tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21455957623231531512024-03-08T04:49:12.127-05:00Waisting AwayA Journey to a Healthy LifeTiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-49791209289756975532010-10-16T10:48:00.001-04:002010-10-16T10:48:37.745-04:00Fly-by post...I've been MIA for a couple months. But this is just a "fly-by" post to say that I've had ups and downs, but I'm still here, and I'm currently writing this while sitting in my weekly Weight Watchers meeting... in jeans that are one size smaller!! :) Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-85025177471413129012010-08-25T13:43:00.002-04:002010-08-25T13:55:09.179-04:00Positive thoughts...Well, it's been just over a month now that I've been on WW, and I must say, I'm making nice progress. I'm definitely learning to make better choices, and when I do "splurge" on a treat, I make sure it's absolutely worth it. I have cut down on mindless munching and drink guzzling, and pretty much weigh and measure everything that I consume. I can't say that it hasn't been a mental struggle at times, because it has. There have been times when I've wanted to stuff my face full of crap, and times that I've been a perfect angel.<br /><br />All in all, however, it has paid off, and I have seen positive movement in the scale. It's quite encouraging, and definitely makes me want to continue. So far, as a WW member, I've lost about 14 pounds.<br /><br />I'm beginning to get excited at the prospect of actually being successful at losing weight this time. I know it won't always be sunshine and roses, but right now, in this moment, I am positive and hopeful. :)Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-27611007664687708062010-07-26T11:21:00.002-04:002010-07-26T11:50:52.575-04:00The first weekSo, in my previous post, I mentioned that I have made some positive changes. Well, the BIGGEST change is... I've joined Weight Watchers. It's been a week, and I've already seen some changes on the scale at home. I go to my second meeting tonight, and I'm rather looking forward to it.<br /><br />I must admit, however, that this past week has made me nervous. The reason?? Because I have found that the Program (so far) is easier than I expected it to be. I am able to stay within my Points range and eat plenty of things that I enjoy. I'm nervous that I'm in "the honeymoon phase" and that in a week or two, this feeling of ease and joy will wear off and I will turn into a food crazed maniac, binging on junk food and falling asleep in great piles of candy wrappers.<br /><br />In talking with a friend yesterday (MUCH needed talk, and very therapeutic), I know that the journey to healthy is not easy, and even when you've reached your goal (as my friend has), you still must battle the "fat person" mentality. He is such an inspiration to me, and I tell him as much each time I see him (and his progress is what actually inspired me to join WW). He's (literally) half the person he used to be, yet he still feels like the "fat person" he was in many ways.<br /><br />So, the fact that my journey thus far (yes, yes... I know it's only been a week... but to someone like me, that's monumental) has been easy, in addition to the fact that I know my friend still struggles with some issues, makes me incredibly nervous. Am I not having a realistic view of this?? I <em>shouldn't</em> feel this positive, right?? Surely, something <em>must</em> be wrong with me....<br /><br />In any event, here I am, headed for my second WW meeting tonight, and actually feeling optimistic about losing weight for good this time. I pray that my optimism and faith continue to grow.<br /><br />To Kevin (my friend): Thank you so much for inspiring me. Your journey helps me know that it IS possible.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-45901871430990422132010-07-26T11:08:00.004-04:002010-07-26T11:17:41.155-04:00Back again...Well, I'm back again after yet another long break. It's been about 6 months since my last post, and almost that same amount of time since I've been to the gym. Though, I must say, it hasn't all just been an issue of laziness or unwillingness to go. A few months ago I picked up a second job to help take care of some bills and to be able to save a little something, which is great. The downside, however, is that I have very little free time these days, and the free time that I do have I spend either running errands that I don't have time to do because of my part-time job, or doing absolutely nothing because I'm so tired from working two jobs. But that's all gonna change. I'm going to do everything I can to carve out some time for working out. I've already begun making other positive changes, and while I haven't seen a great weight loss in the last 6 months, I haven't seen a great weight gain, either. So, I'm RE-recommitting to my weight loss journey, with renewed vigor.<br /><br />Check out my next post for more on what's going on in my life! :)Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-9282215193893783042010-02-03T11:49:00.003-05:002010-02-03T12:03:59.571-05:00BroccoliWell, I know it's been a while since I've posted anything, but life has been a little crazy over the past couple weeks. We moved on the weekend of Jan. 23, and that was extremely stressful and taxing. Trying to get everything packed and moved and cleaned in just 3 days was a bit much, and who knew I had all the crap anyway?? It's easy to put things in a corner and forget about them, but boy when it comes time to pack and move them... *shaking head*.<br /><br />Anywho, in addition to the stress of moving, I've had to deal with major, MAJOR stress at work. I won't go into detail here, but let's just say that the saying "Be careful what you wish for..." never HAD so much meaning for me until last week! But, in the midst of all this I've managed to get back on track and keep this train moving in the right direction. I must say that during the weekend (and the few days prior) of moving and last week with work stress, I didn't pay nearly as much attention to what I ate. I also didn't make it to the gym as much as I should have, though the bad weather played a hand in that, as well.<br /><br />But, I've still seen some (slow) progress, so I won't complain <em>too</em> much. Some of that progress has come in the form of food choices. Now, people who know me know that I have NEVER liked broccoli. Ever. I would occasionally pick at it if it came with a stir fry or something and was covered in some sort of sauce. But that's about it. Well, last night, I actually made broccoli for dinner.... and ATE it! For me, that is a HUGE deal. I won't say I enjoyed the experience, but it wasn't too bad. I hope to get to the point where I can incorporate it regularly into my meals, and use it to replace other starchy vegetables that I'm known to eat (corn and peas, mostly).<br /><br />So, my victory is not a huge weight loss, or mastering a difficult workout... but it's just as important to ME as either of those things, and just as worth celebrating. :)Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-46403896551883321942010-01-20T21:43:00.004-05:002010-01-20T22:03:56.538-05:00Finding the Groove AgainThings were going along swimmingly. I was motivated. I was working out regularly. I was really getting into a routine of gym-going. Then it hit me. I woke up a week ago with the beginnings of a sore throat and slightly congested sinuses. As the day wore on it got more and more pronounced until finally I had it. "It" being a full-blown COLD. Completely threw a monkey wrench into my routine and threw off my "groove" *insert obscure reference to Disney's <em>The Emporer's New Groove</em> here*. Needless to say I was prevented from working out at the gym as I intended. Yesterday was my first day back in the gym in a week, and I must admit, it's been a little tough getting back into the routine. But, I'm determined to find my groove again and continue on my journey.<br /><br />In other news, I had a routine appointment with my rheumatologist on Monday, and my weight was about 8lbs LESS than the last time I was there a couple months ago. It was a great feeling to see that and to have him respond so positively. I'm definitely encouraged to keep moving forward.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-60337177118411878902010-01-12T11:22:00.002-05:002010-01-12T11:37:57.010-05:00Random Musings...So, I think I have sort of fallen into a bit of a routine, and I'm getting the hang of what it means to go to the gym after work. I even miss it (well... a little) on the days that I'm not able to go. I'm still fighting with myself to get rid of the "instant gratification" mentality. See, I think that you should lose like 5 or 10 pounds EACH TIME you go to the gym. But, again, I'm working on that flawed logic, and learning to take it one day at a time.<br /><br />I've have had relatively good success in making wise food choices, which is honestly a bit scary for me. Food is a weakness for me, especially carbs like bread and potatoes. But, I have been able to make better choices, and not go overboard on carbs and have potatoes at every meal, and 5 rolls with butter. THAT, my friends, is progress. :)<br /><br />I had a treat day on Saturday (I refuse to say CHEAT day... that makes it sound illegal, punishable by law with a maximum fine of 3 cups of collard greens every day for a week), and again, I can see progress. I allowed myself a meal that I really enjoy, without thinking about how many calories were in it, but I didn't go overboard and stuff my face for the whole day. I was able to limit myself to ONE Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut, which is MONUMENTAL for me. In the past, I would go to Krispy Kreme and order 4 doughnuts (2 glazed and 2 chocolate glazed) and eat at least 3 of them in the car before I even left the parking lot of the store. I can't lie and say that I didn't feel the urge to turn the car around and go back through the drive through and buy more, but I DIDN'T do that, and that's what counts. :)<br /><br />And now to the best part... so far, I've lost 9 pounds! In two and a half weeks!! I'd say that's pretty darn good! I'm certainly inspired to keep at it. I know I have a loooong way to go, but I would say the journey is off to a good start!Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-56164476170420908622010-01-07T18:28:00.003-05:002010-01-07T20:10:54.382-05:00Inspiration...I know that the television show <em>The Biggest Loser</em> can be pretty polarizing. People generally either love it or hate it. They love to see people tranform their lives and bodies and find it incredibly inspiring, or they hate to see people exploited and undertake what seems to be a drastic and possibly unsafe diet and exercise regimen. However, I'm somewhere in the middle, I DO find the show to be somewhat inspiring at times, but I also worry about the safety of some of the diet and exercise activities.<br /><br />So, while watching the 9th season premiere a couple nights ago, imagine my surprise when I found myself unexpectedly reduced to tears by a show that I typically don't get so emotionally involved in. Ok... well, maybe reduced to tears is <em>a bit</em> of an exaggeration. But, I did get teary and emotional and it most certainly did take me by surprise.<br /><br />The scene that did it for me was when during one of the interview portions of the program. One of the contestants on the "white team" (I don't remember his name but I DO remember that he weighed 526 pounds) was talking about his weight and about losing weight, and while fighting back tears of his own said, "I just have SO far to go... even if I lose 200 pounds I would STILL be overweight..." <insert><br /><br />The obvious pain in his voice as he said that <em>really</em> struck a chord with me. I KNOW what it means to feel completely hopeless and think that there is no way I can accomplish the seemingly monstrous task of losing all the weight I need to lose. I know what it feels like to think that there can't possibly be an "end" in sight, that true significant weight loss will never be acheived due to the sheer amount of weight that needs to be shed.<br /><br />But, I have determined that NO amount of weight is going to stop me from trying. I need to KNOW that I am doing everything I can to get healthy. Somedays, that will mean eating fruit when I really want cake. Other days that will mean going straight to the gym on the way home from work, even though I really just want to go home and crawl in the bed. My new motto needs to be: Whatever It Takes. Whatever it takes to ensure that I make my very best effort. Whatever it takes to be the person I know I am on the inside (that sounds cliche, but it's true).<br /><br />I've gone back and forth about posting my "starting weight" here, but I've decided that I will NOT post my starting weight until I reach my "maintenance" phase. However, I will post the amount of weight lost, along with progress pictures. So far, I've lost about 3 pounds (according to the scale at the gym). I'll post a "starting" pic soon.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-30496652521148429552010-01-04T20:33:00.002-05:002010-01-04T20:59:46.121-05:00One Year Later...So... it's been a year since my last entry in this blog. I initially had such high hopes. That this was going to be a very useful tool in helping me get healthy in 2009. However, I'm sad to say that over the past year, not only did I neglect to add entries to this blog, but I also lost my "steam" and motivation in getting healthy, and sadly remained overweight and uninspired to change (though, interestingly enough, I still remained unhappy with my weight... it just became easier to "ignore" it).<br /><br />However, I am recommitting to getting healthy and to losing weight. And I will share the journey here in my blog for all to read (though I doubt I will end up with any readers... well, maybe two... KJ and EH). I have recently joined a gym, and have actually been attending AND (surprise, surprise) looking forward to actually going. THAT, my friends, is a FEAT in and of itself...<br /><br />I know that this will be an interesting journey. One that will have plenty of ups and downs, highs and lows, but I promise to stick with it, no matter where it takes me (hopefully it will take me out of Lane Bryant and into Express), and I look forward to sharing it with you.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-82864085200619546492009-01-06T18:45:00.003-05:002009-01-06T19:04:54.372-05:00Score!!So, as you know, I've talked about how I've wanted a Wii Fit, but being that they are incredibly hard to find, I hadn't been able to find one.... until NOW!!! Yay!! On Sunday, I arrived at Best Buy very early and was the first car in the parking lot. They had advertised in the Sunday circular (which I picked up on Saturday) that they would have them. By the time they opened, there were about 15 people behind me... and I was FIRST! Store employees came out around 10:45am (they opened at 11am) and handed out tickets for the Fit. Several people in the back of the line (much to their chagrin) did NOT get a ticket, and therefore were not going to be blessed with a Fit that day (at least not from THAT store).<br /><br />Anyway, I <em>finally</em> got a Wii Fit!!!!! But I'm a bit ashamed to say that I have yet to even take it out of the box.... <span style="font-size:85%;">*slinking away guiltily*</span><br /><br />Ok... ok... before you start in on me, I should explain a few things about myself... First, I have Lupus. Now, for any <em>House</em> fans out there, you should know that Lupus is a <strong>REAL</strong> disease, and a very serious one, at that. The short definition is that Lupus causes the body to attack itself (joints, organs, blood vessels, etc). It can manifest in many ways, and no case of Lupus is exactly the same from patient to patient. For me, the biggest problems Lupus causes are joint pain, fatigue, "brain fog", and photosensitivity. (For more information on Lupus, visit: <a href="http://www.lupus.org/">http://www.lupus.org</a>.)<br /><br />Anyway, I have been having a major bout of fatigue and joint pain over the past few days, and I just haven't had the energy to try it out. I hope to be feeling better soon so I can try it out and give a full report.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-84549943942461750852008-12-30T10:44:00.004-05:002008-12-30T11:15:43.920-05:00Whew!Soooo, I had dinner with my extended family for Christmas. It was a real eye opener for me. For one, it really hit me for the first time how much my family struggles with weight. My dad and stepmom have been overweight for as long as I can remember. And now, my little brother (6) and sister (9) are very overweight as well, and they are so young. My older sister and my cousin also both have weight issues. It seems that these issues that plague my family have become... expected or normal. My family loves to "crack" on each other, joking about who's bigger than who, etc, etc, but, no one seems to be doing anything about it. It was a very disturbing day for me. It made me realize that I can't wait. I can't keep putting it off. I have to do something NOW, for my sake, my family, and especially my little brother and sister. That said, let's move on to........<br /><br />ACTIVE LIFE: Outdoor Challenge!!!!!<br /><br />Oh. My. Goodness.!!!! I'm STILL out of breath from playing this game. I <em>think</em> I had fun, but I was so tired and worn out from playing, that I collapsed into a sweaty heap on the floor, begging for someone to bring me water and an oxygen mask STAT!!<br /><br />Seriously though, it's a lot of fun, and you get so involved in the games that you want to keep playing. You want to beat your high score, you want to beat your time. I think it's a great way for those who are (like me) just looking for a way to get motivated to get up off the couch and do <em>SOMETHING</em>. I will say that those who are in better shape than me may not "feel the burn" as much as I did, but, it's still a great way to sneak some extra movement into your day. For those who are *ahem* <em>horizontally challenged</em>, and want to add something fun to their routine, I definitely recommend it. It does include a lot of games that involve running and jumping (albeit, mostly in pretty short bursts), so be warned.... your legs will <em>suffer</em>... I mean.... <em>THANK</em> you. :)<br /><br />My next personal challenge, as far as exercise goes, is to walk around my neighborhood. Walking around my entire complex is probably about a mile or so, and I would like to be able to do two circuits. We'll see how that goes. I keep saying I'm going to "get up early" and do it in the morning before work. Yeeeeeaaah.... see the problem with that is... I like <strong>sleep</strong>. I mean <em><strong>really</strong></em> like sleep. Getting up early for me means, being able to make it out of the door for work before 7:15am. In order to be able to walk before work, I would have to wake up at <strong>5am!!!</strong> Do you <em>know</em> how early that is??!!?! Seriously, at 5am, I'm still snoring.... hard. So, the thought of that is <strong>NOT</strong> appealing.... at all. However, it wouldn't be a <em>challenge</em> if there wasn't some degree of difficulty, right? If it wasn't something that was hard or uncomfortable for me to do, then it would just be a routine, and not a challenge. So, I <em>will</em> challenge myself to do this. I hope to be able to say on my next entry that I was able to do it.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-84852623615365940872008-12-23T13:32:00.005-05:002008-12-23T16:14:45.003-05:00Random Holiday MusingsSo, my birthday was last week, and I turned 31. 31!!!!?!?!?! I can remember thinking as a child that 30-anything was ridiculously old. Now, here I am, 31 years old, and it doesn't feel old at all. I feel like I have my whole life ahead of me. All the more reason, I guess, to work on becoming a healthier me. One thing I can say about getting older, is that creating healthy habits becomes <em>harder</em>. It's soooo much easier to just sit on the couch and watch TV than to get up and do something. Chocolate cake tastes so much better than an apple. I think it's silly to tell people to eat an apple instead of cookies to satisfy a sweet craving. Um... hello?!? Apples and chocolate are <strong><em>NOT </em></strong>the same thing. And of course, in this season of holiday parties, yummy carb-loaded food, and holiday programs that <em>talk</em> about yummy carb-loaded food, who <em>really </em>wants to go and eat an apple?! Not me...<br /><br /><br />Anyway, one of the things that I have wanted to try to help me on the road to becoming healthier is the Wii Fit. But, I guess everyone else had the same idea, because I have yet to find one available for sale that's not $3,568, 984.23. Seriously, I'm not really sure that it's worth paying more than twice the actual retail value, just to get one. So, I settled on an alternative this weekend. I bought the <strong>Active Life: Outdoor Challenge</strong> game over the weekend. I haven't actually <em>tried</em> it yet, but it has gotten some really good reviews, and has been touted as an alternative to the extremely hard to find Wii Fit. I think I will crack it open and give it a try tomorrow. I will certainly share my thoughts and findings when I do.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2145595762323153151.post-12599346447371719382008-12-17T14:44:00.002-05:002008-12-17T15:10:56.567-05:00Turning PointMy weekend was going along swimmingly... it included a spontaneous trip to my most favorite place in the world, Walt Disney World, and spending time with my honey. I saw beautiful Christmas displays, watched amazing fireworks, saw exciting parades, and just generally had a great time. Then IT happened... It was time to come home, and I was utilizing an airport wheelchair due to not being able to walk quickly through the aiport without being in a lot of pain (I'll cover the various reasons why in a later post). So, there I am, in a wheelchair, waiting to pre-board with other people needing assistance, and I notice some airport personnel start to snicker and look in my direction. It turns out that two employees were "arguing" over who was going to get the "privelege" of pushing me down the jetway to the plane.<br /><br />I wish I could describe what it feels like to have people mock you, practically to your face, and become the joke of the day due to the fact that you happen to be overweight. It is one of the worst feelings in the world, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.<br /><br />At this point, I understand that they are talking about me, and all but drawing straws to determine which one of them has the unfortunate luck to have me to push down the jetway. So, determined to maintain at least a shred of dignity, I grabbed my cane, had my honey take the rest of my things, and made my way down the jetway by myself. I was so upset that I was shaking, but I was NOT going to let myself fall apart there in the middle of the airport. I actually made it all the way to my seat before I broke down and cried my eyes out. I spent the next hour of the flight crying, hurt to the core by people I didn't even know. Thankfully, I had a sweatshirt with a hood that I was able to pull over my face so that I didn't become the inflight entertainment for the other passengers who may have stopped to gawk at me.<br /><br />So, this incident has become my turning point. I don't wish to experience anything like that ever again. I am determined to do what I can to make a difference and to become healthier. Unfortunately, there are some things about my physical being that I cannot change, due to illness (again, I will address that in a later post). But, I promise myself, right now, that I will do everything I can, and change the things I can, to become a better person, a healthier person. Eventually I will share pictures, so that others can see, and perhaps be inspired by, the transformation I will be making. In the meantime, I intend to write and share my ups and downs, highs and lows, victories and defeats in the hope that it will make me a better, stronger, healthier me.Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02699267605365424428noreply@blogger.com0