Love Yourself

 

 

What a great reminder this morning, as I woke after a couple days of eating crap. To commence and short-circuit the crap-cycle (eat crap, feel like crap, eat more because I am craving crap). I had friends over for a small gathering to celebrate the deck opening, and the beginning of summer. (The sunset and it got cold).

And let's just say, the menu while providing fresh veggies, was not the most wholesome. And as a result, I consumed more gluten and sugar than I have in a while. I feel bloated, achy, tired and poofy.

NO WONDER the bowl of steamed Brussels sprouts and honey mustard was absolutely amazing last night.

My body wanted reprieve from the disastrous course I had taken. And as I resume my journey, I am reminded of the question I was asked, "Where is it you want to be in six months?"

Goal affirmation time, combined with course of action evaluation time.

 

 

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Where do I want to be in six months?

This was a very radical and profound question I asked myself.

At the time, the question had geographical significance; I am preparing to relocate and leave the south coast of Massachusetts. But then I considered it many steps further. In terms of me: where do I want to be in six months? And I envisioned lofty goals of knowledge and physical accomplishments.

And truth be told, at times I struggle getting out of the apartment. (No, I am not depressed. I am tired. My work schedule is all over the map, and some days, I am just tired).

My project is to see where I will be physically in six months -- 10 November 2015.

And the journey begins (well, continues).

 

Where do you want to be in six months?

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Spring has brought.....

MORE SNOW!!!!! Yup.... It has. The first day of spring brought another inch of snow to my deck. The good news--- it smells clean! The bad-- it is not giving a day off or time to myself.

Instead, I am headed out for a full day of work and play.

Soon, I hope to return to be able to finish my spring cleaning, started when I was finished with winter. Clearly winter, wasn't finished..... And so, I digress.

 

This morning I stood and looked in the mirror and I could see visible changes. I have really truly been focused on my eating this week, and I can honestly say I feel good.

I enjoy a cup of hot lemon water every morning. It is like my wake up AND full of vitamin C, as well as cleansing properties.

I drink 20oz of a mixture of MOSTLY water, a swig of apple juice, a squirt of liquid Stevia, and two tablespoons of Bragg's apple cider vinegar. *I definitely know when I have not drunk this.*

And I am enjoying all kinds of combinations of salad, fresh greens, broccoli slaw with poopy seed dressing, carrots, tomatoes, pomegranate, pineapple, and some Irish soda bread. The other night I sautéed mushrooms in coconut oil, poured these over spaghetti squash, with grilled asparagus and black beans.

And the list goes on...... There are so many choices and combinations.

 

After looking in the mirror, I decided to step on the scale. Remember I use the scale as a check-up, to be certain all is as is should be, not as the determining factor of my success. And the digits indicated that I have lost 7#.

LIKE!!!

All of that, without focusing on weight loss. All of that, without powders or shakes. All of that, since my last weigh-in on 7 March. All of that BY simply EATING MORE FIBROUS FOODS or fruits and veggies and some beans.

Yesterday, I was channel surfing and I caught a clip that a doctor was sharing regarding the weight-loss/weight-gain cycle. He said as the cycle continues it is harder to lose the weight of that is the extra that is regained when weight is lost rapidly and regained. This doctor further explained how dangerous the fat cells can become during rapid weight loss and weight gain, being conditioned to extremes and creating an environment that the cells will not give up the fat. He further said the BEST way to lose the dangerous fat cells was by increasing fibrous foods in fruits and vegetables.

While, I knew that..... It was positive to hear a reinforcement to my choices.

To see the results from eating such an array of colorful food.

And..... I have eaten a piece of chocolate everyday, enjoyed some Irish soda bread, and am thoroughly enjoying the food process!

 

 

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Walking on Snow

 

After work on Sunday, I managed to walk on SNOW. Yes, I did..... TWO whole steps, until I face-dived right into the snow. Laughing, after I fell. Nothing like a good dive to jump start your adventure. All the better, to laugh about it. Life is funny that way.

And in the midst of my craziness, I completely enjoyed the beauty around me.

 

The snow is starting to melt (after the last two days of warmer weather, much of it is gone. I can see my deck!). And the essence of spring is in the air.

While I watched the waves hit the snow, I observed the water become slushy and freeze. Absolutely COOL!

 

The harbor is still frozen.

In my adventure on Sunday, I was reminded how blessed I am to live here. In spite of the fact that I have visions of moving to the OBX (soon), I love life here. The shore all year round! And did I mention the shore????

 

And for a moment...... I was able to walk on snow.

 

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Spring is on it's way!

 

Spring is in the air! After enduring yet another snow storm, I have begun the cleaning and purging that happens after winter. Spring is twelve days away, and I am getting ready!!!!

 

Part of my Spring purge this year includes an overhaul in my overall fitness. This year, I am refocusing on my overall wellness. And you are saying, yeah, yeah...... Have seen this before. And yes, I have been here before. I bring with me all the struggles and challenges of life with me. I acknowledge I am committed to me.

As my many of my friends are pursuing 'health' through various weight-loss shakes, and other means or challenges, I am compelled to create my own pursuit. My self-challenge is in NO WAY intended to put down anyone's choices for self. My self- challenge is for me and about me.

My challenge is for ME!!

In that, I will be sharing my journey! My principles are to be active everyday-- well, more than that, as I prepare for the OuterBanks Marathon in November, and a variety of open-water swims this summer.

My eating principles are that of a Spartan Warrior:

1. Eat when I am hungry. If I am not hungry, do not eat.

2. Eat Consistently. Eat slowly and ENJOY every mouthful.

3. When I feel satisfied, STOP Eating. (Or when I feel more thirsty than hungry).

I am looking forward to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, eliminating my sugar cravings, and training.

I am looking forward to getting to the run!

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Running on Ice

Today, I decided to go OUTSIDE to run. This winter has taken its toll on me. It is COLD, wet and snowy!!! And the sky is more gray than blue. And I have been missing terribly the sun!!

So today, I decided to journey OUTSIDE to run! Half a mile into my run, it started to snow!!

Perhaps, someone was trying to tell me to STOP!!!!

Or perhaps, someone was laughing at me!!!!

 

Today, was not necessarily about the run. I walked more than I ran. I was trying to avoid the ice. Since there is still a lot of ice on the road ways, I walked. And where the roads were clear, I ran hard.

Now, I am home warming up, feeling satisfied that I was outside, running on Ice.

 

I am thrilled to be out and about. I started prepping for the OuterBanks Marathon Tuesday.

 

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Snow Stepping

I love walking in someone else's snow prints! I found it funny that this was today's calendar:

 

Snow stepping is when you're wearing shoes, but the person ahead of you is wearing boots, and while the two of you are trudging through the snow, you just step in all the nice Snow Holes they made for you.

 

Today, I enjoyed stepping in remaining footprints left from a previous walker.

 

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