Distraction...

I am usually hungry after my morning kayak and today I was hungry for an Olive Garden salad made with Romaine lettuce, onion, croutons, Parmesan cheese and salami.  I know I just said in my last blog that salami or summer sausage should not be our main protein but oh, well, that's what I was hungry for! The problem of distraction arose when I couldn't remember where I moved the croutons. I think it's easier to be distracted when you are retired because you do not have to be as focused on time.

• I cut up the Romaine lettuce and onion and went to look for croutons.
• I looked in the first cupboard and saw that I had recently bought three different kinds of flour and hadn't emptied them into the appropriate cannisters yet so let's do that now.
• I looked into the second drawer and found some marshmallows that were mushed and sticky so I took them out to remind myself to make Rice Krispie bars before the weekend.
• I also found the German chocolate bar and took that out wondering if I can find that recipe I wanted to try.
• Oh, look, the toilet paper that I bought two days ago is in the corner of the kitchen so I'd better put it away. 
• Oh and this bill is on the counter and I'd better pay it before I forget. 
• Here's the salami and Parmesan cheese but the handles on the fridge are sticky so I'd better clean them.
• Still looking for the croutons and I looked where the crackers are so I should straighten that area out and taste to see if any crackers are getting stale. 
• What the heck....will eat the salad without croutons but with a few crackers! 

Naturally, the conventional wisdom is to find ways to focus.  Personally I have a love/hate thing going with really focused people.  I envy their sheer determination in keeping that focus going and 

often think that would be a great thing to have.  On the other hand if I was walking around single-mindedly focusing on one thing, there is a boatload of things I wouldn’t notice or see.  And what if one of those things could be the greatest inspiration of my life?  See the dilemma? (From https://writerchick.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/do-you-have-oh-look-theres-a-squirrel-syndrome/)

Random Thoughts

• There's a special satisfaction in a physical workout....just came in from a 3 mile kayak....no amount of comfort food can equal the high of a good workout. Even when you're tired a short walk is going to help you lose weight.
• As much protein as possible at breakfast staves off cravings during the day.
• Sometimes all of the work and effort that goes into preparing something healthy ends up in the garbage because it didn't taste good. It's taken me a long time to learn to say "oh well, that didn't work out" rather than beating yourself up for the time and money invested.
• Protein should come from something other than hot dogs or summer sausage.
• Tracking calories is very helpful even when you haven't made good choices.
• Tracking macros is also helpful.
• Weight Watchers has it right in allowing fruits and many vegetables to be zero points.
• Real, whole food is much better than the shakes that are so popular now.
• Today is a good day for a good day!

H.A.L.T. and other strategies

I read an article that said when you feel like snacking you should stop and consider are you

• Hungry
• Angry
• Lonely
• Tired

We should learn to cope with our angry, lonely, tired feelings in healthy ways instead of unhealthy ways such as binge eating, drinking alcohol or getting angry etc.  But first we have to stop and recognize what we are feeling. We may also be feeling thirsty or overwhelmed. We then have to consider healthy ways to deal with those feelings.....talking with a friend, going for a walk, drinking some water, playing a game, having a cup of tea or reading a book....only you know what is comforting. 

It's been a good week for getting back on track and I am ready to go the distance.  Down 3.5#!

Let's Go!

Life is Difficult

I was reading a FB post about helicopter parents making things easy for their kids by removing obstacles when I was reminded of the first line of Dr. Peck's book, "The Road Less Traveled" which says "Life is difficult". So we are much better telling our kids and grandkids that there will be difficulties but we are smart, we are overcomers and we can figure out how to get through the difficulties.

Yesterday was a typical hump day and typical day three of any new eating plan. It was difficult.  I was bored with it. I wanted someone else to cook for me. I wanted someone else to clean up. But I overcame the difficulties by kayaking for three miles, simplifying and adapting the meal plan and by taking a nap and by having some chocolate within the plan! Yeah me!

Today will be easier as I have to take Lisa to Minot for an appointment so I have a plan for eating while we travel. Grandpa will stay with the Grandkids and feed and clean-up and get things ready for company! No kayaking but maybe a bike ride with grandkids this evening. Let's Go!

PS: These struggles seem so trivial in comparison to the people facing cancer or other life threatening diseases as well as those facing flooding in Louisiana and fires in California.  Forgive me Lord for whining. Thank you for helping me through both big and small difficulties.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of my Life

So what do I want for the rest of my life?

• To be more active
• To be stronger
• To have better balance
• To have less pain in my joints
• To have fun
• To enjoy a variety of activities with friends and family

So how was my first day on the Biggest Loser plan?

• The plan was easy to follow.
• It had "normal" foods that were easy to prepare.
• The food was delicious.
• I have generous friends who share their garden produce.
• I made some minor substitutions of same calories, same nutritional value.
• I peed a lot as I was drinking more water!
• This country is blessed with a bounty of choices of food and drink.
• I love eating "real" foods.

What were my biggest struggles?

• I struggled with overcoming my habit of nibbling my way through the day.
• I missed having the freedom of "mindless" eating.
• I can't think of anything funny or clever to say!
• Food prep and clean-up is more work.

What are my worries? And what are solutions to those worries?

• We are having company this weekend? Can I follow the plan while they are here? Yes, they are helpful and supportive. Prep and plan ahead of time.
• It's too hard....that's my inner, whining child coming out!
• Can I sustain this? Yes....maybe pick up some Nutritious TV dinners for the days when you are busy or tired of prepping. Ask for help when you need it.

I kayaked for over 3 miles yesterday. It looks like another beautiful day for kayaking. The grandkids were so good...we staged some good Olympic games and they played and played with the new wooden swords I bought them! Let's Go on to day two!

Let's Go!

So how's it going with your healthy eating, you might ask since I haven't written in my blog for four months? I haven't lost any weight in fact I have gained back the 7 pounds I lost earlier. I have however become stronger. I have kayaked an average of 3 miles for 30 of the last 60 days! If I sit on something 12 inches off the floor, I can now stand without using my hands or other assistance. That strength makes it so much easier to get out of my kayak without getting wet. So I set aside my goal to lose weight these last few months but I am ready to start again. I would like to do some short, humorous posts about this journey. My plan is to follow a different plan each week so that I won't become discouraged or bored. I want to have fun!. It's crazy that I feel like starting again the week that we have our grandchildren but I think that will just add to the humor and fun! Here's my plan for the week: http://www.prevention.com/sites/prevention.com/files/Biggest-Loser-1-Week-Diet-Plan.pdf
At the end of every week, I will report on my progress and my rating of the plan.

I have noticed that announcing any challenge via a blog often sets a person up for failure....not this time...not for me.....Let's Go!