Nearly time for the 1 month update!

Wow! I can't believe that this weekend will mark the one month anniversary of my diet healthier eating/healthier lifestyle. If you'd have asked me a month ago whether I would still be doing it now I think I might have said "probably not". You see I have spent about 4 years trying to get back on track...and failing miserably...very miserably in fact. I had honestly got to the point where I wondered what kind of future I would have...if at all. It was seriously very depressing. Now though I have something to look forward to...more energy...better quality of life...doing more with friends...not being embarrassed by my weight all the time...nicer clothes...a more "outdoorsy" lifestyle. You name it...I have it all to look forward to now and I feel soooo energised by that.

I have hung on my shelf a pair of cropped jeans which I bought last summer (intending to fit into) but they didn't fit...in fact they were nowhere near (a good size too small). My goal is to fit into them by the end of summer and this weekend I'm going to try them on and see how they feel. I've lost 9 pounds since I last tried them on and while I don't expect them to fit yet it would be nice to be able to feel some kind of difference. I'm also going to measure myself (monthly) so I'll update on that over the weekend. I'm going to finish sorting those clothes out at the weekend too.

Apologies that I haven't responded to anoyone's post this week - I can make posts from work, but can't view them..mine or anyone elses...not any more...not even on my lunch break :(

My new routine

I just discovered something wonderful. My On-Demand channel on cable has an exercise channel. There are an assortment of channels that cover different types of work outs from 10 minutes and longer.

I didn't get off to a good start today (see my blog, www.mamawsplace4.blogspot.com for more details on the fiasco). But I will go on later this afternoon and check out all the options. Of course, with my obsession with Lists and Excel, I will build a chart in excel depicting what shows I will participate in daily and maintain a checklist to follow my course of action.

If your cable network (I'm on Comcast) has the On-Demand, you need to check it out. I love the idea of exercising with "others" from the comfort of my home. Although, I wish they would have people who are built like me participating on the show instead of these 20 something year olds who are in perfect shape.

Wednesday Weigh-In

I realize that weighing in once a week was my idea....and I also know that none of us like it....or want to do it....and that includes me!!

But....I hope that for each of you that it's doing the same thing that it does for me....holding me accountable. 

We all have to be held accountable to somebody.  If you work, then you have somebody you have to report to.  If you're married, then you are accountable to your spouse.  And...as a Christian....we're accountable to our Lord.

So....knowing that I HAVE TO WEIGH and report my loss/gain/holding my own to each of you....well, even though I totally dread it....it's gonna be worth it in the long haul!!!

Blessings to each of 'ya!!!

Seven habits that can doom a "diet"

I received this in an e-mail and thought it was worth sharing....

Do you wonder why every time you go on a diet, you wind up regaining the weight — and sometimes even more? Then you’re in “bad company” because most American adults who diet fail to keep the weight off.

Most of dieting is about what goes on between your ears, as in what you know and how you use that knowledge to your advantage. Read on to see how many of these dieting dilemmas apply to you!

1. You give food power. Food can’t “make” you eat it. The way some people talk, you’d think a candy bar holds them down, forcing them to chew and swallow, too! YOU have the power to say “no,” so do it.

2. You think there are “good” and “bad” foods. Wrong! Food does not possess human characteristics. Food is food: fatty food, salty food, low in saturated fat or high in fiber…it’s ultimately your choice.

3. You think a diet is something you “go on.” And then you “go off” it when you lose the weight. For instance, “I lost 12 pounds, so now I can go off my diet.” This recipe for failure means you’ll most likely regain the weight, just like the majority of people who lose weight and regain it.

4. You think you can lose weight without exercise. It’s possible to lose weight without exercise, but most likely the weight is going to come right back once you stop “dieting.” Increased activity, even walking briskly, is associated with permanent weight loss.

5. You eat the same fruits and vegetables every day. That’s like playing only four numbers in the Quick Pick Five. You can’t win unless you fill in the whole card. Increasing variety provides better nutrition and more phytochemicals to defeat disease.

6. You think that all fats are bad. In fact, some fats are health-enhancing, like omega-3 fatty acids in fish and those found in nuts and seeds. But beware of trans fat in fast food and packaged foods and limit saturated fat in whole milk, dairy and fatty meats.

7. You’re drinking too many calories. If you think a glass of soda is bad but juice or sports drinks are good, think again. Juice has the same calories as soda and no fiber. Eat your fruit; don’t drink it. Sports drinks are usually full of sugar: Drink water and eat an orange instead.

Blessings to each of 'ya!!!

If only....

I have the "if only's today". I went through 4 different outfits before deciding what to wear to church this morning. One made me say "If only I had a smaller 'hiney' this wouldn't look so bad." Another made me say "If only my stomach was a little flatter, this would look better."

Then there was the one that said "Wow, if only I could lose about 20 pounds, I could actually breathe in this one."

I finally settled on black pants and a short sleeved turquoise top. I've always been told that black is slimming. Whoever started that rumor never walked into a Women's restroom that has a full length mirror on the end wall. Nothing worse than having confidence that you look half way decent for a change and having that image fly right out the window when you are standing at the sink and catching your full side view in that full length mirror.

I swear my belly and bottom are the same size. You hear of all these descriptions about body types. Hour glass figure, pear shaped, etc. Well I am here to tell you I have created a new body type. I am an S curve. My side view is just like an S. The belly sticks out in front like the top of the S and the butt sticks out in the back like the bottom of the S. Definitely an S curved body.

I wish Mumu's would come back in style.

Welcome Missy and Butterfly! and Oh my...this is too too funny! It ends with a spoof on Butter.

Ladies, just for laughs...you gotta watch this...it's set to worship music..(Deb..don't shoot me!!)It starts and ends on our less than favorite topic...Food!

If my scales could talk.....

.....here's what they would say....

....or....

....that voice could be my own.....

And....here's what I would love for them to say....

....sometime in the not so distant future....

A girl can dream can't she?!?!?

Hope all of you are having a good weekend....just wanted to send out some encouragement and blessings to each of 'ya!!!

UT Medical Healthy Recipes

Just a quick note to let you know that UT Medical Center has a new heart healthy cookbook. You can access it on-line at www.utmedicalcenter.org Then put type "healthy recipe" in the website search. There are lots of good (easy) recipes.
Mis

PS: Congrats on the weight loss for this week!

Devotion for Dieters

This was this morning's devotional....
....thought y'all might want to read it, too!!!

Matthew 6:25 (NLT)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

When I began to diet, I realized how much of my time was spent with something to eat or drink in my hands. Before the diet, I had something in one hand or the other almost all the time. I used to spend a lot of time thinking about where I would eat, what I would eat, and how much I would eat. Food was an idol in my life. How foolish it is to live like that! There are so many things in life that are more important. Spend time in prayer and contemplation, asking the Lord to open the eyes of your heart to all the wonderful things you have missed for so long.

Today's thought: I want my life to be much more than food and drink!

Blessings to each of you!!!

Woo Hoo!

I'd be lying if I said last week was easy because after only losing 2 pounds in my first week I felt a bit disheartened and my mind kept wandering onto other things...like crisps and toast and anything else remotely carb-y. But anyway, I stuck to it, probably even better than the first week and was very pleasantly surprised with a 5 pound loss...woo hoo! I did have a hint that this weeks loss should be bigger because about half way through the week I noticed my work trousers felt a bit looser and it seemed easier to bend, but I still didn't think it would have been as much as 5 pounds.

When I did WW before I always used to have a big weight loss one week and then a small one the week after, so I'm not expecting  a big loss next week, but I'll stick to it anyway. I'm having a treat tomorrow night - a lovely Chinese take away, which will be pointed...and extremely delicious. Gotta have SOME fun!

Congratulations.....

It's me again....I seem to not  be able to shut up today, huh?!?!?

I just wanted to say "Congratulations" to each of you who "weighed-in" on the McLinky that Ms. Donna provided for us. 

You girls are doing great!!!! 

I'm so proud of each of you!!!

Blessings to each of you!!!

It's me again....

Don't mean to hog the blog today....but I just found this over at Living Locurto.  She has some really neat printables and she's offering some things today that I think y'all might be interested in!!!

So....go check her out!!!

Blessings to each of you!!!

No Lie....

.....my scales won't work!!!

Ladies....please don't think I'm tellin' a big fat lie!! 

I got on my scales to weigh this morning...and they would do nothing. 

I think it's probably just the  battery, so I'll get one today and see if that's the problem. 

But....I'm thinkin', too (I know I do way too much thinkin')....but maybe....just maybe....God doesn't want me to weigh every day.  I'm so serious.....I get very discouraged when I weigh every day if I don't see a change in the scales.  Maybe this is different for each of us...but I've always had a problem with this!!!

I was flipping thru the current Prevention magazine and there was an article about weighing.  One lady weighed herself several times during the day and kept track of what she ate/drank, and when she went to potty (a little TMI, I know)....but during the course of the day her weight fluctuated FIVE WHOLE POUNDS!!!

I've tried weighing every day....and it just serves to disappoint me...and I just think

"what's the use"....

....and I go back to a lot of my old eating habits....

(you know....being selfish and "treating" myself to something "sinful").

And...isn't it a bit odd (not really....it's not odd, it's God)....that delicious...calorie-filled....chocolate desserts....are called sinful. 

 How true that statement is!!!

Any-who.....I will weigh in as soon as I can get a battery for my scales.

I do know....that I've lost a grand total of 25-30 lbs since I quit work in 2006!!

I gained some back and have lost 10 lbs since the first of the year.

But as for the past week....don't know for sure!!!

Blessings to each of you.....Deb

Fresh new idea

I just found a fresh new idea that I never thought about. Go out and buy yourself an inexpensive, but nice new article of clothing.....in one size smaller than what you wear.

Keep it hanging prominently in your closet where you will see it when you get clothes in and out. This should be an incentive to drop one dress size.

Just a thought. We all have our "if only's". Mine is that I always think, I would be so much happier about myself IF ONLY I could buy regular jeans that don't cut into my waist and make me look so huge. I've resigned myself to Mom Jeans. You know the ones with elastic waist and no back pockets. I would love just one more time to wear REAL jeans with a belt and a shirt tucked in. Right now, I'm too self-conscience to even attempt a tuck in.

Put the Work Back in Workout, as Nature Intended

http://www.allposters.com

Bee is right!!--good hard housecleaning projects will work up a sweat and get you moving! That's why I considered my 2-3 hours of cleaning appliances as my exercise for the day the other day.

One of my favorite authors, Jeff Yeager, who wrote the Ultimate Cheapskate, and who also is including our family in his next book, said this,

We are the only animals that have so dramatically altered our "normal course of living" and our diets that we need to engage in extracurricular exercise.

Here's a list of MONEY STEP AEROBICS that he suggests...(He says to skip the gym money step and work at home instead.)  CpH Calories Per Hour

Wash your own car       60 CpH  

Cut your own grass       648 CpH

Walk instead of drive    864 CpH

Run instead of drive     1080 CpH

Paint your house            540 CpH

Shovel your snow          648 CpH

Rake your leaves           464 CpH

Clean your own house   324 Cph

Pull your own weeds      503 Cph

He also lists the amount of money you save per hour by doing your own work instead of paying someone else. And he encourages his readers to

make a New Year's Resolution to spend at least one hour outdoors every day even if it's just reading because of all the health benefits.

Yard work alone would be as good of a fitness work out as anything I can think of!  If I could quit thinking of housework as just WORK and start thinking of it as Aerobics!! I would be really motivated to clean out the fridge and scrub the bathroom floor today!

Thanks Bee for the inspiration!

{ where oh where to start }

i guess i should introduce myself.

my name is jessica. you can find out all about me at { jessica leigh }.

my momma is debbie, over at jeremiah 29:11, which you've already met!

i've struggled with my weight my entire life. the only time i ever remember being small was right after i had rods placed on either side of my spine!

i am considered obese, and i feel it!

i am so ashamed of how i look, yet i continue to eat. . . i start on a diet, start doing great, then. . .i just hit a brick wall and begin to delight once again in eating unhealthy fast food and ice cream.

i'm so sick of:

• being fat.
• being ashamed of myself.
• not being able to do all the stuff i really want to do with my children.
• being afraid that the gestational diabetes that i experienced with my children will one day come back full fledge.
• trying on a new outfit and looking pregnant.
• scared to death of going to the doctor because i have to get weighed.
• my back hurting all the time.
• weird menstral cycles.
• looking in the mirror at myself.

would you like me to go on? because it seems everything i do. . . .my weight has a huge factor in it.

my ultimate goal is to loose around 75 lbs. i started the healthy way of eating/life about 2 weeks ago. i've lost 8lbs in these two weeks, which is great, but i need to be held accountable.

another goal is to have my sweet momma watch our boys and to surprise my husband with being able to hike to MT. LECONTE. i've tried several times, but my back hurts so bad we have to turn around.

i've finally told my husband he HAS to help! i've never freely told my weight, but i want him to keep track and make sure i'm on the right path!

i read my mom's post, but i haven't had the chance to read the entire blog. i did gather that several of you metioned, or it was at the side. . .that one should weigh everyday. . .which i've started doing! this has really seemed to help. i like to weigh right after i have gone to the bathroom, after i wake up. i've always heard that's when you weigh the least! so. . . .i'm beginning to check myself every morning right then!

pray for me. i'm going to the doctor today for my yearly. i'm really dreading it. i'm dreading her giving my bloodwork tests back to me, as well as being weighed, and. . . .you know what else!!!

i'm ready to be happy! i've not been happy in such a long time. i'm so happy with my SAVIOR, my husband, my boys, and my family. . . .but i'm not the least bit happy with myself.

here is a picture of me. . .oh my goodness when i hit the publish post, i may have to go drink some liquor to forget what i've done! (kidding! i don't drink)

i would love to do the weekly weigh in with you all. . . . .

happy monday! what a day to start the week, going to the ob! fun fun!

Making housework fun!

I just mopped the kitchen floor. As I was waiting for it too dry, I remembered something from my childhood.

As a mother of twins, it was hard for me to get a "streak free" shine on the floor because the twins always needed something from the kitchen the minute I was done mopping and waxing.

I turned it into a game. Instead of waiting for the floor to dry, I would put three old bath towels down and we would each stand on one. The object was to do the "twist" on your towel, while scooting around the floor. You simply stand on a towel and wiggle your waist and hips as you hold your feet firmly on the towel, working your way across the floor.

Believe me, it's quite a work-out. So this morning, instead of walking away from the floor to let it dry, I grabbed a towel and twisted the wet away. Who says house work has to be boring?

If you have any ideas on something else we can do to exercise while cleaning, please share it with us.

About Me

Hi folks, my name is Louise...and I'm a chocoholic chipaholic breadaholic foodaholic. Thanks for inviting me to the mega exclusive club to beat all mega exclusive clubs, I feel so honoured to be here in such wonderful company.  Please excuse my rubbish typing and frequent spelling mistakes British spelling...as long as I know what I mean, that's the important thing :)

Ok, so onto me, I have...ooooooh...about 100+ pounds to lose (ok more like 150...eek!) and I'm 2 weeks in to my healthy lifestyle. I've lost the grand sum of 2 pounds so far and I'm doing it with Weight Watchers. I've been successful-ish with WW before, having lost 80 pounds back in 2006. Unfortunately, after the death of 3 close relatives, moving house, writing a dissertation, finals exams at uni and getting a job, well all the weight went back on {insert sad face here}.

So why am I this size? Well I think I'm stuck in a vicious circle at the moment - I'm fat so I'm a couch potato and I'm a couch potato so I'm fat...you get the picture? Truth is I hate exercise (intensely) but I do love fruit and veg and basically most healthy foods. The problem is that I also like junk food, pop and biscuits *sigh*. I have sooooo many bad habits to kick that it's just not funny, but I've decided to try and kick them one bad habit at a time. So, 2 weeks ago I stopped drinking (or severely limited) the pop and for the last 2 weeks I've worked on making sure I cook a healthy nutritious meal at dinner time.

Making time to cook has been a BIG deal for me because, normally I am exhausted when I get home from work, so I have little energy for cooking. I work about 70 hours a week between the day job and the evening/weekend job but I've made more time for looking after myself by cutting back the amount of time that I spend making my graphics...which I still haven't come to terms with yet, but I know I have no choice. I need to take care of me for a change, I've neglected myself for way too long.

Ok well, I'll leave it there for now :)

Time for a happy dance!!

On April 8th, I went to WV to visit my mother and took my four grandkids with me (ages 20 mos. to 11 years). All the family came to visit. That means we had 10 kids under the age of 12. It was wild. I lifted little ones, took walks, played games, helped cook and feed them all. We went shopping two days in a row.

It was so busy that I didn't have time to think about eating all the junk I normally eat. When I got home on the 11th, I had lost 3 pounds. It felt so good that I've been real careful with the junk food and cut out the second helpings this week and guess what...The 3 pounds are STILL gone. I've made myself watch it closely because I wanted to have something positive to report.

Keep in mind, I'm not suggesting you spent 4 days with 10 kids under 12 years old. That's a little too strenuous on a regular basis. But it just shows that once you get a few pounds off, it's a wonderful motivator.


I worked for a guy that taught us goal setting. One of the important things about goal setting is to start small and set realistic goals. So I lost 3 pounds in one week. My goal for the next week is to lose 2 more pounds. As much as I want it to be more than that, 2 pounds seems realistic.

If I can keep off the 3 and lose two more this coming week, I'm going to treat myself to two slices of sausage pizza next Saturday night as a reward.

Watch Out for Temptation on the Weekend!

 Popcorn by Photo Dictionary

That title should probably give you a hint that I already stumbled this weekend. It was movie night...sigh...always a dangerous temptation. The movie, SuperMan, was so exciting and somehow I had eaten far more than my fair share of the cheetos and two suckers with bubblegum in the middle. Oh my! Oops!  So at least I did better than in the past and made myself write those errors down in black and white. I've filled out every spot in my food diary  this week which is such a big deal for me. And thanks to Deb I've weighed every single day. And I've lost some weight.  All good news..but I do wish I had been paying better attention last night!

Now I haven't exercised yet, except accidentally. But hubby is going to pull out the machine now that the refrigerator is out of the office. I guess you can't build Rome over night!

But I thought I'd remind you girls to be on your guard! Weekends are so prone to situations where we are tempted to overeat. I will have to keep a good watch on my mouth and not give myself excuses!

Do you guys have trouble with this?

Music - The Motivator

I have placed my favorite songs on my MP3 player. This has become my walking/exercising partner. I have placed an eclectic grouping. I have the Bill Gaither Trio, The Hinsons, The Singing Cookes. I also have my county favorites like George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert. I pulled a few from the past like Aretha Franklin, Three Dog Night and so on.

I slip in the ear plugs and start walking and WOW. I am not a patient person and I found myself cutting my walks short because I would think of a zillion other things I should be doing. Now, I find myself visualizing the stories in the songs. I relax on the Beaches of Old Mexico. I ride around in a Pink Cadillac. I see myself shagging to Sixty Minute Man. And when Three Dog Night belts out Never Been to Spain or Jeremiah was a Bullfrog, my mind goes back to those long summer days of my teenage years when I was skinny. I can feel the fat melt away.

When you walk, don't forget to keep your shoulders back and suck in your gut. If you tighten your tummy muscles while walking it will help tighten them up. The best way to do it is to breathe out as you suck in. I had a friend who did this and it really helped her.

hello, all.....

i'm danielle & i love food. this afternoon in the grocery store i was overcome by the smell of fresh basil. what better dish to ring in spring than angel hair pasta tossed with garlic, olive oil, tomatoes & fresh basil? crusty italian bread would round the meal out nicely....
in june of 2008, i lost my job....looking at the positive side, i was no longer commuting to 2 1/2 hours daily to seattle. i could stay at home & finally be a stay-at-home mother for the first time in 7 years. i began to decompress & relax. i stopped worrying about getting workouts in & the local yoga studio where i practiced & taught closed down so i no longer felt the pressure to look fit & stress over my appearance. we spent that summer by the pool & bbq'd nearly every day. then fall came & all those great hearty meals.....
fast forward to the present & i at a recent trip to the doctor i discovered i'm nearly 190 lbs. as i never weigh myself i can only guess that i've gained around 40 lbs. since 2008. and while i've had fun, it's time to pull the plug on this "relaxed" lifestyle. i have always been athletic & i am certified to teach yoga. a former client is opening a new studio in may & wants me to participate. at this weight i would be too embarrassed to teach. i would think my abilities in yoga are non-existent which would require me starting from scratch.
i have always been able to eat what i want so long as i workout to burn it off. and generally, once i start moving my body, like anyone else, my food choices are more discriminating & disciplined. therefore, i really believe that moving one's body is the most crucial factor in weight loss. we get those wonderful endorphins going, we feel good about ourselves because we accomplished something & it's just a wonderful, huge snowball effect. it's just a matter of taking that first step towards a walk through town or short jog, but sometimes getting started is so hard. as i mentioned in a post to donna, that nike ad says it all..."just do it."
well, now i've made myself accountable to practice what i preach. i guess i'm hitting the trail tomorrow. i will keep you posted.
i wish the best of luck to all you ladies who are participating in this blog & it's a pleasure to share with you all...:)

How About a Weekly Weigh In? Ooh...That's so Embarrassing!!

Cartoon Stock.com

True Confessions
Ok, I guess if we are brave enough to blog about being overweight...why get embarrassed now? I was so inspired by Deb's post that I decided she was right..better go weigh..  Pooey! I didn't want to do that.

Little did I know that it would turn out to be good news! I must have been bloated the last time I weighed or something but I only weigh 183 today..sigh Only! (5ft 2in)  I'm way past the mile marker I said I'd never go past! But that's six pounds less than last week, so I'm not fussing. :o)

Exercise...Let's Try It!
Thanks Deb for the encouragment!  I was also inspired that I should start exercising from one of you..Bee? I've got to find a way to make walking on the machine more interesting...books on tape..something.

Food Journals Work!
And I have been keeping my food journal but it hasn't been easy! I keep forgetting to write things down.(Or not wanting too.)  But it's on my mind all the time. Even when I don't write something down--it definitely makes me feel accountable. I'm getting very consciously aware of what I eat now.I keep thinking how much I wouldn't want to tell everyone that I ate that. It helps!!  I thought how bad that bowl of ice cream was going to look on three days in a row and decided to switch to clementine oranges.


Weigh In Anyone?
What would you girls think about an official 'weigh in'. You wouldn't have to post your weight...just let us know you weighed. Wednesday seems like it might be a good day...we could call it Weigh In Wednesday--Ha! I think I'm going to hunt up a chart that I can add to our list of forms on the sidebar. I need one that I can tape to the fridge. I get motivated by charts though I'm sure not everyone does.



Thank You Ladies!!
I have to say that I really never intended to start trying to 'diet' again. I thought I could never motivate myself to get going again. But you have not only given me hope but inspiration too. I'm sort of getting going inspite of myself. The Lord is so good to bring you all along! What a blessing your are to me.

I'm really enjoying your posts so let me know how you are doing when you get a chance...

Have a great week!

Think I'll just give hubby and hug and skip the snack tonight!
Donna

Hey, it's Brenda (Bee). I love Debbie's idea of a weekly weigh in. A time to celebrate our successes. Even if it is just 1/2 pound. Like Debbie, I weigh myself daily (even though I hate to.) I have weigh in after my nightly shower. I think it's psychological. If I've bathed, I've washed off any of the days grit or grime that might add an ounce. :) Not that you get that dirty setting at a desk all day.

When I weigh in each night, I always hope to see a change. I realize that is not realistic thinking. So I'm content to weigh in and be happy if it hasn't went up a notch. When I lose even 1/2 pound, I have to do my little dance of joy.

Each step we take in this journey is a milestone to our overall success. Deb mentioned in her blog the other day that she has looked at food as her reward. We all play mind games with ourselves to condone what we do. As for me, I talk myself into things; giving myself approval.

I am 5'0" tall with a small frame and weigh 166 pounds. Some people say that's not too much weight. But at my height and frame size, it is. Not to mention how I feel about myself and how self-conscience I am. My ideal weight is 115 - 120.

When I weighed 125, I was happy about my looks and it didn't bother me. When I hit 130, that was okay too. When I inched up to 135, I got concerned but told myself. "That's okay. As long as I never go over 140, I'll be fine." When I hit 139 and saw 140 around the corner, I would say "Well, I am 50 now. These things happen. As long as I don't hit 150."

You guessed it, I hit 150. Then I told myself, "It's hormonal. As soon as menopause ends, I'll lose the weight. It is something I just can't control. But I'll never let myself weigh 160."

Well menopause has come and gone. The 150 flew out the window and here I set at 166 thinking "If I could just get back down to 162 or 163, I'd be satisfied."

Why should I just be satisfied? Where did the thin me go. I know I'll probably never see 125 again, but 139 would make me so happy (just can't face the 140's again).

Inside every woman is a skinny lady yelling "I need chocolate". If I could just shut her up, I'd do a lot better.

The Journey

Hey...Deb here...with a few thoughts about this journey we're taking together!!!

Exercise

The only exercise that I will be consistent with...is walking. I absolutely love to walk.  Sometimes, Pappy will tell me that he thinks I need to take a walk....because it helps improve me not only physically...but emotionally....and spiritually!!!  Often when I walk in the mornings, I spend part of the time praying....thinking about things going on in my own life and in my family...and church family.  When I meet up with my walking buddy, Ms. Evelyn....the time goes by much faster....and more often than not, our conversation will turn to the Lord!!!

In the winter-time, I don't do so well because I just cannot make myself work out looking at an exercise video....ARGH!!!

Late Night Eating

Another thing that helps me....is to not eat at night. 

I try to pick a certain time (around 7:30)....and not eat past that time....unless it's a piece of fruit, or something 100 calories, or less.

That seems to be when I want to eat the most!!

This might sound silly...but I really like to go to bed hungry....because then I know that I'm doing something right....and maybe my body is pulling some reserve fat from my belly...thighs....or, bottom!!!

Asking for the Lord's help

I should have listed this one first.  The post I did on feeling like I "deserve" to eat....that was a huge break-thru for me.  I didn't realize until Sunday afternoon that I was being so selfish by feeling that way...and I've claimed a  verse of scripture for my weight loss journey.....

Exodus 15:2 (NLT)

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him. My Father’s God, and I will exalt Him!

Like I said on my blog....I love the part that says He's already given me victory....all I have to do is claim it!!!

Weighing Every Day

I HATE to weigh myself (and I don't like the word HATE at all!!!)....but when I do it every day, one of 2 things will happen.  I'll rejoice in a few ounces....maybe even a pound lost....or I'll get so discouraged that I'll just give up. 

But....I'm determined to weigh every day!!!

Encouraging  Each Other

What I need is encouragement....the only one in my immediate family who will encourage me is Jess.  Pappy loves me just like I am....or so he says...but I know in my heart of hearts that he would love to have back the thin girl he married, and I would love to give that back to him!!! 

Weekly Weigh-In

One last thing....maybe we need to have a day each week that's our weekly weigh-in day....not to tell how much we weigh...but to at least show whether we've lost...or gained....or remained the same...so that we  can encourage each other!!!

Let me know you're thoughts!!!

Blessings to each of you!!!

Hello everybody

Thank you for inviting me to be on your Gettin' Thin blog. My name is Brenda Keefer and I am about 45 pounds overweight. I have a small frame and am only 5'0" tall. People tell me I don't need to lose weight, but I can feel the extra weight and I don't like it. all my extra weight is in my tummy, thighs and hips.

If I could shed just 20 pounds I would be much happier, feel better and look better. Most of my problem is lack of exercise. I own my own business and don't always get an opportunity to walk like I want to. Sitting at a desk all day doesn't help.

I hope that I can learn from others experiences as to what helps and what doesn't.

One problem I have is junk food. I have a weakness for Junior Mints and for Hershey's Kisses. I have always kept candy dishes on my desk in case I need a pick me up. Since a lot of my work is done via computer, I find myself reaching for the candy dish on a regular basis.

I have moved the dish off my desk, but as I'm walking through the kitchen I will stop and grab a handful. I know that is bad. I lack self-control. I think it is mostly habit.

I love to write. So I have decided that I'm going to buy a journal. Instead of writing what I eat, which will just make me hungry, I'm going to jot down a thought every time I have the urge to snack. I'll keep the journal and a pen where the candy dish was. Then instead of reaching for the snack, I'll reach for the journal and write down what made me want a snack. For example, an entry might read "Have been answering emails for two hours and needed a break to stretch." Then I will stretch and relax a moment. Think I'll get a relaxing fragrant sachet that I can sniff to relax when I go to write in the journal. I'll let you all know how it goes.

A Weighty Matter

Since Ms. Donna invited me to join in this journey to be thin.....I want to introduce myself to the rest of you out there who are struggling with your weight right along with me!!!  

Although, I don't think I'll ever be thin....I would like to be healthier!!!

My name is Deb and I can be found at

Jeremiah 29:11.

Maybe before this is over I will feel comfortable enough to let you know what I weigh now....but I just can't seem to bring myself to type out that number and share it with y'all.  Please don't hold that against me!!!

So....in the meantime....I'll just let the pics speak for me.

The first pic was taken in 2006 not long before our first grandson was born

(it's a bit difficult to tell which one of is is gonna have the baby, huh?) 

I'm pretty sure this was my highest weight....but, once my weight got so high....I just quit weighing myself!!!

And...that's a question for the rest of you strugglers.

Do you weigh yourself every day?

(I just noticed....I like that turquoise color, don't I?)

(And, I promise that's not the same skirt in both pictures!!!)

This is the latest pic taken on Easter Sunday!!!

So....if I continue to loose weight at 25 lbs every 3 to 4 years....

....then, I should be at a "normal" weight....

.....by the time I'm SIXTY-FIVE!!!!

Thanks again, Ms. Donna....for letting me join in the "battle of the bulge"!!!

I very much look forward to reading what the rest of you gals have to say!!!

Blessings to you!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Why keeping a food journal will help you lose weight

Hi Weight Loss Buddies! 

 I think the best place for me to start, is just to write down what I eat. Especially since I think that 'unconscious' eating is at the heart of my problem.  This post (half of it) was taken from  Better Health Magazine...You will want to read every word of it!  I know that when I lost the most weight and kept it off, it was because I was writing down what I ate every day. Eventually, I didn't have to any more but I ate so habitually..most of the day that I had no idea how much and how often I was eating!  Forget counting the calories...just write it down. It's flat embarrassing! The main idea here is that it helps you hold yourself accountable.  Reader's Digest had written an article about this 20 years ago and that's what I was looking for, but this article says it even better.  

In fact, I'm going to post my food diary once a week to help keep me accountable to you guys!

Here's the article...

Why keeping a food journal will help you lose weight  by Better Health Magazine

 The secret to shedding pounds, and keeping them off, may be as simple as writing down what you eat and drink in a food journal

By Bonnie Schiedel

Related Features

• 5 reasons you didn’t lose weight this week
• Lose weight the healthy way

A recent study of 1,700 overweight men and women who participated in a six-month weight-loss program found that those who kept daily food records lost twice as much weight as those who kept no records. Participants also exercised, reduced caloric intake and ate low-fat dairy products plus an average of three servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

“Keeping a food diary is one of the most powerful weight-management tools we have,” says Jack Hollis of the Portland, Oregon-based Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research and lead author of the study, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Participants were subsequently followed for an additional 30 months, in one of the largest and longest-running weight-loss maintenance trials ever conducted.

Why do food journals work?

“Many of us want food to ‘not count’—because we’re on vacation, we’re in a rush, we’re just finishing off the broken cookies in the bag,” says Colleen Cannon, a clinical psychologist in Calgary who specializes in helping people deal with the emotional side of eating. “The act of writing down what we eat helps to raise awareness about what we’re doing.”

It can also be a tool to get an understanding of portion size. “Writing down what and how much you eat and adding up the calories helps you to eat more mindfully and stay on track,” says Hollis. “When starting out, people tend to underestimate, so it’s best to measure the portion sizes carefully at first.” He adds that for many people, keeping a food journal is a lifelong tool, while others use it if they notice their weight creeps back up.
Read the rest of this article here...   It's fantastic!

Here is good Food Diary to start with. It's basic and not too complicated.

From the Heart....Time for a little chat about my life long struggle...with food...

 Hi Friends,

Today being Sunday, I thought I'd share on a rather embarrassing topic...at least for me..... by passing on to you a comment that I left with my friend Deb at Jeremiah 29:11. I share it because maybe I'm not the only one in the same boat.

Most of the blogging friends I see, appear to be quite skinny and I have to say that I'm impressed. I wish I could say the same for myself!

 Tim and I on our honey moon...23 years ago...We were camping...

Deb had taken the time to post her own struggles in this area and asked for any advice, tips, recipes etc. that readers might like to offer. If you have any ideas, I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. And of course, I would too.

Here was my response to her and to anyone in the same boat as myself.

Blessings,
Donna @ Comin' Home
From Deb's post on weight problems..

Hi Deb...join the club! I was never anorexic but all my older relatives either are or have been in the 200-300lb. range. I'm 189 now and don't know quite how it happened. I stayed low after determining to lose weight after the second baby (down to 119) and kept it to 130-140 for many years and through four babies.



But this last six years my weight started creeping up. If I'm not paying attention..I eat. It's that simple. I have to remember to eat small meals and stop. I did the Weigh Down thing too.

Gwen was way off track in her theology for the most part, but she had hit upon one truth that has helped me ever since. It had the most useful life long principle in that the idea of waiting until you are hungry and stopping when you are full makes so much sense both biblically and physically. I've been thinking about this for some time.

I'd be glad to jump on the wagon with you! But you know, you really do look fine--Like the sweet friend that you are. Sadly,I think that I always thought I looked fat at every weight. Now looking back, I wish I still weighed that. It's too bad it had to ruin so many moments when I could have accepted myself and my struggle as one of those unchangeables.

I don't mean to accept the overweightness..that can be controlled...but the fact that I have to be consciously aware of what I eat more than others...that it's a weakness for me.

I think the most important thing I've learned from the Lord recently, is to offer up my 'eating' to the Him. In other words, "Lord let me eat as unto you." I tend towards self-indulgence for comfort and it isn't just food. The Lord has been dealing with other issues. I think that for some of us, hurts in the past lead to a need for some sort of 'comfort'.

You know, Elisabeth Elliot said that we should obey the Lord and leave the results up to Him. We know in our hearts what we ought to eat and ought not. His sheep hear his voice...and he will tell us what we should and shouldn't eat. But if that means it takes five years to lose the weight..so what.

Being overweight is no sin..but not obeying the Lord in everything is. At least that's the heart of it for me. I've just not been listening very well lately or heeding.

I don't believe our battle will be over until we die..but if the struggle keeps us close to the Lord..then it's worth it. But we should never feel condemned because we have to struggle with food. Everyone has a struggle with something. It just doesn't 'show' on everyone.

I'll keep you in my prayers, if you'll keep me in yours!

Deb left this reply to me today...it was so sweet! Thanks Deb!

Deb said...
You are such a precious soul, Ms. Donna. Thank you so much for showing off my ornaments. Most of all thank you for your sweet inspiring comments on my post about weight!! What I heard from you made the most sense of anything others have shared via a comment, or e-mail!!! I'm soooo glad God blessed me with finding your blog!!!


Love You All!

Read more...

Deb,  April 11, 2010 5:14 AM  

Yes...we are in this battle together. We will definitely pray for each other. I hope others can find help and strength from your inspiring words just like I have!!! Thanks for posting this! You are a precious soul! Love...Deb

Countrymama,  April 11, 2010 5:18 AM  

Sounds to me like you have a very clear idea of what to do and why. It's just a matter of allowing yourself to follow it. Sometime we get so used to beating ourselves up that we forget we're worth the very best. Just take it one day at a time and focus on how you feel on your journey and not what the scale says.

Donna,  April 11, 2010 10:18 AM  

Thank you...I appreciate that. I mostly do beat myself up about it. But I haven't seemed to be able to get up the ummph to just quit eating. The problem is that I have to want to bad enough and lately, other things have seemed more important. Thanks for the encouragement.

dani,  April 11, 2010 11:54 AM  

donna...thanks so much for sharing about your struggle....i can definitely relate. i have always been an athletic person. i am also certified to teach yoga. after losing my job of 15 years in june of 2008 i came to view it as a blessing in disguise: an opportunity to slow down, get off the freeway & be more of a full-time mother. but work was not the only thing i took a respite from: i also stopped stressing about working out & that felt right too. i took a break from everything i guess. fast forward to now & i am currently 189 pounds. i love to cook & i love food. i'm not really down on myself because i'm enjoying life & i don't look as heavy as i am, but, like you, i am aware that there is probably an emotional component & i need to be a little more CONSCIOUS of my eating: acknowledging each bite, not eating while the tv is on, knowing when to stop... etc etc etc...and the bottom line is it's not terribly healthy for me to weigh this much. i have a beautiful 9 yr old i'd like to live a long life for. far be it for me to advise anyone but i do know it comes down to a decision...either we get up, exercise & abstain from indulging ourselves in food, or we don't. each morning (or moment, for that matter) we have the opportunity to start anew. nike really said it best: "JUST DO IT..." let me know if you'd consider some sort of support system on here to encourage one another. or you are welcome to just check-in and say hello every now & again. i can start right now on some sort of diet & exercise regimen if that will help you by knowing you have a buddy out there....:)

Donna,  April 11, 2010 12:29 PM  

Dani...I'd love to do some kind of email support group on the blog..I'm not sure how to do it quite yet..but I have an idea. I'll get to it soon. You are right, mostly we just need a good kick in the right place and some friends to say "Way to Go"! I have to say that Square dancing which has been on hold due to my father's death helped so much! I was at least mainaining better and felt so good! My stamina improved dramatically. Teens square dance differently than old folks and I have to dance with teenagers..Tons of fun! I'm starting to get excited about having a little bit of encouragement on this topic. That's why I started the discussion, embarrassing as it was for me and I know for Deb too. Send me any ideas you have..and I'll brainstorm too. My daughter wants to get me on the 'wagon' too. She's beautiful and naturally self disciplined..but she likes 'coaching' me. Let's eat healthy together she says.. :o) God is so good to give us friends and family to support us!