Beginning at the Beginning......... AGAIN?

Sigh...........   I find myself in a position of needing to begin at the beginning again.   Despite (or because of) changes in geography, I find myself having gained back the weight I lost and the yo-yo continuum is ever present in my life.     With that said, I am not a helpless victim.   I am willing to accept results of my choices and move forward, step onward to bigger and better things.    I could wait until January and begin a new resolution, but I am seizing the day!  And stepping forward NOW into greatness.     I am beginning with the first 100 days, which will bring me into March and present time for a reevaluation and reassessment, refining any changes in the direction or course I am following.      And so today, it begins.......    I am not pursuing a quick fix diet or eating habit changes, like Paléo or Whole30, as I have learned these do not work for me long term.   I lean toward a gluten-free lifestyle normally, due to allergies and food sensitivities.   But I want to learn from my past experiences instead of repeating those and learn more about the dynamic relationship with me and food.    To better track my eating and activity levels, I will be using my fitness pal.   And when I am confident and comfortable with my choices, I will step away.    My first goal is the Galveston Half Marathon on 12 February, with a 10K in January to ensure training.   The temperatures are cooler now in Houston, so I will be able to embrace the run.   The swim segment might be a bigger challenge with the outdoor pool.  But that is a different issue.     What will you accomplish in the next 100 days?   Care to join me?  

Turkey Trot -- race report

This morning I participated in the TXU Energy Turkey Trot.   I have never written a true race report, while I have reflected on race day and learned from it.   This too cannot be considered a true race report, but a mere reflection of the events.     

I picked up my race bib.   I learned this morning that they expected 50,000 people there combined in the 10K, 5K amd kids race.    There were a lot of people there! 

When my race began, with an 8am start, it took me 10minutes to get to the starting line and actually enter the race.   I began with an easy jog to work through the crowd.  That lasted barely a half-mile, because the number of people on the route was just overwhelming.   I found myself walking and jogging and walking some more.  And finally, I made it to mile 2.

And shortly thereafter, I crossed the finish line.   

Today's 5K portion of the Trot was geared to family's and groups of friends to walk and laugh and enjoy the journey.   It was too crowded for someone to truly run the race and set a 5K PR, unless the runner made it to the front prior to the start.   The 10K seemed to be more a competitive choice.    I enjoyed this run/walk-- I ran a little, walked a little, ran a little more -- and sprinted across the finish line passing a dozen or more people on the way.  (Yes, I am always competitive).   I enjoyed seeing families and friends sharing the joy of the morning.    Overall, it was a good morning.  

Ow, ow, ow!

OWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!      You know that achy feeling you get when you challenged yourself to push a little further, move a little faster, lift a little more?  Or just plain get-up and GO!    I have been struggling.........      -with training -with being active -with the desire to move.   It is that time of year that it gets so DARK before 8pm, and it is cold (well, kinda..... weather in Texas is different than New England), and I feel bored.       So yesterday, I decided to run and bike.   And today...... my body is saying thank you very much!    And it feels good to have that OW! OW! OW! Feeling again.      My legs are thanking me!  

Taking it a step further

In September, I announced I was eating gluten-free in support of my friend. And this, has been a good thing. For the most part, I have eliminated the gluten and as a result the junk. I have noticed that I don't crave junk, and I don't feel good when I it is introduced in my system. I have also discovered sensitivities to other foods.

As a result, I have decided to take this process a step further for my health and am following a Whole-30 protocol. I am doing this to allow my body 30-days to cleanse and recover. I will then be adding some foods back to my eating regimen to see how I react and respond.

Essentially, it is gluten-free, but also eliminates different foods that can trigger reactions. As I have gotten older, I am more aware of foods that make me feel yucky. This is a process and a journey. And I am looking forward to feeling better.

This may be tricky as I am approaching a half-marathon race. But I am going to flow and learn from the process.

Today, is Day One. The journey is 30-days.

 

What can you accomplish is the next 30-days?

 

Posted with Blogsy

Shopping

Have you ever noticed the 'thing' you have chosen to cut out of your diet, regardless of what is it is.....

Is the ONLY thing you see when shopping?

And so, was my trip to Target this afternoon to get some Almond Creamer for my coffee.

In support of my friend, I am eating gluten-free, as she adjusts to her new eating scheme. For me: this means fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and seeds, and some dairy. For her: it means eliminating allergens that have negatively affected her life.

And somehow..... All the gluten in the store knew I was there on a mission, promptly placing itself front and center, looming off the shelves like zombies in a horror flick. And somehow, I managed to depart unscathed.

Almond Milk Creamer,

Salad greens,

Yogurt,

And a cool Halloween plate.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Eating Gluten Free

I have gluten sensitivities, and when I eat too much craziness takes over my body and it is not pretty. It is not as ugly as some of my friends, but I do feel a bloat and an extra heaviness when I consume too much. Sometimes, my ankles will swell. Never fun.

My friend Verena has a different tale to tell. She has some very serious food allergies that have seized her body, and she has ended up in the ER...... Several times. And as a result, she has sought help and direction of specialists. Earlier this week, she announced that the allergy tests were conclusive and she needed to cut the gluten out. LOTS of fruits, vegetables and meats are on the menu.

In her excitement of finally discovering what is triggering her reactions, some nay-Sayers in the guise of support were apologizing because she needs to make a life-style change. I was cheering for her, cheering because she finally has some answers. And am thrilled about her attitude in this. It will be an adjustment for her, because of her current eating choices and habits which surround her work as a paramedic, but I am confident that she can do this!

V, you got this!!!

And in support...... I am eating gluten-free. Not because I am a phobic, or am seeking to lose weight fast, or any other reason than in support of a friend. Hopefully, my long-distance support can assist her in her quest to be healthier and care for her body will help her in this journey.

 

To start: this morning (after opening the pool),

I ate scrambled eggs with spinach and slivered almonds.

I feel satisfied, and ready to conquer the rest of the day.

I am thrilled for my friend. And I am thrilled to be able to motivate and support her in this.

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Last Meal

The Last Meal..........

You know, the one you eat before you commence a diet....... Especially an elimination diet.

 

And today, I have been thinking about my 'LAST MEAL'....... Which traditionally includes a trip to the diner for a burger and fries and a shake of some sort. And this time...... I took a moment and said, I really want the fish nuggets I bought from Trader Joes.

Instead of a LAST MEAL that will make me feel worse, or guilty because I had it, I am pre-heating the oven for fish and Brussels sprouts.

 

I decided that this time around I am going to enjoy food. I am going to embrace the things I eat. And I am going to enjoy eating these without guilt, regardless of what these may be.

 

As you may know, I gifted myself a six-pack for my 50th birthday. Next year, I turn 50.

A six-pack...... Not because I am pursuing a thinness, but instead a personal feeling. When I felt great about myself, pictures that were taken of me, my athletic ability and not feeling like I need to hide from the camera, in my clothes, or from the image I have painted on my brain.

This pursuit is in health. This pursuit is to lose the extra weight I have been desiring to lose, and to enjoy the journey and embrace me. This pursuit is for me and about me.

And tonight..... There is NO Last Meal.

Tonight, I am enjoying what I am eating as I regain conscientious eating habits and enjoy living and eating.

 

Posted with Blogsy