It’s Monday again! Was your weekend relaxing enough to prepare you for another week? I hope so!
My weekend was crazy! David, Dixie and I loaded up the car Saturday afternoon and made the two hour drive to see our family. We stayed there until we made the drive home Sunday night. It was nice to catch up with family and spend some time “home.”
Saturday night I was more HANGRY than I’ve ever been. I felt my blood sugar dropping and I was getting light-headed driving to my Dad’s (where I stayed for the night). I walked in the door and ate the closest things to me: brownies and a slice of pizza (definitely NOT vegan).
After not eating any animal products for a month, my body definitely revolted. I immediately felt so sick and lethargic. I even had to cancel my plans that night.
I should have recognized that although my being vegan is easy enough, it does require planning- especially visiting a house full of processed foods and Splenda yogurt. I could have picked up a quick frozen meal or brought some dry oats in a bag. So many things I could have done… but I didn’t think.
I ended up also eating eggplant parmesan (with cheese) Sunday at a big family party. Another thing I didn’t think of was what my family would have to say. Most know I’ve switched up my diet but they don’t totally understand (or support) it. SO I ate the dairy… and the consequence was even worse.
I originally became vegan out of suspicion that dairy was causing all my stomach troubles. I knew I was right when all pain went away three days after going vegan. Now all that pain is back… and worse. The pain is surely a reminder that I need to be kind to my body and remember what works for me. My health is worth a few minutes of planning and a few extra minutes of explaining to my family why I eat the way I do.
I’m so grateful I’ve found a diet that leaves me feeling fresh, healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I don’t have to have my stomach in knots all the time.
Never would I say or believe that everyone should eat one particular way. My experience is with my body and how I react to certain foods. There is nothing wrong with the foods I ate… it was just how my body reacted to them. I know we all have things in our life that throw us off balance. Let’s work to listen to our bodies and treat ourselves well!
Everything we do should put us closer towards the healthiest, happiest versions of ourselves.
This is how I try to live my life- with exercise, food, activities...
Working to be my best isn't about deprivation. I put it this way:
...Binging on pizza while standing in my kitchen because of a stressful day= NOT GOOD
...Eating pizza with friends at a big, fun party= GREAT
See the difference?
This is why I've found that obsessing over anything just isn't good for you. You will be left blind slighted to everything else! And life is too short to miss out on pizza with friends because of calories and fat grams.
It's about balance and striving toward the healthiest, happiest versions of ourselves. Sometimes that will involve pizza- and sometimes it will be a nice big salad instead. But that is something only you can decide for yourself.
I am not saying everyone should eat an apple or nothing after dinner.
I am not saying anyone should deprive themselves if a special treat comes up.
I am saying that after-dinner munching is a big sink of empty and unnecessary calories for me and it's a habit I'd like to lose.
I am saying that if there is a change you'd like to make in your life for the better, do it!
Do what works for you and makes you healthier and happier. If you are on board for the After-Dinner Challenge, great! I am so excited to have you embarking on this 21-day challenge with me! We can definitely do it and it helps to have the support of some great bloggers.
Also: On some weekends I will go out for a treat with my family and friends. During these times my challenge will be put on hold! But on normal nights at home I will definitely go for an apple... and then shut the fridge door.
In response to my last post on Habits quite a few people agreed that limiting after-dinner snacking is a big one for them. So Julie said "Let's do it!"
Since 21 days is standard to create or break a habit, today begins a 21-day challenge to not snack after dinner- other than an apple.
To help us along the way:
- Make sure to include enough protein and sweeter veggies in your dinner to keep you satisfied.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid confusing thirst for hunger.
- Make a list of things to do after dinner to keep your mind busy.
- Keep apples stocked in your kitchen and have one after dinner if you need something.
- Tape an inspirational photo or note on your fridge to remind you of your challenge.
April 7-27 to banish after-dinner snacking.
Are you in?
Leave a comment on this post to tell us! Edited to add: Do what works best for you. If you eat a steak as a snack right before bed, go for it! I know I mindlessly snack and eat too much when I'm not even hungry at night due to habit. So that's a habit I'd like to break. Some of you are like me and some of you are happy where you are. But do what fits you!
In a time when trained executives are begging for jobs and more families are losing their income every day, I quit my job yesterday.
I took a risky step for my own benefit- and I am proud of that. I’ve let go of something that was pulling me down and opened up a new world of possibilities.
I was the Marketing Director for a successful political media firm- a job any graduate would be thrilled to receive straight out of college. But I don’t like working in politics (although I do enjoy a good debate). And my tasks were very little marketing. But that was all okay; I did stay there for two years, after all. And I enjoyed those two years.
But lately the demand for hours was growing. Missing dinner plans and the gym and then taking work home…losing my Saturday because an early call…working weekends in addition to a full week. They were definitely 24/7 and there was no “off” time. Putting my family, friends, sleep and activities on hold because I would have to work at any time was too much. My pay was appropriate for 9-5… not 24/7. I signed on for a fairly standard job that turned into constant stress that they (either of my two bosses) might call and demand my next six hours.
Other issues in the environment were off, too. (I omit those for the sake of office politics and respect.) I’d come home at 8:30 in tears and just have nothing else to give. My job was sucking the life out of me and it wasn’t worth it. Without a balance of life and work I became drained and could no longer give anything my best.
So I told my boss everything and resigned.
It was the scariest, most freeing thing I’ve ever done.
Often people are respected for the positions they hold, and I let go of a good one. I sacrificed a comfortable salary and big office for my well-being. I am already breathing easier.
Last September I set myself up for a big challenge and completed it. I trained and ran my 5K, 10K and half marathon!
Now I am setting up (or revisiting..) my next challenge: weight loss. It's really gotten out of control. I am now 9 lb.'s higher than I've been most of my life and 12 lb.'s higher than where I want to be.
I exercise and eat mostly healthy, but the weight has continually creeped up. I know where I fault: afternoon snacking, too many sweets and eating too much with David or when there's a lot of food around.
But I want to lose this weight to feel better in my own skin, run easier and fit into all my great clothes (that are currently out of commission).
Weight loss has always been like running was for me- the "it's great that others can do it, but I am just not made to do it" mentality. Well I proved that theory wrong with my half marathon, so now it's time to tackle my weight.
It makes sense that if I eat less and exercise more I will lose, but something inside me won't let that register. Something inside me says eating 5 chunks of chocolate doesn't matter anyway since I'm not going to lose.
So I'm heading into this half-blind.
Starting today I am counting calories (1,400-1,600) and eating most of my starchy breads and high-carb meals in the early part of the day without thinking too much about it or focusing on what I weigh right now.
My weigh-in this morning showed me a new, bad number, but that's only feedback. My short term goal is to get back to my normal weight (9 lb.s less than I am today). After that I would like to trim off another few pounds.
Here I go!
ps- I signed up for my next half- the Gasparilla Half Marathon March 1st! I'm going to train with a great girl I met on my last half!
It was so awesome! I'm surprised at how well I did actually. I keep thinking how a few short months ago a 5K was tough for me- and now I completed a 13.1 mile race. For anyone thinking of running or dabbling in smaller races, please take a look at my running history. You'll quickly notice that if I can do this, you definitely can, too!
800 runners.. 10 toilets. We had quite the line!
David and I arrived to the Clearwater Half site around 6:10am. It was freeeeeezing and I was chugging my Pepto Bismol since I still have my stomach bug. I was just so excited.
Since David's dad was running with me, we chatted at the starting line with tips and words of encouragement. And... we were off! The first 10 minutes of the race was the BEST. A huge group of all different people running through the city to start off 13.1 miles. I had trained for this. I was so ready to take on this challenge. The biggest smile was plastered over my face!
The course went over two big bridges on the way out and we covered the same two bridges on the way back. From the start the race director warned people to not attempt a PR with this tough course, so my running definitely had its inconsitencies. From the website:
"These courses just might be the most scenic races in Florida, as well as the most challenging, with demanding ascents over our fixed bridges."
Here's an older picture of the smaller bridge
Here is some info and pictures from the course. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the two huge bridges! But it was beautiful. You're running along beaches and there was water in sight throughout most of it. My favorite was going over that first bridge and looking over Clearwater at sunsrise!
I normally run 3 minutes on, 1 minute off. With the adrenaline of this race I was running 6-10 minutes on, 30 seconds off! Between people on the sides to the wonderful (and comical) other runners, I felt fueled by sources outside me.
David and his mom had quite the time while David's dad and I ran the race. They kept catching up to us throughout the race to take photos and cheer us on. It was too funny having my personal mobile cheering section! David even went out to buy me a bagel after I told him I was hungry around Mile 7!! They were GREAT sports!
Just got to the top of the first bridge!
After a few miles I found some wonderful runners to keep up with. Talking with them while passing many mile markers definitely kept me going faster than I might of anyway. Towards the end our little group ended up picking up the sole straglers that were about ready to give in and walk the rest of the way! Ahh, I love the instant camaraderie between runners. Age, status and history means nothing between runners- everyone seems to have this instant, friendly bond. =)
David's dad Steve running about 30 minutes ahead of me
My knees were really in pain from mile 7, but other than that I felt so good! I couldn't believe it. At one point I ran over 30 (hilly) minutes at a pace of less than 11 minutes and I still felt fine. Other than the last mile, my body (and breathing!!) was very happy. The progress my body has made amazes me.
Running through that finish line I felt so good. I finished with the women I'd run most of the race with. David and his parents were waiting at the finish line with cheers, photos and "You did it!" 's!
This crazy guy ran the whole thing (way ahead of me) with flip-flops, shorts and a stick..!
I did it. I set a crazy goal and made it! Really, though, it was much more than "made it". If you would've told me 6 months ago I would run a half marathon, I would've never taken you seriously. I couldn't even run 2 miles!! Now I successfully conquered 13.1 miles. I feel so good!Here's to this "almost-runner" joining the ranks of real "runner"! Now I'm looking for my next half!! I finished 2:46:43 (a 12:43 pace), which isn't too bad considering most of the course was hills and bridges. Good starting number to beat next time!
Thank you to everyone for your support. Really, your words replay in my mind and push me to go farther. They're not just silly comments- you guys meant so much to me accomplishing this. To celebrate today we headed out to my new favorite restaurant in Ybor City, Acropolis, and then to see Defiance!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
IS ALREADY INSIDE.
The video (and message and song!) definitely pushed me during my workout. Look at all the accomplished people in the video. It is inside them just like it is inside you. Overcome your obstacles and push yourself!
One of my “fitness” magazine subscriptions arrives in the mail. Quickly I scan the photos taking note of their clear skin, trim calves and tight abs. More than anything else I begin to compare myself to the “perfect” image depicted in those photos. Without a second thought to my own beauty, strength or accomplishments I am criticizing my blotchy skin and always-too-big legs.
How does this happen?
I’ve been writing in this blog about health and fitness for almost a year now. I’m always the first to speak encouraging words to friends when they get down about their looks. Heck, I’m a huge health-and-fitness-guru-wannabe.
Yet I criticize my own physical condition whenever given the opportunity.
I am ashamed.
We talk about it day in and day out. “Most models are unhealthy and too skinny.” We cry that magazines don’t include ‘normal’ women. Bloggers proclaim their commitment to loving ourselves how we are. But how many of us still critique ourselves with negative thoughts?
I don’t want to do it anymore- whether the subject is a magazine or another woman.
The Challenge So what would a month without all of those negative thoughts be like? Not necessarily a month to lose 10 pounds, hit the gym 6-days-a-week or spend more time at the spa... but a month believing that I am good enough just as I am (and regardless of what another woman looks like)…
Join me this next month to find out. To be honest, I think this challenge will be tough. Since I was a little girl I’ve played the comparison game. To change my thought pattern from criticizing to uplifting will feel just weird, but I’m in.
Join me?
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Since I'm on my road trip, my internet, posting and blog-commenting will be sporadic for the next two weeks... but I can't wait to be 100% back and catch up with you all!
I've posted plenty of times about cereal and how it is my comfort/trigger/can-NEVER-have-just-one-bowl food. It completely stalls my weight loss and all of my good efforts. Lately I have been having cereal every night. I just can't keep away.
I need to quit. This isn't like chocolate, where I could have one bit and tell myself to stop. Cereal isn't even about enjoyment... it's just bad. I am going to quit for 1 month (nice even time?)- April 25- May 25. What can I lose?
But, I have tried many times to "quit", so I need some accountability. If there's anything you need to throw to the curb for a month, join me! Leave a comment and we'll get this started. I seriously need accountability to let go of the stupid cereal!
I remember buying these. Size 2- and they were baggy. I am 5'9"... wow.
Never again will I weigh myself and think "I wonder how low that number can go." Never again will I need to be the smallest person in the room. Never again will I compromise my body, my health and my happiness to meet asinine demands set up by a twisted, impersonal industry.
