be good” but the macaroni and cheese was calling my name, right along with the brownies and cheesecake. Oh My!! Wanting to get back on track, I seriously considered Weight Watchers. Then I looked at all the fitness gurus talking about how they pumped iron, lost weight, and feel GRRRR-EAT! I enjoy my free weights, but I hadn’t really found something that I was passionate about doing every … single … day.
I watched so many “info-mercials” that were really geared at selling their weight loss products or services. Some believed in using “shakes” to lose weight, and while that has helped a lot of people, it isn’t something you can keep up long term. When you start eating real food again, the weight will creep back on. This one lady spent $300 to $400 a month to kickstart her weight loss. Two shakes a day, a few snacks, and then a healthy dinner was part of her program. But what’s in those “shakes” and “snacks” anyway? A lot of processed things that you cannot pronounce, that’s what! And it’s EXPENSIVE!!! No thanks!
I turned to the “experts.” I watched snippets of videos that started off with, “Let me tell you my secret to weight loss …” I can’t tell you how many videos I watched with people “baiting” you but not really providing you with information to HELP! They just wanted you to join their team, spend that money … no thanks!
I’ve even had the random messages in my Instagram or Facebook trying to get me to purchase their products. “You look like someone that enjoys health and fitness, why don’t you try my X, Y, Z?”
Success stories? I heard plenty. I’m genuinely happy for them, but I’m not interested in a pill, shake, or expensive membership to learn how to take care of my body.
Gym memberships? I used to have one, actually. I went to the local YMCA almost daily in 2018 from April until August. Personal issues crept up, and I stopped going to the YMCA. Then, Planet Fitness came to our small town, and it was “all the rage.” Everyone wanted in! Honestly, I went to check it out while it was still in the construction phase and they had information available to sign up in advance. The only thing that got me was that it required direct access to my checking account, something I do NOT give anyone! So there goes that idea.
What to do? What to DO? That was the question.
I wasn’t like a lot of people I’ve seen or read about that needed to lose 50, 75, 100 pounds or more. I just wanted to tone up and look fit again. I nailed it in 2018 and was proudly wearing my two piece bikini at the beach with my daughters that summer. I even wore my two piece to the beach and on the boat in 2019 as well, although I needed to get back on track with working out. I had about ten to fifteen pounds to “tweek” in order for me to be where I needed to be according to my height. (PS I am considered short at 5′ 0″ … or as some argue 4′ 11″ … those few inches are important to me, okay?!)
I stumbled upon a post with a lady talking about what helped her. I thought surely if I clicked on the link she provided that it would be another gimmick, but surprisingly, it was not! She and another lady created this group to help others lose weight. So, I clicked on the link, answered the questions, and asked to join her group. After I was approved, I saw that they weren’t selling a single thing. FINALLY! I reached people that honestly wanted to help you in your journey. Not only that, but they talked about an app that helped them. This one lady that helped form the group has lost 100 pounds! Seriously! While the Weight Watchers app is $20.00 per month, the app they were all using was FREE! So, I signed up for the app, too! While you can upgrade to the “pro” version and pay a fee, that truly is not necessary. I’ve been using the free version of this app and have had success! I’ve only been on this program for two weeks … but I have lost six pounds. Not too earth shattering right now, but if you think about it, slow and steady wins the race! You didn’t gain this weight all at once, so don’t expect to lose it all at once either. It takes time, and losing 1-2 pounds a week is healthy and to be expected if you are going to keep it off. As I’ve heard mentioned, if you work the program, the program will work for you! It is the truth. I’ve also heard that abs are made in the kitchen, and this is also true! You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to lose weight. If you just start making healthier food choices, you will see a difference in how you look and feel. Why not trade fast food for healthier choices, and while you’re at it, add in some fruit and vegetables? I promise, you will start seeing results!
What is the app? iTrackBites
You sign up, put in your weight and height, as well as your goal weight. You answer a few questions, and bam, they choose a plan for you which is similar to Weight Watchers with “points” you are allowed per day. Every food has a points value, and there are even zero point foods that you’re encouraged to eat!
Water is necessary no matter what – and it is encouraged on this plan as well. You should drink half your body weight in ounces each day. It seems like a lot, but it is totally do-able! You may feel like you live in the bathroom when you’re first getting started, but you need to stay hydrated. It will help how you look and feel, too! Some lose what they call “water weight” at first, but if you continue with good choices, the weight will come off.
Something that a lot of people are talking about now is intermittent fasting. The idea is to go 16 hours without food, then have an eight hour window where you eat healthy food choices. I started to think about when I was in school. I did not eat breakfast because it was too early in the morning, and I did not want to force anything at that point. I would eat the night before at supper with my family and not have anything else to eat until lunch time at school. I was younger, yes, but I actually was doing intermittent fasting at that point without even thinking about it. Now I’ve started back, and I don’t miss trying to make myself eat breakfast as an adult. I start my morning with a cup of warm lemon water, and I am set. I have never been a coffee drinker, so I don’t have to worry about that. My biggest hangup is that I crave Coke Zero! I have tried to stop drinking it but get the biggest headache. I’ve tried to substitute hot green tea in it’s place, but it’s not the same. So, for now, I remain a Coke Zero addict. I am not ashamed!
In addition to healthier food choices and water, whether you’re sold on the whole intermittent fasting thing or not, let me encourage you to find something you enjoy doing as a form of exercise. I know, “enjoy” and “exercise” in the same sentence? You’ve got to be kidding, right? Nope. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I enjoy free weights. I like my arms to look strong, and if you have a nice upper body, it’ll make your waistline look skinnier, also, ladies (this is a line Denise Austin would say on occasion in her workout videos that I used to do in my 20s and 30s). We all want that! But cardio is something everyone raves about for weight loss, too. I’ll be honest, on New Year’s Day, I went for a jog/walk. I am NOT one that enjoys running … ever! But that day, I said I wanted to start the new year off right, so I’d jog, then walk, jog, then walk again. I did this around our house, all around our pond, and even the field we own in the very front of our property (the field alone is 13 acres). I was one tired lady when I arrived back on the steps of my house! I snapped a picture to show my daughters – all red faced but smiling – starting the year off right. But could I keep this up? No! I do not enjoy running/jogging. I don’t enjoy the way it feels when I’m jarring my joints. I much prefer the elliptical because there aren’t any harsh blows (wait … am I old? NO!!). So, I went back to doing that in my house. It’s still not something that I love doing at length, and I have to pace myself with this. I’m doing good if I get in seven to ten minutes without feeling like I’m dying. That elliptical is the devil!
One day, I decided to venture into Aldi. I’d heard a few people talking about it, but I’d never been. So, that day, I walked into the store to check it out. They had some healthy no name brand items people in that group I mentioned were talking about, but I’m just spoiled with going into my regular market and picking up items I know and love. During my search for healthy choices, I walked down an aisle and saw a fold up stationary bike. I looked at it, liked the price of it ($89.00), but left it right there. I thought about this bike all night … and the very next day I asked my husband to pick it up for me and put it together while I was working later that afternoon. When I arrived home, my stationary bike was waiting on me. Honestly, I was surprised at how heavy duty it actually was for the price! I have started riding this bike, and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I have worked up to ten miles in 30 minutes going 19 to 20 mph! I think, for now, I have found an exercise I enjoy!!! I never thought I’d say those words, but there they are! Now, my workout routine is 30 minutes on the bike, seven to ten minutes (okay, five minutes tonight) on the elliptical, then various exercises and reps with the free weights, and some floor/ab exercises!
I’m here to tell you, once you find something you enjoy – that is a game changer!
The best part about ALL of this is that my oldest daughter and my husband are now doing this with me! My daughter lost 10 pounds on her own by making healthier food choices. She has downloaded this app and lost an additional five pounds! My youngest daughter has always eaten healthy, but now she’s exercising more with us. She is so thin and doesn’t need to lose weight, but she wants to have some muscles. My husband just started yesterday with the app and healthier eating after not liking the results revealed on the scale, but I know he’ll do great! Men tend to lose faster than women any way, so I know he’ll reach his goal in no time! I’ll keep chugging along until I am where I want to be as well. The thing is, in 2018, I was working out and looked thin, trim, and fit … but my numbers on the scale never went down. If that happens to you, do NOT be discouraged! Go more so on how you feel, how your clothes fit, and keep plugging away!! If you do eat according to your points on the plan, you will see results, though. I have already, and I plan to stay with it. Look at it as fuel for your body, and be selective about what you put in your body … just like you are selective about what grade gas goes into your car, boat, etc. You would want something to take care of the engine and provide performance. The same can be said and applied here. The thing is that nothing is truly off limits either. It’s just all about having things in moderation.
So, go download that app and get started on your journey today! If you’re interested in the support of the group I mentioned, email me and I’ll be glad to share that with you as well! The app is free, the group is free, so what do you have to lose besides unwanted pounds?
Here’s to your success in the new year!
Reflecting on 2019
It’s Christmastime, and what better time for reflecting on 2019 than right this minute before we usher it out the door and welcome in a brand new year!
My mom had back surgery in February, which really upset our entire world. Fear creeps in, even though you try to beat it back with all that is in you. She had a little complication after the surgery, and her hospital stay was extended. My very devoted dad stayed by her side the entire time through it all. Thankfully, my mom was soon on the mend and headed home to recover. It’s been months now, and she’s getting along much better than before. Thank you, Lord!
The year 2019 brought about new beginnings for us. While searching for land to ride our horses on, a realtor showed us one of her friend’s homes “just for kicks.” Wishing to move back to Maryland to be closer to their family, they were days away from putting their house on the market. A new house really was not on our list, as we had a home with six acres that we loved. However, upon seeing this house, we reconsidered. My oldest daughter was beginning to want to leave the nest for her independence, but instead, we switched! She stayed in the home she grew up in, and we moved in March to a two-story house on 32 acres for our new beginning!
The move came just in time for a new addition to our family, too! Our great-nephew was born in May, and we were thrilled when they chose to stay with us for a week and a half after coming home from the hospital. We were allowed a lot of bonding time, which I will always treasure! This dark haired and dark eyed little boy stole my heart!
Things weren’t all smooth sailing this year, though. We’ve had some setbacks and times that caused us great sadness as we’ve learned of health issues with those we hold so dear to our heart. We have faith in God and are hopeful that their health will be renewed, although they will be required to go through a few things before that can happen. We pray and put it in God’s hands.
Lessons are another thing that 2019 offered us as well. We’ve all done the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” over situations in our lives. However, I have learned that no amount of dwelling on it will change what happened. I can want with all of my might for things to have been different, but it won’t change the situation no matter what. Beating myself up over a mistake also does more harm than good. We talk to ourselves more during the course of the day than anyone else, so we need to extend kindness. The saying, “It is what it is” rings true. We can wish things were different and if we had the opportunity to go back and do things over again, I know we would have chosen differently. However, there is NO going back in time. What’s done is done. We just have to live with what IS.
Another lesson learned … let GO of ill feelings. They serve absolutely NO purpose. If you are holding a grudge, who do you really think you are hurting? There might be a misunderstanding that occurred, and maybe you aren’t talking to someone you once were close to. Perhaps it hurts them just as much as it hurts you that there was this division between you two. Or, maybe it’s really eating at you while they’ve gone on about their lives. Who is to know how this is affecting them if you two aren’t on speaking terms. While it is great to set up boundaries, you do have to think about the result you want in the end. Do you want to never speak to these people ever again? Or are you hopeful that at some point fences can be mended and you see each other again? If children are involved, it hurts them, too. They are not allowed to be a part of your life if there is a division some where between the parents. And you lose all that bonding time with them. Is it worth it? To me, no. I’d much rather have time with those I love, especially children. They grow up way too fast, and honestly, they should not be used as a weapon against another. They should be allowed to see all of their family members, no matter what is going on with everyone else in the family. Precious time is lost when you’re not allowed to be a part of their little lives. I, for one, am not willing to allow any more time to be wasted. I have a seven month old great-nephew that lights up my life, and I intend to spend as much time with him as I possibly can!
My daughters are my heart and soul. They have grown into two beautiful young ladies, and my heart is so grateful! I know that in this life, I have done a good job raising these young ladies. They have good morals and values, and they are the kindest souls with big hearts that would do anything in their power to help others. This was proven when my youngest daughter raised money to send to the children’s hospital, and it was further proven when my oldest daughter purchased items for a homeless man just this past week. My heart beams with pride and joy for these two.
My oldest daughter is pursing her dream of special effects makeup and had the opportunity to go to Wisconsin this year to participate in their haunted house. She’s getting ready to explore new things in the hair industry this coming year as well.
My youngest daughter is a Freshman in High School! Y’all, she’s 15 years old with hair just about as long as her legs!!! She is so incredibly tall and extremely smart!
Can you see me beaming all the way over there? I’m probably beaming brighter than your Christmas tree lights right now!
Let’s not forget my son-in-law-to-be. I prayed for a Christian young man to come into my oldest daughter’s life to show her what it is to be treasured and cherished. God brought him to us three years ago, and they are talking of a future together. It makes my heart dance to see them together and then to hear of their plans! My heart is so full.
This past weekend, we hosted a Christmas party. We love to have the walls of our new home filled with love and laughter, and this party did not disappoint. My dear friend, Greg, drove all the way from Illinois to be with us JUST for that evening. Never in all of my life have I had anyone drive 11 hours to be present for a Christmas party we were having, and yet, he did. That is a true friend … a friend of a lifetime!
Ah, 2019, you have been a good one … all things considered. We are truly blessed, and we thank God for it all.
Year 2020, please be kind to us!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours …
Darkness
It’s a bitter cold, dreary and rainy type of day here in the South.
I went about my regular routine this morning getting ready for work. As I was throwing the load of towels into the dryer on my way out of the door, my daughter called. Her sweet, soft voice came over the speaker. She knew what day it was for me; my sister’s birthday. Normally this is a happy occasion, and I’m sure it is with the angels gathered around in Heaven singing her a heavenly “Happy Birthday.” Down here on Earth, though, our hearts still yearn for her.
It has now been 18 years that I’ve gone through the motions of this day. It should be second nature by now to remember her silently, then go about my day. Right?
Wrong.
We can’t help but think of 18 years that she should have been here with you. Eighteen years of memories that you and your children should have been able to make with her gathered around at every occasion. When my parents come through the door for the holidays in a few weeks, my sister should be right behind them with the biggest smile on her face.
Eighteen years without her laughter … without her mischievous grin … without her doing sweet gestures “Just because.”
Yes, we have the memories that we cling to … and I treasure each and every one. We have pictures, although if I had known her life would be cut short, I would have taken a thousand more to hold and flip through … on days like this.
These days are known to my family as “tender days.” It’s a phrase the suicide survivor’s group passed down to us. Tender days consist of our loved ones birthday, the anniversary of their passing, holidays, and any other special occasions that they should have been present for … but aren’t.
Darkness could so easily slip in at a time like this. It’s when you really have to fight it, and fight with all you’ve got inside of you at times.
I honestly thought I was doing okay until last weekend at the annual Angel of Hope Vigil when tears stung my eyes, then became a never ending river flowing down my cheeks. For the past ten years, my family and I have attended this ceremony to remember all of the children (regardless of age) that left this world way too soon. I purchased a plaque on the wall behind the angel a few years ago in order to allow another place to “visit” with my sister. It was hard for my parents to visit the cemetery, and honestly, for me as well. So, the Angel provides another sacred area to pay tribute and honor to my sister.
She’s so much more than the way she died. That’s what I want everyone to “get.”
She’s the joy she brought to so many that came to know her. While quiet and shy at first, she became a little more outgoing the more she felt comfortable in your presence. Then, watch out because the prankster might reveal itself. She’s the sweet tokens of love she’d leave under the table cloth for me to find after she left my house … I’ll never forget the Valentine’s gifts she hid for me under that table. She placed them under there when she visited, and she called a few days later to say, “Hey, how about go look under that table cloth and tell me what you see …”
And so I remember those little things even more so today … and carry them with me always. With every memory I have of her, I wish I had ten thousand more … but my time with her was cut short.
Now she’s in the arms of the angels … in the arms of God …
