Okay, where has the time gone...distractions...work, excitement, nervous energy, rediscovering myself, working out, errands, cleaning, but mostly...building relationships!
I have to say first, that Monday, may 9th, I weighed in. I moved
3 lbs closer to my goal for a 5 week total with my trainer, Sabra Bodzioney, of 17.4 lbs...Overall lost is 60.4 lbs! 39.6 to go until my goal..well, the 1st big goal.
Like I said, it is week 5 under the direction of Sabra Bodzioney. I can't say it is one thing she says or does and she is not working out with me everyday or couseling me on my food much either, she is an observer; a keen listener to key things that I am saying; she helps me tweek the plan/course correct what I need to. Most of all, she is the voice in my head telling me, "eat, you need 1200 calories minimum" and "um, seriously, why would you eat that?" her voice reminds me food is just fuel and has no power. It is nothing to stress or be worried about. It is hard to imagine her not being in my life. Had I not gone on that cruise, I most likely never would have met her. That is a terrible thought to me!!!
Now, about the 10 year old child thing....
Yesterday, I was at a job with 3 children. We had already discussed when I "lost" Anna, 6 year old, when I hit 45 pound goal. so, I asked Joe, 10 years old, "how much do you weight?", um..."59.5 pounds". I said, "WOW!!! I have "lost" you and your new shoes!!" he started to laugh. He said, "when you lose Michael, just really lose him, okay?" ---oh, a brother's love..haha--- so, what is so amazing is that as good as I feel about moving closer to my goal and a healthier life, I feel terrible about the fact that I had basically had the weight of a 10 year old child attatched to my body!! Anna asked, "so when you are all done, are you going to lose my mom?" I originally said no, but then though...hmm...maybe. I have no idea what she weighs, but estimating...yeah, that could actually be a possibility. THAT is unbelievable to me! Gotta chat with Sabra about that one.
So, about the distractions... work, working out, cleaning, errands, excitement, nervous energy, discovering myself, but mostly...building relationships!
work...um currently need to do that in order to live, so gotta keep that
working out..again, kind of a big thing given my current goals in life
cleaning...gotta be able to find the counter to make my food AND not have stinky clothes, right?
errands...well, seriously, with the price of gas being what it is, do you really think I would just run errands that I didn't need to do?
...a little side note...
A little girl that I watch has her morning things that she needs to get done before school..you know, the basics of get dressed, eat, brush/floss teeth, brush hair, pick up toys that were left out, etc. She can't do other activities until these are done, because she takes so long to get them done. Yes, she knows that she has the choice not to do those things, but if it is time to go to school, then she is going with whatever clothes she has on, with her hair looking however it looks. So please don't say I'm forcing her to do anything and she needs to discover the consequence on her how...she had the consequencs of almost being taken to school in her underwear. Anyway, she calls her list, her "have to things".
So, Obviously the things that I listed before the story are sort of necessities, and I don't have anyone to do these things for me. They are my "have to things". We all have basic "have to things" everyday. For some people it is more, and some it is less, but quite often there are other "have to things" that aren't as easily as identifiable. That's where these other distractions come in.
discovering myself
This sort of encompasses the rest of them. In building relationships with other people and listening to their input, struggles, triumps, I learn from that. I can apply things from their experiences to my life also. The biggest distraction to me is the people in my life that I care about. I have mentioned this before...this feeds my soul, my heart. But, it's not a distraction that I could or would ever cut out of my day! Thus, in this "discovery" process along my journey, I have really realized that feeding my soul/heart with these relationships is one of my "have to things". It's not something that I could cut out or decrease my time doing in my life like TV, reading for enjoyment-not learning, window shopping, gardening, going to concerts, going to the movies, redecorating the house, facebook. Now, some of you just read some of my things that I could cut out and you were shocked!! "How could you possibly cut those things out of your life, I love to do those things!!" WEll, none of those will either lead me to my goal or make me feel complete in my day. does that make sense to you?
You know mine now, and I'm sure there are some that I missed or are waiting to be discovered along my journey. Now, I urge you to ask yourself what are your "have to things" in your life.
All of these long time friends and so many new ones but especially Krista, Sabra, Allison, Megan, Joslyn, and Hoss always need to be part of my life! What I have even found is that certain relationships, like with Sabra and Krista, often take over because of the importance of the people and their needs. What I have learned is that sometimes, being out of balance to learn about and lead to balance is a process and just takes time. Waiting for everything to fall into place in a relationship, a job, a health goal, whatever it may be, is often a struggle, but can lead you to the most rewarding experience and discovery of all!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
weigh in and short cuts
Well, after 4 weeks with my amazing "trainer by phone", Sabra Bodzioney, I have moved 2.4 pounds closer to my goal, for a total of 14.2 in 4 weeks! It is not the 4 pounds that I originally planned for, but I do feel good about it. It makes me more motivated to do more this week and stick to my guns about putting my sleep at the top of my list.
I just passed a major marker in my journey! I am below the weight that I was on the cruise, back in October. So, yes, after the cruise, I ganed back a little weight, as you know, but it's now gone and I am not looking back. I am at 187.4, just 42.4 to go!
Here's the dilema...I have a job this morning and this evening, but I have a 4 hour break in between, so I planned to work out then. Driving to work, got a call from evening boss. "He's sick, do you work this morning?" Knowing that I just told her I am off at 1pm, can't easily say, "no, I can't come earlier." So, I will be working out tonight, instead. Thus, pushing bedtime back...again! However, I do believe that I can still get my 8 hours, if I cut down on the socializing on the phone tonight!
I am looking at the positive aspects of this day...moving closer to financial goals by working more hours, one solid workout in the evening, bed time by 10pm, and socializing in the car on the way home, or on the phone while walking at night.
SHORT CUTS
Well, on Saturday, I had a fairly open day and was able to sleep in. Unfortunately, my body thinks that 5 hours of sleep is enough these days! So, I just moved forward with what I needed to do that day. One of the things was running 2 errands and one was cleaning my apartment because 2 girls that I used to nanny would be coming to stay the night with me. So, to get some activity in, I walked to the errands and put in almost 8 miles. When i was walking, I was headed to the bank, and saw this path through the shrubs that were planted, that would get me to my destination a little bit faster. And that's when I started thinking about short cuts. I passed the path, and walked my regular route, thus adding distance to my walk, and actually giving myself a sense of accomplishment that short cuts really aren't the answer. Here are a couple of things that kept going through my mind...
My wonderful friend and encourager, Hoss Parvizian gave a good example about short cuts in his blog : https://newhosscity.wordpress.com/...
Today’s visit began with the nurse weighing me in. I jumped on the scale and she had it on my weight of last visit, 335. She looked puzzled and slide the weight measurement tool down. She suspiciously looked at the chart again. Again she slid the weight on top of the scale again. “Wow, you’ve lost a lot of weight!” she exclaimed. “Is there anything the matter?”
“Nope. Just trying to get healthier” I replied.
“Did you do the surgery?” she asked. C’mon lady, you have my entire medical history in your hands.
“Nope. Just old-fashioned eating right and exercise.” I replied. She looked at me doubtfully and told me the doctor would be in with me in a moment.
I love this!! Here's why...It shows me how society is so programmed to take the easy way out of a situation. It shows me that people think "short cuts" are the answer over working hard. You know what I mean, working through the hard difficult struggles, you know, the ones that ACTUALLY make us stronger in the long run. I have heard, "I'm just gonna have the bi-pass surgery" by people I know, and if that is the route they choose to take, that's totally okay, it's their life. Hoss, like me, is trying to learn a life skill to make his life a long and happy one. Sure, a "quick fix" sounds good, but really, does it work? With bi-pass surgery, don't you have to change your eating habits and exercise anyway? I haven't researched it, never even considered it for my self, so understanding why people do it is more my focus.
I know so many people in younger generations, due to the job I have and the amazing friends I have gained over the past year especially. It's interesting, I sound like my parents, I'm sure, but they all just "want it now"...that is their mentality. Seriously, I want things now too, but I can't learn any lessons about me or life in general without the waiting. I'm sure my parents thought that about my generation too, but it is interesting that now, I am seeing the value in just living and experiencing each day.
Changing your habits overnight isn't possible, it takes time and dedication to a journey and a goal. However, each day, you can create a new habit, here are a couple of examples:
-Read(or listen to an audio book) for 15 minutes a day, in a book that motivates you to accomplish your goal.
-walk for 30 minutes each day
-take a multi vitamin every morning
-talk to someone that is a great cheerleader for you and helps you realize your potential every morning, even if it is just a quick text back and forth.
-turn your tv on just 1 time a week
..you get the picture.
To sum it up...Make small changes everyday There is only 1 real short cut that will work, here it is: Find a coach, mentor, leader to learn from. Someone who has the results that you want. Then, do everything they tell you to do to achieve your goal. If you try a different short cut, you may end up just re-doing the work you have already done, now how fun is that???
Change is good, embrace it, honor the process and live the life you are entitled to have!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
I just passed a major marker in my journey! I am below the weight that I was on the cruise, back in October. So, yes, after the cruise, I ganed back a little weight, as you know, but it's now gone and I am not looking back. I am at 187.4, just 42.4 to go!
Here's the dilema...I have a job this morning and this evening, but I have a 4 hour break in between, so I planned to work out then. Driving to work, got a call from evening boss. "He's sick, do you work this morning?" Knowing that I just told her I am off at 1pm, can't easily say, "no, I can't come earlier." So, I will be working out tonight, instead. Thus, pushing bedtime back...again! However, I do believe that I can still get my 8 hours, if I cut down on the socializing on the phone tonight!
I am looking at the positive aspects of this day...moving closer to financial goals by working more hours, one solid workout in the evening, bed time by 10pm, and socializing in the car on the way home, or on the phone while walking at night.
SHORT CUTS
Well, on Saturday, I had a fairly open day and was able to sleep in. Unfortunately, my body thinks that 5 hours of sleep is enough these days! So, I just moved forward with what I needed to do that day. One of the things was running 2 errands and one was cleaning my apartment because 2 girls that I used to nanny would be coming to stay the night with me. So, to get some activity in, I walked to the errands and put in almost 8 miles. When i was walking, I was headed to the bank, and saw this path through the shrubs that were planted, that would get me to my destination a little bit faster. And that's when I started thinking about short cuts. I passed the path, and walked my regular route, thus adding distance to my walk, and actually giving myself a sense of accomplishment that short cuts really aren't the answer. Here are a couple of things that kept going through my mind...
My wonderful friend and encourager, Hoss Parvizian gave a good example about short cuts in his blog : https://newhosscity.wordpress.com/...
Today’s visit began with the nurse weighing me in. I jumped on the scale and she had it on my weight of last visit, 335. She looked puzzled and slide the weight measurement tool down. She suspiciously looked at the chart again. Again she slid the weight on top of the scale again. “Wow, you’ve lost a lot of weight!” she exclaimed. “Is there anything the matter?”
“Nope. Just trying to get healthier” I replied.
“Did you do the surgery?” she asked. C’mon lady, you have my entire medical history in your hands.
“Nope. Just old-fashioned eating right and exercise.” I replied. She looked at me doubtfully and told me the doctor would be in with me in a moment.
I love this!! Here's why...It shows me how society is so programmed to take the easy way out of a situation. It shows me that people think "short cuts" are the answer over working hard. You know what I mean, working through the hard difficult struggles, you know, the ones that ACTUALLY make us stronger in the long run. I have heard, "I'm just gonna have the bi-pass surgery" by people I know, and if that is the route they choose to take, that's totally okay, it's their life. Hoss, like me, is trying to learn a life skill to make his life a long and happy one. Sure, a "quick fix" sounds good, but really, does it work? With bi-pass surgery, don't you have to change your eating habits and exercise anyway? I haven't researched it, never even considered it for my self, so understanding why people do it is more my focus.
I know so many people in younger generations, due to the job I have and the amazing friends I have gained over the past year especially. It's interesting, I sound like my parents, I'm sure, but they all just "want it now"...that is their mentality. Seriously, I want things now too, but I can't learn any lessons about me or life in general without the waiting. I'm sure my parents thought that about my generation too, but it is interesting that now, I am seeing the value in just living and experiencing each day.
Changing your habits overnight isn't possible, it takes time and dedication to a journey and a goal. However, each day, you can create a new habit, here are a couple of examples:
-Read(or listen to an audio book) for 15 minutes a day, in a book that motivates you to accomplish your goal.
-walk for 30 minutes each day
-take a multi vitamin every morning
-talk to someone that is a great cheerleader for you and helps you realize your potential every morning, even if it is just a quick text back and forth.
-turn your tv on just 1 time a week
..you get the picture.
To sum it up...Make small changes everyday There is only 1 real short cut that will work, here it is: Find a coach, mentor, leader to learn from. Someone who has the results that you want. Then, do everything they tell you to do to achieve your goal. If you try a different short cut, you may end up just re-doing the work you have already done, now how fun is that???
Change is good, embrace it, honor the process and live the life you are entitled to have!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Friday, April 29, 2011
support, and everything does happen for a reason
So, do you have a support system?
I remember a time when I went to meetings for weight watchers..YEARS ago. They always said, "tell everyone that you are doing this, you will have support and they can help keep you on track." I would tell a couple of people, in retrospect, I told the ones that wouldn't call me on anything if I went off course with food, or didn't want to work out. Ummm...not exactly a good plan, right? I also like to think I could do everything alone..no help..I'm strong enough to handle it all. UM, HELLO!!! If I was strong enough to handle it alone, I probably wouldn't actually be in the mess I was in. Like so many of us, I was afraid of failing. It wasn't until years later that I learned the only way to fail is to quit. Funny what things you can learn if you actually listen, ya know?
Okay, well, fast forward to 2010...I started this blog. I told everyone I could think of, and though many read it, it wasn't getting out there. Even the people that did read it, they weren't commenting, so no feed back for me or for others who were reading it. That's fine, I know that most of you people are just voyuers, want to be mysterious. HAHA Sorry, I just love to tease some of my friends on facebook about that. You know who I'm talking about, the ones that always read and rarely comment on your posts, and you have no idea what's going on with them, because they never post!! Well, then we're back to the same problem as before, I need people to call me on my stuff! Yes, I know, we need to discipline ourselves, but sometimes, we all need a kick in the head..right?
October, 2010, a MAJOR turning point in my life...Jillian Michaels wellness cruise!! This one decision has changed my life, forever! I met people that I NEVER would have met had I not been on this journey and thus gone on the cruise. Everything does happen for a reason. Even though you think there could be no good reason for me to be overweight still, at this age, there is. Here's what I have figured out..If I was not overweight, I don't think I would have gone on the cruise. If I didn't go on the cruise, I wouldn't know Krista Harris, Sabra Bodzioney, Allison Geis, Megan Krotz, Joslyn Baca and Hoss Parvizian and soooo many more. **I use the word "know" loosely, since I have never met Krista or Megan, and they are two people that I can't imagine this journey, or my life without! You might ask..how could you be that close, but never have met? Well, they went on the cruise, and after the cruise, most of the people who went, changed their profile pic on facebook to be the one with them and Jillian. We all started to "friend" each other, and friendships began! Now it is like one giant group of people who support each other in their health and wellness endeavors. It's a pretty cool thing to me!!
So, 2011 hits..I am bogged down..and it really stinks. Luckily, Allison has been a constant since the cruise and is always full of feedback and support. Joslyn I met after the cruise at the Monterey 5K--but she was on the cruise, we just didn't meet there. Sabra was always in my mind, but we really didn't talk much, it was hard on me, looking back.
April 2011...about 1 year after the "transformation" of my apartment and my life began.
--Allison--the person I aspire to be more like physically and mentally.Just when I am having a tough time with something, I get a text or call and a supportive voice on the other end...often asking, "did you go to the gym?" or "how did you sleep"..or a great kid story, and I LOVE those!!
--Joslyn and I reconnect on a deeper level and start doing "walking, phone dates". She lives an hour away, so if we both put headsets on, and start to walk, we can chat and make the time go faster while we get fit too. We learn more about each other and we talk about how to stay healthy and get healthier too!
--Megan...when did we connect?? I have no idea, I feel like I have known her forever. She totally calls me on my stuff..."did you walk?", "how was the gym?", "go to bed, you need your sleep".
--Hoss, seriously, do I even need to say it? "He IS inspiration"-Jillian Michaels..yes, that is how his book is signed. He inspires just by being Hoss. It is insane to me that he can just send a text and say, "hey, thought of you, i'm doing a run for celiac research!" ..okay, he is signed up for 5 races in May..he is a maniac!!!!..and I love it! Can't wait until I can run again..geeze!
--Sabra, UM, DUH!!! since the cruise, even when we weren't in touch, I would hear her voice..it just wasn't quite loud enough apparently, because I was falling behind. NOW...we have reconnected, and seriously, I know the gift that I have been given! People rave about the opportunity that the Biggest Loser is. They are right, it is a big opportunity! However, they can be booted off the ranch. I know by her gently questions, "WHAT ARE YOU EATING???" that she cares and is NOT booting me out of her life. She will be there to help me with whatever obstacle I need to work through, and she is doing it from a very long distance too! She is designing a workout for me...hello, all of you that think you have the best trainer, you are absolutely WRONG! not only is Sabra a great trainer, she is a kind and supportive friend too!
--Krista, just 23, but making a huge impact in my life..though she often makes my life crazy, I hear her voice in my head and it usually says things like, "you forgot to eat?? how is that possible?" Krista eats like a 15 year old boy. I have never seen it, except a picture of her with ice cream, but she talks about food all the time. She makes me laugh and says, "go to the gym, it's not that big of a deal."..or "how many pages do you think I can read in this crazy personal trainer book?"
As you can see, I've changed my mind about support! I talk to or text with these people so often, some are daily..and multiple times a day..it's kinda crazy, but the support helps to keep me on track and gives me more of a purpose. I get so many helpful hints from them..except when Krista tells me her meal choices..I just know that 3000+ calories a day isn't the plan for me(by the way, she is the tiniest thing you can imagine, and incredibly strong) so those calories miraculously evaporate. :) There are so many other people in my life..sharon, ellen, my mom and countless others to say "way to go", "congrats"...etc.
My days of "who needs support?" are over. I have realized that if I am having a hard time, someone(probably my trainer) will know the best course of action. I have also realized that just as it takes a village to raise a child, I need at a minimum, a table for 12 (at a healthy restaurant) to help me!!!
thanks again to all of you who are always there to help, listen, and cheer me on. You mean more to me than you will probably ever realize!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
I remember a time when I went to meetings for weight watchers..YEARS ago. They always said, "tell everyone that you are doing this, you will have support and they can help keep you on track." I would tell a couple of people, in retrospect, I told the ones that wouldn't call me on anything if I went off course with food, or didn't want to work out. Ummm...not exactly a good plan, right? I also like to think I could do everything alone..no help..I'm strong enough to handle it all. UM, HELLO!!! If I was strong enough to handle it alone, I probably wouldn't actually be in the mess I was in. Like so many of us, I was afraid of failing. It wasn't until years later that I learned the only way to fail is to quit. Funny what things you can learn if you actually listen, ya know?
Okay, well, fast forward to 2010...I started this blog. I told everyone I could think of, and though many read it, it wasn't getting out there. Even the people that did read it, they weren't commenting, so no feed back for me or for others who were reading it. That's fine, I know that most of you people are just voyuers, want to be mysterious. HAHA Sorry, I just love to tease some of my friends on facebook about that. You know who I'm talking about, the ones that always read and rarely comment on your posts, and you have no idea what's going on with them, because they never post!! Well, then we're back to the same problem as before, I need people to call me on my stuff! Yes, I know, we need to discipline ourselves, but sometimes, we all need a kick in the head..right?
October, 2010, a MAJOR turning point in my life...Jillian Michaels wellness cruise!! This one decision has changed my life, forever! I met people that I NEVER would have met had I not been on this journey and thus gone on the cruise. Everything does happen for a reason. Even though you think there could be no good reason for me to be overweight still, at this age, there is. Here's what I have figured out..If I was not overweight, I don't think I would have gone on the cruise. If I didn't go on the cruise, I wouldn't know Krista Harris, Sabra Bodzioney, Allison Geis, Megan Krotz, Joslyn Baca and Hoss Parvizian and soooo many more. **I use the word "know" loosely, since I have never met Krista or Megan, and they are two people that I can't imagine this journey, or my life without! You might ask..how could you be that close, but never have met? Well, they went on the cruise, and after the cruise, most of the people who went, changed their profile pic on facebook to be the one with them and Jillian. We all started to "friend" each other, and friendships began! Now it is like one giant group of people who support each other in their health and wellness endeavors. It's a pretty cool thing to me!!
So, 2011 hits..I am bogged down..and it really stinks. Luckily, Allison has been a constant since the cruise and is always full of feedback and support. Joslyn I met after the cruise at the Monterey 5K--but she was on the cruise, we just didn't meet there. Sabra was always in my mind, but we really didn't talk much, it was hard on me, looking back.
April 2011...about 1 year after the "transformation" of my apartment and my life began.
--Allison--the person I aspire to be more like physically and mentally.Just when I am having a tough time with something, I get a text or call and a supportive voice on the other end...often asking, "did you go to the gym?" or "how did you sleep"..or a great kid story, and I LOVE those!!
--Joslyn and I reconnect on a deeper level and start doing "walking, phone dates". She lives an hour away, so if we both put headsets on, and start to walk, we can chat and make the time go faster while we get fit too. We learn more about each other and we talk about how to stay healthy and get healthier too!
--Megan...when did we connect?? I have no idea, I feel like I have known her forever. She totally calls me on my stuff..."did you walk?", "how was the gym?", "go to bed, you need your sleep".
--Hoss, seriously, do I even need to say it? "He IS inspiration"-Jillian Michaels..yes, that is how his book is signed. He inspires just by being Hoss. It is insane to me that he can just send a text and say, "hey, thought of you, i'm doing a run for celiac research!" ..okay, he is signed up for 5 races in May..he is a maniac!!!!..and I love it! Can't wait until I can run again..geeze!
--Sabra, UM, DUH!!! since the cruise, even when we weren't in touch, I would hear her voice..it just wasn't quite loud enough apparently, because I was falling behind. NOW...we have reconnected, and seriously, I know the gift that I have been given! People rave about the opportunity that the Biggest Loser is. They are right, it is a big opportunity! However, they can be booted off the ranch. I know by her gently questions, "WHAT ARE YOU EATING???" that she cares and is NOT booting me out of her life. She will be there to help me with whatever obstacle I need to work through, and she is doing it from a very long distance too! She is designing a workout for me...hello, all of you that think you have the best trainer, you are absolutely WRONG! not only is Sabra a great trainer, she is a kind and supportive friend too!
--Krista, just 23, but making a huge impact in my life..though she often makes my life crazy, I hear her voice in my head and it usually says things like, "you forgot to eat?? how is that possible?" Krista eats like a 15 year old boy. I have never seen it, except a picture of her with ice cream, but she talks about food all the time. She makes me laugh and says, "go to the gym, it's not that big of a deal."..or "how many pages do you think I can read in this crazy personal trainer book?"
As you can see, I've changed my mind about support! I talk to or text with these people so often, some are daily..and multiple times a day..it's kinda crazy, but the support helps to keep me on track and gives me more of a purpose. I get so many helpful hints from them..except when Krista tells me her meal choices..I just know that 3000+ calories a day isn't the plan for me(by the way, she is the tiniest thing you can imagine, and incredibly strong) so those calories miraculously evaporate. :) There are so many other people in my life..sharon, ellen, my mom and countless others to say "way to go", "congrats"...etc.
My days of "who needs support?" are over. I have realized that if I am having a hard time, someone(probably my trainer) will know the best course of action. I have also realized that just as it takes a village to raise a child, I need at a minimum, a table for 12 (at a healthy restaurant) to help me!!!
thanks again to all of you who are always there to help, listen, and cheer me on. You mean more to me than you will probably ever realize!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
weigh-ins, get a coach, and goal date
as you can tell, I am waaay behind on updating you!!
I forgot to tell you that on the new "Sabra path", I did my second weigh-in on 4/18, I moved 4 pounds closer to my goal!! now I have a total of 7.8 pounds in 2 weeks!!
I can't believe I am doing such a strange post, but feel like I have so much to say, but just not really the time to say it. I was so thrilled when I hit 7.8 pounds in just 2 weeks. Like I said, Sabra is a key factor. I know that I did the work, but we all need someone who has either walked the same path, or knows how to work through the path effectively, if we hope to obtain what they have. In sports, it's a coach. In business, it's a mentor...whatever you want to call it, Sabra is that for me. We have become amazing friends, and I LOVE that so much because she is the kind of person that you want in your life. Someone to support you, listen, share stories..you know, a great friend! However, when we are talking about training, goals, weight, food, exercies..I call her "coach". Kinda funny, you hear athletes talk so much about their coaches, and it's great, but I don't think i thought about a coach for me throughout my journey. Why? I have no idea. I mean I thought about hiring a personal trainer, but this is not what I thought it would be like. If I had hired one, it wouldn't be Sabra, and not nearly as amazing as her.
Moving on, I will stop gushing about the fact that I have the best trainer that could ever help me, and I feel very fortunate!!
Weigh-in on 4/25...um, hello...4 pounds closer to my goal, for a total of 11.8 pounds in 3 weeks!!
Again, I didn't do this alone, if you dont' have a coach, find one. Yes, I know, none will be as amazing at listening, being serious with you, helping you achieve your goals as Sabra, but it's okay to get second best, as long ast you know that person's track record in trainging other people.
I know the blogging has been very weak, but the amount of acitivity I have been doing has taken up my time. There have been days that I burned 4000 calories and had a deficit of almost 3000. There are days I eat 1200 calories adn days I eat 1700. And lately, this past week, especially, I just find a friend that wants to chat on the phone, and I go and walk miles and miles within my target heart range, and talk to them at the same time. When I talked to my mom about it, she said, "well, it's better to do the activity than write about it, right?" okay..enough said, and I took my brilliant mom's advice and focused on the activity.
I to have a ton more to share, and I will, but just not tonight.
Okay, so before the cruise I hit 50 pound loss and was 188 pounds. On 4/25, I hit 190 and thus I have just 45 pounds to go to reach my goal weight of 145, right? So how is that math working? SO funny, I have been trying to figure it out. I decided that the new leg of this journey is called, "the Sabra leg" I know, funny..any better suggestions? On this Sabra journey, so far, 11.8 pounds and 45 away from my goal. I will be celebrating with a movie this week. I guess since my original goal was 100 pounds, and I only have 45 left, I have lost 55 pounds and my math was just off somewhere in the "pre-Sabra journey". In talking with Sabra, we kinda looked at the numbers and decided that August 1st is my target date to hit my goal. It's ambitious, yes, but don't we set goals to be challenged and work hard towards something so it can actually feel like an accomplishment?
Now ya know, it is out there, August 1, 2011...Goal 145 pounds!!
thanks for checking in on the journey with me! I love getting your comments and suggestions, keep them coming, please!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
I forgot to tell you that on the new "Sabra path", I did my second weigh-in on 4/18, I moved 4 pounds closer to my goal!! now I have a total of 7.8 pounds in 2 weeks!!
I can't believe I am doing such a strange post, but feel like I have so much to say, but just not really the time to say it. I was so thrilled when I hit 7.8 pounds in just 2 weeks. Like I said, Sabra is a key factor. I know that I did the work, but we all need someone who has either walked the same path, or knows how to work through the path effectively, if we hope to obtain what they have. In sports, it's a coach. In business, it's a mentor...whatever you want to call it, Sabra is that for me. We have become amazing friends, and I LOVE that so much because she is the kind of person that you want in your life. Someone to support you, listen, share stories..you know, a great friend! However, when we are talking about training, goals, weight, food, exercies..I call her "coach". Kinda funny, you hear athletes talk so much about their coaches, and it's great, but I don't think i thought about a coach for me throughout my journey. Why? I have no idea. I mean I thought about hiring a personal trainer, but this is not what I thought it would be like. If I had hired one, it wouldn't be Sabra, and not nearly as amazing as her.
Moving on, I will stop gushing about the fact that I have the best trainer that could ever help me, and I feel very fortunate!!
Weigh-in on 4/25...um, hello...4 pounds closer to my goal, for a total of 11.8 pounds in 3 weeks!!
Again, I didn't do this alone, if you dont' have a coach, find one. Yes, I know, none will be as amazing at listening, being serious with you, helping you achieve your goals as Sabra, but it's okay to get second best, as long ast you know that person's track record in trainging other people.
I know the blogging has been very weak, but the amount of acitivity I have been doing has taken up my time. There have been days that I burned 4000 calories and had a deficit of almost 3000. There are days I eat 1200 calories adn days I eat 1700. And lately, this past week, especially, I just find a friend that wants to chat on the phone, and I go and walk miles and miles within my target heart range, and talk to them at the same time. When I talked to my mom about it, she said, "well, it's better to do the activity than write about it, right?" okay..enough said, and I took my brilliant mom's advice and focused on the activity.
I to have a ton more to share, and I will, but just not tonight.
Okay, so before the cruise I hit 50 pound loss and was 188 pounds. On 4/25, I hit 190 and thus I have just 45 pounds to go to reach my goal weight of 145, right? So how is that math working? SO funny, I have been trying to figure it out. I decided that the new leg of this journey is called, "the Sabra leg" I know, funny..any better suggestions? On this Sabra journey, so far, 11.8 pounds and 45 away from my goal. I will be celebrating with a movie this week. I guess since my original goal was 100 pounds, and I only have 45 left, I have lost 55 pounds and my math was just off somewhere in the "pre-Sabra journey". In talking with Sabra, we kinda looked at the numbers and decided that August 1st is my target date to hit my goal. It's ambitious, yes, but don't we set goals to be challenged and work hard towards something so it can actually feel like an accomplishment?
Now ya know, it is out there, August 1, 2011...Goal 145 pounds!!
thanks for checking in on the journey with me! I love getting your comments and suggestions, keep them coming, please!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sabra, Oh Wise One....with a huge heart for people
Well, this blog has been over a week in the making. It has been challenging fo rme to write, even though I have wanted to tell you all so much!!
Well, after an entire month of not weighing in, you saw that I weighed in and there was no change in my weight, right? Well, it had been awhile since I talked to the amazing Sabra. She had just been so busy, and we hadn't really connected in awhile. I saw a post she made on FB, and I contacted her..she asked if we could talk by phone and that turned into a 3 hour conversation..and taht was the turning point in my journey!
Let me refresh your memory on Sabra...On the wellness cruise..you know, the one that I have failed to write about in fear of not being able to do it justice..it's getting written this week, it's eating at me!!! I am leaving out tons of cruise details below, becasue this is about Sabra!!
Okay, back to Sabra. So, day 2 of the cruise, We went to this amazing island, it was so beautiful!!! I took the tender over and that is where I met Hoss!! I went over and watched some tug-o-war going on. Sabra, Allison, Nikki, Tysa were all there. Well, after, thre was some talking then Sabra and I started to talk and walk. This is a moment that has changed my life and my heart forever. We ended up talking the rest of the day and spent the majority of the cruise together from that point on. What a blessing to my life!!!! Let me say that without Sabra, the cruise would have been very different. So, the day of the 5K on the ship came. Everyone was saying, you got this, it's not a big deal, stop worrying. they were right, but i was nervous. Sabra and I wanted to see a singer that we saw on the beach, so we started to watch, but I was too fidgety..I told her to enjoy the music, I just had to run the 5K. Now Sabra is a personal trainer, she is amazing and she has run marathons and helped others learn how to run them too. She knows what she is doing when it comes to fitness!! Well, I started the race, was doing pretty well, but the heat and humidity ws killing me. We had to do 9 laps around the ship to complete a 5K. I was getting to the end of lap 3, I looked to my left where people wer sitting, and who was sitting there...SABRA!!!!!!! She really wanted to see Missy Higgins sing again, so I was shocked to see her. I just met her a couple days before!! Okay, I put up my fingers to indicate "3 laps done" and she smiled and nodded I think. Okay, lap after lap, there she was, cheering me on. I got to the end of lap 8..she is still there. I indicate it is #8, and hold up a finger for "1 more to go". I was dying at this point..it was mainly the heat. Sabra put down her things, and got up and said "let's go, you got this, I'll run the last one with you." Tears are filling my eyes right now just typing this. In that moment, I knew that Sabra would be in my heart and my life forever. Not sure that she knew it, but I think she does these days. We ran the last lap together, it was hard, and honestly, not sure how I would have done it without her support and encouragement. I tell this story to people all of the time, because someone like Sabra needs to be talked about. Well, the 9th lap ended..there was no water..she said, "walk a lap, i'll get you some water" and she stopped...as I walked my lap, i began to cry, very hard and kept thinking "I did it!! and Sabra is the most amazing person ever!! I am so blessed."
So, now you know the back ground of Sabra..let me tell you why she is now known to me as "Sabra, Oh wise one" in addtion to "Sabra, the chick with a huge heart for people".
So, like I said, we reconnected, and the next day I had the no weight change weigh-in. This was about 2 weeks ago. WEll, she texts me the next day and says to text her every meal that I consume. "what?? you are kidding me, that's too much work for you, that's not fair to you!" her reply was something simple like, "Yes it is, plese do it, it's not a big deal"..umm..okay...yeah...not a big deal for you to anylize my meals? it's the biggest hassle of my life to think about all the food stuff, but you're the expert, and have never led me astray..sooo, I told her, "Okay, I will do it". So, the week goes by, and I have a new focus, a new drive, I have Sabra in my life more now. I know, sounds so strange, but that is it. that is the reason. I was making sure I got my 7-8 hours, I was eating every 4 hours, and it wasn't a chore, I was working out, and wasn't thinking..uggg, I don't want to(okay, there were a couple times I thought that). On friday of that week, I had to drop my car off for some work..so, I thought, cool, I have the day off, I will walk home..it's about 3-4 miles. I ended up runnign errands, picking up some groceries and carried in my back pack and Sabra asked something that was great. "do you have a heart monitor?" my reply, "nope". I didn't want to spend money or giftcards or anythign like that on another "health thing" is what I was thinking to be honest. But, when your coach/mentor who has the results that you want and knows how to get them AND is teaching you how to get them, you listen and do what they say, right? So, i stopped at the sporting goods store on the way home. I will write more about heart monitors in next blog.
So, I have the tools, a great support system(another blog to come about that) and the most amazing coach a person could ask for!!
Sabra has the ability to listen to my challenges and help me work through them. She listens to me and really supports me and encourages me, it is so nice to be reconnected with such an amazing person!!
Oh, the results on 4/11/11...I moved 3.8 pounds closer to my goal!! Thank you, Sabra!!!
I looked up the name "Sabra" to see what it's meaning was. I got a lot of different things, and many fit the Sabra that I knew, but these seemed to capture her the best...
This name has given you an interest in people.
The name Sabra creates the urge to understand others.
The name of Sabra makes you quick-minded, versatile, and very expressive.
I think her name fits her!!!
To me, the name Sabra means hope and help and heart for people. I feel that helping people accomplish their health goals is her calling in life, and one day, the world will know this too! She is an incredible blessing in my life!!!
Thank you, Sabra, for all of your gifts and all that you add to my life!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Well, after an entire month of not weighing in, you saw that I weighed in and there was no change in my weight, right? Well, it had been awhile since I talked to the amazing Sabra. She had just been so busy, and we hadn't really connected in awhile. I saw a post she made on FB, and I contacted her..she asked if we could talk by phone and that turned into a 3 hour conversation..and taht was the turning point in my journey!
Let me refresh your memory on Sabra...On the wellness cruise..you know, the one that I have failed to write about in fear of not being able to do it justice..it's getting written this week, it's eating at me!!! I am leaving out tons of cruise details below, becasue this is about Sabra!!
Okay, back to Sabra. So, day 2 of the cruise, We went to this amazing island, it was so beautiful!!! I took the tender over and that is where I met Hoss!! I went over and watched some tug-o-war going on. Sabra, Allison, Nikki, Tysa were all there. Well, after, thre was some talking then Sabra and I started to talk and walk. This is a moment that has changed my life and my heart forever. We ended up talking the rest of the day and spent the majority of the cruise together from that point on. What a blessing to my life!!!! Let me say that without Sabra, the cruise would have been very different. So, the day of the 5K on the ship came. Everyone was saying, you got this, it's not a big deal, stop worrying. they were right, but i was nervous. Sabra and I wanted to see a singer that we saw on the beach, so we started to watch, but I was too fidgety..I told her to enjoy the music, I just had to run the 5K. Now Sabra is a personal trainer, she is amazing and she has run marathons and helped others learn how to run them too. She knows what she is doing when it comes to fitness!! Well, I started the race, was doing pretty well, but the heat and humidity ws killing me. We had to do 9 laps around the ship to complete a 5K. I was getting to the end of lap 3, I looked to my left where people wer sitting, and who was sitting there...SABRA!!!!!!! She really wanted to see Missy Higgins sing again, so I was shocked to see her. I just met her a couple days before!! Okay, I put up my fingers to indicate "3 laps done" and she smiled and nodded I think. Okay, lap after lap, there she was, cheering me on. I got to the end of lap 8..she is still there. I indicate it is #8, and hold up a finger for "1 more to go". I was dying at this point..it was mainly the heat. Sabra put down her things, and got up and said "let's go, you got this, I'll run the last one with you." Tears are filling my eyes right now just typing this. In that moment, I knew that Sabra would be in my heart and my life forever. Not sure that she knew it, but I think she does these days. We ran the last lap together, it was hard, and honestly, not sure how I would have done it without her support and encouragement. I tell this story to people all of the time, because someone like Sabra needs to be talked about. Well, the 9th lap ended..there was no water..she said, "walk a lap, i'll get you some water" and she stopped...as I walked my lap, i began to cry, very hard and kept thinking "I did it!! and Sabra is the most amazing person ever!! I am so blessed."
So, now you know the back ground of Sabra..let me tell you why she is now known to me as "Sabra, Oh wise one" in addtion to "Sabra, the chick with a huge heart for people".
So, like I said, we reconnected, and the next day I had the no weight change weigh-in. This was about 2 weeks ago. WEll, she texts me the next day and says to text her every meal that I consume. "what?? you are kidding me, that's too much work for you, that's not fair to you!" her reply was something simple like, "Yes it is, plese do it, it's not a big deal"..umm..okay...yeah...not a big deal for you to anylize my meals? it's the biggest hassle of my life to think about all the food stuff, but you're the expert, and have never led me astray..sooo, I told her, "Okay, I will do it". So, the week goes by, and I have a new focus, a new drive, I have Sabra in my life more now. I know, sounds so strange, but that is it. that is the reason. I was making sure I got my 7-8 hours, I was eating every 4 hours, and it wasn't a chore, I was working out, and wasn't thinking..uggg, I don't want to(okay, there were a couple times I thought that). On friday of that week, I had to drop my car off for some work..so, I thought, cool, I have the day off, I will walk home..it's about 3-4 miles. I ended up runnign errands, picking up some groceries and carried in my back pack and Sabra asked something that was great. "do you have a heart monitor?" my reply, "nope". I didn't want to spend money or giftcards or anythign like that on another "health thing" is what I was thinking to be honest. But, when your coach/mentor who has the results that you want and knows how to get them AND is teaching you how to get them, you listen and do what they say, right? So, i stopped at the sporting goods store on the way home. I will write more about heart monitors in next blog.
So, I have the tools, a great support system(another blog to come about that) and the most amazing coach a person could ask for!!
Sabra has the ability to listen to my challenges and help me work through them. She listens to me and really supports me and encourages me, it is so nice to be reconnected with such an amazing person!!
Oh, the results on 4/11/11...I moved 3.8 pounds closer to my goal!! Thank you, Sabra!!!
I looked up the name "Sabra" to see what it's meaning was. I got a lot of different things, and many fit the Sabra that I knew, but these seemed to capture her the best...
This name has given you an interest in people.
The name Sabra creates the urge to understand others.
The name of Sabra makes you quick-minded, versatile, and very expressive.
I think her name fits her!!!
To me, the name Sabra means hope and help and heart for people. I feel that helping people accomplish their health goals is her calling in life, and one day, the world will know this too! She is an incredible blessing in my life!!!
Thank you, Sabra, for all of your gifts and all that you add to my life!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
~Cindy Lou
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
leading up to April 4th....and what I learned...
Okay, okay, I know, it's been almost 2 weeks since I wrote anything. I had every intention of writing back on April 4th, and it just didn't happen.
Let me go back a little bit. I knew that I was going to be weighing in on the 4th after a month of no weigh-ins. So, I really started to push hard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to it. One of the days I even had a 2000 calorie deficit!! I was getting excited. I knew that IF I moved closer to my goal, it would only be a small amount. My clothes were the same fit as when the month started, and a bit more snug than when I went on the cruise. Well, guess what..a big, fat ZERO as far as weight change goes. It was good that I didn't gain, don't get me wrong, but no loss just kinda stunk! It put me in a bit of a funk, even though I kind of expected it.
During the month I was trying to see what was working for me, how often to eat, closer meals with fewer calories, what workouts are most effective for me. What did I learn? A few things..
1. though I am hungry before I hit 4 hours, that won't kill me, and it doesn't mean that I need to eat closer meals. It just means that I need to change the foods that I am eating so that my body is more satisfied
2-I need sleep 7-8 hours. I knew that, but I could really see the difference in coordination, concentration and productivity when I got less sleep.
3-Yoga in the morning makes EVERYTHING better in my day, and I feel more balanced!
4-I need to feed not only my body, but my heart. What I mean is that even when I am pushing for a goal, I need to have time with or talking to the people that I care about in my life.
5-having carbs in the morning is very, very important to me feeling satisfied.
6-veggies at at least 3 of my 4 meals makes me feel more balance.
7-Training using the C25K thing or running for extended periods of time is not somethign that my body can handle at this point in time.
8-I need a support system and I need to talk to the people that are supporting me on this journey on a regular basis.
I'm sure there is more, but for now, these seem to be the most important in my brain.
Thanks for sticking with me!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
Cindy LOu
Let me go back a little bit. I knew that I was going to be weighing in on the 4th after a month of no weigh-ins. So, I really started to push hard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to it. One of the days I even had a 2000 calorie deficit!! I was getting excited. I knew that IF I moved closer to my goal, it would only be a small amount. My clothes were the same fit as when the month started, and a bit more snug than when I went on the cruise. Well, guess what..a big, fat ZERO as far as weight change goes. It was good that I didn't gain, don't get me wrong, but no loss just kinda stunk! It put me in a bit of a funk, even though I kind of expected it.
During the month I was trying to see what was working for me, how often to eat, closer meals with fewer calories, what workouts are most effective for me. What did I learn? A few things..
1. though I am hungry before I hit 4 hours, that won't kill me, and it doesn't mean that I need to eat closer meals. It just means that I need to change the foods that I am eating so that my body is more satisfied
2-I need sleep 7-8 hours. I knew that, but I could really see the difference in coordination, concentration and productivity when I got less sleep.
3-Yoga in the morning makes EVERYTHING better in my day, and I feel more balanced!
4-I need to feed not only my body, but my heart. What I mean is that even when I am pushing for a goal, I need to have time with or talking to the people that I care about in my life.
5-having carbs in the morning is very, very important to me feeling satisfied.
6-veggies at at least 3 of my 4 meals makes me feel more balance.
7-Training using the C25K thing or running for extended periods of time is not somethign that my body can handle at this point in time.
8-I need a support system and I need to talk to the people that are supporting me on this journey on a regular basis.
I'm sure there is more, but for now, these seem to be the most important in my brain.
Thanks for sticking with me!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!
Cindy LOu
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
STRETCHING...seriously, now Jillian is reading my mind..getting freaky :)
As with all things, we get the information that we need, when we are ready to hear it.
I was just thinking to myself about the "stretching for dummies book" I had been reading. I know so many things have changed over the years, so was this information still the correct way to do things? Were there more effective stretches? was it better to stretch before working out? If so, are there better stretches to do before vs after the work out?
I had just finished Jillian's 30 day shred DVD, and she talked about dynamic stretching vs static stretching. WHAT????!!!! okay, either I have totally been out of the loop, or missed it in her book, or something, but this was new information, that I guess my body was ready to hear. I finished the workout, did a couple of things, and then went to check email. When I opened my email on Monday night, I saw an email from Jillian(daily email from her website). It looks like it came Sunday night, but I hadn't looked at email on Monday. I opened it, and it was all about warming up and cooling down!! Here is the information that I got that I thought I would pass on to you. Also, if you aren't subscribing to Jillian's website, I totally recommend that you do, it has so much amazing information!!! This is just a snipit from the email:
How to Warm Up and Cool Down
Q: What do you suggest for warm-up and cool-down exercises?
A: The best kind of warm up before a tough workout is a few minutes of cardio (such as jumping rope or jumping jacks) followed by dynamic stretching. We were taught years ago to sit or stand and stretch one muscle group at a time. Contrary to popular belief, this kind of static stretching — which helps prevent muscle soreness and improves flexibility — is best performed AFTER a workout, when your muscles are very warm and loose.
In the past several years, fitness experts have discovered that there is a much more effective and healthy way to stretch BEFORE a workout: the dynamic stretch. Dynamic stretching is basically stretching with motion, so your body gets a chance to warm up the muscles slowly and in a functional way. It's a 1-2-3 punch: You warm up your body, get your heart rate up, and stretch all at the same time!
Below are some examples of dynamic stretches. Do them on a level surface for a total of about five minutes before you begin your workout. You will notice that with time the exercises will become easier and they will help improve your coordination, flexibility, and balance. Start by performing the exercises over a distance of about 30 yards; increase to 50 yards as you get more comfortable.
If you want to see the examples, you'll have to get on her web site :)
As for my Tuesday, just AM yoga and a very busy day. Today, Wednesday, I finish work at 1, and will be doing a few things, including picking up hand weights and then, C25K AND 30 day shred. Wish me luck, my quads still are sore from Monday's 30 day shred!!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!!
~Cindy Lou
I was just thinking to myself about the "stretching for dummies book" I had been reading. I know so many things have changed over the years, so was this information still the correct way to do things? Were there more effective stretches? was it better to stretch before working out? If so, are there better stretches to do before vs after the work out?
I had just finished Jillian's 30 day shred DVD, and she talked about dynamic stretching vs static stretching. WHAT????!!!! okay, either I have totally been out of the loop, or missed it in her book, or something, but this was new information, that I guess my body was ready to hear. I finished the workout, did a couple of things, and then went to check email. When I opened my email on Monday night, I saw an email from Jillian(daily email from her website). It looks like it came Sunday night, but I hadn't looked at email on Monday. I opened it, and it was all about warming up and cooling down!! Here is the information that I got that I thought I would pass on to you. Also, if you aren't subscribing to Jillian's website, I totally recommend that you do, it has so much amazing information!!! This is just a snipit from the email:
How to Warm Up and Cool Down
Q: What do you suggest for warm-up and cool-down exercises?
A: The best kind of warm up before a tough workout is a few minutes of cardio (such as jumping rope or jumping jacks) followed by dynamic stretching. We were taught years ago to sit or stand and stretch one muscle group at a time. Contrary to popular belief, this kind of static stretching — which helps prevent muscle soreness and improves flexibility — is best performed AFTER a workout, when your muscles are very warm and loose.
In the past several years, fitness experts have discovered that there is a much more effective and healthy way to stretch BEFORE a workout: the dynamic stretch. Dynamic stretching is basically stretching with motion, so your body gets a chance to warm up the muscles slowly and in a functional way. It's a 1-2-3 punch: You warm up your body, get your heart rate up, and stretch all at the same time!
Below are some examples of dynamic stretches. Do them on a level surface for a total of about five minutes before you begin your workout. You will notice that with time the exercises will become easier and they will help improve your coordination, flexibility, and balance. Start by performing the exercises over a distance of about 30 yards; increase to 50 yards as you get more comfortable.
If you want to see the examples, you'll have to get on her web site :)
As for my Tuesday, just AM yoga and a very busy day. Today, Wednesday, I finish work at 1, and will be doing a few things, including picking up hand weights and then, C25K AND 30 day shred. Wish me luck, my quads still are sore from Monday's 30 day shred!!!
Learning and growing into a healthier me!!
~Cindy Lou
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