So...

So it has been awhile since I blogged.

So it has taken me longer than I wanted to lose weight.

So it is harder than I like to exercise.

So it proves that I'm still human and feel like quitting.

I feel like eating a pan full of brownies too, but I won't.

I feel like wearing pyjamas all day but I don't. (Honest!)

I feel like watching endless food shows but I can't because we don't have T.V. Or else I probably would.

I feel like a failure, but I'm not!

This is my life and I'm living it, one day at a time.

This is my passion, to be the best woman, wife, mother, and friend I can be.

This is my dream and I am against dreamicide. (I thought I just made that up but I googled it and, dang it, I didn't)

This is my way of making it happen because no one else can do it for me.

So there.

~ Glory

An Important Step

So, as I sit here with angry muscles from these past few workouts - "few" kind of minimizes the terror I've come to associate with my workouts - there is something that I know has changed about my attitude. It's nothing profound or even lucrative if I were to try and write a book about it. Booklet. Going through my 3-4 sets of 10-20 reps has proved two things to me:

1. It's harder than it looks.

2. I'm more capable than I think.

Honestly, this is real, raw emotional stuff. Don't let my size and shape fool you. I might look sturdy on the outside but the inside tells another story. Do you want me to share that story? Well, here it is... I don't want to share it. I value you. But this is too personal. Sorry.

All I can say is that my journey's map has an arrow that says "You Are Here" and I'm further ahead than I was when I started. But there's a lot of distance yet to cover. This is work that needs doing now. And I'm doing it. Because I believe I can. Woo hoo!

~ Glory

To encourage you!

'Tis The Season...For Green Smoothies

Now that we are nearly through our first month since the Christmas holiday, with all its indulgent glory, we are again reminded of the hopes and dreams of the New Year. Not by decorations, music, or menus. Nothing of the sort! Rather, by tight jeans, breathless walks and climbing numbers on the scale. It is now time to get serious, get tough, and get busy doing the right thing for ourselves and our bodies. Yes, my friends, if you have never stuffed your food processor or blender with anything remotely leafy or green before now is the time!

There are a few good starting points to remember. If this is your first foray into the world of smoothies you will definitely need a good powerful blender or food processor. You’re going to be putting a lot of wear and tear on this machine that you hope will follow you through plunging dress sizes and beyond. With that being said, here are some things I have personally learned along the way:

Start out with as few ingredients as possible. Try freezing a banana overnight then chopping it up into the blender along with a handful of spinach in the morning, with a couple ice cubes and a few ounces of water. Blend it only until the leaves are little green specks but try not to blend too long as nutrients are lost as food is oxidized. Pour into a glass just big enough and drink normally or with a straw just to feel fancy.

See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?
Now, for some basic smoothie equations, here are the kinds of ingredients you’re going to want to play with. Yes, you’re going to have fun, I promise!

1. The liquid. Pure H2O is totally fine, since you’re going to be adding whole fruits and veggies into the mix, anyway. For some added health or flavor, however, you can certainly pour in some coconut water, fruit juices, or milks – dairy, soy, rice, almond, or coconut. By the way, greek yogurt totally counts as a liquid and doubles as a protein source. Coolness!

2. Decide what kind of base fruit you want. This is the stuff that’s going to put the “smooth” in smoothie so you’re going to be looking for things like bananas, mangos, peaches, pears, apples, or papayas. Here’s a cool veggie secret: a cucumber would fit here as well as previously cooked pumpkin, sweet potato, or squash. Pick one of these then you can combine flavors with water-rich fruits like melon or citrus, or berries. Mmm berries!

3. Add flavor to your smoothie with berries (kind of obsessed, I admit it), citrus fruits, melon, or pineapple. If you’re brave you can even try things like ginger, cilantro, vanilla bean, clove, cinnamon or even cayenne pepper (use with a chocolaty smoothies made with raw cacao). Otherwise, think about your favorite beverage, sherbet, or yogurt combinations and let that guide your tastebuds.

4. Finally, add your greens. You can add up to 2 cups of spinach, dandelion, romaine lettuce, kale, chard, and even parsley.

That’s basically it! Now just blend the whole eclectic party up into a mild frenzy and pour into a jar, glass, or plastic tumbler. Whatever. Oh, and about protein powders or fiber sources like wheat germ, or milled flax seeds? Just do it! It’s your body, your health, and your smoothie so own it! Make it happen!

Glory

Help During The Holidays

Am I offering to clean your house or do your baking while you shop for presents or attend social gatherings? Of course not, silly! But I am accepting offers...childcare...I digress. My apologies.

This season finds me baking my share of seasonal favorites. Cookies, pies, breads, you name it. It's probably already come out of my oven and served on my table. It's just that good! Too good. You know where this is headed...a near train wreck like those impossible scenes from Polar Express. Scary!

So, I wish I had the time to come up with my own oh so clever and original strategy for avoiding the naughty diet list. Yeah, those people get Slim Fast in their stockings and a Richard Simmons Sweating To The Oldies DVD. *shudder*

Instead I am shamlessly linking my favorite website, which hasn't yet remunerated me yet for all my posts about them. Someday. Anyway, here's what Livestrong says about the most wonderful time of the year:

Perspective and Planning

We call it the holiday season, but in reality, there are only a few actual holidays during the season. This time is about giving, sharing, gathering and enjoying the company of family and friends. If you think of it as a time to eat, your actions will follow your thought patterns. Plan well and pace yourself. Keep your schedule flexible and do not overextend yourself. If you do, you will not have time to plan healthy meals, exercise and get enough sleep, which are all essential for weight control.

Work Pitfalls

During the holidays, the workplace is full of fatty goodies, such as candy and bakery items. Become a grazer and keep healthy noshes close-by. Say "no thank you" to office sweets. Occasional splurges are for special days, not for everyday. If the goodies are in sight of your desk, politely ask if they can be moved, or move them yourself. Bring your own sweet treats such as a sugar-free chocolate pudding snack pack, or a Nabisco 100-calorie snack pack to keep you satisfied.

Diet Tips for Parties

Focus on family and the reason for the season and be a good host or guest. Do not linger in the kitchen or near the buffet table. Never sit down to a holiday meal ravenous. You will set yourself up for a disaster. Have a small well-balanced snack in advance, such as reduced-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers and an apple. Eat only what you really want to eat. Pass up the rest. Bring your own healthful dish to pass, such as assorted raw veggies with low-calorie dip or a homemade low-calorie dessert. If you are a guest at a holiday party, let your host know ahead of time that you are on a special diet. If you are familiar with the menu, it will be easier to maneuver around obstacles.

Trade-offs for Holiday Meals

When it comes to holiday meals, there are usually plenty of options. Attempt to make better choices without denying yourself. Your waistline, will thank you. Munch on raw vegetables with low-calorie dip, grilled veggies and other low-calorie hors d'oeuvres. Trade in candied yams for a baked one, and skip the sauces. Fill your plate with lean meats, lots of veggies, and whole grains (if available) or a small amount of starch. Enjoy one glass of wine with your meal and keep your dessert small and consider sharing it. Remember to control those portions.

Move More

It's all about taking in less (or at least the same) calories as you expend. Move more to avoid gaining weight. Add an extra 15 to 20 minutes onto your workout routine to burn more calories during the holidays or add a workout to your weekly routine. Ditch the car at the furthest parking spot at the mall and hoof it all over the store during your holiday shopping. Wear a pedometer and see how many steps you can clock. Keep a food journal. It keeps you honest and discourages impulse eating behaviors. Seeing what you've eaten, in black and white, is a deterrent.

Click for the full article and links to other holiday tips.

Glory

"Well Done"

This week marks the completion of the 60 day challenge that started with me announcing my wholehearted intent to lose 40 lbs and get healthy and fit. While I still have almost 30 lbs yet to lose, I know that what I have gained in knowledge of my body and maintaining an active lifestyle is more rewarding than winning any material prize. I have done my best, I faced greater challenges than I ever expected, and I experienced disappointing setbacks that might have discouraged me to the point of quitting altogether. And, yes, my heart has truly been broken by things that were very much out of my control. But I knew this wouldn't be easy, I've been well aware that life doesn't play fair, and I am sure that these are not the last obstacles I will come up against in my continuing efforts to change my lifestyle. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey." (Zig Ziglar) holds more truth to me now than ever before. Do I feel successful, perhaps not, but I know that I have not failed nor have I given up. And the words that will mean the most to me, at the very end of it all, when nothing else will matter nearly as much as crossing the last finish line, are those that I have been promised to hear from the only One who can bestow anything of eternal worth and value. It is those words that compell me to strive harder and reach forward. Yes, when all is said and done, long after the sweat and tears have dried, I have an assurance that I will stand in the company of all like-hearted people and hear the Lord of all that I am say, "Well done." ~ Glory

The Home Stretch

I've lost a total of 11 pounds since the challenge started! I'm actually very happy with that and would be content to lose the same number, or even just a little more, in this next half.

I might have gotten discouraged about this if only because my goal has not been reached, yet. But I'm not, because I won't give up! This means too much to me, now, and I am accomplishing so much more than changing numbers on the scale. Everything in my life is better, now, than it has ever been! My outlook on life is more hopeful, I feel stronger than ever, and I know that God has given me abilities beyond anything I've already experienced.

That alone is worth more to me than any material prize!

Glory

Rest

This picture says it all. The blood, the downward gaze, the scars. She's been through more than you or I could ever know. She has struggled, she's fallen down, and she's picked herself up again. And, right now, she is resting. Why do we think resting is not important or productive? Are we so addicted to busy that we forget that even warriors have to regain strength? I'm learning that, in this journey, resting is very much part of transformation and a healthy lifestyle.

So I rest...

Glory

Blame it on Bagger Vance

For many reasons, I am sure, today finds me very emotional. Partly because I just savored my last bowl of rice, stir fried veggies, and egg roll for the next 8 weeks. Partly because this house really needs attention. And partly because I stayed up past midnight last night watching a movie with Hubby. It was "The Legend of Bagger Vance." It was different. It was good. And it got me to thinking, and talking, and evaluating. My life.

Now, I'm not a golfer, nor do I have any intentions of picking up the game. But I found much about the movie that applies to my life. Some things are true for certain people, and some things are just plain true. After all, at some point in everyone's life, we come face to ugly face with adversity. It's hard and it hurts. But we can't hide from it for the rest of our lives or blame it on anyone or anything. Sometimes things happen for a reason and sometimes things just happen for no reason at all. But the real question is the same as always: What are you going to do?

Bagger Vance: "I don't need to understand... Ain't a soul on this entire earth ain't got a burden to carry he don't understand, you ain't alone in that... But you been carryin' this one long enough... Time to go on... lay it down..."

What did I do? I survived it. I got over it. I got on with life. At least on the outside it looked that way. But did I win? Not always. Sometimes I failed. Sometimes I ran from it. And sometimes I fought back with all I had to fight with. Now, let me tell you, this is the scariest thing I've ever done. I'm running to it.

Hardy Greaves: "There ain't nobody to beat up on but yourself."

I have been and still am my own worst enemy. I am harder on myself than anyone else has been on me. And it's time to make friends with that enemy. To remind myself that I am not alone in my fight. That there are people surrounding me who want me to win. Just like God created me to win.

Bagger Vance: "Yes you can... but you ain't alone... I"m right here with ya... I've been here all along... Now play the game... Your game... The one that only you was meant to play... Then one that was given to you when you come into this world... You ready?"

Yes, Bagger Vance, I'm ready.

Glory

The Ultimate Prize

Let’s put it this way: I am just 40 pounds away from my ultimate is-that-really-MY-body weight. To some it’s small potatoes (which I can’t eat for awhile, by the way), and to others it seems like an impossibility. For me, it’s just 10 pounds more than I’ve lost already. Granted, these are going to be tough old fat pounds to lose, because these are the stubborn ones. You know the ones I’m talking about, right girls?

These are the pounds that thrived on the pumpkin spice lattes every Fall, that convinced you that one more slice of caramel apple pie on Thanksgiving was expected, that assured you that Mom’s green bean casserole was healthy because it had veggies, that scolded you if you didn’t eat everything on your plate because that would be rude to your dinner host. Yes, and these are the pounds that chortled when you couldn’t zip up the fly on your favorite pair of jeans anymore, that glared at you in the department store change-room when you were looking for something nice to wear for Christmas, that seemed to plot against you when you made your New Year’s resolutions and drank meal replacement shakes and crunched your abs until it hurt to laugh at the funny little things your kids said, that bullied their way into every family picture and photograph so all you saw were those horrible unforgiving hateful pounds. Of course, by “you” I mean me. Yes. I. Did. That.

No. Not anymore. Not ever again. I will not deal with those pounds for the rest of my life. I won’t listen to them when they try to tell me my body wasn’t made to be lean. I don’t care if they burn and rage within my arms and belly and thighs. Let them holler and curse my efforts. If sweat is fat crying then I’m gonna make it bawl its eyes out. I’m going straight to the source of their power-grip on me and I am cutting it off completely. All those stupid pointless calories I used to crave and love and worship are O.U.T. How can I say all of this so resolutely? Well, I’ve made new friends with different body parts, called muscles. And let me tell you, they know their way around too. Oh and the better I feed them and the more I work them, the more they love me and literally beg me for more. I’m actually enjoying their company because they don’t lie to me and say things that make me just feel better. They actually make me better and let me take all the credit. They are my team and I know I can count on them to help me win. And the prize? You’re gonna totally love this: a lifetime of ultimate health and fitness. That alone is worth the fight!

It’s on!

Glory

"Have you been to the gym?" and other awkward questions...

So, this hasn't been the awesome-est week for working out. First of all, I have some good reasons and great excuses for being out of sync. Secondly, I'm plumb tuckered (it's fun to say this, by the way). And thirdly, I don't owe anyone an explanation. Actually, that third one isn't true at all. I'm just a tad snarky...sorry.

Keeping Hubby's back on ice and his veins flowing with vicodin hasn't been my favorite thrill ride, this week. Oh sure, I can talk about how we rocked the mountain hike a week ago when we rescued our little girl's hoodie from the wild elements, or even perhaps a shivering bear cub in serarch of warmth. Cute picture, huh? But helping him recover was a labor of love, no doubt of that, in sickness and in lost spinal alignment.

BUT those days are over! Not only is he getting better but I am learning that health and fitness waits for no one. We either show up or we stand down. Is that clear, soldier?

Count me in!

Glory

On The Hunt...For Healthy!

I’ve been practically glued to my laptop for the past few days now. It’s not like it sounds. Yes, I do leave a social networking tab open the whole time. But I’m not parked there like an old decrepit clunker on the freeway. Clean that up, will you?! Truth is, I’m productively searching for something healthy. I’m always prowling the internet in my quest for better choices. Let’s face it, we can all make better choices. We all need to repent! We all need to sing like a choir in white robes while the organist plays something soulful. “I surrender all…” Do you hear me, sisters?!

On my social networking site of choice I have “like”d some sites that are motivating, encouraging, and butt-kicking when I need it. And I’ve had to un”like” some that were bringing me down, enabling bad choices, and offered to host my pity parties for a small fee. I’m learning to be stealthy and use whatever means I can to bag my catch. Am I setting my sights on more fiber? Hunt for recipes that include more fiber rich produce. Do I want to capture a protein-packed trophy? Look for the meats, beans and dairy items that will give me the boost I need without loading me down with unreasonable fat calories. Am I getting enough nutrients in my snacking choices? Expand my selection to include fresh fruits and vegetables and leave off the high sodium and carb-laden standbys. Hunt. Aim. Shoot.

Right now I’m looking for healthy and inexpensive protein bars that I can make myself. There are plenty of recipes out there for breakfast bars, cereal bars, granola bars, but some of the ingredients make me feel cheap and dirty, like I have no standards. And I have my standards! I’m not about to get picked up by something that looks okay but leaves me empty and ashamed of myself. I’m better than that! Besides, I’m the one wearing the safari hat stalking my prey. So, I fasten my buttons and look for things like protein, whole grain, and natural sweeteners. Dried fruits, seeds, and nuts are fine but I don’t want to blindly consume hidden calories just because everything else looks wholesome. To start with here’s a super-easy bar that doesn’t need baking:

Energy Bars- Unbaked (By: American Running Association Running and Fitnews)

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup raisins or dried fruit, chopped
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup light Karo syrup

Mix it all well. Freeze in bar shapes.

Happy hunting!

Glory

Hurts So Good...?!

I'm showing my age. And not just because of the old John Mellencamp song reference from 1982. It is a great one, though. No, I'm talking more about muscles, joints, and recovery time. Sometimes I simply whine about it. Other times I actually behave in a quite infantile manner. Shameless confessions aside, it seems that the common attributes of everything that's good for us are painful, unappealing, or difficult.

It's a love-hate thing, actually. Sometimes more hate than love, at times. Take your vitamins! Study for finals! Say you're sorry! The results are worth it but it's always work at some level. Accomplishing goals takes work. Great relationships take work. Achieving fitness takes work. Getting to where we want to be in life is sweet, wonderful, and euphoric! But it's not always fun or easy.

A lot of fitness centers and personal trainers understand this and will state this fact to their clients openly. Everyone has heard "no pain, no gain" uttered through clenched teeth. It's not really a masochistic thing at all. Not for the average mentally stable person anyway. Of course there are always those who would take such phrases to extremes, individuals I personally take great care to avoid, by the way. The idea is the same no matter how you say it.

Feel the burn! Embrace the suck!

Uhm, okay. But is all that pain really necessary? Well, yes and no, according to research of the body's anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. To understand a bit more about this process read What Does "Feel the Burn" mean...and is it good or bad?. The good news is that muscles eventually learn how to manage through that burning sensation and it will lessen, over time.

Consider this truth: "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) That pretty much tells it like it is, huh?

The Marine corps have adopted the quote "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Yeah, I can appreciate that on more than one level. No matter how much it hurts, in a get-your-lazy-self-moving sense, I know it will make me stronger. Bring on the pain!

Glory

Phobias And Fresh Starts

It’s like my worst nightmare. Seriously. I would rather give birth or hike the Himalayas than deal with what is probably one of my deepest fears. Unfortunately, after weeks and often months of my typical avoidance strategies, I can no longer exist in denial. This has to be faced squarely with no hesitation. So, with all the appropriate materials at hand and having assembled the necessary supplies I stand with my feet shoulder width apart, my knees slightly bent, and my back straight. My palms are sweaty, my stomach is churning, and my throat feels dry. I resist the urge to turn and flee the inevitable. I stretch out my yellow gloved right hand, hold my breath, and open the refrigerator door.

My name is Glory. And I have a phobia of cleaning the refrigerator. “Hi Glory,” my mental support group replies.

I’m not sure where it started or why it offends me so much. But eventually I know it must be done. Confrontation of any kind just sends me reeling. But there is just something about containers of mystery leftovers, jars of half-used food, cartons of expired products, and the bag or two of fresh-last-season produce run amuck on sticky shelves and carousing in crispers that evokes a soft whimper and a shudder or two. Yet I continued on, unloading chilled foodstuffs, scrubbing and wiping surfaces, and tossing away things that would not be making a return to the refrigerator. While there was a time I would have considered this to be wasteful, I have since determined that something that isn’t needed, wanted, or even safe to consume is simply taking up space for something better, healthy, and far more appealing. In short, I was practically giving my refrigerator a makeover. And now it looks fabulous, darling! Teen girl even applauded.

Besides the obvious improvement to the cleanliness of the kitchen, there are several other health benefits to a good fridge cleanse. More space is not the least of these good effects. All that junk was taking up room on the shelves for free without even paying rent. Getting rid of the deadbeat items means I can buy more fresh healthy things like spinach and yogurt for my green smoothies. It also means that when I open the refrigerator door I can save time by easily viewing my choices and making my selection quickly without contemplating what sort of sweet calorie-laden goodies might be more readily obtained in the cupboard. An organized refrigerator filled with good healthy food makes for a disciplined me filled with energy, vitality, and joy. My fridge is happy again, and so am I!

Glory

Cheats And Eats

We have been vacationing on and off all Summer, and it has been fantastic! We love to travel, see new places, and just enjoy a nice break from the routine. Between a church family camp at a nearby park to a family visit in Wyoming to a birthday celebration trip to Philadelphia, there has been plenty to do and discover, including how far it takes to walk from Embassy Suites to the Liberty Bell (1.6 miles). The food aspect is important because we tourists need it for fuel, of course, but we also use it for celebration and fun.

Yes, I just admitted that eating, for me, is fun! A lot of fun, in fact, if there are plenty of choices, like one might find at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. This is kind of an indoor version of our own Pike Place Market in Seattle, with more restaurants and a huge international supermarket. I personally loved the Mediterranean menu and really tucked into ½ my vegetarian lasagna. The mammoth portion was more than I needed to consume in one sitting and setting half of it aside for another meal wasn’t difficult at all. It was like two meals for the price of one! I also made sure to add homemade baklava to my purchase. And as possessive as I am with my sweet treats I graciously shared the baklava with the hubby and teen.

Breakfast at Embassy Suites are complimentary and delicious! From made-to-order omelettes to bowls full of fresh fruit it was easy to start the day of eating out right and healthy. I love my vegetables so my omelette was fully loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, and onions along with diced ham and crumbled bacon (a girl can indulge a little, right?) The nice thing about a hotel suite is the refrigerator and microwave where we could take our uneaten yogurt or still intact muffin for snacking on later. It saves money and time when just a bit of munching is in order. We also bought a couple of bags of small Dove and Hershey’s chocolates to enhance our hotel experience, and to stave off cravings for heavy desserts. Like late at night during The Nanny marathon or catching up on Bones episodes. *cough, cough* After walking several miles every day one is practically entitled to a nibble or two here and there!

More often than not I stayed true to my salad-for-lunch commitment but I did cheat a bit with sauced up pastas and desserts (always shared, however). In other words, I enjoyed the flavors of the city and we always offered each other bites of whatever we had, but I got away with slightly fewer calories by turning one restaurant sized serving into two meals, except for the diced Norwegian salmon in a aurora cream sauce at Bellini. The portion was appropriate for one meal and we stayed long enough to savor the experience. And, by the blessed grace of God, I still didn’t add any pounds or inches. Now that totally feels like I just cheated!

Glory

Skinnier Summer Salads

Yumm. Summer eating is by far one of my favorite outdoor activities. With the intoxicating smell of fire-cooked meats wafting past backyard fences my tastebuds implore me to mix up something fresh, tasty, and cool. Salads are the obvious choice since assembling the ingredients and allowing time to chill can all be accomplished as close as an hour ahead of dinner time. With so many classic recipes to choose from it's like a party every day!

So how does a Free And Transformed girl like me satisfy my salad cravings and stay on track with my health and fitness goals. I mean, we all know the benefits of using fresh ingredients, including green leafy vegetables in our menus, and avoiding high fat and high calorie dressings. But, seriously, there comes a time when forkfuls of spinach and lettuce just don't satisfy. When it comes to our favorite summer salads, quite honestly, modifications can only go so far. Take potato salad, for instance. It's not potato salad without the creaminess of mayonnaise the and bits of egg in every bite. Or how about marshmallow fruit salad with its sour cream dressing, or pistachio salad which is pretty much a glorified pudding dessert served up in a salad bowl.

In my search for healthier options I have discovered a great alternative to mayonnaise. Instead of the 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mayonnaise that most creamy salads list in the ingredients, a plain low fat yogurt can be used to replace part or even all of the rich dressing that typically goes into potato salad, broccoli salad, or even pasta salad. Experiment first with recipes that are simple and then you can broaden your skills as you get braver.

So, what about sweet fruity salads where Cool Whip or miniature marshmallows steal the show? Well, try this recipe for a backyard barbecue favorite and let me know if you missed the calorie-laden whipped topping and sweet confections:

Pistachio-Pineapple Cottage Salad

Prep time: 10 Min Serves: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 1oz box, sugar free instant pistaschio pudding
- 2 C plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 C low fat cottage cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all together and chill
2. Note: Great for diabetics. 1 fruit, 1 milk, 1 protein

How easy is that?! I'm learning that sticking with the traditional salad recipes is actually sticking me with a lot of fat and calories that I really don't need. And, while we're gathering together with family and friends, it's the atmosphere of love and joyfulness that we appreciate the most, anyway, right?

Glory

"I'm on vacation..." And Other Lame Excuses To Backslide

Last week our family spent four days camping with other families from our church at a nearby park. The surroundings were beautiful and once the wood got crackling in the fire ring I have to be honest that I wanted nothing more than a s'more and a steaming mug of hot cocoa. All healthy diet thoughts flew out of my head like all those pretty little sparks rising above the warm colored flames. Yes, I could have been content to let all my recent efforts and achievements go up in smoke at that time, but I scrunched up my resolve and decided that, while I may not make a lot of progress, I would not be set back either.

It took some creativity to get one 3-ish mile run in with Alisha and Sara but I did it and actually enjoyed having spent time with my friends keeping each other on track. But it does take a lot of determination to be active while enjoying some rest and relaxation. Camping makes it a bit easier since there is significantly more walking, moving about, and exertion when kids wander a little too far and you need to chase after them. But getting in the usual routine isn't always realistic so it's important to adjust your expectations somewhat and modify diet and fitness goals.

Food-wise I packed a few personal favorite snack items but included as many fresh veggies and fruits as possible to balance my cravings for typical camp fare. Having everything prepped and ready to eat is important since it's much easier to split open a bag of chips than peel and slice carrots. Limiting sugar-infused drinks is really important too. In fact, I didn't even bother getting any sodas to sip but rather picked up a few juices and flavored water. Even there, we could have gotten by on plain water and I found I was more likely to drink what was easiest to grab. Keeping water bottles filled and chilled, if possible, makes water a more likely source of hydration for everyone. Finally, since I didn't make any baked treats to take along there wasn't the temptation to nibble on brownies or cookies during idle time. I was even proud of myself when goodies were being generously shared that I politely declined to sample the offerings. Time with friends was sweet enough for me.

In all, this was a good gauge of how the rest of our travel-filled Summer will go. The key here is planning. First off, I plan on keeping the cooler and food totes stocked with enough healthy snacks and meal supplies so we can avoid hitting greasy calorie laden fast food places. I plan on finding a hotel that offers a fitness center and maybe a pool for the kids to swim around in. Finally, I plan on destinations that have parks and hiking trails so we can get out in and enjoy some active family time. Active.com has some excellent resources on how to work exercise into a vacation. My personal favorite, other than a planned hike, is spending visiting time taking walks and catching up while enjoying the outdoors. It's memories like these that will last much longer than a roasted marshmallowy melted chocolate graham cracker sandwich!

Glory

Believing The Unseen

On any journey we take to better ourselves there is always an undercurrent of faith that carries us through valleys and rough spots. Of course we don’t typically draw from it as much as we should. Instead we look to visible things to show us how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. Maybe it’s a matter of weeks or months since the last cigarette was smoked, the last drink of alcohol was consumed, or the last candy bar passed the lips and landed on the hips. It could be a coin jar that hasn’t seen any new “potty change” because a swearing habit has been broken. For me, it’s the numbers on the scale, the size of my oh-so-truthful jeans – jeans never tell lies, by the way – and what I see in the mirror. The funny thing about sight is that so much of it is based on perception and so little on holistic reality. Don’t worry, I’m not going to weird anyone out with New Age philosophy. But I am going to be very candid about believing and having faith in things we don’t see with our eyes but we can certainly behold in our hearts.

No one would argue that changes are hard, and actually suck, at times. I mean, what average food loving individual would willingly bypass a brownie for a banana, or even broccoli. Girls, I can tell you right now that wasn’t me, not for most of my life. I don’t hate vegetables and actually enjoy them raw, cooked, alone, or with a small bit of butter. Fresh fruit and berries even make my taste buds sing a happy tune that makes me feel like wearing love beads and painting rainbow pictures. But when I’m battling a wild craving for chocolate, or ice cream, or chocolate swirl ice cream, I don’t hear any music and I’m not exactly happy about saying no to myself. I’m the one filling up the “potty change” jar with the colorful words in my head. That’s where my toughest struggle rests is in my thinking, and that’s where believing and having faith that God is changing me is most important. Because then I can seriously consider where poor choices will lead me, to a place of cake crumbs and licked-clean ice-cream bowls and emptiness. It’s a lonely hollow place that I never want to find myself at ever again.

Measuring success by the slowly descending numbers on the scale or jeans sizes can be encouraging and even keep the momentum going for a while. When others notice that the way we look has changed we can feel good about the compliments and even use that to motivate us to move towards our goals. But the good feeling from those kind and caring words lasts for mere moments and, without further dramatic differences in our appearance, may not be said again for a long time. Sticking with our health and fitness commitments requires a persevering attitude and strong resolve that we’re in this for the long haul, no matter who does or doesn’t notice and no matter if the numbers haven’t changed much at all. Supportive family members and friends can certainly keep us accountable when they see us faltering or slowing our progress. But, ultimately, the very act of choosing to do something hard or unappealing sets into motion something in us that is deeper than we may even understand. Call it inner fortitude, staying power, resolute endurance, or firmness of mind. Whatever it is it becomes an unshakable force that can help us withstand any situation or circumstance that might otherwise defeat us. For me it’s obvious that my strength comes from the Lord because I know how weak and vulnerable to failure I am. And even though I have not seen God with my human eyes, there is unquestionable evidence of His hand on my life that makes me believe with absolute confidence that the work that He has begun in me, He will be faithful to complete it! That gives me confidence to trust Him and know with all my heart that with Him all things, even things I can't see, are possible.

Glory

Owned

"They own you, now." Our lovely oldest daughter stated with simple wise solemnity.

And it was true.

I had just given my personal information, showed my driver's license, handed over my debit/credit card, and signed a 12 month contract at a local fitness club. As I drove home my eyes glanced over at the envelope containing my pink copy of the agreement and receipts and I felt a wave of horror and instantly gasped at the thought: What have I done?! My audible response to the settling in of reality is what prompted our teen's statement.

And I couldn't argue. I had to agree. And I had given it willingly.

As the day wore on and the considerate query of the manager, "Will you be working out today?" replayed itself in my head I began to have a different feeling about being owned. Maybe it wasn't a strict obligation to avail myself of the equipment or to comply with making an appearance. Maybe it wasn't an adherence to a difficult workout regimen or depriving myself of my favorite culinary pleasures. Maybe it was actually an aligning of my goals and aspirations with others who value their health and just honestly want to discipline their minds and bodies to be the best they can be.

I suppose if I really think about it, I rather like being owned. Because it also implies acceptance and belonging. It's not entirely scary to think about walking into a fitness facility, scanning my key card at the front desk, and walking over to the cardio machines and starting my workout. Seeing the great diversity of like-minded individuals at the gym it's quickly becoming an environment I can appreciate and enjoy. I already have two good friends who go there and I know I will meet new people every day I make it in. There is encouragement, support, and accountability with being a member of a gym and those are all good things.

There are some obvious spiritual parallels here as well: acceptance, belonging, support, accountability. Knowing that my friends who go the gym are also women I see at least every Sunday helps me to apply all that I have learned and all that I do to every other area of my life. That means that this isn't just a one-year contract that I'll be released from when the expiry date comes. This is a lifestyle change and a lifelong journey that I don't have to walk alone! See? Owned. Alone. I'll gladly choose to be owned!

Glory

I Joined The Zumba Party!

It felt a little like a blind date! Throughout the day I kept checking the time to see when I'd have to get ready. As the hour approached I wondered: Do I shower before or after I'm all sweaty? Should I wear comfortable shoes or will I end up barefoot? Will I look good enough and make all the right moves? My palms even got sweaty as I walked to the planned location. I make friends easily enough but sometimes I worry that I'll do something stupid. Like showing up so early that I'm the lone lady standing by the door waiting to be let inside. I didn't wait that long but it's a lesson learned for next time.

More women showed up and we were all greeted with a smile from a cheerful redhaired tattooed young woman in a bright tank shirt and roomy yellow pants. She introduced herself as Bridget then quickly got the music going and we were led through an hour-long routine of movements that were fun, new, and a bit dizzying. Zumba is a party, after all! A couple of times we asked her to show us how to do things like the shimmy or the booty shake. Some of it was daunting choreography, especially for a beginner like me, but knowing that this wasn't "Dancing With The Stars" or anything competitive made it so fun and was actually more of a workout than I expected. By the time we finished cooling down, stretching, and Bridget led us in prayer (did I mention all this hip-swaying and pelvic tilting happened in a church?) I felt like I had joined a special sorority of empowered women of all ages who were celebrating our God-given bodies and getting fit at the same time.

What I enjoyed the most about this experience, besides the fact that it was a free Zumba class, was just the diversity of experience and fitness levels and how comfortable we all were in being together. I did end up barefoot as did another young woman which made some of the turning moves easier. Other women wore t-shirts but I felt more free to move in a tank shirt. And it was a good thing I skipped the shower since things got sweaty fast. Now I'm checking off the days until the next class, which is four days from now!

My advice after this Zumba experience is simple: find a class that will let you check it out for free. That way you'll know what you're comfortable with, the instructor's style, and the group you'll be working out with. Shoes with little or no tread can be worn but dance sneakers are the better way to go. Check with the instructor if you want to try going barefoot as he or she may have a strict policy about footwear. Even though I did my first class barefoot I know I'll have to get better shoes if I want to continue Zumba.

And, after how I felt having moved every possible muscle and joint in my body, I know this is something I want to do as often as possible!

Glory