Magic Numbers

Using it and Losing it
That's what it feels like when the scale goes down... Magic numbers, Where the heck did that loss come from anyway... Hard work and paying attention, mostly paying attention.
176 Yahoo!  I am feeling more free with my movements,  more strong and limber, and my posture has improved.  I am looking forward to getting out today, and walking. It has been awesome weatherwise.  I love winter when it is clear and sunny, and below freezing.  The roads are not so slippery. And the sunshine lifts the spirits.
I changed the music for my Movement Meditation (MM) to more upbeat rather than spa, and I love it.  I still move quite slowly, because that is what my body seems to want, with stretching and holding positions, and I listen to the music, and observe my body what it does, and how my mind sometimes rattles on, and I wonder how long this run-on sentence could be if I just keep writing, and thinking of my experiences doing MM, which I happen to call YOGA for my exercise logging on the  LOSE IT, and I think that reflects more the calorie useage than stretching which is what I first logged it on as. Whew, think I'll stop that sentence there, ending with a preposition!
I'm really excited that this is working for me, writing, and logging on with the world, Talk again soon, Hazel

Using it and Losing it

The dinner and movie last night was awesome.  A local chef made prime rib, mashed potatoes, carrots, horseradish cream sauce, gravy, yorkshire, home made buns, and a big brownie for dessert... So of that I ate, the prime rib (about three ounces), 3/4 c mashed potatoes, carrots, and skipped the gravy, horseradish sauce, buns with two pats of butter, the yorkshire, and I had a ginger ale at the event, and some wine before I left home.  I had coffee, and half the brownie... it all came to 980 calories... And I was under calories, because of the two hour walk, and the salad for lunch.

The movie was 180 degrees South, I loved it.  Wonderful surfing and climbing, and beautiful scenery, and the music was outstanding...
It is a documentary following surfer/ rock climber/photographer Jeff Johnson as he attempts to replicate the 1968 sailing/climbing expedition of Yvon Chouinard ...and Doug Tompkins from California to the tallest mountain in Chilean Patagonia.
Our local hall was just abuzz with excitement.
Today, woke to -18C, clear skies, and it warmed to -8 for my walk about.  Lovely out there, Tomorrow is weigh in, I'll keep you posted, Hazel

Way to Go

Using it and Losing it
The next day, after the last post, I was down to 177... So, I guess the guy in the sky was playing with me... And I put my calorie allowance for Lose It back to where it was.  And I have been keeping up with the treadmill and stretching.
It has been a really, really, busy week.  Just work alone is busy, then every evening I was out.  This morning I looked at a ton of dishes, dust bunnies we could name and keep as pets, and chaos.... So, dishes first, my hubbie will vacumn, bless his heart, and laundry done....
My little dog and I are outside very soon.  Beautiful clear day, started out at -15C this morning, yet has warmed up to -5 with the sunshine.  Ice grippers in order after the big rainfall we had last week on all the snow.
I'm off for dinner and a movie tonight with my sister, so am saving up calories a bit, Will look at popcorn, and see if I can have some....
Big news, we got a new truck!  A Toyota Tacoma, with four wheel drive.  Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.
I'm always a bit leary about weighins, so I weigh every day, and see the scales go over a few pound variance.  I go from 176-180 lately, so that's getting ok with me, Monday is my weighin day, yet Tuesday was so much more friendly, I think the Non Scale Victories keep me going.
Later, Hazel

Disappointment and Back On Track

Using it and Losing it
Disappointment.... I didn't lose anything this week. 
I have been doing more exercise than in the past, and this is becoming my new normal... I have cut down on my food intake. Last week I  reduced the LOSE IT  recommendation by 300 calories, because it seemed quite high, and I went over the amount only one time, by 68 calories.  You can imagine my disappointment.  Having said that, I am feeling healthier.  I don't feel so bloated, and I have more mobility and feel more clearheaded, so these are all non scale victories.
I was surprised that all morning after that weigh in, I wanted to eat, I felt hungry, and I kept on TRACK. Yahoo!  And I didn't beat myself up about my emotional response... So more NSV.
I went to my profile and goals on the Lose It Site, and reduced my goal  intake150calories.  And I'm going to keep doing the treadmill thing daily, and my movement meditation/stretch and strength. I'll keep you posted how this goes.
We had rain all night, on top of the icy roads it is treacherous out there.
Over and Out, Hazel

Using it and Losing it
The weather is getting chillier, 4C now with promise of colder with wind.  We had a big dump of snow earlier this week, and then Thursday it started raining. Ice glazed roads make for treacherous driving, but studded tires, and weight in the vehicle helps.And I strapped some ice grippers on my hiking boots today, and went for a long walk about.  Sunshine!
Yesterday, I wrote about my disappointment about eating chocolate, yet today, on a less tired note, I realize I have come a long way, as in the past I would have consumed the whole Terry's Dark Chocolate Orange Whack and Snack, and I stopped at a quarter of it....which was still 240 calories, yet not 960! And I learned something new about myself.
HALT is a short acronym that stands for HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY, TIRED 
These can trigger eating without foresight.  The other night, H, L, T....  Beware of these states of being, fellow weight loss buddies.

Humiliation is another emotion that send me around the bend... not being in control of the situation.... I guess that can be reframed as anger at self and embarrassment.  That usually leads to <What the "H-E-double toothpicks"> all out eating.  I think just by writing it out, it is righting itself.  I'll keep you posted.

Tomorrow morning weigh in, yikes.... Today I went over 64 calories, even with an hour and a bit walk about briskly...
Take care of you first, Hazel

Using it and Losing It

Using it and Losing it
That's my motto.  Movement, weight loss...
Yesterday I did 40 minutes on the treadmill, and 20 minutes stretching, and right on track with food, on Lose It site.  Today, I did 40 minutes walking the dog, on this beautiful warmer 4C day.  Brisk out there. I'm tired tonight, we've been burning the candle at both ends, and have had company all day on and off.  I'm proud to say, my snacks today were, carrots, and that's it.
Yesterday was a different story, had a few slices of dark chocolate orange Terry's whack and snack.  Too darn tempting.  Realized it is when I am home alone, and accountable to no one but me. I'm going to post more on this tomorrow.  I'll think about it, and see what I can come up with for strategies.
Monday is my weigh in and I'm  keeping my fingers crossed.  It seems my weight fluctuates so much, I wonder if I'm losing.  Monday morning is the test.  I'll keep you posted, Hazel

Busy Thursday

Using it and Losing it

It's been a busy couple of days.  Last night, there was a  get together at our community hall, organized by my neighbour to listen to a broadcast of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, from 1967.  It was part of the Massey Lectures from CBC. And this event included a dessert potluck.  About 50 people came, of all ages, and there was lively conversation, about peace and violence, standing up for justice and Dr. King's  effect on people. There was some acoustic sing along, which is not my forte, but I make up in volume, what I don't make up in quality, and it was fun. 
And it was a very thoughtful event.
I had an awesome oatmeal raisin cookie, looked for the smallest one as part of my diet plan. And a small date square.  I had enough calories saved up for the indulgence.
I am doing really well on Lose It.  I dropped the calories down to 1379 per day, and I think that is more realistic for me to lose about a pound a week.  I am trying to do exercise on my treadmill daily, and stretching, yet today I have had a time out.  Slept in! and this evening a time out.  I am trying to be realistic.  How can I do this for the rest of my life?  I have been up and down with weight, and my attitude has always been making it into a "Project" to lose weight.  And then I gain it back while I'm not paying attention.What I really need to do is make a commitment every day to start a fresh, and pay attention.  My goal is to keep paying attention, and to keep moving..
So, tomorrow morning, I'm back at it.  Have a great evening, I'm off to catch a couple of ZZZZ's.Hazel.

Exercise, LoseIt

Using it and Losing it
Woke early this morning, and got right on my treadmill, for 45 minutes, while watching a TV episode of a cheesy murder mystery.  It keeps me occupied while taking time for me. Then I did 17 minutes, I was going for 20, of Movement Meditation. I put on Paul Simon's Graceland album to accompany me.  Coffee time now, and blogging.
I like the Lose It website.  It tracks weight and exercise, and gives an outline of what calorie counts I could choose to lose specific weight per week.  I went for the one pound per week, and so far it's been doable. It adds in the exercise, and so far I haven't reached the calorie count, so I may lose more, yet I'm taking it easy. Consistent daily exercise, healthy food, tracking what I do eat and how I move, for the rest of my life.  And it feels good to have a little lee way.  It also has several reports to choose from, to look at trends of weight loss, BMI, calorie intake...over two days, it's a blimp on the map, yet I'm looking forward to seeing the big picture, and to use it for maintenance when I get there!  It has social forums too, yet I am preferring the blog life to date.
Have a great day out there, Hazel

Weigh in Monday

Using it and Losing it
If you go to the bottom of the page, you will notice, I have been successful.  Down a pound!  178...18 til goal, and that will happen May 24, 2011 according to LoseIt which I joined yesterday.

I joined Lose It to track my intake, and exercise, and I just started it this morning.  So, I'll keep you posted on that move. For one pound of weight loss per week, the calories are over 1500.  That seems like something I can do!
So, lots is changing in my life.  I'm getting back to what is important to me.  Health, Learning,  and the rest will follow.
Treadmill: 1.3 miles, Movement Meditation 20 minutes.
I loved this picture.  Woman in the Mist.  Looking so serene and peaceful.  A woman of the world, anywhere.
We are no longer snowed in, as of 4;45pm, after a few days.  I phoned the highways department, and since we live on such a little road (1/4 mile long), and the staff is new, they breezed right by in the plow truck.  Our neighbour was plowing snow in his truck going out this morning.  Feels like freedom to have an exit after a few days of mile high snow.
Hey, I'm feeling great, How about you, Hazel

Moving and Shaking

Using it and Losing it
I set the treadmill to mileage, booted it to 1.3 for a bit, then turned it up to 1.7, no incline, and went for an entire episode of a taped DVD murder mystery, no commercials, and it was 1.9 miles.  Yeah, it's a start.  And I'm starting to love the treadmill.
Dusted off the Movement Meditation book yesterday, glanced through it. Cleared a big area of my rug to get started, found my ghetto blaster with mellow music.  Hey I'm ready.  My body is a bit a lot creakier than it was 16 years ago.  Did about 5 minutes of MM before making dinner.  Very interesting.  I sure do need that slow attentive movement.... It really takes discipline to stay with it.  My dog thinks it's pretty strange, started mewling and shaking.  I ended up petting the dog.... that was fun.  I think he'll get used to it.
We have a ton of snow.  Two feet over the last few days and still snowing.  The highways department can't keep up!  It is still cold, a bit of wind, so just staying in and throwing logs on the fire.
Hopefully the power will stay on, I'll keep you posted, Hazel

Treading Lightly

Using it and Losing it
I got on my treadmill this morning.  Watching TV, making granola, treading lightly 1.6, no incline.  About 40-45 minutes.  It was easy to do.  Just hard to get started....  This Blog is keeping me going.
I'm going to look more closely at the treadmill, dust it off! look at what it tracks, and maybe post mileage here too.  Starting the next time I get on it.

And I may go out and about with the dog today too.  It is cold, snowy, windy, and so we'll give it a try and see what happens.  -12C, blowing snow, yet it seems to be lightening up. I'll track time with that one.  Brisk walking, cross country skiing, lots of opportunity for movement.
Years ago, I did Movement Meditation (MM).  Many of my friends were into meditation, and I was discussing with one of them how I'd tried, and just couldn't stay still. The very next issue of my friends copy of Yoga Journal had an article about MM, and she lent it to me.  It was written by Jalaja Bonheim, and inspired my to buy her book, The Serpent and The Wave, A Guide to Movement Meditation.  I read the book, all the way through in a sit down and read episode. And I started doing the Serpent style MM.  And I continued for about 3 years, daily.  And then,  one day I had an extremely scary experience of my body disolving, and disorientation, and out of body looking on.  If I had been smart, I would have called Ms. Bonheim, and discussed this with her, but instead, I kept quiet, and quit the practice. That was in the mid 1990's. 
About a year ago, I thought about contacting her, and letting her know how profound the practice had been for me. Instead, I talked to a spiritual counselor near where I live.  I have been lucky in my life to have People  that support me, that I can talk to, and NOW, I feel ready to start the practice of MM again.  Besides being a meditation, I became very aware of all the small deep muscles at the core. At the time I stopped, it was because I thought I was alone doing this.  I really wasn't. At the time I didn't reach out to my community. I thought I was a bit crazy.  There was lots of information that I was reading that indicated that I wasn't alone, yet FEAR, my own judgements, and lack of maturity kept me quiet.  Now, I think I have more experience. 
I got on the treadmill, I have lost some weight, I know how to ask for help.  I am feeling very proud of myself and my accomplishments.

Reaching out and asking, Sometimes hard to do, yet behind that courage is lightness and power, 

Treading lightly, Hazel

Exercise

Using it and Losing it
I like writing about it more than doing it.  I'm not motivated to do it on my own as much as with a friend, briskly walking and chatting is my favorite.  Yet it's more handy to go on my own.
The days are getting lighter.  My treadmill lurks in the back room.  My running shoes up in the closet.
Tomorrow morning, get them all together, and make a plan.

Today, after work, I got my hair cut, came home for dinner, did a little online creepin, and now I'm making an effort in the right direction. T'wards progress.
progress in exercise, and progress in water consumption.  My food intake has been moderate, and I'm proud of that.

Glass of H2O, and go look at the treadmill.  LOL, I'll keep you posted, Hazel

First Posted Weigh In

Using it and Losing it
Yesterday was a lovely day, some time spent breaking a new cross country ski trail around the place.  First sweat I've experienced in a long time!  And our little mixed breed terrier Sparky, needs to be at the front of the pack, me and him. It was so funny to watch as he bounded up and down in the deep soft snow like a furry heavy jack rabbit.  He got tired, and then followed me around.  Around our field three times, alongside the driveway, alongside the public road to a nearby cleared property line, and up through an old road in the woods, that I have been keeping clear for the eventual possibility of skiing.  Yeah!   The sun was out, so warmed up to -10C, perfect for my wax skis.

Then I met my sister and friend for a walk with the dogs.  My friends dog, Lucy,  is a mixed breed, yet looks like a real chunky chocolate lab. Lucy likes to jump in the deep snow and hide.LOL, yeah, like one big brown lump in the snow, and then Sparky has to go find and attack her. Snow angels all along the trail.  My sisters dog, is a West Highland White, older male, that just looks on, and everyonceinawhile does a growl in his throat like he's remembering the good ol'days. We walked for about 40 minutes, and the sun was going down, and the temperature dropped FAST.  I found myself doing a walk run back to the car, and pulling down my toque.
BLOG  This has been interesting.  I wanted to put a weight loss ticker on, and went to TickerFactory, and sheesh, an hour later, I still can't figure it out.  It's created over there is cyberspace, and I've gone to help, on both sites, yet I really don't understand computer language, and when I put in the URL I've copied it says ERROR.  So, I'm not giving up, I'm just giving it a rest, and doing my weigh in info with text.  Check it out at the bottom of this blog page.  I added some links, and I think they work, and I'm proud of myself.....


 My sister came over for dinner and she made ChimiChurri Sauce.  Which is just my favorite thing in the whole world to have on burgers... Our burgers are bought from our local butcher, and we get the lowest fat, which is more expensive, but worth it, in my estimation.   Cook them on a grill with parchment paper, really high heat, for 10 minutes per side. sprinkle with fresh ground roasted cumin, coffee powder, and fresh ground black pepper.  Red meat has tons of salt naturally, so we don't add it, yet that may be an acquired taste. I also make Micheal Smith's Argentinean Burgers sometimes.
We had a glass of wine, a "Romaine lettuce with whatever is green and/or fresh in the fridge" Salad, I put a bit of CC Sauce on that, and a Burger on our locally made Ciabatta Buns grilled, with CCS, and no dessert as previously advertised!  And that was just yummy!
We played Mexican Train dominos, and I won by about 1 and 1/2 points.  I love that game even when I don't win.  I savour the feel and noise of dominos, and the colour of the pips, and the companionship.
  
WeighIn 179!  That is so cool!  below 180.   Monday morning 8 am.  that will be a good schedule.
Hey, have a great day out there, Hazel

Diplomacy and Personal Power

Using it and Losing it

I need to find some ways to be diplomatic with my family around my weight loss journey for long term maintenance and success.
This issue surfaced again.  My sister called and wanted to go for "a stroll".  And stay for dinner, and she'll bring dessert.  And out of my mouth popped, We're not doing dessert at our house these days! 
And that's not necessarily true.  I'm not the only one who lives here. 
Diplomacy needed.... Sure, please bring dessert!  hmmm, maybe not....
Food has always been the main focus of attention with my family of origin, and for me too.  And I have anger that surfaces, really fast, before my brain kicks in, around the "over the top Obsession" of it.  And the lack of focus on health of it.
I'd like to learn some key phrases to use to get myself on track, and stay diplomatic.
I think I have actually, yet I'm expecting them to accept my goals and respect them, and I also worry about family members that are pushing 300 around, and not ready to do something about it.
The reason I would like to learn about diplomacy, is that we are all alike in my family, and speak before we think, and there is often an underlying tension. My sister just gets hurt, because she wants to contribute, and that's one way she's good at it. Then she gets angry, and sarcastic.  She's not into Health these days, and loves to cook.  I'm a bit of a health nut, underline the NUT in her view.
So, what I did say, is:  I'm cooking hamburgers for dinner, and anything you would like to bring to put on top of them would be great. 
And I am going for a cross country ski to set the trails around here, and I'll call you when I'm done, then you could come out, and we could go for a walk with the dogs.  And she's going to call someone else for a stroll that lives near me.  So actually it will work out.
You know, I just realized, I get scared. I hate conflict. I don't wanna have to explain myself to anyone.  And I just need to put up with this discomfort for a few weeks the rest of my life , until I have some new patterns set.  And the discomfort will be ongoing.  It's about personal power within my family group.  Now, how to be diplomatic, how not to be conflictual and maintain my own power.  I wonder if it's even a possibility.
It has helped to write this out.  I'll keep you posted, Hazel

High Octane

When I'm contemplating what I'm putting into my body, some of the things I crave are yelling at me,  high octane fuel.  Get me jittery, could be used for running a mile or two the short distance, then crash and burn,  but long term fuel is really what my body needs for health and long term endurance and clear headed decision making.
Last night, two glasses of wine led to chocolate, and more chocolate, and I can see how high octane wants more high octane.  Ok, Ok, every once in awhile it's not going to do long term hip, waist, thigh, damage.  Yet, I'm keeping track, and this blog will help.
today's Food log so far, coffee and vanilla soymilk, a handful of organic walnuts, and a banana
I went on an outing today, and fixed myself two apples sliced up, and some prunes.  And a mix of walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and raisins. (To share with my friends)  That was a big hit. And we grazed on them for the mid day.  Out to our local coffee shop for Americano with skim milk.
Just got back from a walk with our little mixed breed terrier.  We have lots of snow, and it is clear and about -7C, 19F. I'm getting out my cross country skies. The sun is out, and just makes a person smile.
Monday next, first thing in the morning, I am going to record my weight on this site and keep an ongoing record every Monday morning. I am going to look for one of those tickers I've seen on other blog sites.
I need to get to the water intake.  Increase it, going to get a glass of water, talk more later, Hazel

A picture a day

Hazel on the loose/lose Day 1

Day One 

To learn about blogging,

To learn about myself, 

To set goals for weight loss, 

and healthy food choices, 

and healthy lifestyle choices

I have been inspired by all the bloggers for weight loss, and health.  I lurk, and now I'm out there.  Sheesh, scarey stuff.  A big step.

I have been losing weight after reading the concept of "Food as Fuel".  I have been thinking before I consume what kind of fuel do I want for this body/mind/spirit. And it is really helping.   The Christmas Season Gain is lost!  Challenges will come though and I  think I'm ready.  Well, ready or not, I'm on the path. I'll keep you posted.