Overload

I don’t know about you, but typically we all overindulge ourselves during the Thanksgiving holiday feast. This was the first year I consciously decided not to do that! I went to my son’s new In-Law’s house for the gathering, and I was asked to bring a salad and the ever-so-delicious pecan pie. They have a beautiful new home, and it’s perfect for entertaining.

Since everyone was asked to bring an item or two, you can imagine there was an abundance of food. The spread looked wonderful. Mike grilled a turkey and Alaska salmon. With all this amazing food, I was determined to not stuff myself because I would feel horrible afterward – mentally and physically.

I took small amounts of the foods I wanted to eat. I did not deprive myself of carbs or gravy! I stuck to one plate, and small portions. There were many deserts to choose from, and I took a sliver of two pies. That was it. I drank water with my meal too. I am proud to say I did not feel stuffed or blotted in any way. I was done eating by 4:30pm and that was the end of my eating for that day.

I hope you did not overindulge. It is so tempting, right? When that much food is set in front of us, it is hard to say no.

Most medical reports state the flu season starts after Thanksgiving and in part, may be attributed to overeating all day long and sitting around watching football all day. There may be something to that, I don’t know. I do know that three people in my office were out sick last week with the flu. Knock on wood, I feel great and healthy.

I have dropped 32 lbs in 6 months. I wish the weight would drop off faster, but I remind myself it took years to put on, so give myself time to lose it. I’m very grateful!

I hope all of you are doing well. Be mindful of what you eat and how much. It takes dedication, determination, and reminding yourself of the GOAL!

Here’s to health and happiness.

Deanna

What Happened to my Great Body?

Where did my college body go? What happened to my strong resolve to say “no” when offered a piece of cake? After having two babies, menopause, and postmenopause, fast forward to middle age. My body, while remarkable as God made it, has changed dramatically since my twenties. I’ve made a lot of bad food choices on top of experiencing major life events. The question now is – How do I get my body back? Can I do this at my age? Will my body resist or appreciate the effort to change back to healthy?

My body is different, so a new game plan needs to be figured out. I do think the old “no” to cake or sugar is the first start. Saying no to sugar is always a good plan. This will be week one of my journey. I’m active in walking and moving every hour but I will shoot to add some simple weight lifting twice a week for the upper body and lower body.

I want this to be easy and simple. Week 1 – Say no to sugar. Weight lift – easy sets 2 times this week. Move my body more. Drink MORE water.

I will report next week on my progress. Small repetitive steps are key! Just like doing accounting – it’s about being consistent.

Have a GREAT WEEK….

Here’s to BETTER HEALTH.

Deanna

Exercise is a state of mind

Sit back and let me tell you a tale about one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done in my life.

Many moons ago, I was married to an extremely smart professor who lifted weights six days a week and rested on the Sabbath. I never felt the need to work out (weight lift), but he encouraged me to at least work out 2 days a week with him. One day for the upper body, and the second for the lower body. I didn’t feel my body was that out of shape, but I did give birth to two kids. Ladies, you can certainly relate to how our body changes to accommodate giving birth. But I digress, so back on to the story.

After a few months of working out with the smart professor, my body got firm in areas I wasn’t previously firm. I liked the look, the feel, and boy did it do wonders for my self-esteem. I could wear a mini skirt again! Back then, that was HOT!

One thing I didn’t like was being forced to work out. I had to do sit-ups before bed and in the morning. He’d comment on what I ate if he felt it wasn’t what I should be eating. You probably guessed by now, that he was a control freak. I don’t like the word freak, but it conveys what I need to get across in this tale.

We ended up getting a divorce for lots of reasons. I wished him well and left with two kids in tow. I was grateful for the tight thighs and feeling great about my body, which I owed all that to him and his control. BUT in my rebellion of not wanting to be controlled, I STOPPED working out from that point on! That was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. So so wrong…

Fast forward fifteen years, here I am mid-fifties struggling to lose because it’s even harder at my age now! I get up at 5:45 am to get my butt to the gym and work out at least 3 times a week. BUT I LOVE to work out now. I FEEL so much better and have more energy than when I don’t work out. I notice a high feeling on the days I do work on my body. The only difference is – No one is forcing me now. I simply do it for myself and my own health.

I’m glad this tale has a happy ending, but I sure wish I could go back in time and change that stupid moment in time! (LOL) Life is a journey… ups and downs… good and bad.

Exercise is really a state of mind! It’s all in how you look at it.

Love and blessings – and here’s to our health.

Deanna

Character

Building your character. Deep subject.

We aren’t born with character, it’s built. We develop it ourselves. But what kind of character to you want to have? What are your virtues, beliefs, and character? If you left this earth, what do you want people to remember about you? You’d want them to remember you by your good character.

Benjamin Franklin was a man of virtue. He had a notebook that he carried with him containing 13 virtues he strived to live by. Let me share them with you.

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation. Self discipline.
2. Silence: Speak only about what will benefit others or yourself. Avoid small talk.
3. Order: Let all things have their place. Let each part of your business have it’s time.
4. Resolution: Do what you must do, and resolve with out fail. Face the challenge.
5. Frugality: Make no expense unless it’s of benefit. Waste nothing. He was a firm believer in living below your means, and saving to grow wealth.

These were his top five.

He was probably one of the first self-made millionaires of his time.

Think about your character. Write them down and look at doing them every day. Speak only to build someone up, not to tear down. What if everyone had virtues like these; what would our country would be like? Respect, love, and communication are keys to having good relationships in every facet of your life.

Deanna

Looking in the Mirror

Looking in the mirror, a hard look, I need to get a handle on my health. I need to lose this extra weight or my health will be in jeopardy. I’m not fit now. I have been in the past. I believe I was fit in my thirties, but in my forties, I didn’t care for some reason.

Sure I could blame going through a divorce, or pull out other reasons, however; those excuses don’t change the truth! Excuses don’t mean jack. My body is carrying this extra weight, so I’m talking from experience. At my age, it will not be easy, but it is doable! It’s never to late to do anything.

This is the year that I care about me. Take care of myself each day. I believe that small things done consistently, over time will matter. If I’m eating healthier every day, making healthy food choice, then overtime I will see a difference in my body and how it feels. Right?

I’m cutting out fast food. That means that I need to plan out meals before hand. I started using the crock pot more now. Throw in the meat and a few things, and in 6 hours I have a home cooked meal, which we know is much better for me. Fast food is convenient, but it comes with an unhealthy price tag. I stopped drinking soda over a year ago!

My goal is to lose 50 lbs. this year. I will write how I feel and what’s working for me. I hope you can come along with my journey. I need support. Maybe you do too. If so, good.

“Small things done consistently over time will make a difference. BE consistent.”

Deanna