I'm using the book "21 Days to Better Fitness" as a guideline and started on July 10.....so my first 21 will end on July 31.
I know from past experience it takes dedication and determination...as well as DICIPLINE..to make lasting changes. My goal is to improve overall health, regain strength and flexibility as well as endurance and lose 100 pounds.....10 at a time as mini goals.

I haven't done a journal up to this point but figured I may as well start! My plan is to:
1) Work 21 days at a time.........on specific areas
2) Get 21 minutes (at least) of planned exercise daily....plus walking
3) Have a 21 "Power Points" menu daily

To date I have done well....about 80%......and as time progresses will strive to meet or exceed goals.
I have walked every day......average 2.15 miles a day so far. I've gotten my 21 minutes of planned exercise daily and all but one day..have been on track with my food plan.

A sample of my food plan:
Veggies~ 5:Celery/Mixed veg./Salad/Tomato
Fruit~.....2:Orange juice/canned peaches
Protein~..5: beef (in HM soup)/egg/peanut butter
Grain~.....2: Whole wheat English muffin
Dairy~.....3: Cheese/cottage cheese/yogurt
Fat~.......4: Salad dressing
For a total of 21..........or LESS.......some days I won't need or want it all

Today's plan: Friday 7/15

Breakfast:
English muffin/egg/cheese/OJ

Snack:
Celery w/peanut butter

Lunch:
HM Beef veggie soup

Snack:
Cottage cheese/canned peaches

Dinner:
Salad w/tomato/dressing
HM beef veggie soup

Snack:
LF yogurt

My Number one thing to work on for the first 21 days is Portion Control.
I will be concious, not only of my choices each day but of the amount of food on my plate and in my bowl! :D

I want to see 225 ASAP........so I'm off and running!
Bren

Bren! Welcome to the land of journals! May yours be as big a benefit to you as mine has been to me. Everything looks right on target. You've been doing exceptionally well lately and I'm going to be interested in watching you get to a thinner healthier you. Love your menus and the whole 21 idea. I'm rooting for you, my friend. Sue

OH Sue! Thank you! For stopping by, and for your kind words!! I gather info and get good tips from so many on board here and it will help....having a place to put everything!......good/bad and indifferent!

I "wasted" some of my food points on candy at the office yesterday..so again...I vowed NOT to get it no matter who whines for it! I asked Sharon to take most of it home..let her (grown) boys have it...tho NO-one NEEDS it. Our maintenence man can have the rest to take home with him.

Today........is a new day...Day 7 of Round one! Here's the plan for today.

Activity:
21 minutes planned exercise
Walking: 2.5 miles
Work: 8 hrs
Cleaning @ home and office

Food Choices:
Fruit (2).....orange juice/canned peaches
Veggies (6)...Salad/tomato/soup veggies/SF veggies
Protein (3)...Beef (in HM soup)/Krab (in pasta dish)
Grain (3)...Bagel/Pasta
Dairy (2)...cottage cheese/yogurt
Fat (5)....Cream cheese/salad dressing/pasta sauce

Breakfast:
Bagel/cream cheese/OJ/Lite yogurt

Lunch:
Beef veggie soup
Salad/tomato w/lite dressing

Snack:
Cottage cheese w/canned peaches

Dinner:
Pasta w/SF veggies/Krab
w/lite pasta sauce (HM)

Today I'll drag my measuring cups out and my little food scale. I'm thinking my "eyeballing" has gotten a tad wide! LOL!
Between now and July 31st, I want to have a new habit formed and a couple of old ones "changed"!

Hi Bren...SO good to see you over here in the journals. You have come up with a wonderful plan!! AND...you are doing very, very well!! I hear you on the wide eyeballs! :laugh: I seen to have them at times too! Exercise!....You are doing fabulous with that. Consistency is the key...keep up the great work! :D AJ

Thank you AJ! It's only taken me three years to do this! I've been thinking about it for the last several months and watching the progress others have made. I am ready to see some of that as well.....I am finally ready to get real with myself and get a grip! On the Exer-Stick! LOL!

Yesterday I didn't get my planned 2.5 miles in, so will increase my walking today to keep a good average going. I finished week one with a 2.20 average. And an average of 24 minutes planned exercise, @ 168 total for the week. Today begins week two of round one. I will continue with the Portion Control as a key focus, until I get that down!

Today's activities will include:
Planned exercise @ least 21 minutes
Walking: past the comfort zone!
Spot cleaning
Clean truck/gas up/go to Mom's PM

Today's Food list:
2 Fruit: Orange juice/applesauce
5 Veggies: Green beans/salad w/ tomato/SF veggies
4 Protein: Krab/Shrimp/egg
3 Dairy: Cheese/yogurt/cottage cheese
3 Grain: WG toast/pasta
4 Fat: Salad dressing/HM Alfredo sauce

Menu:
Breakfast:
WG toast/egg/cheese/OJ

Lunch:
Pasta w/Krab/SF veggies/Alfredo sauce

Snack:
Applesauce/cottage cheese

Dinner:
Shrimp/salad w/dressing/tomato/green beans

Snack:
Yogurt

My goal with planning/having a daily food log is to have balance, get enough of the good stuff and change many of the grab and gobble eating patterns of the past few years. There will be days when I may not eat all I PLAN.....but it's ON the plan if I need it! In time....being "balanced" will be a habit as well!!

Monday: 7/18....Day 9 Round one

Today's Activity List:
21 minutes planned exercise, at least
Walk: 2.5 miles
Cleaning @ home: 1.5 hours
Cooking Day
De-cluttering: 30 minutes....those files are outa control!

Today's Food list:

3 Fruit~~Orange juice/Pineapple/fruit spread
7 Veggies~~ Stir-fry mix/Okra/Black-eyed peas/Tomatoes
4 Grain~~WW English muffin/Rice
2 Dairy~~ Yogurt/LF milk
3 Protein~~ Peanut butter/Shrimp
2 Fat~~Seasoned Stir-fry oil

Menu:

Breakfast: WW English muffin/peanut butter/fruit spread/OJ/LF milk

Lunch: Black-eyed peas/Okra/Tomatoes on 1/2 C. rice

Snack: Lite yogurt

Dinner:
SF shrimp/veggies/on 1/2 C. rice/Pineapple

Now...I'm off to start my cleaning and get my things in order. I will aim higher today....I will eat when hungry, stop when I've had enough, use my food plan for meals and keep an eye out for trouble spots!

Bren! You are doing absolutely fantastic! Love your whole plan and I'm so happy things are working now for you. Sue

Thank you Sue! I really appreciate the support and encouragement! I'm thinking daily diligence will pay off in time..making me more aware of what I'm up to! That awareness will allow me to change what I can......and see real improvement!

Today: Day 10 Round 1

Activity Plan:
21 minutes or more of planned exercise
Walk: 2.5 miles
Spot cleaning


Food Plan:

2 Fruit~~ OJ/Pineapple
6 Veggy~~SF veg/Black-eye peas/okra
4 Grain~~Cereal/Rice/potato
2 Dairy~~Yogurt/LF milk
4 Protein~~Roast pork/Canned Salmon
3 Fat~~Margarine/SF oil used in cooking

Menu:

Breakfast: Cereal/LF milk/Orange juice

Lunch: Salmon-Potato Strata/okra/black-eye peas

Snack: Yogurt

Dinner: SF Pork/veggies/Rice/pineapple

Yesterday's shrimp stir-fry was SO good.....I substituted noodles for the rice and added a bit of lite soy sauce and sweet & sour sauce. OH yum!
I really enjoyed breakfast as well....it's been awhile since I had peanut butter as a breakfast "treat" instead of a snack with celery!

I exercised during Soaps time so that was easy! I didn't get my 2.5 miles in but it's a GOAL to strive for, this round! My average for week one was 2.20 so I won't trip me up if I don't hit it every day. Consistancy is key..like AJ said! In time I will have new, positive habits in place and it won't be such a struggle to make the BEST choice each time!

Yep, awareness followed by personal responsibility, but not expecting to be perfect. I'm glad you allow for human-ness and growth. Sounds like you're really enjoying eating healthy and exercising. When it's fun, you want to keep doing it. You're a joy to sit back and watch!

OOOPS! I am being watched! LOL! Just kidding! I am having a good time of it and I have enough FUN that it's not a real chore to better care for myself. It's taken a LONG time to get to this point and I am so glad I've finally gotten here. I will be really overjoyed when the weight starts dropping and I re-gain some of the things I've lost the past few years. I am finding Joy in the journey........and am so thankful it's not too late to make a difference!
I couldn't get into DT yesterday....PC trouble.... so I'm jumping in today.
Thursday :D 7/21......day 11?

Today's Activity Plan:
21 minutes of planned exercise
2.5 mile walk (I got it yesterday! Yay....and almost did on Tuesday)
Spot cleaning....a daily do!
Work: 8 hrs........I use the term loosly! I love my job!

Today's Food Plan:

2 Fruit~~Orange juice/canned peaches
4 Veggies~~ stew veg/tomatoes
3 Grain~~Rice mix/SFWW HB bun
2 Dairy~~ Cottage cheese/lite yogurt
3 Protein~~ Pork (in stew)/egg
1 Fat~~walnuts in yogurt

Menu:

Breakfast: WWSF bun w/egg/cheese (cooked in Microwave..yum!)/orange juice

Lunch: Stew w/pork and veggies/Mexican rice(mix)

Snack: Cottage cheese/canned peaches

Dinner: Stew w/ pork and veggies

Snack: light yogurt

Am ligtening up to make the scale move! :o DOWNward! Have had some fluid retention troubles also and am cutting back on sodium levels. This is vital! I'm off and running! Gotta get ready for work now! Time slips away so quickly!!

Friday: July 22......boo-hoo...where does the time get off to? :(

Today's Plan of Action:

Activity:
21 minutes planned exercise....getting easier somewhat!
2.5 mile walk: I got 3.5 yesterday...woohoo! That was NICE!
Spot clean AM before work
Work: 8 hours

Food:
2 Fruit~~Orange juice/Pineapple
4 Veggies~~ In stew
2 Grain~~ Cereal
2 Dairy~~ NF milk/Yogurt
3 Protein~~ Pork..in stew
0 Fat........none added

Meals:
Breakfast: Cereal/Non-fat milk/orange juice
Snack: Pineapple/Light yogurt
Lunch: Pork stew w/veggies
Dinner: Pork stew w/veggies

The stew was much tastier than I'd thought it would be! I couldn't find my onion soup mix to put in it so did a sub with gravy mix........and spices. It's time to clean/organize my kitchen cabinets when I can't find things! I live alone so I had to have mis-placed it!
It's time to get ready for work....I plan to have an excellent day...I wish the same for all of you!
Bren

Saturday July 23.....Day 14 of Round one: Time flies!

Plan of Action:

21 minutes planned exercise
2.5 mile walk......this too, is getting easier! Thank you God!
Cleaning: Apartment/office
Laundry....am SO glad to have that done!
PM: de-clutter for @ least 30 minutes

Food choices:
3 Fruit~~Orange juice/applesauce/canned peaches
4 Veggies~~Stew veggies/Stir-fry veggies
2 Protein~~Pork (in stew)/egg
2 Dairy~~ Cottage cheese/yogurt
2 Grain~~ Bagel/rice
2 Fat~~Cream cheese/SF oil

Menu:

Breakfast: Bagel (small)/cream cheese/poached egg/orange juice
Lunch: Pork stew w/salsa added/applesauce
Snack: Cottage cheese/canned peaches
Snack: Light yogurt
Dinner: SF veggies/Rice/light soy sauce

I will cook up some beans and lentil stew etc. this next week while off so I'll have freezer meals ready to go! I'm getting some milage from the pork stew and it IS very good...but I need a bit more variety!

I had some pool time this morning and kitty cuddles...so am ready for my work day. I'm off......and one day will RUN!

Oh yeah, baby, you're walking just fine now, already picking up the pace. Soon you'll be speed walking, then jogging, then running, then doing marathons. I got confidence in you!

Hey Blondee I was curious about your journal title, you are doing great! They say it take 21 days (3 weeks) to form a habit. And habit is everything, for me anyway. Good luck with it, you are 2/3 home free!

OH Sue! I liked the "yeah Baby"....reminds me of Austin Powers! He's my main squeeze! LOL! OK..Dwight Yokum is numero uno..but Austin is number two...
I look forward to the day I can sprint! Hey thanks for stopping by! You too..myDiet!! This will be an on-going thing as I have lots of new habits to form and old ones to exchange! It's going pretty well and I thank God for the daily empowerment to make positive changes..for health and LIFE!

Tallys for week two/round one:

No weight loss to report......the time will come tho!
Exercise minutes: 170~ Avg. of 24.28 minutes daily
Walking: 17.5 miles~ YAY! I made my average of 2.5 daily miles!
Food Plan: I had a good one and managed to be "on Plan" about 70% of the time. This next week...I will work on the other 30%!

Today begins countdown for third week in Round one.

Plan of Action:
Activity:
@ least 21 minutes of planned exercise
@ least 2.5 miles walking
Spot cleaning @ home
Church
Work: 5 hours

Food Plan:
2 fruit~~OJ/mixed fruit
6 veggies~~stew veg./squash/potato/onion/cabbage "stir-fry"
1 Grain~~Rice
2 Dairy~~Cottage cheese/yogurt
2 Protein~~Pork in stew
2 Fat~~olive oil for stir-fry

Menu:
Breakfast: Cottage cheese w/mixed fruit/OJ
Lunch: Pork stew w/added salsa
Snack: Light yogurt
Dinner: Stir fry veggies w/ rice

I will begin today.....to adhere to my plan as is......I want to lighten up as much as possible........and still get a good balanced diet. I know if I increase my veggies/fruits..it will cut down on the heavier foods that tend to cause me trouble! :help:
"They" say we need about 100 calories per # for our "ideal" weight.......to LOSE and I KNOW I'm over calorie wise.....so in making a subtle shift.......and aiming for about 1300 calories a day.....or 26 points if I were to use my WW guidelines........I CAN DO THIS! yippee yahooty! So where did I put those files? :laugh:

Day 16 of 21...round one

Plan of action......
@ least 21 minutes planned exercise
Work 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter 30 minutes (done)
Walk: 2.5 miles

Food Choices:
1 Fruit~~ Orange juice
6 Veggies~~ pepper/onion/spinach/tomato/stew veggies
2 Grain~ Tortillas
2 Dairy~Cheese/yogurt
4 Protein~~ Pork/Beef
2 Fat~sour cream

Menu:
Breakfast: Yogurt/coffee/orange juice
Lunch: Pork stew (last little bit!) spinach
Dinner: Beef fajitas w/veggies/cheese/sour cream @ Mom's
*I'll limit the tortillas to TWO......but have all the veggies I want!

I'd better get rolling! Time is ticking away!

Hi Bren

You are doing great! And you are right the time will come for the weight to roll off. I've finally found my nitch to get me going again and I know yours will come off too.

Have a wonderful Day!
renee :D

Thank you Renee!! For stopping by and for your encouragement!! I am so glad you found YOUR nitch....and I am getting mine down! I had a really good day yesterday and this morning was down .5 pound so diligence will pay off in spades!! I will be so excited when the scale moves down.......but I am excited NOW at the progress being made and the changes in attitude and behavior! Those are positive things as well :D and will get the scale moving!
Woohoo! I got in 4.5 miles yesterday and worked all day!! I had no play time and only a 15 minute break.....making up for lazing around on the weekend! LOL! I got my 30 minutes cleaning done AM.....went to Mom's for dinner and have the next three days to work on ME and MY stuff!

Today: Day 17 of 21...round one

Activity Plan:
21 minutes planned exercise
2.5 mile walk
30 minutes cleaning
30 minutes de-clutter (paper trail)
REST Day!

Food Plan:

2 Fruit~~orange juice/mixed fruit (canned)
4 veggies~~Squash/onion mix/potato/tomato
2 Grain~~Rice/WW English muffin
3 Dairy~~Cheese/cottage cheese/yogurt
2 Protein~~Beans/egg
2 Fat~~ SF oil/sour cream

Menu:

Breakfast: WW English muffin/egg/orange juice
Lunch: Beans/rice /cheese/sour cream/salsa
Snack: Yogurt
Snack: Cottage cheese/mixed fruit
Dinner: Squash/potato/onion/tomato "SF"

PC trouble kept me out again yesterday.....so here I am on Thursday, July 28th...Day 18 of round one.

Activity Plan:
Cooking: for next week or two meals
Cleaning: @ least my 30 minutes
@ least 21 minutes planned exercise
@ least 2.5 miles walking
ME time......as much as needed!

Food Plan:
2 fruit.......mixed cup
4 Veggies.....soup veggies/green beans/sweet tater
2 Grains.....Tortilla/stuffing
2 Dairy......cheese/cottage cheese
3 Protein....Beans/Beef/Chicken
2 Fat.......in cooking

Menu:
Breakfast: Bean/cheese burrito/coffee
Lunch: Chicken/stuffing/sweet potato/green beans
Dinner: Beef veggie soup (HM)
Snack: Cottage cheese/mixed canned fruit

Bren! I swear joy wells in my heart when I read anything you've written! .5 down and 4.5 miles!!! I'm coming right over to give you a great big hug. I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you. But maybe you picked up on that already, lol!

Would you tell them I love and miss them at DT/spa? I hate not being able to get on here more often right now. They are definitely in my heart.

You keep rollin' girl!

Thank you so much Sue!! The feeling's mutual! I really appreciate the support and encouragement! Wishing you a fabulous day and weekned coming up! Yep...we feel your spirit at Spa and know you're with us! Thanks for the HUGS!

Friday 7/29.......Day 19

My Plan of Action for the day......
@ least 21 minutes planned exercise
2.5 mile walk
30 minutes C/D
Work: 8 hours

Food Plan:
2 fruit: strawberry jam/OJ
4 Veggies: Green beans/sweet potato/SF veggies
1 Dairy: yogurt
4 Grains: English muffin/stuffing/rice
3 Protein: Peanut butter/Pork/Chicken
2 Fat: SF oil

Menu:
Breakfast: English muffin w/peanut butter/jam/OJ
Lunch: Chicken w/stuffing/green beans/sweet potato
Snack: Yogurt
Dinner: SF pork w/veggies/rice

OK....today is the last day of round one and I need to make some changes. I'm having troubles with fluid retention which is really messing with my hearing and to avoid a full blown relapse with the Meneires......I must take action NOW....cutting sodium down to a new low...seriously focusing on my health and well being! And praying for FULL and speedy recovery..

Today's Plan of Action:

Activity:
21 minutes planned exercise
Work: 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter 30 minutes
Walk: 2.5 miles

Menu:
Breakfast: Cereal/NF milk/orange juice
Lunch: Chicken w/SF veggies/rice
Dinner: Veggie skillet: Squash/potato/onion/tomato
Snack: Light yogurt

Fruit 1 Veggies 6 Grain 2 Dairy 2 Protein 2 Fat 2

Hi

Bren, congrats on the 4.5 miles.

Get the sodium under control. I would hate to see you have a relapse. That would be horrible. I will pray for a complete recovery.

I ahve to really want my sodium intake just because it makes my hands swell so bad that they hurt.

Have a great weekend.
Renee:)

Thank you SO much Renee!! I appreciate the prayer in my behalf . From your lips to God's ears! My fluid retention settles in my head first......then hands (which hurt also, so I know what you mean!)....and it gets really bad...fast! I took an extra diazyde yesterday.....and may today. I don't do that very often, tho I have used diurex in conjunction with my diazyde before.

Week Three's talleys.......
Walking: 16.25 miles...2.32 average MPD
Planned exercise.....125 minutes... 17.85 average MPD
* the exercise minutes are down a bit.....BUT.....I'm getting my daily cleaning/de-cluttering done so it makes up the difference!

Foodwise: I've been on-plan about 70%......I will apply myself to the task at hand, with a purpose in mind of restored health as well as weight loss in the NEXT 21 day period. It helps a great deal to have my meals planned out...and I'll make an effort to adhere more closely to the schedule..without getting overly obsessive! I'll be back to do todays line up!

21 Day's @ a time...Round two! July 31-August 13

Beginning weight: 237.5 (down .5 pound) from last week
Goal Weight: 231.5 (6 pounds @ 2# per week)
Exercise Goals: 21 minutes planned exercise daily (average)
.....................2.5 mile walk daily (average)
Plus: 30 minutes 6 days a week: clean/de-clutter ( I have MONTHS of work ahead!) :D
I can get a lot of my exercise minutes in at work, as I have some "tools" there and I get an opportunity for walking regularly! I am ready to see some real progress in weight loss and health issues resolved in the near future. I am WORTH the effort it takes to recover!

Day 1 Round 2.....Plan of Action:

Planned exercise: 21 minutes
Walk: 2.5 miles
Work: 5 hours
C/D: 30 minutes

Food Plan:

Breakfast: WW english muffin/egg/grapefruit juice
Lunch: Red beans/rice/cheese
Snack: Light yogurt/walnuts
Dinner: SF veggies/pork/rice/lite sauce

Fruit:3 Veggy:4 Grain:3 Dairy:3 Protein:4 Fat:3........20 total

Day 2 Round 2: August 1st

Activity Plan:
Exercise: 21 minutes
Walk: 2.5 miles
Cleaning: 30 minutes
Work: 8 hrs
To Mom's PM

Food Plan:
Breakfast: Cereal/NF milk/OJ
Lunch: Beef w/SF veggies/noodles/sweet n' sour sauce
Dinner: @ Mom's....whatever Bubba cooks! I'll be careful of sodium content and portion size!

I slept in this morning.....'till 6 AM and I'm running behind so will be back tomorrow and play catch up on other threads/forums.

Hey Bren. I have a few minutes so I'm making the rounds and wanted to visit with you. Ah yes sodium. It's the deal breaker for me. I'm generally pretty good about staying around 2400 but it's hard work to do it, anything packaged or seasoned with anything but non-salt spices will swell me up like you wouldn't believe; but for you sodium's even more important. I wish you much power and success in this regard. I'm hoping with all this health craze out there that the FDA or whoever's in charge will make the food companies go to healthier limits on the amount of sodium they put in foods. I mean, it's so salty you can hardly eat it, and yet you can't stop eating it either, which is probably their ultimate goal. I'm glad to see you're still doing good! Sue

Thank you my friend!! Yes..you DO understand my dilemma! I get really whiney sometimes, but hey..some folks have worse problems!
I've been using my hearing aids for work and for TV watching..what little of that I do and am so thankful I haven't fallen off the edge yet! I was scooting too close for comfort! I will continue the watch until I am "safe" again and by then THAT should be a habit? If I'd practice being cautious 6 out of 7 days, I'd see vast improvement. My goal is much lower than the 2400 mg and as ya said, it's HARD!....that much can be had in 2 servings of some foods! Yikes!

Today is Day 4 round 2 already! I'll get on the ball and pull this together! I'd planned to go to Mom's tonight but I'll wait 'till next Tuesday, as I am exausted! I was in such pain last night after work (I earned my keep and Sharon's too!), that I was whining out loud...saying " I workin' too hawd(like the ol' song!)........and de pain, de pain........oh de PLANE Tatoo said! :D I took 3 tylenol and went to bed at 8:00. It's been awhile since I had a flare up that bad. I need to get my butt in shape! I helped James load a washing machine in his truch and should NOT have.......but he has no help and us "ladies" don't have the strength for that stuff.......today one of us will have to help push out his broken down golf cart, so he can get the mower out, then push the cart back into maintenence........I'd better dress down today and take a bandana........bandana....banana.....hmm.....I want nanners now! I need the potassium anyway. Reminds me..I'm out of vitamins. I'll get some of those too.

OK.....enough rattling for now.......I'll post my Daily POA and get to work!

Today: Wednesday: 8/3

21 minutes planned exercise
2.5 mile walk
30 minutes clean/de-clutter
45 minutes ME time! My feet need some attention!
Work: 8 hours

Food Plan:

Breakfast: WW English muffin/peanut butter/honey/OJ
Lunch: SF veggies/pork/rice
Snack: Cottage cheese/mixed fruit
Dinner: Veggie skillet: potato/squash/onion/tomato mix
Snack: Banana

Fruit:3 Veggies:6 Grain:3 Dairy:1 Protein:2 Fat:2.....total:17

You always make me laugh with how your mind thinks, lol. But I hurt for you too, with your condition. Please, please, please, do everything in your power, ahem, God's power, to get this under control by any means possible, attempting for each and every day. You're working so hard. I know you can keep going. Love, Sue

Thank you my dear sweet friend!! I love you much and I know God has put you in my life for a wonderful purpose!! I thank Him for you!! I will....take good care of me. I had a few rough days but am thanking God for recovery!! I got so much done on my off days this week, got Mom's chair delivered and my recliner back! OH Heaven!! I hadn't realized until I got it back, how much I'd missed it! It feels so good to prop my widdle legs up properly.....I'd been using the exercise ball 'till now! I've slept in the recliner before when I was sick, it's that comfy.
I sold my treadmill yesterday to the manager here at the complex. It freed up a lot of space and I have been going thru and releasing some things I wasn't using or didn't "love" and she's wanted it for a year! LOL! I have my health Rider which I DO love, my bands, videos etc. so I have the tools I need for my exercise. I enjoy walking outdoors so much too......so I'll enjoy my space much more than I did the treadmill!
My mind gets me in trouble sometimes Sue! At least it didn't get to "nanner PIE"! I did pick up some nanners and am having one a day.

I'd better get this on and pray I'm not booted so I can get some stuff done! I've had troubles this morning with PC.
Love and hugs....Bren

Yikes! I missed two whole days! I was really busy and got lots done here at home, got lots of great exercise and had fun as well. So it was a productive two days! YAY!

Today is Saturday..again! Day 7 of Round Two!

Today's POA.....
Activity:
21 minutes planned exercise
Work: 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter: 45 minutes
ME Time: lots of it!!

Food Plan:
Breakfast: HM oatmeal bar (w/nuts/blueberries)/LF milk/GF juice/coffee
Lunch: HM soup/Salad w/dressing
Snack: Nanner
Snack: yogurt
Dinner: HM soup/salad w/dressing

Fruit:3 Veggies:6 Grain:1 Dairy:2 Protein:2 Fat:2.......total 16

Hello, my friend! And I love you too. You're one special lady and I'm so glad we've met and are getting to know each other. Gotta love productive days! Especially when they include getting stuff out of your life that you don't love and bringing things back in that you do love. Your exercise and food look so good. I'm very happy for you. Later, Sue

Thanks Sue! I boo-boo'd yesterday...went to dinner with Mom at Furr's.....I will need to say no can do..to the buffet thing . There's TOO much good stuff and I want all of it. I don't eat 3 plates of stuff like I used to but I still have TOO much. Then it takes 3 days to recuperate!

Week One Round Two tallies...pretty decent.....at least exercise wise!!
Planned exercise: 245 minutes........35 minutes daily average
Walking: 20.44 miles............2.92 miles daily average

Food-wise: on plan apx. 75%............dinner meal is still a block. I will attempt to shake that up a bit in the coming weeks. I'll work on my evening routines so they will be more in alignment with the changes I'm making over-all. Doing well all day and then collapsing when I walk in after work isn't ideal!

Today: Sunday 8/7.........Day one/Week two/Round two:
POA:
Activity:
21 minutes planned exercise
2.5 mile walk
5 hours work
45 minutes clean/de-clutter.....I am loving this!

Food Plan: Simple/Light........
Meal 1: Cereal/LF milk/banana
Meal 2: HM soup/salad w/dressing/peach
Meal 3: Cottage cheese/cantaloupe/peach
Meal 4: Yogurt/banana

Fruit 5 Veggies 3 Grain 2 Dairy 2 Protein 1 Fat 2......total 15

Doing this up in word and transferring helps! thanks Sue for that tip..way back yonder! I do need to find and fix my problem if I can tho! I'm off and running!
Bren

OMG (that Oh My Goodness to you, lol), buffets! I think I've been to one buffet in the last year and a half and that was during a binge. Yep, 3 plates, that's the standard, and then you're so sick for the rest of the night. You did great on staying under 3 plates. Good for you! And your exercise is GREAT!!!

What I do is cook up most of my meals on weekends. That way, when I get home and I'm hungry, I have healthy selections to choose from and I'm not grabbing the easy fattening stuff. I'm glad to see you evaluating what you're doing and making changes when necessary.

Oh yes! Me too! LOL! When cooking at home I do mine on my "weekend" which falls during the week, as I work weekends. I am due to be off tomorrow and Wednesday..barring an other office call. One of our ladies is in the hospital with heart troubles. She's getting at least one stent and the Doc was concerned about a possible vessel rupture. VERY scary and another reason to avoid the buffett! I can't make Mom understand the dangers but I can say NO to it! Yep......"enough is as good as a feast"
And I better do that at HOME!

Today: Monday 8/8.......D2/W2/R2......
My POA for the day:

Activity:
21 min. planned exercise
Work 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter 30 minutes
To Mom's Pm? Take mattress: assuming it doesn't rain

Food Plan:
Meal 1: Cereal/LF milk/banana
Meal 2: Soy/beef burger/cheese/WW bun w/goodies/veggies
Meal 3: Roasted chicken breast/collard greens
Meal 4: Cottage cheese/SF jello/peaches

Fruit:3 Veggies: 3 Grain: 2 Protein: 3 Dairy: 2 Fat: 2.......15 total

I've found a fabulous marinade for chicken etc. It's Mrs. Dash..NO sodium, very flavorful! A tad expensive, but I'll get two times use for my $2.69. YUM! I did up four breasts and put 'em in the freezer for future meals......today's will be #2. I got 5 meal size containers of my collards as well. YUMMY!

Ok..due to "technical" problems PC related..I haven't been here in 10 days!! So that would make today...umm...so this would be Day 5/week 3/round 2. EEEK!
Weigh in yesterday was good. doing a slow dance but it will perk up a bit soon I'm thinking. I saw 235.5 on the scale. First time in TOO long!
I'm learning still....about portion control, eating well and only when hungry, stopping when I'm no longer hungry. It comes in bits some days.
I had a really painful day yesterday. Physical pain. I hurt all over.....muscles bones and the like. I analyzed it of course and put it off to:

1) OVERWORKING Sunday at the office.....I was on my feet and moving hard for the better part of 6 hours. Was in much pain when I got off!
2) UNDERWORKING Monday/Tuesday at the office!
3) Getting choked Tuesday AM on an over cooked rubbery egg at breakfast....so bad I coughed and shot my toast out on the table! It was BAD....but I feel it contributed to my chest pain upon breathing deep.

So yesterday was my rest day and I really needed it! I curled up in my recliner to watch TV and read, drank tea and good coffee and massaged my legs some, and that HURT but felt good at the same time. I kept it cool enough so I could cuddle under my blanket and just was so thankful for the down time! The only constructive thing I did was my shopping and picking up an order at JC Penny's.

Gonna put together my Plan of Action for Thursday.....and yep..it will have some in it! ACTION!

Thursday 8/18: day5/week3/round 2.........WOW.......that's a lot of days already! That's ok. I'm doing one at a time as it's all I'm given, and am thankful for each one. I don't have tallys for week two as I wasn't "here" and have done away with my chart for that week..bummer! I think it was 18. somethin' miles, 27. somethin' avg. daily minutes and down 1.5 pounds. That's close enough and I'm surprised I remember that much!

My Plan of Action for today:

Activity:
Exercise 21 minutes or more
Walk 2.5 miles
Cooking day
Cleaning day
Collections day: doing up Goodwill box and have LOTS of stuff to go thru

Meal Plan:
Breakfast: Cereal/LF milk/orange juice/coffee
Lunch: Roasted chicken/rice pilaf/mushrooms/onion
Snack: Yogurt/banana
Dinner: SF veggies/noodles/pork/sauce

Fruit 2 Veggies 5 Grain 3 Protein 2 Dairy 1 Fat 2..........total: 15

u r too good.
have a nice 21s.

235.5 are beautiful numbers! You're really doing great with food/exercise/attitude. Pain can be a good thing, especially when it helps us to analyze what we need to do different, but I hope it goes away soon! Keep up the good work, Sue

Thanks SO much for stopping by! Hello Subashi and welcome to DT! I hope to see you around a lot! Thank You Sue! You are such an inspiration to me and your encouragement cheers me considerably!! I'm doing much better and after my rest day on Wednesday, I was able to get moving again yesterday and today. I had a busy morning and as soon as I vacuum, I'll be done.
I am concerned about my blood sugar levels and my BP. I know I can help myself a lot with diet/exercise. I am praying the numbers come down and quickly!
FBS this morning was 194 and BP was 148/107..........yesterday was 165 and 153/110.
So I do need :help: ! Doc won't give me more meds, until I go in....and I am financially challenged right now........so am avoiding him!


Today's POA...........includes:
21 minutes of planned exercise
Laundry/cleaning
ME time and a lot of it!

Meals:
1) Oatmeal/light marg/molasses/creamer
2) Chicken/rice pilaf/SF veggies
3) Boiled potato/marg/sc/greens
S) apple
S) Yogurt

F2 V5 G3 D1 P1 F3........Total 15

Hey Bren. Before I started losing weight, my high FBS was 365! It is now consistently around 80, unless I've eaten a bunch of junk. I don't think I need to take my medicine anymore but I do anyway because of the binging thing and lapses I have going on occassionally. Exercise really helps to keep it down as well. I just want to prevent any of those terrible diabetes side effects. Doc probably wants to see you so he'll have a better idea if your meds need to be switched, but maybe he'll go for a free phone consultation due to your circumstances. I wish you well with this. Sue

OH YIKES Sue!!! That WAS very high! That sounds like my Mom's!
I worry a tad, as I was told my blood sugar was ok when I did the bloodwork back in January.....then I read that veinous blood tests can show up to 70mg LESS than finger prick, they did no urine test, tho I'd had kidney troubles before, and the only meds I'm on are the dyazide for fluid overload and a BP pill..that I'm supposed to do 1/2 AM and 1/2 PM.....which I don't do, as I'd forget the night dose so am almost out, just doing the 1/2 of one AM. The Doc wanted me on a cholesterol med that I can't afford, nor can I have more bloodwork done as I still owe $200. for my first round.

SO........I MUST get a load off and quickly! My average BP this week was 141/105, with this morning's being 145/120. Average FBS was 174. I have some work to do!! :D
Speaking of WORK...I'd better get ready to GO there!
I'll be back..have a wonderful day!
Bren

Ok, Bren, you and me have really strong motivations right now--you with your high BS and BP and chol and me with I really want to be at goal and tummy tucked by August 1, 2006 at the very very latest. Like you, I'm motivated, but I feel like I've lost a little bit of that here lately with my junk food junkets and crazy busy life I lead.

So, even though we're already sisters (!), can we take this a step further? Let's encouage, push, question, lead by example, challenge (and any other useful adjective) each other enough to lose 50 pounds within a year's time. No excuses. Each and evey single day we will truly strive to do our best. Some days our best might not be too good but as long as we try, seriously try. Other days will be darn near perfect. If we have enough really good days because we're living our lives right and healthy, there's no reason we cannot lose this weight (well, medicine and certain medical conditions can get in the way,...let me know if those are real considerations for you)

I mean eat healthy, exercise regularly, do everything we know we should. I'm going back to posting in my journal the foods I ate every day, the exercise I did, the sleep I got, and my weight (and BS when I feel I need to--I don't check it when I'm eating good because it's always right on target).

Do you want to do this? This is serious stuff, kinda like boot camp but with no rephases, we just keep living one day at a time but like our LIVES DEPEND ON IT! And they do, both physically and emotionally!

Love, Sue

OH Sue!! Thanks SO much! Your timing was perfect........and yes I DO wanna do this! No excuses, hands on living and one day at a time........moving on! I printed your post to put in my day planner and today is a new day, new round and I had just done up a goal sheet before I came in and read your post!
I have done up goals for Weight/BP/BS/Activity.... and I will strive daily towards making them a reality. So much of what I need to do for my health can be accomplished with a good food plan and good exercise. Our bodies were meant to be moved! So with that said..there's NO time like the present to ROCK our socks off! I shouldn't have any troubles meds wise....or health-wise. I will give myself until December 15 to get numbers down and if I need to see the Doc then I will......I pray I DON'T!
Thanks for being my Sis, my friend and a terrific supporter! You mean a lot to me!! Be blessed my friend!
Love, Bren

Week three/Round two talleys:
Weight loss: 2 pounds I finally...thank God! settled at 235!
Walking: 2.26 daily miles: 15.85 miles for the week
Planned exercise: 20.71 minutes daily average:145 minutes total
Water: 60.42 oz daily average

So today....Sunday 8/21 begins Week 1/Day 1/ Round 3
I want to up the ante a bit, exercise wise, as I know that will help a lot in my efforts to lose weight....and in my food plan. I want to keep the lower end of my plan as it's been working. I will strive to stay on plan daily, get at least 64 oz water in and take the best care of me possible!

My over-all goals are:

Weight: 135 (-100 pounds)
BP: 118/78 (I hope to acheive this rather quickly)
FBS: <110
AMBS: <140
Walking: 3-4 miles daily
Exercise: 45-60 minutes daily

This will keep me busy and on my toes! There's a lot I can do to improve my quality of life and condition of my precious self! I will make each day count!

Week 1/Day 1/Round 3: wt: 235 BP: 132/95 FBS: 180


Meal Plan: Sunday 8/21

Breakfast:
WG toast (1) w/light spread
Poached egg (1)
Orange juice (4 oz)

Lunch:
Pasta (3/4 cup)
Broccoli/carrots (1 cup)
Sauce (1/3 cup) sun dried tomato Alfredo

Dinner:
HM soup w/extra veggies (1 cup soup/1 cup extra veggies)

Snack:
Peanut butter (1TBS)
Baby carrots (5)

Fruit:1 Veggies: 6 Grain: 3 Dairy: 0 Protein: 3 Fat: 2 ......Total FP's: 15


Activity Plan:
Work: 4 hours
PE: 25 minutes*
Walk: 2.75 miles*
Clean/de-clutter: 30 minutes
Me time: Church/read/rest/PC time........

I'll get my daily planner cleaned out and organized with charts etc. in place. I like having my info all in one place and that will help a great deal!
* Had to do this in Corel and transfer....having trouble staying on-line today!

Wow, Bren! You’ve really been doing great on reaching your goals. No wonder you’ve been losing weight and feeling better! Good for you. See, it does pay off. What do they suggest for lowering BP? Low salt and exercise, right? Anything else? I know you already try to keep your sodium well below 2400. I try too and succeed whenever I stay away from boxed, canned, or any kind of prepackaged food. When you eat your pasta, do you use the wheat stuff? I like the Healthy Harvest. I also like the Barilla Plus, it looks white but it’s not and it’s very very good and good for you, high in fiber.

Last night when I got home, I thought I’d maybe eat a piece of fruit, but my sugar (from tomatoes and fruit) was already too high and I wasn’t hungry, and I remembered WHY I wanted to stick to plan so I just plugged in my headphones and went to bed. I’m not sure I would have done that, as it has become somewhat of a habit to just eat whenever I want, had it not been for this new plan of ours.

Keep up the good work, sis. Sue

Hiya Sue!! Excellent choice you made last night! I used to do that with my music at night but haven't in a long time due to the hearing problems. I missed it terribly for quite some time. I'm used to it now.......the "non-entertainment". I enjoyed such things as Thunderstorm and Rain Forest too......lovely stuff!
It takes concious effort and thought each day and we are doing that more often.....asking the questions and not eating to fill the void, as I did before!

Yes.....exercise, reducing sodium, increasing fiber.........I'll look up some more info. I have a copy of the DASH plan off the net and it's a good one. I have just plain pasta for now so am using it.I cook less so I eat less! I have some metamucil....and I may "try" it for increased fiber. I'd gotten it several months ago, against my will! I'm a weenie and prefer a pill! But hey, a teaspoon has like 3 grams fiber (2 soluble) and I need the water anyway so I'll give it a shot. It has 30 mg of potassium as well so that's good, right?

I'll boogy before I'm booted..will see you in the lounge..I LIKE that and by the fire at BC!
Bren

Day 2 Week 1 Round 3:

POA for the day:

Activity:
Work 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter: 30 minutes
Walk: 2.75 miles
PE: 25 minutes
Me time: Library after work/PC time

Food Plan:
B: WG toast/peanut butter/OJ/coffee......YUM!
L: HM soup/extra veggies...YUM!
S. Yogurt w/walnuts
D: Turkey/SF veggies/brown rice/light soy sauce/tea

F1 V5 G2 D1 P3 F3......total 15

* I'd almost forgotten I had the BROWN rice in there! That will add a bit of fiber to my day! And the tasteless apples..hmm what to do with those?

Well pooh........I had a bit of a breakdown yesterday. I hadn't had sugar in about 3 weeks and when our sweet little tenant/friend brought us a gift box I lost myself in a fritter and a long john....oh delicious! Then for dinner, I'd bought a big field tomato from United.one..in case it wasn't good..it was SO GOOD.........I had two cheese sandwiches with tomato/onion/pickle on SFLC bread with MW. Well I'm out of Miracle Whip but I want MORE of those tomatoes! I also had cereal and a turkey thigh with left-over pasta and veggies from the day before. So.....it's out of my system and I will be diligent today! I'd told Sweetpea if I could convince myself the sweets are "dangerous" and not "delicious".....perhaps I could leave it alone. I do well not buying it but I don't need the "gift" of it either. I have been known to send it all home with Sharon! I'll do that again and not even look in the box!

Today: Tuesday 8/23....D3/W1/R3

Activity Plan:
Work: 8 hours
Walk 2.75 miles
PE: 25 minutes
Me time
Clean/de-clutter: 30 minutes

Food Plan:
Breakfast: Oatmeal/light marg/creamer/splenda/orange juice
Lunch: Sandwich: WG bread/Cheese/tomato/onion/MW
Dinner: Salad w/tomato/light dressing/HB patty
Snack: Yogurt w/walnuts

F1 V4 G3 D3 P2 F2............Total 15

I will get BACK on track Pronto! I will be alert for problem areas and head 'em off at the pass!

You have the most beautiful way of thinking. Very smart, very positive, very thoughtful. Glad you enjoyed your food and learned what you needed to. Important to start right back to your good habits, unless you have more "learning" to do, but best to learn these things quickly when possible so we don't keep repeating them. Also, I've found that sometimes new challenges can really bring about new "challenges" (if that makes sense). You've opened yourself up a bit, but that's a good thing. You'll be able to handle each challenge as it comes. It's an interesting journey.

Have you ever had stuffed tomatoes? I had my first one a month or so ago and it was incredibly delicious! Take out the innards and stuff it with a tuna/Low Fat mayo and enjoy. I've got a bunch of tomatoes, I think I'll do that myself.

Love, Sue

Hi ya bren,

Been out circling the wagons and saw your flag! You have been doing a wonderful job staying with your program!! I am so proud of you!!

I started my journal again and was shocked to find you here but ohhhh so glad I did.

Time for me to go to bed after all it is only almost 7 in am and been up all night!!

Take care sis and see ya later!!

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

Hello Sue and Lizzie!!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Thanks too for the encouragement and support! I need to circle some and search for ya'lls flags too! Yep...I had an eye epening experience with the sugar escapade! It will take a couple of days to reverse the damage from the overload but I will get there! It showed me to be on guard.....and not be cocky, 'cuz anyone can tumble quick!
No Sue, I haven't tried the stuffed tomato yet! I'll bet I'd love it too. These tomatoes are so good, I wish I could get some to my Mom.....I COULD run over there tomorrow........I'll think about that. I've been rinsing my tuna to knock off some salt, I got the light Miracle whip.....so I'm in business. I stopped by Mrs' Baird's outlet for some day old WG bread, and popped it in my freezer. I will be careful to avoid a sandwich rut...as good as it IS...I need more veggies than that!



Today's POA:

Activity:
PE: 25 minutes....most at work!
Work: 8 hours
Clean/de-clutter 30 minutes
Me time....I got some outdoor time on Monday.....that was nice. HOT but nice!

Food Plan:

Breakfast: WG toast w/peanut butter/OJ/coffee
Lunch: Salad w/dressing/turkey/pineapple
Dinner: Steamed rice/SF veggies
Snack: yogurt w/walnuts

Fruit 2 Veg 5 Grain 2 Dairy 1 Protein 2 Fat 3............15

Gotta run and get ready for work..seems like I did this an hour ago! LOL!
I'll be off tomorrow and Friday tho and really look forward to it!
Love and hugs to you! Me some too!
Bren

Hey Bren. I hope you had a good day off today and got a chance to see your mom and that the sugar monster is back in the closet where he belongs! Actually, he visited me for a short time last night and today found me working out to get rid of the effects of his little visit. Mmmm, sugar. A little bit in moderation... Well, just missed you and wanted to say hi. Sue

Hiya Sue.....I've been MIA again due to boot offs...the phone company says it's my "equipment" that knocks my phone line out.....I had the same equipment, just not so jury rigged in my old apartment.....that's part of my boot off woes.

My talleys for last week.....Week one/round three are:

Walking: 16.03 miles: 2.29 Daily average......down a bit!
PE: 110 minutes: 15.71 Daily average......down a lot!
Food plan: Dinner blew me out of the water every day but one! OH NO! :help:
FBS average: 188.......Other check average: 140
BP average:136/99
Water average: 75 oz......got one thing good!

I'll get this posted and will be back!

Today is Day 2 Week one Round three: Monday 8/29/05

Activity Goals:

Walk: 2.75 miles
PE: 25 minutes: 15 @ the office and 10 @ home
Cleaning:30 minutes (home/office)
ME time....lots!

Food Plan:

Fruit: 2....OJ/pineapple
Veggies: 5.....Salad (2) Soup (2) Beans(1)
Grain: 2...Cereal/Rice
Protein: 2...Pork (soup)...Beans
Dairy: 2...LF milk/cheese
Fat: 2...salad dressing (2)

Total Food Plan choices: 15

Breakfast: Coffee/OJ/Cereal/LF milk
Lunch: Beans/Rice/cheese/Sald w/dressing
Snack: Pineapple
Dinner: HM soup/salad w/dressing

Hi Sis,
Just checking in to see how you are doing! I am working on being consistent and making sure I journal everyday!

Just saying hi fo now but read Snow Angels and see what is happening. You won't believe it!!

Love you sis.
Lizzie

Hiya Lizzie!
I'll be over to check out the angels soon........I kinda need a nap, as I got up at 3:30 and am running down.
Today seems to be about Day 6 Week 2 Round 3

I am looking to increase my activity and decrease food intake. I can't quite make myself use the metamucil for fiber...nasty......so will have to get it from my food.
I've been down a bit on my fruit and veggie servings so will pick up the pace there and that will help.
I'm gonna grab a quick nap and get ready for work in a bit....I'll be back!

Hi

Just stopping in to say hi! You are doing great. It's hard to get the fiber in, that is one of my problems, I'm still trying to get it right!

Take care and have a great weekend.
renee :)

Hello Renee! Thanks for stopping by! I am at the end of another week and am in shock some days....seeing another month of life slipped thru my hands! I need to be more aware of how I spend my precious days. Thanks for the encouragement and support! I appreciate it and YOU!

I lost a few days posting with time slipping away of a morning and many boot offs, so haven't been in and around as much as I'd like. I'll just jump in where I am tho instead of playing catch up! Tomorrow starts a new week and I'll make an effort to get in regularly.

Yesterday's activity:
Walking: 4.10 miles! No wonder I was so tired PM!
Exercise: 30 minutes
Work: 8 hours
Me time: TV PM and 30 minutes to read


Yesterday's Food Log:
Coffee
Water: 40 oz.........was way down. super busy all day!
2 Fiber wafers.......ya need LOTS of time for these and I had mine with coffee. I thought ya could eat 'em like a cookie and go about your business! I really should take a pair of glasses with me when I shop..I can't see at all to read labels!
3 Thin slices ham/1 slice cheese on 4 multigrain crackers
1.5 cups broccoli
3/4 cup rice pilaf
1 slice provolone cheese
3 oz. chicken breast
5 Chicken nuggets
2 oz. smoked sausage
1/3 cup sausage gravy
1 slice LCSF bread
2 LFSF ice cream bars: so-so.......they should be cheap!

F 0 V 3 D 4 G 4 P 4 F 4.........looks like about 15 FP's and apx. 1500 calories
I'll knock that down a bit today with PLANNED meals!
No real balance yesterday.....I ate when I got hungry......the broccoli was a great bargain! I found the large bags at WM marked down to .50 cents! I got two. Wish I had more but hey, other folks need a blessing too!
I was at 233 this morning so that was a huge blessing! With my blurry vision I scared myself 'cuz I saw 238....I was thinking NO WAY!.....and looked again! LOL! Guess I may need to put my glasses on as soon as I get up!

I'll be back.........be blessed today in a special way!
Bren

Hi Angel Sis,
What kind of fiber things are you eating?? I need to add fiber desparately!! I am trying to get my program pulled together and get started and everytime I do another big crisis. I am doing it quietly right now so body won't hear me making plans top deal with it!!

I am so happy you are having success and still working at changing. I don't want my dearest sis with diabetes and all that jazz!! When ever you feel like it rattle my cage so I know you are still around!!

Going to download some Dwight and burn a disc or two!! I am actually getting good at it!! Well maybe not good but sure ok. Ok not ok but I think I can I think I can I think I can!!!!!!

Have a super holiday weekend!!!!!!!

LOve and hugs,
Lizzie

Hiya Lizzie! I am so glad to see you! I am having boot off troubles again this morning so am doing this on Corel for transport later! Wouldn't ya know, the day I have more time, I can't stay on-line! OH well...that in the overall scheme of things is a "small" issue!
Hey, I picked up some of the Metamucil fiber bar things that are like hard cookies. I didn't know ya had to have those with 8 oz. Of fluid too, or risk choking! DUH! I couldn't see to read the label. The taste is ok, but it's a task to eat them! LOL!
I had mine with a cup of coffee at the office and it took me an hour and a refreshed cuppa joe, as it was a busy day! Now if I can train myself to do ‘em with a cup of tea as my wind down time PM...I'll be on the fast track! I have the orange flavored Metamucil powder,but can't seem to get past the "look" of it! Now if it mixed up and looked like/tasted like TANG....it would be no probleemo!
I found and printed a High Fiber Foods list and I'm thinking..just fit some apples in my menu, and more veggies etc. to increase the amount. These cookie things are 120 calories per 2 (a serving) with 6g fiber and 3 of that soluble. I'll use ‘em...like I said...maybe with coffee or tea.......2 times a day would give me 12g.....and I do like oatmeal etc. so I'm thinking I can do up a food plan that will increase fiber/cut fat/cut sugar and make my body happy. I love my veggies and as they are a no-brainer, I can have lots of those with no whining!
I'll attempt to get this posted now! Have a blessed day...and take good care of YOU!




Today is Day 1 Week 1 Round 4:

Weight: 232.5.....woohoo! I am thanking God for every pound down!

~~~Week Three tallies:~~~
BP avg: 134/100 .......(136/99 last week)
FBS: avg. 185....... (188 last week)
OBS: avg. 174....... (140 last week)
Walking: 17 miles....... (2.42 daily average)> a tad
PE: 170 minutes........ (24.28 minutes daily average)> a tad
Water: 63 oz average daily* takes attention some days!
Food plan: Had 3 problem days, and only with dinner so have improved a bit. I want to get this down! I know that meal is important, as it affects my FBS more so than my daytime meals.

~~Today's Plan:
Activity:
Work: 5 hours
Cleaning: 1 hour (home/office)
PE: 25 minutes.....getting close!
Walk: 3 miles...with cooler temps this will get easier!

Food:
Fruit: 2~~Orange juice/Applesauce
Veg. 3~~Broccoli/Salad/SF veggies
Dairy 2~~Cheese
Grain 4~~Fiber bars/noodles/Rice
Protein 2~Chicken
Fat 2~~Salad dressing/light marg

One day soon, I'll do either Points or calories! I need to "utilize" my TIME! LOL!

Hey Bren. Glad to see you still on track. You go girl! Have you ever tried those tortilla shells that are really high in fiber? Not too bad. I get most of my fiber from a full bag of frozen veggies that I mix with 2 oz fiber and some meat and ICBINB spray. I like it and they make so many varieties of the frozen veggies that maybe you'll find something you like. Very filling. Very healthy. The Barilla Plus pasta is also very high in fiber. Don't know if you can get that down there. I'm a big fan of fiber because of the "full" factor and moves everything you've eaten out the next day. Have a good week, Sue

Hey girl, where you been? Ricardo keeping you busy? :laugh: I haven't been around much either so I know how that can go. Come say hi when you can.

OK poo....can't do my "corel" update..my PC is acting up.....
Sue..I too, use a lot of the frozen veggie mixes..oh yum! And low sodium too!
I'm temporaily MIA due to the PC woes and Ricardo is avoiding me..that too, temporarily! I'll be back! I'm gonna pray for my computer!

Today begins week 2 Round 4.....9-11 thru 9-17

Can't stay online long enough to do what I need to most days so once again...am semi-MIA.
Last week, was not my best: Found myself down/depressed and wanting to hide.....a lot of it was the Katrina situation......my heart aches for those devastated and displaced by the storm. I saw too much......and it brought back memories of getting my Mom and Dad out of a similar situation in Albany, in ‘78. Much smaller scale but the despair runs deep, even in a town of less than 2000........my prayers are with each of them and with the crew cleaning up and trying to put things back together..day by day. Now.....this week I will work on repairing the damage I've done...to ME!

Last weeks tallies:
Weight began @ 232.5.........ended back at 235
BP: Average of 139/98
FBS:178.....down from 185 the week before! Yay!
OBS:135.....down from 174 week before! YAY!
Walking: Just 13 miles this past week........but that will pick up as my mental state improves
PE: hahahaha! 80 minutes on purpose.....about 11.42 minutes daily average......see above
Water: averaged 58 oz daily. This too affected by my overall "spirit"
Food plan.........uhh...I had one a couple of times?

This week I will strive to make better choices, take care of ME......as no one else CAN......
Notes:
1) Mom will be coming over Tuesday.....do lunch at home
2) Hearing aid back in shop...relax........take care of my health, reduce stress, LISTEN carefully
3) Library run on Monday after work
4) Eat when hungry/stop when satisfied/take LESS than I want and leave something behind

I will attempt to get this posted and then I need to get ready for work.....getting my "homework" done beforehand.
I'll be back!.....Bren

Whew!
I at least...THANK you Sue for the suggestion!..can do my posts and e-mails up in Corel and then copy/paste in a quickie spot here and yon! Cuts into my daily playtime..but hey at least I HAVE this means of communication!
Have a blessed day all....I'll see ya at camp and at SPA Sue....Lizzie.....I'll be thinking of you this week and Renee as well..praying for healing and restoration...minds/bodies and spirits......mine included!

My heart goes out to the Katrina victims as well and to you too hon. I spent untold hours in front of the TV, at the expense of doing many other things that I should have been doing. I think this and the anniversary of 9/11 has been emotional for all of us. Good for you for your great attitude and determination to get back on track. Sue

Thinking of you Bren :)

Beth :dn

hey there!!
I didn't know you had a journal! looking good tracking everything. catch you later

AWW! Thanks so much Sue...and Beth! what a joy to see you! And sweetpea! Hello ya'll! Yep, me too Sue...watching so much I let other things go. It was tough on many here and the emotional drain took it's toll.

I have my phone lines fixed! That was the cause of most of the boot off troubles! Woohoo! The guy spent an hour and a half here and fixed me up good. Months ago, ok it was weeks and FELT like months..I read in my "FIY" fix it yourself instructions that line noise could cause a connection problem! DUH! I thought it was just my phone!

I am SO glad to be able to stay on-line long enough to finish my thoughts now!
I just have three days left on this week and I may come back to post my daily POA, as I need to throw myself together for work.
I'll be at another office today doing fill-in so will travel light. I got some cereal bars and yogurt for today.
I'll be back, perhaps tonight and play catch up! Have a blessed day all.....
Bren

Well that will be a big load off your shoulders, to not have a continuing problem with your computer. That must have really been a bummer. Keep walking strong. I'm thinking of you. Sue

Thank you Sister Sue!!

I am doing good this morning, concidering how I mis-behaved last night. I FEEL good! Better than I have a right to! LOL! And it's a real blessing to have my phone line working properly! I am blessed!

Today's POA:
PE: 25 minutes..Ricardo is on stand-by
Walk: 3 miles: I CAN do this!
Cleaning: 45 minutes: 30 @ home and 15 at the office
De-Clutter: the paper trail needs some serious attention! Think colored folders will inspire me?

Food Plan:
Breakfast: Cereal/LF milk/OJ/Coffee
Lunch: HM beef veggie soup/pineapple
Snack: Celery/peanut butter
Dinner: Broccoli/rice/cheese/chicken breast
Other: Herbal tea w/touch of honey

Fruit 2 Veggie 5 Dairy 3 Grain 2 Protein 3 Fat 2..........17~apx.1400 C.

I just FEEL better when I get my fruits and veggies in so am aiming to do that NOW! I will do what I can to take the best care of myself today.
Have a blessed and productive day.
Bren:dn :dn

sounds like a good plan!!! hope it all worked out... catch you at spa

Thanks Sweetpea! For dropping by and for your encouragement. Other than my "over Heating" episode and getting sick..I had a great day yesterday. I did dirty up one of my shirts tho, cleaning the golf carts!

Todays POA.....Day 7 week2 Round 4.....charts are helpful, yes they are!

Activity:
Work: 8 hours
Clean: 30-60 minutes
Walk: 3 miles
PE: 25 minutes
ME time....LOTS!

Food Plan:

Breakfast: Oatmeal/honey/walnuts/creamer/light marg.
Lunch: Broccoli cheese cassarole w/chicken and rice
Snack: Canned pineapple
Dinner: Broccoli cheese cassarole w/chicken and rice

Fruit 2 Veggies 4 Grain 3 Dairy 3 Protein 3 Fat 3..........18.....apx. 1400 calories

Hi

Glad you got your phone line fixed. Glad you had a good day yesterday:)

Have a wonderful day.
Renee

Thanks Renee! If I'd known it could be fixed, and it was a LINE problem opposed to my "equipment" as I'd been told, I might have..."might have" mind ya, acted sooner! It's made a tremendous difference!

Week 2 Round 4 Tallies:
Weight was up again....had some bad days in the mix!
BP average: 129/91....yippee! I started 5 weeks ago at 141/105 so this is a good one
FBS average: 199.....ooops.......relates also to my "bad" days!
OBS average...also up.......181 I do before meals and some after.i should stick with one time to get a better idea of how it's behaving. I'll do that this week
Walking: 16 miles.....a bit over 2.25 average. Some days I got my 3 miles, somedays not!
PE: 220 minutes.....much better! Averaged a tad over 31 MPD
Water: Daily average of 65 oz. So that was good!

This week is: Week 3 Round 4.....Sept.18-24
I will work on getting the BS numbers down. I pretty much have learned how to eat....it's getting my mind and body in alignment that is a problem some days. I know it's "mind" that calls for Pizza.....my body doesn't require it!
So I'll do up my weekly menu today and make sure I have all I need in the kitchen to prepare good stuff.

Today's POA

Activity:
Clean house....PLEASE!
Work: 5 hours
Walk: 3 miles
PE: 25 minutes
De-clutter.....30-45 minutes

Food Plan:
fruit 2.......Pineapple/orange juice
Veggies 4......Broccoli(3)/celery(1)
Protein 2.....Chicken breast/Peanut butter
Dairy 3.....Cheese/LF milk
Grain 2....Cereal/Rice
Fat 2.....light marg

I'm trying to get my quantities under control.....so that will be a major goal this week.
I need my calories around 1300-1400 to lose. I dreamed about going dancing last night so I want to be able to DO that again one day soon! It's 13 weeks 'till my Birthday and that might be a good time to start going again..I can do a lot of good in our remaining time of this year by applying myself to the task at hand!

hehe - i told ya so i told ya so - :dn dances around. sorry skiting here. but it sounded like a phone company problem to me :rofl i remember saying it

anyway, altho there are plus and minus on the score card you are making progress and keeping positive and that's the main thing. and i still think 2 miles of walking a day is a reasonable tally. you can only go forward...

Well, before I always got the message that my "equipment" was the problem! Hence the surprise when they actually sent a guy out this time. Yes you said it......took awhile for me to hear it over here!

My off days were spent mostly with Mama.....so I had little self care going on at my place. I did however, get my laundry done and my space in order so felt good about that. I DID get my filing cabinet cleaned/folders labeled and things organized. I still have lots of things in boxes and tubs to deal with in my closets and will be doing that in October mostly as I plan to take a couple of vacation days to do it. Mom goes back to the Doc on the 11th and I'll take the 13th/14th to do my personal stuff.

This year is rapidly slipping away and I've not accomplished what I'd set out to, at the beginning of the year. If anything, I've back-slidden more than I've progressed. BUT.....all in all..it's still been a good year. I still have 3 months and even tho they slip by in a moment's time...I can make a BIG difference in how NEXT year gets it's start.....by finishing this one well.
That's the goal.....the plan and now it's up to me to be the "Action Lady" in my place.
Knowing what to do, how to do it and DOING what it takes........I need to walk the walk ya'll! I talk a good game.it's time I got in and PLAYED it!

Hi Bren. Good for you for getting things accomplished. I feel the same way as you do in paragraph 3. Sue

Hiya Sue! Thanks for dropping by!
I'm getting booted again this morning.....boo-hoo-ted. So just suffice it to say..I'm here and I'll behave today. I am ready for cooler weather! Today IS the first of Fall and it needs to act like it! I am a heat weenie and haven't been able to be out as much as I'd like for fear of roasting.
I'll be back! Coffee's finally on!

Bren, I'm not sure where Abilene is. I hope you're not close to the coast!!! Does it actually GET cool in Texas, lol? You'll have to bring you and your coffee cup up to Wisconsin for the winter. You'll not be worried about being too warm! I hope you have a good day today, my friend. I know I have every intention of doing so! Sue

Hiya Sue! I am in the middle of the state.....maybe 400 miles or so from the coast so I am high and dry. We did have a flood here 3 summers ago. And a tornado hit Ft. Worth...about 130 miles from here. We just had a flood in Stamford last month....cattle swimming out etc. It's been a rough year for many and my heart aches for them.
Oh I'd LOVE to come to Wisconsin! I have some old magazines at the office and some pics were of that state......they CAN do Winter there! We had winter for three days last year! LOL! Yep....it takes a LOT for Texas to cool down. I am sure ready for it tho. I miss being outside of a morning but am sure by October 15th I'll be able to enjoy it again. We did have ONE day last week with a morning temp of 65! OH Heaven! then it crept up to 94 and knocked our socks off!

We have ONE little week left of this month! YIKES! I plan to enjoy it......while making plans for the LAST quarter of our year. This has been a blessed year to date and I have had more JOY than pain........have been restored and renewed spiritually...still have a way to go but am getting to where I need to be.
I will get there physically and emotionally as well. Now financially........yikes....dare I go there? My butt's in the grinder all the way to my navel and that's saying a LOT!
So for this next year, I will SERIOUSLY do some work on my budget......what I NEED...is a second job and I need to hear well for that to happen as well as lose a good amount of weight for my health's sake. I got my hearing aid back on Monday.....it's not functioning on two levels and was a horror to use at the office yesterday. I go in Tuesday for an adjustment! Thank God I only have three days at work until then.....I'll be off Mon/Tue again. Hooray!

I'd like to have a new aid.....but would have to re-qualify for assistance and start the process over. This set is 5 years old and this is twice in the shop for the left one....went dead....and I had to pay $225.00 each time. OUCH! Oh well....that's my whine of the week......you got the cheese?

I'll be back!

Well, I sure am glad you're far enough inland. You know, I'm so glad to see that you were able to turn yourself around this year and make it into a mostly positive and healthier one. If you keep on this path, the results will continue to improve in these areas and others as well. Keep going strong, sis.

Thanks Sister Sue! for you support, your input and your inspiration!
I do feel positive and I've learned a lot this year and have hopes for recovery and good health in the time ahead. I will choose three things that need my attention the MOST.......for the new quarter.....I will apply my strength and will to doing what I must, consistantly. Some things will take awhile, but I want to give it my best effort.

Today is the last day of Week 3 Round 4. I'll have my tallies for the week tomorrow. My FBS is up again....average 207 boo-hoo...That sucks! BP average is 125/92.......so that's doing good.

My three main issues to work on for the last quarter will be:
1) Getting FBS DOWN to an acceptable level........this IS doable!
2) Increasing exercise......will aid in recovery process!
3) Portion Control.......Consistant.....meaning every day!

I can surely focus on THREE biggies per quarter!! I'll be back....gotta get raedy for work. Have a blessed weekend!
Bren

Bren, I think you've really been doing well. I know everything doesn't work out perfectly every day but you do keep up a positive attitude and continue to make progress on your plans, which are wonderful by the way and doable. I know you're going to do this. You want and need it too much not to. I'm rooting for you, sis.

Thanks so much Sue! The encouragment I receive and input from you and others is a great help! I haven't been posting daily, as I am actually working to put things in order. I have lots to get done and when it's DONE I will feel much less stress and it will take moments to spot clean or find an item instead of 45 minutes! LOL! You've been there and done that so ya know what I mean! I am overwhelmed some days at the accumilation of stuff.

Last weeks tallies are in.....
Weight...stayed the same..235
BP average 118/93
FBS 207.....yikes....I WILL do better!
BDBS 150
Walking: 16.5 miles......2.35 MPD average
Water: 67 oz a day average, I got 110 one day...yay!

This week I will focus on getting the fruits and veggies in and reducing portion sizes. I'll be diligent in the evenings when I am most inclined to watch TV and snack myself to sleep. I'll start a new routine and DO something different when I first get home from work...even a 15 minute break might reset my triggers! The tea thing was very nice and with Fall coming, would be a nice ritual to relax and bring my day to a close. I can relax even more when my space is in order so I'll get up and at it...set my trusty timer and work for an hour.
I'll be back!

Hi Bren. I like that you figured out tea is something that works for you. When it works, we just naturally want to continue to do it. Lots of health benefits in tea too, not to mention it tastes just plain good and there's something oh-so-relaxing about it. I tend to go in cycles with what I'm drinking at work, tea for a couple months for when I'm on a health/mood kick, coffee--most recently decaf--for a couple months for when I'm carrying excess water, the flavored carbonated waters for when I want soda. I generally drink water at night.

Ah yes, orerly surroundings. I'm currently keeping my house clean (and paperwork caught up on). I don't know if it's the good feeling I get when I come home to a straightened house or the feeling I get that I'm keeping on top of things, probably a combination of both. I heard something recently that stuck, even though I'd heard it a hundred times before: Easier to keep up with it on a daily basis than after it's piled up. Truer words were never spoken. Yes, it takes a few extra seconds and a little extra effort a day to put an item where it belongs but the good feeling you get from it is worth it, and we don't die from the effort or run significantly behind on our time either. When I do let things pile up and then get overwhelmed by the seemingly insurmountable list of things to do, I take the ones that I want to do, that I feel I would enjoy to a certain degree and do those first. Somehow, it makes me feel that doing the harder things would be somewhat enjoyable as well and then those eventually get done too.

I really like how on a weekly basis you look at the following week and determine what you need to do to make it a successful week for you. That's very smart. Your numbers look good. Keep working it, baby.

hey well done bren. that's lots of extra miles. i remember you used to be around 13 miles a week. hi sue :wave:

yes the FBS is a toughie but you're right exercise helps and small regular meals. you have a really positive attitude so you'll get there

Thanks Sue and sweetpea! For dropping in, for the positive feedback, encouragement and support! I want to get back to regular planning, as my schedule has been off a bit of late and I run out of time to get all done that I wanna do!

Sue I know what ya mean! I have learned too that order begets order!! I love coming home to and spending time in my place when I've taken the time to clean up and organize. I am so proud of my filing cabinet.....and still have some things to do but my files are finally handled and put in a proper place! I had files in tubs in the closets and hey....re-found my birth certificate etc. My financial things are in order and I intend to even start doing my monthly reconciliation LOL! I think I did it twice this year! I have the same amount going in and the same going out each month and never bother to balance..until I hit a problem! Like figuring by hand or forgetting to enter a check and thinking I had $25.00 in there. It's only happened ONCE but that was too often!

Yep sweetpea..the miles pick up at times and I hope with cooler weather I'll be outdoors even more. The summer heat knocked my socks off. One day I got in 3.5, and my calves and legs felt it! It felt GOOD tho, even tho I'm a pain weenie, worked muscles actually feel good.
Yesterday was more of a slack day.....as Mom was recuperating and she was with me until about 1:45 and she went home. I hope she will take the message to heart..literally and MOVE some. Like order begetting order.....so does energy! You USE some and GAIN more! I will get the Leslie Sansone tape for her and demonstrate how easy it can be to get some action in her life. Laying around watching TV wears one out!

Gonna run and get ready for work but will be back later. Have a blessed day all.......be good to YOU today!
Bren

Oooh, I can just see your beautiful filing cabinet! Good for you, girl. Glad you got it done. You sound so good! Sue

Thanks Sue! I FEEL good.....and am proud of ANY progress!
I had only one minor upheaval this week, due to my bosses attitude and behavior, concerning my hearing trouble. Didn't come to ME...talked to my co-worker about it...as if that fixes stuff. That's the way he operates and it makes Sharon and I both very angry. He didn't bother to ASK in order to find out..that my hearing aid was in for repair for 10 days and I had no back-up. I've raged a bit about it and need to stop now so I will. GRRR-spit...as our Beth says!

Last weeks tallies.......
Weight: yo-yo and settled at 235...again I WILL get out of the 30's soon, I KNOW I will!
BP average: 121/86
FBS average: 191....down 5 points from last week
BDBS: 141......down 9......I'll get the hang of this as well
Walking: 16.64 miles........2.37 MPD average...haha up .2!
Water: off this week.....only averaged 58.28 oz per day
Meal plan: Oh pooh! I skipped breakfast EVERY day! Had lunch once and dinner once at Furr's w/Mom....told her we'll be having soup and salad at MY place this week! She's ok with that. I had THREE good nights where I behaved and ate well.
I will focus this week on getting what I need for proper care of ME. It's a good ride and I am enjoying the journey!

Week 3 Round 5: 10/9-10/15

I'll get back to posting daily plan of action, as it helped in the beginning and it's SO easy to slip into old patterns of behavior if I don't stay focused and alert!

Today's Activity Plan:
Work~~5 hours
Cleaning~~1 hour
PE~~ 30 minutes accumilated
Walk~~ 2.5-3 miles
Me time~~Lots!

Food Plan:
Breakfast:
Cereal/NF milk/OJ/coffee

Lunch:
Sandwich: egg/cheese/tomato on WG bread w/mayo

Snack:
Celery w/peanut butter

Dinner:
Salad w/dressing/Beef veggy soup (HM)/applesauce

Fr2 V6 P3 G3 D2 F3.............19.......apx. 1600 calories

Hi Bren. Good for you for doing your tracking again. I always stand back in amazement at you. I'm glad your mom's heart is doing better and I hope she will allow you to help her increase her movement and eat healthier. You're a good daughter. Bummer about your hearing aid/boss and I hope the days will pass quickly and uneventfully until you get it back. Keep up the good work, Sue

Thank you Sis! You make me feel good! I AM a good kid! LOL! I made a small boo-boo and bought bridge mix yesterday.......have had measured portions so-far and I DO really enjoy it. I'll be careful and avoid an overload......she says as she slips her hand into the bag.

Todays' Plan:

Activity:
Work~~8 hours and I WILL be working! LOL!
Cleaning~~1 hour (45 @ home and 15 @office)
Walk~~2.5-3 miles (got 2.75 yesterday)
PE~~30 minutes
Me time~~lots!

Food Plan:

Breakfast: Oatmeal bar/OJ/coffee

Lunch: HM soup (beef/veggie)/greens (1 cup each)

Snack: Banana
Snack: Bridge mix

Dinner: "Taco" Salad w/ dressing/HB meat/cheese (minus chips)

Fr3 V6 D1 G2 P3 F3.........18.....apx 1600 calories

Well my resolve to post "regularly" didn't quite pan out. I had some boot off troubles and uhh..scheduling problems. I really gotta work on those!

Last weeks tallies........
Weight~ still at 235.......was up and down/forgot meds one day/mis-behaved two days
BP~Averaged 122/85
FBS~183.....down from 191 last week
BDBS~166.....up from 141 last week..had one BAD day of 249 which messed up a decent average!
Walking~ 19 miles....average of 2.71 daily! Yay!
PE~210 minutes....daily average of 30! Yay!
Water~DA of 68.....up 10 oz. a day from last week
Meal Plan~ Better over-all....I had breakfast 5 days as opposed to no days the week before/maybe 3 over-load days and I DID have the soup day when Mom came over rather than eating out. I made a really good beef/veggy soup and jalapeno cornbread that was really delish....I made a nanner pudding using SF pudding and 1% milk. Sent some home with Mom too.

Today is the beginning of Week One Round Six......10/16-22

Today's POA......
Activity:
Work~~5 hours
Clean house~~1 hour
Walk~ 2-3 miles
PE~~20-30 minutes
Me Time~~lots!

Food Plan:
Breakfast: Coffee/OJ/Cereal/LF milk
Lunch: Chicken w/veggies/rice/applesauce
Snack: Celery/Peanut butter
Dinner: Cheeseburger salad w/dressing/mixed fruit w/cottage cheese/C-W

Fr3 V4 P4 D3 G2 F4.........20.......apx 1600 calories

Hey, you post when you can, when you want to, when you need to. And OMG, look at your stats! I am sooooo happy for you. Keep up the good work!

Thanks so much Sue!! There are days when I really have to jump hoops to get things done, others when jumping to conclusions my only exercise! I do my daily charts and keep good records, just getting them to here doesn't always work!
I'll be going to Mom's after work today, spending the night so we can have our coffee time outside in the morning. I'll be using Friday for my cook/clean and errand day this week.
I'm going to see my insurance agent and file my claim for damages to my little truck. The neighbor who hit my vehicle is uninsured I'm thinking. He at least admitted doing it.....and has avoided/hidden from me since. So I'll do what I have to, to get repairs done.....bite to bullet and beg for money to cover the deductible.

BUT! I am SO thankful to say I only had two days where I overate and hid from my troubles. I came out clearer minded and purpose driven! LOL! I needed the rest anyway!

I am very pleased with the way my BP has come down and I'm seeing small changes in my BS checks as well. I'm checking 3x a day this week as I wanted to get an idea of how it ran AFTER a meal. I've gotta boogy an dget ready for work..I'll be back tomorrow afternoon.....

Hey Bren. Good for you for keeping track of the things that are important to you. There's a lot to be said for that. I do best when I track my stuff too but sometimes I don't want to and there's usually a reason for not wanting to, lol.

Did Stanley ever come back? I miss him but I'm sure not as much as you do.

My son got into an accident without having insurance and the other person's insurance paid the claim and then came after my son for the money, which we were able to negotiate down to 25%. But hopefully, your neighbor will at least pay your deductible, which I'm sure would be wonderful for you.

Keep up with the clear mind and purpose-driven life, my friend.

Hiya Sue! Yikes, you've been where I am then......on the other side. Settling for 25% is great, compared to full cost. I had an accident in Dallas once, with expired insurance. The lady made the mistake of telling me she'd been hit before and they ran..so when it came to settlement time, I told her agent what she'd said, and told 'em I wouldn't be responsible for someone else's damages and got out with paying only $500 of the $1500 they wanted. So I've been on BOTH sides of the fence now!

Stanley never came back and yes I miss him a lot. I figure management finally had him picked up. I got to pet a sweet kitty while at Mom's....a big beefy Tom cat..... very lovable. I told him about my Stanley.

This week, I went to Mom's twice, ate at Mom's twice and will be in recovery this week! My Bubba is a good cook but his style clogged my arteries on sight! Chicken fried steak,fries,very rich gravy......lovely salad..of which I should have started and stayed with! Then Thursday night....spaghetti cassarole with cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and UN-DRAINED HB meat in the sauce! YIKES!
It played a part in my high readings on my chart for the last 3 days.....thus the "Recovery" time needed!

My averages for last week:
Weight.....STILL 235.....is GOING to go down!
BP: 123/83
FBS: 212.....NOT good
AMBS: 189
BMBS: 150
Walking: almost 17 miles....2.42 MPD average
PE: 160 minutes.....22.85 MPD average
Water: 65.42 oz. daily average
Meal plan: Yikes! Today begins a NEW week and I will apply myself to the task at hand!

Today's Plan.....10/23
Work: 4 hours
Walk: 2-3 miles
Clean: 30-60 minutes
PE: 20-30 minutes
Me x: Lots


Food Plan
Breakfast:
WG toast w/peanut butter/fruit spread/orange juice/coffee

Lunch:
Chicken/rice/veggy soup

Snack:
Baby carrots/cheese

Dinner:
Salad w/dressing/mashed potatoes/steamed asparagus w/marg.

Fr 2 V 8 G 2 D 2 P 2 F 4..........20 FP..........apx 1700 calories

Hey Bren. You made me laugh about being in recovery! You always make me laugh. I can always tell when someone is from the south when they put gravy on their fries. Us Yankees don't eat our tators like that! :laugh:

Stanley gave and received much love when he was with you. You'll see him in heaven for sure.

Spaghetti casserole. Way back when I was in WW, they had a good recipe for spag casserole. Cooked wheat spag mixed w/LF or FF cottage cheese, LF or FF mozz cheese, and 1 egg white to hold it together. You could put diced chicken in it too. Put it in a pie tin, cover with a little of the healthier spag sauce (Healthy Choice is good) and bake it. It's similar in taste to lasagna. I don't have the measurements anymore, but you could figure it out if you wanted to try it. I remember it as being pretty good. In fact, I might make some myself and add some cooked spinich to it as well. Next week, my fridge is full!

You're really doing terrific with your exercise. Keep up the good work, Sue

Hey Sue! I'll bet if I looked around on recipe sites I could find great low fat, healthy versions of my favorites! That WW spaghetti sounds good. I saw some WW books at Hastings once too..oh the stuff looked lucious! Humor gets me through on a lot of days! I laugh at myself a lot!

My Mom called me yesterday to tell me she was exercising! Hooray! She got her walker out, as I'd suggested and was playing her music and dancing! I am proud of her making an effort. I told her Friday, I'd leave her alone......but I'd sic Jesus on her. She'd gone all day without eating, until 7PM at dinner. It's no wonder she has no energy. She even cooked breakfast yesterday.......I will try to be a positive influence and support her, loving her while I have her...but I can't "make" her do anything. I have my hands full keeping Brenda in line!

Today's POA: Monday 10/24

Activity:
Work~ 8 hours
Clean~1 hour
Walk~ 2-3 miles
PE~ 20-30 minutes
Me time~lots!

Food:
Breakfast: Oatmeal bar /OJ/coffee

Lunch: Mashed potatoes/mixed veggies/applesauce

Snack: Baby carrots/peanut butter

Dinner: Salad/dressing/HM soup/SF pudding w/cool-whip


Fr 2 V 7 G 3 D 2 P 2 F 4.......20 FP.........apx 1600 calories......need to pare this down. I think I read that we need 100 calories per pound....so at ideal weight of 135...I "need" perhaps 1350? in order to be healthy, yet lose weight.

I am soooo glad about your mama doin the jig! See all those prayers and encouragement are working. But you're right, we're each responsible for our own actions. I hope she will quickly see the benefits so she will want to keep doing it. Successes sure help us to keep going.

They certainly do Sue! You've been an inspiration to me and your encouragement and support means a lot! I try to pass on to Mom what I learn and I am hopeful she will find some fun in her days by shaking things up a bit. Her BD is Monday and she'll be 71. My Dad was only 62 when he died.....much too soon.
My friend/co-worker at the other office, lost both her parents this year, her Dad in January and Mom just a week ago Sunday. We're rarely "ready" to let loved ones go....but it happens to all of us. She's the one who had major heart surgery and almost died herself...in August. I joke about finding a husband so someone will bury me when I'm gone...but it's not funny.
I won't Know who burys me anyway...so I don't need the husband?

Another week is almost gone! Yikes! Tuesday will start November! Yikes! I'd better get ready!

I didn't really have a food plan in place this week and so have gotten off track a bit, gradually coming back around! I'll pretend this was vacation week or somethin'.

Happy BD to mama and I hope you and she have many many many many more. I was amazed myself by how quickly October is going. Once again, I'm reminded to make every day the absolute best it can be, purely love those we care about, and LOVE OURSELVES. Now, go work on your plan for this week as your vacation time is all used up. :-) Love, Sue

Thanks dear Sue! For dropping in, for BD wishes for my little Mama and for just being HERE! Mom has exercised at least 5 days in the past week! I am really proud of her and I hope she will see and feel a difference so she will continue.
I have a Tuesday AM appointment at Rehab to adjust my hearing aid again.....( they found nothing wrong so did no repair!) and will probably go see her then. I'd planned to go tomorrow after work......I'll request lighter fare for dinner! LOL!

Last weeks tallies.....FINALLY down a pound that stuck!

Weight:234
BP: 122/83.....I am very pleased with how this has changed!
FBS: 196...down from 212 average last week
AMBS: 215...UP....but due to ONE day's high of 427 so my average looks bad
BMBS: 160...UP for same reason....that 427 came down to only 257 before next meal
Walking:I puttered too much! Got in a tad less than 13 miles..1.81 MPD avg.
PE: 140 minutes.....20 MPD
Water: average of only 58 oz daily
Food Plan: I just kinda did a grab and go thing this past week, tho I did get a pot of soup cooked on my off day. I'll give more careful attention to my trouble spots in the week ahead!

Today October 30th....my Get Real, Get busy, New Beginning:

My goals for this new week are to:
1) Lose 2.5 pounds=231.5
2) Drink 64 oz water daily
3) Have 3 meals and NO snacks..daily
4) Exercise at least 25 minutes each day
4) Journal: Facts/Food/Feelings

This will also be Phase 1 Week 1 @ Boot Camp as well. I may as well get a fresh start and new perspective there as well!
I will continue to work on getting my blood sugars DOWN and under control, get my BP down and at a healthy level, and will be taking care of my needs as they arise.......I am worth the attention I give myself!

Today's POA
Activity:
Work 4 hours
Church AM
PE: Dance/walking/Chart
Clean: office 15 minutes....Home 30
Me time: Plenty!


Food Plan:
Breakfast: Cereal/Blueberries/LF milk/splenda/Coffee/OJ

Lunch: Salad w/tomato/dressing/Wrap sandwich*
* Spinach tortilla/mustard/TS turkey breast/provolone cheese*

Dinner: Salad w/tomato/cucumber/red onion/dressing/HM beef veg.soup/apple

Fr 3 V 6 G 3 P 2 D 2 F 4..........20 FP's..........apx 1480 calories

Hi Bren

Very impressed with your goals and tracking. I start with great intentions and then let it slide LOL

Hey I hope you have more success with getting your hearing aid adjusted that will make life much more comfortable for you.

Hiya sweetpea! Thanks for dropping by and for well wishes! Keeping my charts helps and even when I'm not on track it shows where I slipped and areas that need correction. My goal is to patch the holes and form new habits that will help me lose the weight and regain health and stability.

Today's POA:
Activity:
Cleaning: 20 minutes @home/10 @ office
PE: 25 minutes
Work: 8 hours
Me time: lots!

Food Plan:
Breakfast: Oatmeal bar/OJ/coffee
Lunch: Sandwich*/Apple
*WW French bread/mustard/turkey breast/tomato/provolone cheese*
Dinner: Salad w/tomato/dressing/HB steak w/onions/steamed veg. mix /marg.

Fr 2/ V 6/ P 3/G 4 / D 2/ F 3........20 FP's...apx 1550 calories

Wednesday.......10/2.....woohoo, a new month and just DAYS until the end of another year!

Yesterday I had all my food at Mom's and Bubba made big fat burgers but compared to most of his cooking that was not so bad and I won't spend 4 days un-doing the damage.

It's so beautiful here! Fall has made it's appearence and I am well pleased with the sun and 76 for a high!

I'm working the rest of this week on getting my veggies and fruit in, getting enough water and doing some de-cluttering. Time slips away so quickly that I have to RE-focus several times a day.

Today's fruits/veggies include:
Nuked tater and onion
Asparagus..steamed
Salad
Soup veggies
Orange juice and nanner

I will also be watching portion size and stopping when I've had enough. That will keep me alert and on track!

Saturday 11/5/05
We will be doing the last minute shuffle in a matter of days! Where has our time gone and what did I do with mine?

I ran into some trouble this week and had higher numbers than I liked, but I do contribute some of it to my allergies, stress,.....just a little, fluid overload and not exercising enough caution some days.
Today is the last day of this week so I will make it a really GOOD one. I enjoy my weekends at the office and work well alone. Three days interaction is enough, right?

Today's POA:

Activity:
Work: 8 hours
Clean: 30 minutes.....20 home/10 office......will I ever finish de-cluttering?
PE: @ least 25 minutes
Me time

Food Plan:

Breakfast: Cereal/OJ/blueberries/LF milk/coffee
Lunch: Salad/dressing/HM soup
Dinner: Salad/dressing/HM chili

Fr 2...V 6....D 1...G 1.....P 3.....F 4~~17 PF....apx 1400

Tallies for week of 10/30-11/5..........not so good! Boo hoo and all that! Back to the tool shed for a refresher course and new resolve!

Weight: 233.5......down .5
BP: 131/90........up
FBS: 213..........up
AMBS: 193........down 22....yay!
BMBS: 148........down 12....yay!
Walking: 16.75 miles=2.39 daily average
Total Exercise: 265 minutes=37.85 minutes daily average
Water: oops! 61 daily average oz. I drank boo-coos of coffee tho!
Food plan: was too loose for my best interest will tighten up this week!

Todays Plan:
Fruit: orange juice/applesauce
Veggies: Salad/tomato/SF veggies(steamed)
Protein: TS turkey breast/HB steak
Grain: oatmeal/WG bread (2)
Dairy: swiss cheese
Fat: Salad dressing/light mayo/lite marg.

Apx.1700 calories.....2F/5V/3G/4 P/1D/4F

Activity:
Piddle time AM
De-clutter
Church
Work: 5 hours
PE: @ least 25 minutes
Cleaning: 20-30 minutes

I have my dayplanner back in order and in use..am working on getting sets of clothes for the work week done up, ironing seperated and my clothes closet de-cluttered. I will finish it by...umm.....Thursday?

Yesterday was a good day and I did behave. It was a quiet day at the office and I tooled around on the golf cart, making rounds and playing in the sun. It was a beautiful day.

Today's POA:

Activity:
Work: 8 hours
Play
PE: @ least 25 minutes
Cleaning/De-clutter

Food choices:

Breakfast: Cereal/LF milk/blueberries/OJ
Lunch: HM chili...loaded: salsa/cheese/sour cream/peaches
Dinner: SF chicken w/veggies

Fr 3....veg 4.......D 1......P 3.....G1........F 3: apx. 1300 calories

I'll be staying home this week on my off days so will work more/play less in order to get some things finished and to stay on track! Idle hands are the devil's playground..or is it idle mind? I think BOTH are appropriate!

Another week has slipped by.......we will be doing New Years celebrations before we know what hit!
My heart goes out to all of those still struggling to recover from the devastating storms across the states, where daily life remains a major struggle, and celebration not on the top 10 list of things to do. My woes are penny ante compared to theirs.

Last week's tallies: I saw some changes and it's still exciting to be taking a real interest in my health and recovery. I still have days when I say, oh poo...I want stuff and I have it......but they are fewer and less "costly" over all. IE.....a regular burger from McD's instead of double cheeseburger. I don't think I've gotten a regular burger since they were .29 cents!

Weight: 233......down .5 pound
BP: 125/87......down from 131/90
FBS: 201.....down 12
AMBS:178...down 15
BFBS: 135...down 13
Walking: 14.80 miles....2.11 DA.....down a bit from last week
Exercise: 38 minutes daily average......stayed same
Water: 61 oz DA.....up 1 oz!
Meal Plan:.......still not eating breakfast regularly, so will work on that this week ahead....and the water. I set coffee out in a hot pot at the office so I have been kinda getting into that regularly........and it's cut into my water quota!

Overall, a good week and I am pleased with results. The 5 pounds a night loss as I sleep is just not gonna happen apparently so I'll have to dig in and do the work required! I am thankful for each day I'm given and will make the most of my time at least 5 out of 7 days!

YIKES!! It's been nearly a month since I checked in...well...21 days at least! LOL!
I got off track again and have not been keeping myself in check in ANY area for about 3 weeks? That's OK....I will pick up and carry on as before. Renew my spirit, calm myself and quiet the dinner demons once again.

Yesterday we had our Company Christmas dinner and I started about 10 AM...I was in over-drive I suppose. Got a minimum of movement and 3 days worth of calories...at least.
BUT.....that was yesterday....and yesterday's gone! Ol' song.....

Today I will re-evalute.....my goals, my plan, my food supply. I figure I only need to cook about 5 times a month and have meals all month done in advance.
I am enjoying the soup and chili I have in the freezer, have loads of canned salmon and tuna Mom has given me, lots of lovely veggies in the freezer. So I shouldn't have to grocery shop until February!

I won't post any "results" for the past 3 weeks cuz I don't have any! I will start again today.....as I did sorta kinda plug back in on Sunday and will play catch up today while I'm off.
After full recovery from last night's dinner....where I ate every morsel of mine and eyeballed my neighbor's plates and wanted cheesecake which may have killed me had I had it..jeeze.....I was a heart attack waiting to happen last night. NO MORE!

I'll be back...with a new plan Stan, new joy Roy.......and new way Ray.

Well POO!:o
I posted and hit the X instead of post reply and kicked myself out!
Talleys for last week: December 4-11:
Weight: settled at 236
FBS: 212.....oops
BP: 128/94........opps again.

I am defining my boundaries, re-focusing on my needs,goals and requirements this week. I am taking my last two vacation days to get some things done so I can mark 'em off my TO do by the end of the year list! Having a date won't happen unless UPS delivers a New Year's eve one.

Ok.....I won't post last weeks results as I got sidetracked again...working a lot of angles and none consistantly.
I need to get organized and back on top. I've forgotten my meds 3 times this past week. I ran myself down Thursday and now have a nasty cold. I don't FEEL my best and will attempt to get right again.

To that end I am:
1) having my lemon and hot water AM
2) having a PM quiet time......winding down before attacking the fridge
3) letting go of some stressors
4) taking GOOD care of the cold problem

And planning to:
1) cut carbs...especially PM as I need to get teh FBS in check and that SHOULD help
2) make up (again) my food plan in advance (the sandwich kick lasted two weeks!)
3) get some gentle exercise daily
4) LISTEN: to God, my body and my spirit.....that KNOW what I need

I will get back on track with my plan TODAY and stop messing around.