Monday, May 31, 2010
To Do List
So, last week was productive, I was able to check off a bunch of things from my to do list. The stress is coming down. AHHHHHHHH
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sunday's Talk
How Being Obedient has Helped My Life
How many of you have lost weight, have tried to lose weight, or wanted to become healthier? As I thought about my topic, I was trying to think of a specific situations where being obedient has helped my life; and I thought for me it isn’t one gospel principle that helps me, it’s all of them. It isn’t one Christ like characteristic, it’s all of them. Much like becoming healthy, it isn’t cutting out one thing that will make the difference; it is the combination of a bunch of small things.
Let me explain myself a little deeper. I grew up in the church, but I veered off track because I thought that I provided my own happiness. While I was on that alternate path making bad choices and breaking God’s commandments, which at the time I thought were fun and happy, ultimately left me feeling very alone and lost and there was no joy or purpose in my life. It was a very dark and depressing time for me.
When I decided to put Christ as the center of my life, instead of myself, that was the choice that turned me in the right direction, then I started going back to church, reading my scriptures, and praying. As I started following God’s commandments I started to feel better about life and I didn’t feel alone anymore. I felt true Joy and I LIKED it. I thought if doing these small things can make me feel this good, I wanted more! So, I read more and prayed more.
I started cutting all the temptations out of my life. I was weak, I needed to get strong. I knew that if I kept the wrong people or things in my life while I was weak I wouldn’t make it. I needed to FOCUS on CHRIST and get my spirit in the right place. I surrounded myself with people that lived high standards, went to activities that uplifted my spirit, I was exercising my sole. I was feeding my sole the GOOD stuff.
As I continued my repentance process I could feel my spirit healing. Heavenly Father was blessing me in far more ways than I could have dreamed. He blessed me with everything that I needed and wanted. I was becoming the person that I truly wanted to be. Heavenly Father was providing me with opportunities to grow and I was in tune with the spirit to fulfill those opportunities. I was building MY strong foundation, MY TESTIMONY.
My life has been so blessed and I know that all things come from God. God gives us ALL that we have. Blessings, so we can help others and do God’s will. Trials so we can grow. God gives us Free Agency so we can prove that we have what it takes and will use HIM to pass the test. (Think of life as an open book test, didn’t we all love those in school?!)
I love the scripture D&C 82:10; I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. Right there he is telling us that if there is a specific blessing that we need or want in our life- to fulfill his commandment and he is bound to give you the blessing. Now do not misconstrue this to mean that he leaves you alone, he doesn’t, ever! Even when I was on that alternate path; But he is not bound.
This scripture has brought me so much understanding. Anytime I have a trial that I am going through and I feel that I am inadequate. I will look up the blessing I am in need of and cross reference the commandment.
Also, Jesus taught in Matthew 21: 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
So, after I have looked up the commandment, I will pray to Heavenly Father and pour out my heart to him about my trial and let him know that I know what he commands and I am committing to him that I will be obedient to HIS word.
Every time I have done this Heavenly Father has blessed me with what I needed. It may have come in the form of inspiration while reading, a person in my life, a talk in church, a lesson, or just a comforting feeling that I am doing what I need to do and to continue to move forward.
Now it may not have been what I thought I needed, or it may not have happened the way I foresaw it happening, but HE has always pulled me through. By learning from our trials makes us into a better people and this is how we grow.
Now before you go thinking I’m perfect, I’m not, but I do understand that part of being obedient is knowing how to repent. Each day I learn more and more about our Heavenly Father and his plan for me and now for my family. It all started with my foundation and keeping my testimony strong.
You see how being obedient is like losing weight or becoming healthy. Being healthy is a combination of a bunch of small choices. Being obedient is a bunch of small choices. Every day we wake up faced with choices, and it is up to us, using the tools we have to make the right choices.
How many of you have lost weight, have tried to lose weight, or wanted to become healthier? As I thought about my topic, I was trying to think of a specific situations where being obedient has helped my life; and I thought for me it isn’t one gospel principle that helps me, it’s all of them. It isn’t one Christ like characteristic, it’s all of them. Much like becoming healthy, it isn’t cutting out one thing that will make the difference; it is the combination of a bunch of small things.
Let me explain myself a little deeper. I grew up in the church, but I veered off track because I thought that I provided my own happiness. While I was on that alternate path making bad choices and breaking God’s commandments, which at the time I thought were fun and happy, ultimately left me feeling very alone and lost and there was no joy or purpose in my life. It was a very dark and depressing time for me.
When I decided to put Christ as the center of my life, instead of myself, that was the choice that turned me in the right direction, then I started going back to church, reading my scriptures, and praying. As I started following God’s commandments I started to feel better about life and I didn’t feel alone anymore. I felt true Joy and I LIKED it. I thought if doing these small things can make me feel this good, I wanted more! So, I read more and prayed more.
I started cutting all the temptations out of my life. I was weak, I needed to get strong. I knew that if I kept the wrong people or things in my life while I was weak I wouldn’t make it. I needed to FOCUS on CHRIST and get my spirit in the right place. I surrounded myself with people that lived high standards, went to activities that uplifted my spirit, I was exercising my sole. I was feeding my sole the GOOD stuff.
As I continued my repentance process I could feel my spirit healing. Heavenly Father was blessing me in far more ways than I could have dreamed. He blessed me with everything that I needed and wanted. I was becoming the person that I truly wanted to be. Heavenly Father was providing me with opportunities to grow and I was in tune with the spirit to fulfill those opportunities. I was building MY strong foundation, MY TESTIMONY.
My life has been so blessed and I know that all things come from God. God gives us ALL that we have. Blessings, so we can help others and do God’s will. Trials so we can grow. God gives us Free Agency so we can prove that we have what it takes and will use HIM to pass the test. (Think of life as an open book test, didn’t we all love those in school?!)
I love the scripture D&C 82:10; I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. Right there he is telling us that if there is a specific blessing that we need or want in our life- to fulfill his commandment and he is bound to give you the blessing. Now do not misconstrue this to mean that he leaves you alone, he doesn’t, ever! Even when I was on that alternate path; But he is not bound.
This scripture has brought me so much understanding. Anytime I have a trial that I am going through and I feel that I am inadequate. I will look up the blessing I am in need of and cross reference the commandment.
Also, Jesus taught in Matthew 21: 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
So, after I have looked up the commandment, I will pray to Heavenly Father and pour out my heart to him about my trial and let him know that I know what he commands and I am committing to him that I will be obedient to HIS word.
Every time I have done this Heavenly Father has blessed me with what I needed. It may have come in the form of inspiration while reading, a person in my life, a talk in church, a lesson, or just a comforting feeling that I am doing what I need to do and to continue to move forward.
Now it may not have been what I thought I needed, or it may not have happened the way I foresaw it happening, but HE has always pulled me through. By learning from our trials makes us into a better people and this is how we grow.
Now before you go thinking I’m perfect, I’m not, but I do understand that part of being obedient is knowing how to repent. Each day I learn more and more about our Heavenly Father and his plan for me and now for my family. It all started with my foundation and keeping my testimony strong.
You see how being obedient is like losing weight or becoming healthy. Being healthy is a combination of a bunch of small choices. Being obedient is a bunch of small choices. Every day we wake up faced with choices, and it is up to us, using the tools we have to make the right choices.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Better
So, my last post I talked about how down I was. So, I took a day off and ate what I wanted and didn't work out and just hung out with the family and played. Well all my previous work paid off because this morning I weighed in at 208.0! Yay, I was just wanting to get to 209 and I blew right past that. It re-energized me to get back to working out and tracking my meals.
Also, I tried on my pre-Carmen clothes and I found 2 more pairs of jeans I can wear, BONUS! I am really hoping that I just keep on working out and eating right and the number will just slowly keep going down, but not to slowly :). I'm just taking it 1 lb at a time because I know what my ultimate goal is but the only way to get there is 1 lb at a time.
A short term goal I would like to achieve is to get out of the 200's by the end of June. That is 8 lbs in 5 weeks. I can do that. I will just have to be vigilant while on vacation and not eat everything in sight.
So I'm feeling pretty good again. Which is where I want to stay, but I know I will have my down days along the way.
Also, I tried on my pre-Carmen clothes and I found 2 more pairs of jeans I can wear, BONUS! I am really hoping that I just keep on working out and eating right and the number will just slowly keep going down, but not to slowly :). I'm just taking it 1 lb at a time because I know what my ultimate goal is but the only way to get there is 1 lb at a time.
A short term goal I would like to achieve is to get out of the 200's by the end of June. That is 8 lbs in 5 weeks. I can do that. I will just have to be vigilant while on vacation and not eat everything in sight.
So I'm feeling pretty good again. Which is where I want to stay, but I know I will have my down days along the way.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Downer
Today I am feeling down. I think it might be because I'm tired, or maybe because I see other people have HUGE results and then me, not so much. I know I am only into P90X one week, but I am just having a down day. I want to do more, but I don't have the energy. I want to see HUGE results, but I know that is not how it is going to happen for me.
I'm going to keep plugging along and stay on eating well, but right now I'm down.
I didn't want to do my workout today, but I did. I put everything I had into it too. Micah keeps interrupting my workouts and I think that is frustrating me too because I don't get ANY 'me' time. I'm feeling a bit run down and want to fill up my tanks again. I don't know what it will take to fill them up, but I know I am running low or even on empty.
I'm very stressed out with the vacation coming up, house hunting, moving, Micah's development delays, Carmen's needs, church roles, home roles. I feel myself shutting down with the each day and the added pressure. I need to start getting some things finished and crossed off my list and then I think I will feel better.
I'm going to keep plugging along and stay on eating well, but right now I'm down.
I didn't want to do my workout today, but I did. I put everything I had into it too. Micah keeps interrupting my workouts and I think that is frustrating me too because I don't get ANY 'me' time. I'm feeling a bit run down and want to fill up my tanks again. I don't know what it will take to fill them up, but I know I am running low or even on empty.
I'm very stressed out with the vacation coming up, house hunting, moving, Micah's development delays, Carmen's needs, church roles, home roles. I feel myself shutting down with the each day and the added pressure. I need to start getting some things finished and crossed off my list and then I think I will feel better.
Friday, May 21, 2010
5 Days in P90X
I just finished my 5th workout with P90X and it is a very intense program. I mean Tony says that in the infomercial, but man o man I have a long way to go just to keep up with them. I am doing my best and sweating a ton. I am excited because I am already seeing results and I know it is a combination of my eating and the program.
I am realizing and internalizing the meaning of 'lifestyle' eating. It is the combination of good small everyday choices that gives you success. I'm not beating myself up for eating the wrong thing during the day, I just understand that it was just one choice and I can do better the rest of the day. Also, tracking my calories, every bite of everything I eat, really helps me make the better choices.
I am still struggling with my water intake, which is frustrating because before I had Carmen I could down a gallon of water. So, I am still working on that. I know how important water is for our bodies and it is even more important for weight loss. The good thing is I am still soda free. I think about getting a soda once in a while and then I just think about how sweet it will be and it grosses me out. I only really love soda when I have been drinking it for a while. Also, I know that it is an addiction that I struggle with so one soda could turn into a struggle to stop again.
I am realizing and internalizing the meaning of 'lifestyle' eating. It is the combination of good small everyday choices that gives you success. I'm not beating myself up for eating the wrong thing during the day, I just understand that it was just one choice and I can do better the rest of the day. Also, tracking my calories, every bite of everything I eat, really helps me make the better choices.
I am still struggling with my water intake, which is frustrating because before I had Carmen I could down a gallon of water. So, I am still working on that. I know how important water is for our bodies and it is even more important for weight loss. The good thing is I am still soda free. I think about getting a soda once in a while and then I just think about how sweet it will be and it grosses me out. I only really love soda when I have been drinking it for a while. Also, I know that it is an addiction that I struggle with so one soda could turn into a struggle to stop again.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Figuring things out
I finally busted through 210.6, only to 210.4 but I KNOW that I will just keep on losing. Yesterday for breakfast I had oatmeal with protein powder and it was HEAVEN! The protein powder I have is a vanilla that taste like ice cream, no lie. So I put the oats and protein together and stirred in enough water that I could cook the oats in the microwave and have a thick consistency. AWESOME. I will be eating this most likely every morning.
My body really responds to having a whole grain first thing in the morning and adding the protein just makes it better. I remember when I lost weight for my wedding I was eating oatmeal for breakfast, but no protein. I think that oatmeal is going to be a staple food for me for life.
Another thing I noticed last night and this morning is that 1550 seems to be my sweet spot. That is the calories I ate yesterday. I felt full and satisfied. Also, I ate most of my calories before 5 p.m. so I think I am going to try and continue to do that and have small dinners. All these small changes will hopefully show big changes on the scale.
Everyone is different and finding your own sweet spot is part of the journey.
Oh, in case you were wondering my protein powder is made by Beverly International. All of there supplements I would recommend. Ultimate Muscle Provider (UMP) is the best protein powder I have ever tried, and I have tried ALOT. their web site is http://www.bodybuildingworld.com
My body really responds to having a whole grain first thing in the morning and adding the protein just makes it better. I remember when I lost weight for my wedding I was eating oatmeal for breakfast, but no protein. I think that oatmeal is going to be a staple food for me for life.
Another thing I noticed last night and this morning is that 1550 seems to be my sweet spot. That is the calories I ate yesterday. I felt full and satisfied. Also, I ate most of my calories before 5 p.m. so I think I am going to try and continue to do that and have small dinners. All these small changes will hopefully show big changes on the scale.
Everyone is different and finding your own sweet spot is part of the journey.
Oh, in case you were wondering my protein powder is made by Beverly International. All of there supplements I would recommend. Ultimate Muscle Provider (UMP) is the best protein powder I have ever tried, and I have tried ALOT. their web site is http://www.bodybuildingworld.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Honesty!
I posted this on sparkpeople but I wanted to post it here and go into more detail.
This is me; 212 lbs. I want to eventually be at 130. I have not been at that weight since I played basketball my sophomore year of high school. I'm not expecting to get there overnight, but I am hoping to be there by my 30th birthday.
I am tracking my meals and watching what I eat. I started P90x lean today. It was really hard for me to keep up, but I just did the best I could and hope to do better next time. Today was Core Synergistic, and having a C-section almost 3 months ago leaves my core very weak. My stomach is my biggest problem area, so if it sucks it back in and the fat all over goes away, I will be happy. Truly at this point I need to lose it everywhere, not just my stomach. I will finish P90X right before we move, so that is exciting.
I hope to keep walk/jog a couple times a week as well. I really like how I feel after I go for a jog. I can feel it all over, getting stronger.
I have to drink more water. I know I am not getting enough and so I am going to continue to work on that this week. Somehow, I will get it into my day.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Spark!
I joined sparkpeople this week and I am LOVING it. 1) its free 2)it has an app for my blackberry 3) I can track my water intake anywhere 4)it has awesome meal plan ideas 5)it gives me a shopping list from the meal plans 6)it has a great support system set up.
I could go on and on about it, but those are just some of the highlights. I have been doing pretty good so far. I started at 212 this week and I am down to 210. I am hoping to end the week at 209. I haven't been able to see that number yet.
Overall, I am optimistic in my weight loss journey, but I do get down sometimes. Yesterday I did for a bit. Another thing I realized is I have to stay away from certain people and websites. Whenever I am with them or at the site, I start to feel inadequate and discouraged. It isn't anything that they do, it is all me, but I need to be in a better place before I can deal with those feelings.
I have to start dealing with some of these feelings that I keep pushing down. I know that will help alot with being completly honest with myself. to be continued..............
I could go on and on about it, but those are just some of the highlights. I have been doing pretty good so far. I started at 212 this week and I am down to 210. I am hoping to end the week at 209. I haven't been able to see that number yet.
Overall, I am optimistic in my weight loss journey, but I do get down sometimes. Yesterday I did for a bit. Another thing I realized is I have to stay away from certain people and websites. Whenever I am with them or at the site, I start to feel inadequate and discouraged. It isn't anything that they do, it is all me, but I need to be in a better place before I can deal with those feelings.
I have to start dealing with some of these feelings that I keep pushing down. I know that will help alot with being completly honest with myself. to be continued..............
Monday, May 10, 2010
Grrrr
Well, last week was a bust! I had two great days of staying on track with my food and then, I don't know what happened. I had soda, crap food, and minimal vegetables. Needless to say, I feel like crap actually. I feel heavy and my system feels like it needs a clean out or something.
I joined sparkpeople on suggestion from a couple of friends, but one friend blogged about the blackberry application and I was sold. I have been looking for an app for my blackberry where I could track my water intake and fitness, but it also does calories. It is pretty awesome! As soon as I joined I committed to make today a better day. So, I am following the meals. I already went grocery shopping and the meal plans are on the fridge. I am looking forward to some of the meals, they are things that I like and just haven't eaten in a while. It should be good.
As far as my workouts are going, I had a bit of a scare on Friday. I was in the middle of my workout, mid-pull on the row machine and I felt a 'pop' in my head on the left side. As soon as that happened I had a HUGE migraine and blurred vision. I have NEVER had anything like this happen to me before and I have been lifting for over 15 years. I got the kids from the nursery and went to the car to call my hubby. I was freaked out. Jeff came to the YMCA to check on me and make sure I was ok. I didn't want to rush to the hospital, I wanted to feel it out. He gave me some Motrin and I just kept on drinking water. My vision came back so I decided I could drive home and if I started to get worse I would just call Jeff at work or 911 depending on how I felt. Luckily, I started feeling better during the day. I'm a bit hesitant to get back to lifting, so I think I am going to focus on my cardio for a bit.
Last week I started running a little on my walks and so I am going to start incorporating more running. Along with running I am going to do some videos at home.
Vacation is a month away and I am so far from where I want to be, but I know I don't want to be here when we go either. I just need to keep trekking forward. My goal is to get out of these size 18 pants and into 16. that will open up a lot more wardrobe options for me as well.
I joined sparkpeople on suggestion from a couple of friends, but one friend blogged about the blackberry application and I was sold. I have been looking for an app for my blackberry where I could track my water intake and fitness, but it also does calories. It is pretty awesome! As soon as I joined I committed to make today a better day. So, I am following the meals. I already went grocery shopping and the meal plans are on the fridge. I am looking forward to some of the meals, they are things that I like and just haven't eaten in a while. It should be good.
As far as my workouts are going, I had a bit of a scare on Friday. I was in the middle of my workout, mid-pull on the row machine and I felt a 'pop' in my head on the left side. As soon as that happened I had a HUGE migraine and blurred vision. I have NEVER had anything like this happen to me before and I have been lifting for over 15 years. I got the kids from the nursery and went to the car to call my hubby. I was freaked out. Jeff came to the YMCA to check on me and make sure I was ok. I didn't want to rush to the hospital, I wanted to feel it out. He gave me some Motrin and I just kept on drinking water. My vision came back so I decided I could drive home and if I started to get worse I would just call Jeff at work or 911 depending on how I felt. Luckily, I started feeling better during the day. I'm a bit hesitant to get back to lifting, so I think I am going to focus on my cardio for a bit.
Last week I started running a little on my walks and so I am going to start incorporating more running. Along with running I am going to do some videos at home.
Vacation is a month away and I am so far from where I want to be, but I know I don't want to be here when we go either. I just need to keep trekking forward. My goal is to get out of these size 18 pants and into 16. that will open up a lot more wardrobe options for me as well.
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