Saturday, October 31, 2015

10.31.15 Trick or Treat?

'Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!'  ... I can hear my brother DeWayne singing that so loud and clear .  However, as I grew older I also grew out of celebrating Halloween.  I still remember going to Zion Baptist Church on Byrne Street for trick or treating festivities ... Bobbing for Apples was one of the more popular games (can you imagine dunking your face into that 'barrel full of spit' now), Pin the Tail on the Donkey, magic tricks and of course the highlight of the evening ... CANDY!!!!

My children however,  NOPE, NADA, NO!!!  By the time they were up-n-coming, Halloween had become a bit of a challenge.  Creeps putting razor blades in apples, needles in candy and add that to the bully waiting around a corner to take your treats ... I chose to let them have candy at church functions, a trusted friend's home or our home.  Now, Halloween is no big deal to me.  I tried to play along and hand out candy several times, but some kids were not so nice and some kids were just plain greedy.  One year I just sat a big bowl OUTSIDE and refilled as needed (that was a pretty good idea now that I think about it).  It seems like it's more about the adults these days than the kids (LOL).

I was so tempted to purchase a bag of candy yesterday, but I knew once it crossed the Bessix threshold ... it would be done.  I'm trying to get our cupboards & fridge down to more healthier items.  Right now my level of discipline is low and my ability to resist certain temptations is even lower.  If it comes in the house it's going to get eaten, that's my harsh reality at this moment.

My second WW weigh-in was this morning and I was hoping to at least be down a pound.  That's all I was hoping for ... one pound.  Trying to keep my expectations real (not low) and set mini-goals.  Well ... I am DOWN  3.8 POUNDS!!!  If I can get rid of one pound a week I'll be extremely happy.  Anything beyond that ... BONUS.  I admit this past week was not the best for my first official week back at WW, but I'm going to keep on trying, keep on setting goals and keep on moving forward.
2004 Wells Fargo Halloween - The Fire Fairy & the Pirate

Sunday, October 25, 2015

10.25.15 "Random Acts of Fitness"

"Random Acts of Fitness" ... this is what the WW Leader said on Saturday that stuck with me after leaving the meeting.  Yup, I've recommitted to my 'plan' and part of that means accountability and transparency.  Not only will I periodically share when, where or what I'm doing to improve my health ... I'm also going to be honest about what's on my plate.  Last year, I would take pictures of some of my meals and share them in My Food Diary, now I'll be sharing what's on my plate even when I don't have pictures (cue the band).

I've heard myself say to others the many reasons I CAN'T do certain physical activity, so now I'm going to switch my self-talk and focus on those activities I CAN do.

I've got some goals I can work toward:  Looking sexy by Dec. 5th for a holiday party (I'm singing with a band) and going on my very first cruise June 2016 (got my fingers crossed on that one, cause our finances are not in agreement with that plan right now) and winding up to my retirement (insert the dancing emoji)!  In looking back over my blogs I came across some really great words of encouragement and I hope they encourage YOU as well.

Now … let me share with you a little bit of advice for YOUR lifestyle journey if you’re like me (over 50 and dealing with after-effects of your cancer treatments) or if you just need a little bit of encouragement.  We already have a lot of challenges going on, add to it that statistically as we get older it gets more challenging to lose weight after it's gained.  But always remember to move as much as possible, any activity is better than no activity.  Check with area churches, community centers and recreational facilities for FREE or low cost classes.  Learn how to skate, join a dance class (Zumba, Salsa and Belly-dancing are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!), create a home-gym out of things already in your home, little-by-little begin to swap not-so-healthy items for healthier choices, prepare more of your own meals (healthier and saves money), get a group of friends (or a friend) and do it together ... nothing like a friendly competition to keep things going.  Instead of going out for fast-food meal, go out for a short walk or invite friends over and pop in a work-out DVD.  Whatever you decide to do ... don't get discouraged, take your time and just strive to live a healthier life.
Every day is a new day. Never give up.  
Saturday was the beginning of my WW week, so in the words of JB Bryan "LET'S GO"!!!!!