179.0 More Exercise, Fewer Carbs

I remember writing probably a year ago that exercise was easy to accomplish. Just do it, I wrote. But for some reason, now I put off doing it. I find all sorts of excuses for why I can't do it, and I'm writing this at this moment because I know I should get going but don't want to. It's odd that I find myself with this frame of mind. I think that it may have to do with getting out of the habit, and I could list lots of reasons (aka excuses) for that. I need to press reset and get back into the habit so that it is more automatic. Less thought Sue! Just do it!

I'm also thinking about limiting carbs, especially after mid afternoon. I do eat a lot of fruit for a late afternoon snack, and often for dessert, and again before bed. I don't eat the white carbs (potato, rice, pasta) much at all, any time night or day. So here we go on a new search to discover why I am stuck again. (I was talking to a great friend of mine last night about the haboob, the big dust storm we had out here recently. Maybe I need a big haboob in my life to shake me up. But wait! I just had one with the stroke diagnosis. Sue, sign off and get moving.)

174.2

I just came across this really concise, clear list of some of the best tips for weight loss that I think also pertain to weight maintenance. It's from a Canadian report published in the March 10, 2011 Montreal Gazette. Here's just one section of the longer report.

"Think smart.

--Be aware of your inner voice. Think about how the running dialogue inside your head encourages or excuses bad behaviour. As in: "I'll have these french fries now, but just a salad for dinner," or "It's too icy/cold/hot/ humid/late/early to go out for a walk."

--Practise saying "thanks, but no thanks" to colleagues who bring in baked goods or dinner-party hosts who offer yet another glass of wine.

--Learn to recognize true hunger. Before each bite of food, ask: "Am I so hungry that I would eat this even if it were something I didn't like very much?"

--Be especially vigilant around people you love. Research shows that adults tend to eat more in the company of friends and relatives, especially if they are overweight.

--Don't be hard on yourself. It takes about six weeks to form new habits. Be prepared for pitfalls and setbacks. Hitting a plateau is part of the process - the body's way of readjusting to a reduced food supply. If you stick with it, you'll start losing again."

I really like the explanation of the very frustrating plateau issue. I knew that but reading it again was quite comforting. :)

If you want to read more, here's the website.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Maintain+your+balance+when+weighing+diet/4407537/story.html#ixzz1GPCfxXV3

182.6 Living To Eat?

I never used to read the Wall Street Journal and now I read it everyday, because our local paper is, shall we say, very limited in its news and viewpoint.

What I've learned about the WSJ is that it is not just business news that makes it such a good read. It includes great book and movie reviews, and editorials. And, as you faithful know, I have cited at least one other article from it in the past about health and food issues. This morning there was a very interesting article entitled "Eating To Live or Living To Eat?". Here's the website: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575363072381955744.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_LeadStoryNA

I hope you'll check it out. It helps explain why some people have a very hard time saying no to certain foods even though they are not hungry, while others don't. From my point of view, they should have interviewed me :), because I truly believe that I have been able to change that brain function through the hypnosis and habit building that has been going on within my mind and body. So if you have a hard time saying no to food, even when you are not hungry, don't think of it as an excuse to keep eating. Rather, take it on as a challenge as something you want to change and can change.

Let's just say the article provides food for thought!

194.6 Exercise As A Habit

In my dentist's office there is a poster that reads,"Twice a day, brush only the teeth you want to keep!" It always makes me smile because it is so simple and yet so important. This morning I was having a discussion with myself about how I was going to fit exercise into my day today. I am realizing that exercise has become an ingrained habit just like brushing my teeth. When I was very little my mom had to brush my teeth for me. As I got older I could do it myself but she would have to remind me. And eventually it was a habit and I would just brush my teeth. I didn't agonize about when I would do it, if I would do it, if I could skip it on a given day. Unfortunately exercise was not a habit that was ingrained in me as a young child or as an older child. Oh, I had gym class 3 times a week through high school, but that didn't involve choice. Once I left that environment and went on to college, I didn't exercise on purpose. I'd walk, but that was just something I did in order to reach another goal, to get to class or the library.

Since I have taken on this weight loss journey, I have had to add exercise to my life and I realize that it has a lot in common with brushing my teeth. By doing it regularly exercising has become a habit. I used to dilly dally around about it but what I learned is that I always have felt great both physically and emotionally once I just did it. I have never finished my walk or left the gym thinking that I wished I hadn't done that. And now it's not a choice I make everyday. It is something I do everyday. The question is not whether I am going to exercise, but what am I going to do and when am I going to do it. This body has gotten more slender, stronger and healthier since I have started exercising daily. And, I want to keep it that way.

scale was under the bed.... Speaking of Which

A new excuse for not weighing myself this morning? No, honest, it's the truth. The scale is not just under the bed, it is way under the bed which has a big dresser with a mirror attached to it pushed up against it. The guest room is being painted (no more yucky yellow), and so everything is in a state of total chaos here. But it's exciting. The master bath is almost done and looks so much better. This is fun, except for the mess. I think I will be able to get to the scale tomorrow morning so that will be my next adventure on the scale.

Speaking of which, I hope you all read the comments as well as my blog. Some of them are very witty, others very helpful and supportive, and others, let's say, challenging! Rarely have I not posted readers' comments. I did get one about the joys of viagra that I didn't bother to post ;). I do see them and read them and love getting them, so keep the comments coming.

Today I had breakfast with three of my good friends from my neighborhood, and we exchanged gifts. I have to admit I gave them candy, but none are on the weight loss adventure! One of my friends is the most wonderful baker, candy maker, extraordinare and, besides a Christmas cinnamon "flavored" candle for me, she gave me 3 bags of goodies designated for Jeff. I am not sure he is going to see any of it as I have decided, probably in my wisdumb, to regift and give them to the relatives that are coming for dinner next Wednesday. As I am writing this it is becoming clear to me that maybe I should let him make that decision. Maybe wisdom is reigning over wisdumb? And, today he brought home a copy of the Bocelli Christmas CD I had wanted. Yep, the decision is his, but I hope he hides it well if he keeps it.