Follow Faith's Progress

Positive Influences

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:49:00 +0000

February 19, 2010
Positive Influences
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

I believe that when you are trying to change your lifestyle and eating habits that you need to surround yourself with positive influences. Many people do not have the privilege of having supportive people around them. If that is the case then you need to do a little self-talking every day. I know this sounds a little strange and you probably think I have lost my mind. However, positive encouragement, regardless of from where it comes, does impact our daily lives and activities. Self talk has a big impact on your weight loss motivation. When your self talk includes absolutes like "I'll never be able to lose weight" or "I can never keep to my eating plan", you are focusing on the negative. Words like never, always, all, everyone, no one, nobody, add to negative self talk. If you can start using some more positive words, they will give you a lot of weight loss support and weight loss motivation. Try these: I will, I can see, I'm able to, I'm learning to, I can do, what would happen if, I'll find out how to...

See how powerful words are! They can change us completely. They can fill us full of confidence or full of doubt. And they are particularly important when it comes to losing weight. You see, when we’re overweight, we often have a low opinion of ourselves. I know I did and at times still do. We don’t like the way we look and we often feel very self-conscious, especially if someone passes a comment about our figure. Result? We tell ourselves that we are not as good as other people. We tell ourselves that we are a failure. And after we’ve said it enough times, we end up believing it. We end up believing we are a failure. So when we try to lose weight, we are beaten before we start. We are so convinced that we’re a failure that we never put our heart into it. We might give up chocolate and biscuits for a couple of weeks but we don’t take it seriously. And we don’t believe for a moment that we’re really going to lose the weight and keep it off. Why not? Because that little negative voice in our head is saying: You’re a failure! You’re fat! You’re never going to lose weight! You have tried before and failed! Even if you do lose it you will gain it back!! Well girls, it’s time to change! Instead of telling yourself all this negative rubbish, I want you to say something positive, for a change. For example, say this to yourself:

"I want to be healthy and weigh less. So I am going to start a sensible weight loss and exercise program and learn some new eating habits. And if I have a bad day, I’ll work that much harder to stay with the plan. If I stumble and fall I will get up brush myself off and begin again. I will not give up!! And nothing is going to stop me, because I am strong enough to succeed."

It seems that every time I make a decision to eat healthy everyone around me offers me food or wants to go out to eat? The temptations are always present. You can’t just turn away from food entirely so the temptation is always there. Surrounding yourself with positive influences, if you can, is great. Few people are as blessed as I am to have a great support system around them. My husband, Don, is the best!! He supports me in whatever I endeavor to do. In our 38 years of marriage he has been there for me through every diet possible. He is always encouraging. He has watched me struggle to lose weight and then he watched me put it right back on. But never has he once criticized me. Try to share you goals with those who you know will be supportive; friends, family, co-workers, etc. Surrounding yourself with encouraging and supportive people is not always easy and many times we have to contend with those who are negative and discouraging. That is why it is so important to begin any healthy living program with the determination that you are doing this for yourself. This must begin in you!! Sometimes it is hard and this may be a time when you discover who your real friends are and who it is that really cares for you!!

If you have started a healthy living program I would love to hear from you. Share your hurdles and struggles with me. Believe me there is nothing concerning weight lose that I have not been through and will not understand. Try a little self talking and let me know how it works!! I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable 2/11/2010

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:47:00 +0000

February 11, 2010
Unbelievable!!!!!!
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010
I weighed in today. I was ready for a nice weight loss because I have really been watching what I eat and doing more cardio than ever I thought I could (working my tail off)! Well, NOT!!!! I am so angry!! I gained after working my tail off for a month! I do not want to cry and I am not going to have a pity party. I am just down right MAD!!!! So Gloria and I discussed what I am eating and even though I am watching my SUGAR/CARB as I discussed last week I am off the mark a bit. I am not eating enough calories a day and I am not getting much fat and I am not eating a substantial breakfast. Also my cardio is not intense enough.

A good reminder of some basic eating “rules” is good from time to time. SO I thought I would share a few with you all just as a reminder.

Ø Watch your portions!! This is a major problem for me. An example is my morning cup of coffee. I like a little creamer in my coffee. I cannot just pick up the container and pour. Trying to “eyeball” the amount used is NOT a good idea. It makes no difference if it is fat free or sugar free, the portions DO count!! So now I measure exactly.
Ø All food groups are important!! When I was diagnosed as a diabetic it scared me to death. I immediately decided to cut out carbs all together! No bread, pasta, rice, potatoes or sweets. I was miserable. Once I attended classes for diabetics I calmed down and used portion control!!
Ø Know you body! There are certain things that I eat that trigger cravings. Usually because I eat too much. If I keep my sugar intake for the day below 15 grams I am fine. I feel great! BUT! If I indulge in a lot of unnecessary carbs it does trigger the cravings for more carbs!!!
Ø Eating six small meals really works. I can tell you this is true. These meals need to be carefully thought through. A meal is not a candy bar mid-morning. Fruit should be eaten before noon, plenty of protein for breakfast, etc.
Ø Never skip a meal especially breakfast!! If your morning is hectic and you have very little time for breakfast plan ahead. Order Living Lean or make a healthy breakfast casserole on the weekend and eat a proper portion every morning.
Ø Processed is not good!!! I firmly believe that the packaged meals you buy in the freezer department are not good for you. Please try to eat as much natural food as possible!!
Ø Talk to your trainer. I know that Gloria wants to know what is going on with each of her clients when it comes to your food intake. Talk to her!! Schedule time with her if you are having problems with your eating program. I am sure Amber feels the same way. Ask questions!! If Gloria does not know the answer (which I sincerely doubt) she will help you find the answer!!!
Ø My last tip is something a friend told me. A doctor friend of hers called the Splenda Company because as a doctor he did not believe that Splenda had no calories. He was told that if there is less than 6 calories a serving a food is considered no calories. I was amazed. So 3 packets of Splenda in your coffee could be 15 calories!! 1 teaspoon of sugar has 16 calories. It sure made me think!!
I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

FOOD DIARY

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 +0000

February 5, 2010
Food Diary
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

As you can see I actually wrote this on Friday but due to major computer problems at home I am just now getting to post this blog. I hope to have all computer problems solved in the next couple days and should be on time next week or this week!! Well is has come to the end of our first monthly competition. Most of you know about and feel the pain of the cardio competition. Well the results are in and I did not quite do enough!! Boo Who!!! But I am very proud of the winner!! Lisa you did an awesome job! Congrats!!!!!! Go buy yourself something special!!!

Now our next competition is a Food Diary. I have been keeping a food diary for a long time. Now I am not saying that I have always as faithful at writing it down but I do try. However, we not only are to write down what we eat but it had better be healthy when it comes down to the wire because that may be the tie breaker. A food diary holds me accountable just as much as the scales come weigh in! So get those pens and pencils ready and log in those bites of everything!!!!

If you have never kept a food diary you need to know exactly how much of the food you eat. Just writing down chicken will not do. You should record -4 oz. boneless skinless grilled chicken breast. I know you are saying I do not have time to do this. Make the time!! Not just because of the competition but because we want to eat healthy. Be sure to record everything!!! Even a bite of cake at the office. Everything counts! Many times we eat unconsciously and when we try to record everything at the end of the day, well, some of us are a little older and cannot remember what the heck we ate. I try to make out my daily allowance of food, write it all down and then stick to it! Good Luck to all of you!!!

Does the bad weather make you hungry?????? Many times when we cannot get out of the house because our regular scheduled day has been turned topsy turvy we find ourselves at a loss as to what to do and suddenly we are ready to cook or eat. When the weather is really bad, as it has been lately, my mind wanders to baking. I want to bake brownies or pound cake or anything I do not need to be baking. Lately I have turned to cardio to take my mind off the baking. Just was curious if your mind works the same way. Send me what you do to keep your mind off the munchies!!

I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

End of the First Month-My New Program

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

January 29, 2010
End of the First Month of 2010
My New Program
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010
The end of the month is here and I weighed in this morning. I gain 1.4 pounds this month. I am very disappointed that I did not lose. I wasn’t going to share the new program I am on until I saw some positive results but I thought this is a good example of how your body does not always cooperate. I can say this because I am eating right and doing cardio 24/7, hehe, not really it just feels that way. But I have pumped up the cardio. Anyway, sometimes your body just will not turn loose of those pounds. BUT!!! I am not going to succumb to the temptations to have a pity party. With the help of good pep-talks from Gloria and Gwen (thanks girls) I am going to continue to eat right, drink plenty of water and exercise. The pounds will come off!!!!

I am trying a new program. I purchased “The Belly Fat Cure” by Jorge Cruise at the suggestion of a friend. The book is about the sugar/carb ratio and calls it the CARB SWAP SYSTEM. On this program you keep account of the sugars and carbs you eat daily. 15 sugar grams and 6 carb points a day. The sugar grams are easy to find on any label and believe me I was shocked at what had sugar in it. You see as a diabetic I was taught to look at the carbs in food. So many carbs a meal and so many a snack. I was really surprised at the sugar in milk, yes even the skim milk. Bread has sugars, too. Plain no fat yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit also have alot of sugar grams. So I am carefully watching the sugar grams I am eating. The best part is I FEEL GREAT!!!!!!

Now the carbs are a little more calculated. 0-4 carbs is no points. 5-20 carbs is one point, 21-40 carbs is 2 points and 41-60 carbs is 3 points. Now this is carbs per serving just as the sugar grams are per serving. Believe me I can get to my limit in sugars before I do carbs!!! The great thing is Living Lean Meals fit right into this program. The only drawback is that I am freaking out about the fats and sodium. So I am now beginning to watch those as well.

The book has great recipes!! Like a Burger King Whopper w/cheese is 11/3, that is 11 sugar grams and 3 carb points. They give you a recipe that cuts this burger to 1/2, that is 1 sugar gram and 2 carb points. A Starbuck’s Mocha Frappuccino is 47/3, that is 47 sugar grams and 3 carb points. There is a recipe that cut this to 0/1, which is 0 sugar gram and 1 carb point. Do you think eating a McDonald’s Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich is healthy. Well, it is 11/3—11 sugar grams and 3 carb points. The Carb Swap recipe is 0/2—0 sugar grams and 2 carb points.

This may not work for everyone and I am not suggesting that you rush out and buy the book. I am just sharing with you what I am presently doing on my journey to a healthier me. However, I bet everyone would feel better if they cut back on the sugar in their diet.

I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

PS: Our cardio competition will end on February 7th. I am working my rear off!!! I am striving to get 30 to 90 and sometimes 120 minutes in a day. I will let you know who wins this month’s challenge!!

Joining In

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:20:00 +0000

January 22, 2010
Joining In
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

Well as most of you know by now I did 450 minutes of cardio last week. This week I am still working very hard to get all the cardio in that I possibly can. A competition is in the works to see who can do the most cardio in a month.

Many of you may not choose to participate in competitions of this sort. These are a good motivational tool. I do not see myself as competitive (I have been told different by others). But even if you are not competitive, to participate is always to your advantage because it makes you try harder.

OK ! Multi membered competitions are not your bag. Then find a friend who has similar goals as yourself. The buddy system in any endeavor is always more fun that doing it by yourself. Having a friend to share your bumps and detours and hazards on any journey is always a plus. I have a dear friend with whom I am striving to lose all the weight we can by April 15th. We are not announcing our endeavor and wish not to include others. This is just a little companionship on a journey to lose weight. We share eating tips and enjoy our little journey together.

So if you have a goal you are striving for and would like to share that with me I would be happy to hear from you at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. You may want to enlist a friend on this journey to reach your goal. Just be sure this friend is one who encourages. A negative or discouraging person (Sorry! But there are some out there) is not what you need. Surrounding yourself with positive people, well that is another blog!!!!

Thanks for joining me on this journey to a healthier me. Next Friday January 29 is weigh-in day. I will report my progress and share with you how I am achieving my goal. Love, Faith

Encourage Others

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:58:00 +0000

January 15, 2010
Encourage Others
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010
Well, can you believe that half of January is gone and hasn’t it been a cold one. One thing about it exercising keeps you warm!!! Many of you are doing a lot more cardio lately which is a very good thing since it has been so cold. Some are starting for the first time and I am so proud of you!! I was thinking about the time spent at the gym doing cardio and of those who workout beside me. My cardio buddy is Linda. We are at the gym most mornings at the same time. Linda also walked with me in the Koman 5K in October. She is a real blessing and a lot of encouragement to me as I hope I am to her. We can encourage our fellow gymsters. But we can also encourage those we come in contact with outside the gym. A family member or friend or co-worker who has made a resolution to eat properly or lose a few pounds or whatever, when you see them sticking to there goal let them know how great that is.

I want to urge you to encourage you trainer. I try to let Gloria know how much I appreciate my workouts by thanking her. I know sometimes the work out is painful, exhausting and down right miserable but I know that it is for my own good. So be sure to let you trainer know how much you appreciate them. Voicing your appreciation for what others do for you is an encouragement to them.

Here are a few tips I received in an email the other week. I though I would share them with you.
1. Don't compare yourself or your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about and yours is not yet over.
2. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. Laugh each day.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. Look to the future.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't feed hatred. Cultivate love.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the
curriculum that appear and fade away but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Well today was weight in and I lost one pound. I am trying a new eating program and will share it when I have examined it carefully and have some results. I always consult my trainer before trying something new. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Donna—you know why!!!!!

Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:50:00 +0000

January 8, 2010
Resolutions
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

Every time a New Year rolls around we all make resolutions. Some of us have been making the same resolution for decades!! I know I have!!! Mine is always to be a better person and lose weight, just to name a couple. Those are really good resolutions as I am sure that each of your resolutions are good ones. However, we need to keep our resolutions within reason and along with these “general” resolutions we need to set goals for ourselves. As I mentioned in my previous blog my personal goal is to lose 6-8 pounds a month in 2010 because I would love to get down to 199 by January 16, 2011!!!!! As my two year anniversary is January 16 , 2010 I have decided to set my first goal date as April 15th. I will weight in on January 15th and begin from there. I will keep you posted of my progress. I plan to weigh in every two weeks. Now it is your turn to set a goal. I would love to hear what that goal is. I would not share your goal with others so feel free to email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com and let me know what you are expecting of yourself in the next few months.

I received an email this week with some fine advice and food for thought! Here are ten things to consider and think about (and do).
1) Drink plenty of water.
2) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4) Live with the 4 E's -- Energy, Exercise, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5) Make time to pray.
6) Play more games
7) Read more books than you did in 2009.
8) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9) Sleep for 7 hours.
10) Exercise everyday. Take a 30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

I especially like #2 and #5. #2 was very interesting and makes good sense. A healthy breakfast, a moderate lunch and a small supper (with small healthy snacks in between) is a good rule of thumb. I eat Living Lean Meals from L and L Catering. Lorin has wonderful and delicious recipes. Her meals leave out the guesswork of what to eat, how much to eat and rather the meal is healthy or not. # 5 has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. I find that a good conversation with the Lord each morning and throughout the day works wonders for me and my relationship with the Lord and those around me!!! As for #10, if you are reading this you may be a member of Body Dimensions and your exercise is taken care of some days. On the days you do not go to the gym a walk would be a great addition to your weekly regiment. If you are not a member of a gym maybe you should think about starting this year out by treating yourself to a membership.

What are your goals? What do you think of the ten “helps” for 2010. Share your thoughts with me. I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

A New Start

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:32:00 +0000

January 1, 2010
A New Start
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010
Hello everyone! Remember me! I have gone back and read all my blogs over the last two years. I was really excited and ready for the challenge. For those of you new to Body Dimensions I began my journey to a healthier me on January 16, 2008. I weighed 351 lbs. Was on numerous medications and had numerous health issues: Diabetes, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Back Pain and no energy at all. I was a mess!!!

I began working out with Gloria Trull at Body Dimensions and eating Living Lean Meals from L and L Catering. At the end of the first year I had lost 71lbs. I was down to 280. The year 2009 was not as successful in the weight loss category. However I did have other achievements. I am off all my medication except the high blood pressure meds, my cholesterol is down to 155, I have not had an asthma attack in nearly a year, I continue my cardio and weight training (many times I start and soon quit) and I walked the Susan G Komen 5K. With all these achievements the biggest hurdle I faced in 2009 was the death of my Dad in July. Since food is my addiction and comfort I have really struggled since July. I know that eating myself into oblivion will not bring my Dad back or make the hurt go away but I have learned that it is so easy to turn to your addiction when times are tough!

My weight today is 295. I am really ashamed to tell you all that!! Well today is a new day!!!! This is the year. HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010!!! I plan to get down to as close to 280 as possible by January 16, 2010. That will be my 2nd anniversary at Body Dimensions and I would really like to start my third year on level ground with my second year. My personal goal is to lose 6-8 pounds a month in 2010 because I would love to get down to 199 by January 16, 2011!!!!!

What are your goals? Share them with me. I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

I DID IT!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

"I can do all things through Christ which strengeneth me." Philippians 4:13

Well there hasn't been much to blog about recently. I have been struggling to get back down to my lowest weight. It has been a struggle and I am the reason. I have been doing great with exercise, cardio and weight training but my eating has not been up to par!! I cannot believe that it is almost the end of October and I have not actually lost any weight this year. I need to get back to 272 and then continue to my goal at 251 by January 16th. I have certainly not been a very good example for any of you lately. I hope to improve in the coming months. However, I have managed to not regain the weight I have lost and this is a first for me. I have always lost 60 and in 3-4 months gain that 60 plus some. But not this time!!!

The good news is that I walked in the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 17th. I had a great time and walked the 5K in record time for me!! This was my first walk and I did train beforehand. I have blogged about the trouble I have had with my feet but not a problem on Saturday. My new walking shoe with my custom orthotics were perfect!! I really enjoyed the whole morning.

I want to thank so many people who had a part in my success on Saturday. My husband, who is always so supportive, along with Gloria for all her advise and training, Linda Davis who walked with me every step of the race no matter how much slower I was than her!! all my fellow gymsters for their support especially on Saturday at the race, my co-workers and family with their words of encouragement and so many others who supported the efforts to find a cure for breast cancer with their generous donations!!! I was able to give $1200.00 to the cause thanks to so many generous people.

Now be prepared because next year I will be back. I hope to have a large team of runners/walkers as we cross the finish line and help in the efforts to fine a cure for breast cancer!!

Thank you for following along on my journey to a healthier me!!! I promise to be a better example in the coming months and to blog more often. You can email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com.

LISTEN TO YOUR TRAINER

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Well I guess Gloria can tell me "I TOLD YOU SO!!!" You see she gave me a walking schedule. I walked on the treadmill some but walking on the sidewalk is different and she said I needed to start a little at a time. My schedule had me walking 10 minutes every other day. Well 10 minutes was nothing---I wanted to walk 3 miles. So hard headed me went right out and bought walking shoes and began. I was ready to take on the hills of 4th street. I did and boy am I sorry I did not listen!!!

I went to see Dr. Johncock this morning. He gave me a scolding for not listening to Gloria!! I have metatarsalgis/capsulitis/neuritis/arthritis in my feet. There is inflammation between the bones and I have bruised my feet. SO, at Dr. Johncock's instructions, no walking and light cardio and workouts for a week. He said then to start out at 10 minutes every other day for a week and 15 minutes the following week. No inclines. I have anti-inflammatory meds to take and molded insoles in my shoes.

Dr. Johncock has always been very supportive of my journey to a healthier me and always voices how proud he is of my accomplishments. If you need a podiatrist I recommend Dr. Johncock. Of course if you listen to your trainer a podiatrist may not be necessary!!!

So, this is yet another delay in my journey. This one caused by none other than myself!! so my advise is whatever the professional trainer says to do ---do it and don't be as stubborn as I am!!
Thanks for coming along on this journey. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com.

PS: I want to thank Shannon, Gwen and Hilary for all your support of my walking adventure. I also thank all of you who have said you will walk with me on one day or another. 10-15 minutes is probably way to elementary for you all. SO until I work myself up to 30-60 minute walk I don't expect anyone to join me.

My Poor Sore Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Well, I walked 3 miles on Monday and did pretty good. I walked the miles in about 55 minutes. It was hard!!! Gloria, my trainer, has instructed me to only walk on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I was really tuckered out when I got back to the gym. I walked from Body Dimensions down 4th Street for 1 and 1/2 miles and then turned around and walked back.

Then I walked this morning. Hilary walked with me. It was a good walk and I hope I did not slow her down much. I really appreciated her walking with me. The only problem is that my feet are killing me. Gloria told me to fill a bottle with water, freeze it, and roll it under my feet. Well, I did that on Monday and it really helped. But today my feet are so tender I can't hardly stand for the frozen bottle to touch them. The pads behind my toes are raw and so tender I can hardly walk so I have an appointment with Dr. Johncock on Friday.

The thing that really blows my mind is this little demon on my shoulder. I have mentioned her before. I walked on Monday and sure enough Monday night she whispers in my ear, "You walked 3 miles today, you could have a little extra to eat tonight." She is so evil!!! I did not succumb to her temptations!!

Thanks for coming along on my journey to a healthier, and more active, me!! Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com.

"Walk for the Kure"

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:21:00 +0000

As I mentioned last time I was sure that I had gained weight and sure enough I have. So it is bad on track again. I have put myself on a detox eating program to get all the junk out of my system. It is amazing how when I am eating right there is no cravings. But the minute I eat sweets, potatoes, bread, rice, etc. the cravings are back and so hard to overcome. Sounds like an addiction to me. SO the detox will get rid of the "poison" in my system then it is back to p90X!!!!!

Well, needless to say I am nervous about starting my walking on Monday. I want to be prepared with the correct "gear" so I went to buy a new pair of walking shoes. I went to Fleet Feet and Kathy helped me find the perfect pair of shoes. They are very thorough!! I tried on several pairs of shoes after being fitted for the right size. If you are in the market for a new pair of walking or running shoes FLEET FEET on Hwy 127 is the place to go!!!!!

I will let you know how I do on Monday. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com.

Road Blocks and Detours

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:57:00 +0000

There is no way I can go back and cover all that has happened the past six weeks. I can tell you that I lost an additional 6.5 pounds on the July 2 weigh in and was the Biggest Loser. Of course all that faded into the background when we admitted my dad to Hospice that afternoon. My daddy passed away on July 8th. Nothing could have prepared me for the past two months since we found out my dad had colon cancer. The stress and strain of dad's illness and death really caused detours in my weight loss. I hope this does not sound selfish in any way. Truthfully I could have cared less how much I weighed the past two months. My weight was the last thing I thought about. The scales reflected that fact. I am a stress eater and even though I bounced back from the large gain the first of June I gained it back the past few weeks that my dad was so very ill and when he died.

What I eat has to be a major consideration no matter what is going on around me. I gain so easily that just a small alteration from the healthy P90X can add the pounds to the scales. Well it is a new day. I miss my dad terribly but I know that he is in heaven and doing very well!! I will face anything that comes my way and overcome the need to console myself with food. I MUST lose more weight!!!! So I have set myself a goal of weighing 250 by the October 17 date of the SUSAN G KOMEN RACE FOR THE KURE. I want to start training on August 3rd. I am still working on making this happen.

I am also interested in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®. If you know anything about this walk please share that with me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. SO you see my journey continues. I have run upon holes, bumps, some construction (thus slowing down), road blocks and detours but I am continuing on this journey until I get to my destination of a healthy weight and life. Thank you for coming along!!

I must thank all of you who have prayed for me. I appreciate all the kind words of support and the encouragements but especially your prayers during this most difficult time in my life.

The Second Half of 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:19

As Gloria emailed and reminded all of us "Bigger Loser" contestants, we are approaching the beginning of the second half of 2009. I, for one, have not been dedicated to my goal of healthy living. I thought I would include my Bible verse today. I have left it off several blogs recently because I simply tried to do what needed to be done within myself and not depending on the Lord for my strength. Of course, as always, when we try to accomplishment anything without the Lord we are setting ourselves up for failure.

That is my "lesson" for today!! NOW, I am back on track and lost 7.4 of the 13 or so pounds that I gained. I stuck faithfully to my P90X program and as you can see when it is done right it works!!! This has been a real eye opener in that I know I must day by day, meal by meal keep control of my eating with the Lord's help. The exercise and/or cardio I pretty much have in line as I go to Body Dimensions Fitness every morning. I seldom miss and when I do I do cardio at home. I did get off course with the sickness of my Dad and all that needed to be done. But mostly I get the cardio and weight training done.

My diet was another matter. For whatever reason (which I do not know) I decided to eat on my own during the most stressful time of my life. It did not work as you can tell from the 13 pound gain! So back to Living Lean meals I go. When I was so stressed and it was meal time I would eat whatever was handy and you can bet that was not healthy or weight loss friendly. So my frig is now packed weekly with Living Lean meals. Lorin has many new recipes and they are delicious.

So I am back at it. In the next two weeks I plan to lose the other weight I gained and soon to be below 270 and work real hard toward the 251 and my 100 pounds lost!!!!!

Before I go I want to thank Gloria for staying on my butt (pardon my language) about my eating and exercise!! I feel I need to pay her therapist fees for her advise and wisdom!!! She is great and has been an especially great blessing. I also want to thank those fellow gymsters who have "been there" for me since my dad's diagnosis of cancer. I appreciate ever shoulder I have cried on and every word of encouragement and support. You are all very special blessings!!!!

Thanks to all of you for coming along on my journey to a healthy life. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Love, Faith

Stress---My Worst Enemy

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:28:00 +0000

Stress---My Worst Enemy

Hello everyone,

Yes I am still around!! I have put off blogging because I truly did not know what to write!! I have come to an obstacle in the path of my journey that seems insurmountable!!! I have not really tried since October. That was hard for me to confess. I have no excuses!!! I have however enjoyed my new 71 pounds lighter self and been on a roller coaster of gains and losses for the past few months. I have sold all my larger size clothes and just "cleaned up" my closet and dresser drawers. Not only did I need new clothes but I also needed new "unmentionables." So I have enjoyed shopping, shopping, shopping!! I have also enjoyed not taking so many meds and getting good reports from my doctor.

You may be asking where is the stress in that. Well let me tell you I have always thought I have handled stress pretty well. My job is somewhat stressful at times but it keeps the job and days interesting and I have a most capable administrative assistant and we help each other with the stress at work. We all have stressful days and I handle those pretty well. But since the middle of April I have really been leaning on the Lord for strength and help in my time of need. My Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer and the cancer was found in nine lymph nodes and his lungs.. Now this is an 81 year old man who has been sick very little in his lifetime. He has not been in the hospital except when he fell off a scaffolding on the job and hurt his back some 40 years ago. I was devastated and it has been colon surgery and a whirlwind of doctor appointments since mid April!!

My life has been blessed beyond what I am worthy and this was really hard for me. Even though I finally got through the crying and crying and fear that my Dad was gonna die and finally turned it all over to the Lord the stress has been hard on my system and me!!! I know now that I am a emotional eater. I am hungry all the time. Nothing I seem to do satisfies that "need" for food!!! I have found myself dreading going to the gym. The desire is not there anymore. I know I am probably disappointing many of you including Gloria and that is why I have put off blogging for so long.

Take this morning for instance! I got up and got ready for the gym but just could not go. I sent Gloria a text and told her I was not coming. Now it was a cardio day for me and I can do cardio at home but I have always looked forward to going to the gym.

So, I know that the Lord will take care of my Dad. I have turned my Dad over to HIM. I am praying for the help I need with this stress. This is something I have not dealt with since starting on the journey. My Dad's younger brother died while my Dad was in the hospital and another family member had a heart attack. Sometimes our bodies are not in sink with our minds. Mentally (with the Lord's help and many wonderful friends) I believe I have cleared this obstacle but physically I have not. I have been to the doctor because,per the DOC, the stress has gotten my resistance down and I have now been dealing with an upper respiratory infection. I am just tired!!!!!

Now this is not a blog for pity but prayers!! There will always be obstacles in our lives. I have not handled mine very well. I hope this may help someone else who encounters what they may think is an insurmountable obstacle in their lives. I am determined to get back on track and gain control of my eating!!

Of course our Lord is wonderful!!! My Dad had a PET Scan and the cancer has not spread to any new areas. We knew it had metastasized to his lungs but only one lymph node in is neck showed cancer in the scan. He is beginning chemo on Friday June 5th. Please pray for my Dad!!

Thank you so much for patiently and continually staying with me on this somewhat rocky journey to a healthier me. Love, Faith

On the Right Track

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:56:00 +0000

"I can do all thing through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Well a heartfelt and hardy congratulations to Gwen Butler!!!!! She took on the challenge and was our Bigger Loser this weigh in!! Great job Gwen!!! 3.8 pounds is fabulous!!!

I am happy to say that quite a few of you took up the challenge to lose at least one pound and I am very proud of all of you who met the challenge. Some of you went beyond the challenge of one pound and lost much more and I was very impressed. I met my 5 pound goal and went beyond that goal to 5.6 pounds. I made it into the top five!!!!!

Some of you may say that is good but you were not the Biggest Loser. I believe while being the biggest loser is a goal to compete for every two weeks; this Biggest Loser contest is more than that. It is a personal challenge for me. It will help me meet my personal goal of losing the remainder of weight I need to lose. As I first and foremost strive to reach my own personal weight goal the Biggest Loser Contest is a tool in reaching that goal.

So as we enter into each and every week of the Biggest Loser Contest we need to challenge ourselves. Wouldn't it be great if all who are participating would lose next week!!! Set a goal for the next two weeks and strive to do all that we need to do to achieve that goal: Effective Cardio, Weight Training and Eating Right!!!!!

Thanks for coming along on this journey and email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com.
See ya at the scales!!!!!! Faith

To My Competitors

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:08:00 +0000

First I want to congratulate Danielle Salomon on being the biggest loser this time out!!!! As for the other 19 participants, many of us need to put our hearts into this competition. Now before you say anything I want you to know that I have given myself a good tongue lashing for just plain not trying hard enough. I have not been trying hard enough, I have not been watching my food intake, I have not been consistent in my cardio and I have just not taken this competition seriously!!! AND it looks like many of you are in my same boat!!

I think we have our eyes on the prize at the end of the journey and think "I HAVE A WHOLE YEAR TO DO THIS." Well sisters three months has quickly gone by and I for one am ashamed that I have no progress to show for the last three months. This is not about the pot at the end of the rainbow. It is about accountability, day by day consistency!! If you have pounds to lose, rather 10 or 75, it is a one day at a time journey. I have learned that I, for one, cannot set my goals aside for even a day, although I have done that for three months!!!!

SO I challenge each of you who committed yourselves to the BIGGEST LOSER CONTEST to strive and dedicate yourself to a loss of at least one pound or more (I am reaching for 5) at our next weigh in on April 10th. Let's forget about the prize at the end of the journey and set our personal goals for this competition weigh in by weigh in. I want to lose 75 more pounds this year. I haven't gotten off to a very good start but that ended on Friday March 27th when I weighed in and realized that I had gained nearly 4 pounds in the last 4 weeks!!! This is NOT ACCEPTABLE to me.

Now reclaim you determination to reach your weight loss goal and if you do not have one then set one. LET'S PUT OUR HEARTS INTO THIS COMPETITION!!!!!! Keep to our meal plans and do that cardio regularly and fiercely!! SWEAT! SWEAT! SWEAT! See ya at the scales!!!
Thank for coming along on this journey!! As you can see sometimes there are valleys to climb out of and we can do it!!! Love ya all, Faith

Weigh In Week

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:42:00 +0000

It is weigh in week and I have learned to take it one weigh in at a time!!! I must confess that with the loss of 75 pounds I am getting too laid back, or "blazay" if you will, about my work out and eating. It is a real struggle now. Why, you ask. Well I must admit I am enjoying my new size!!! Of course to most people a weight of 278 is not something to enjoy but when you weighed 351 it is a big change. Now unless you have made a drastic change in your life for the better it may be hard for you to understand where I am coming from. I feel like a bird let out of a cage and I want to spread my wings!! I can thank Gloria at Body Dimensions and Lorin at Living Lean Meals for that.

I can buy clothes that do not look like they are made for Grandma Moses!!! You would not believe what I found at a local consignment shop. I guess I can name names in my blog. I was told to check out the local shop "Plum Pretty." Since I have 75+ more pounds to lose I hate to pay full price for clothes that in a few months I will probably not be able to wear. So I thought I would check out this shop. I got some beautiful things at a very reasonable price!! Anyway, with all the new clothes and feeling so darn good (no asthma-lots of energy-no back pain-no knee pain-etc. etc!!) my mind has not been on my eating and work outs as intensely as it should.

So I gave myself a real good talkin' to and committed myself to the next 75 pounds!!! I know that these pounds may be harder to shed than the first 75 but I also know that I can do it!!!

By the way, if you order meals from Living Lean Meals I sure hope you are enjoying the new menu items as much as I am. They have really come up with some delicious dishes that are good for you. If you do not order from Living Lean check out their website at www.livingleanmeals.com. If you do not at the present time have a work out trainer, well, the best trainer in the world is at Body Dimensions Fitness and you can check out their website at www.bodydimensionsfitness.com. Gloria Trull is the best!!!!!

I want to thank those of you who have been following along on my journey to a healthier me. I guess you could say i am about half way through this journey and made some pretty remarkable strides. I know that I have not accomplished this by myself. The Lord has been and is always by my side and with me through whatever comes my way. My husband is always in my corner 100%. Then there are my co-workers, friends and family. Most of all I have a great trainer and "food preparer." It takes alot of support to continue on this journey. Keep me in your prayers and thanks again to all of you!!!!!

Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Love, Faith

Busy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:12:00 +0000

It seems that my life gets busier and busier!!
I should have blogged before now and I hope you will forgive my tardiness. I weighed on February 27th and had lost 3 pounds. I just knew I would be a biggest loser but no I wasn't. I did not even make the top five. You see our qualification is based on percentage of body weight lost. To calculate that you take the difference between the old and new weights, then divide it by the starting weight. Well the more you weigh the lower the percentage. Anyway I was a little disappointed that I did not even make the top five. So I will just have to try harder.

I have begun jogging a little on the treadmill at the gym. Now I can only do it for about 5 minutes but I plan to work on going longer and longer. Since the weather is so beautiful I have measures off a mile in a couple directions from my house and an beginning to walk more. I want to walk in the Susan B.Komen walk this year and DO NOT want to be the last one to finish--so I am in training

There is alot for me to report right now. I am trying very hard to stay on the P90X and am praying the weight turns loose. Thank you for coming along on my journey to a healthier me!! Love, Faith

HURRAY!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Well it is a new week and I have good news. I lost four pounds in one week. I believe the draught is over. HEHE!! This P90X program is great. I have been on it correctly for two weeks. I really enjoy planning out the menus for each day to make sure I get the right amounts of protein, veggies, carbs, snacks, dairy, fruit, fat and even a condiment!!! I use Living Lean meals and plan my menus around the meals. It is great. Of course the first couple weeks I did not plan correctly and kinda needed some instructions from Gloria and Lorin. But I believe that I have the system down now. I have lost 75 pounds in 13 months. I want to lose another 75 pounds this year.

Now for the fabulous news. This week was a week of maintenance. You know what I mean--doctors, doctors, doctors. I went to the eye doctor and all is well. No damage to my eyes from diabetes. He also reminded me that drinking water was essential to good eyes. New to me but water is all I drink and he said he could tell by the lubrication of one's eyes as to rather they were drinking enough water. I am getting new glasses after wearing the same ones for 8 years. Something to go with my new me!!! Then it was off to the allergist and to my joy he said I am asthma free. No more inhalers or pills; only a monthly allergy shot!!! When I was diagnosed with asthma many years ago he wrote thirteen prescriptions on that day and I have finally been taken off the last one!!!! HAPPY DAYS!!!!

Next it was off to the podiatrists. As a diabetic I have to see him each year. ( I guess I am high maintenance after all)!! Anyway, all is well with the feet and legs and the circulation. Then I went to see my family doctor. The six month diabetic check up. Several weeks ago I asked to have my blood drawn ahead of my appointment. You see, I went off the diabetic and cholesterol meds back in October. I wanted to be able to discuss my blood results at my appointment. Well going off the meds was the right thing to do. Now I am not suggesting that you go off your meds. My sugars were dropping and I knew I had to do something. Sometimes we know our bodies better than anyone. My A1C was 5.8. Most doctors want it below 6.5-7! My cholesterol was 155!!!!! I was afraid that my doctor would not agree with no meds but she did!!!! She was very, very pleased with the healthier me!!

So now after 13 months of healthier living, cardio and weight training at Body Dimensions with Gloria Trull and eating Living Lean meals from Lorin Miller, I am healthier than I have ever been!!! So I celebrated and went out at lunch on Thursday and bought myself three new outfits!!! It felt wonderful!!!

Next week is weigh in for the Biggest Loser contest at Body Dimensions and I plan to win!!! Thank you all for coming along on my journey to a healthier me. If you would like to email me with comments, suggestions, questions or just to say hello my email is healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Love, Faith

ERRRRRGH!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:19:00 +0000

THIS PLATEAU IS DRIVING ME INSANE!!!!!!!! I weighed today and gained 1.4!!! It is so hard not to get discouraged. If I had partaken of the pound cake I baked for the office this week or the chocolate cake in the kitchen at the office or the bagels brought to the office or the ----------, I could understand the gain. BUT!!! When you are so careful of what you put in your mouth and still gain is it frustrating. I know if I were not going to the gym and being encouraged by Gloria I would have buried myself in a bag of chips or a box of Oreos by now!! I would have eaten an LARGE SNICKER BAR for sure or half a gallon of Butter Pecan Ice cream!!!!! I am trying so hard to be positive and not have a big pity party!!!

Forgive my whining!! I promise not to do this very often!!
Thanks for following my --stuck in the mud---progress. (for now)!!!!!
Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com
Love ya, Whinny Faith

BIGGEST WINNERS

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Congratulations to those who won the Biggest Loser on Friday February 1st!!! I maintained. A little disappointed but not defeated. I am working on a new eating plan from Gloria and I think I have gotten it under control. On this plan you eat so many proteins, carbs, fruit, veggie, snacks, dairy, fat and condiments a day. I am using all the Living Leans meals and placing them in the right spot. Once I am sure I have this tackled I will share more with you. Anyway, believe me or not it is alot of food to eat in a day and I would be lying if I said I was not afraid I am going to gain on this. However, Gloria and Lorin have assured me this will work.

At first I was only eating protein for breakfast and struggled with low blood sugars. I have not had much experience with my blood dropping until now and it is not good. But I think I have solved that by eating a little carbs with my protein in the mornings before I go to the gym.

I have also been introduced to the treadmill. I have plantar fasciitis on the back of my heel and could not walk alot but it is getting better and now I am walking on the treadmill at 3 miles an hour for 30-40 minutes. I am working on getting to 4 miles an hour.

Well, weigh in for the BIGGEST LOSER CONTEST is on Friday February 13th and I am doing my very best to take home that certificate this time!! I will let you know!!!

Thanks for coming along on my journey to a healthier me. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Love ya, Faith

BIGGEST LOSER 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:10:00 +0000

I just wanted to share with all of you the trophy I received from Body Dimensions for my successful year of weight lose.

Again I appreciate all the support from everyone!!!

Faith

healthierfaith@yahoo.com

A NEW BEGINNING

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:28:00 +0000

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Well the hurrah is over and now it is time to get to work. Don't get me wrong--I DID NOT go out and eat a big celebration meal!! NO Sir, my husband has planned to take me shopping when I am ready to celebrate my 71 pounds lost in 2008. I would love to sit here and set a year long goal but I know that I have done that before and small goals work best for me. Our weigh ins are every two weeks at the gym (you will understand why later). So, as last year, my first goal is at my birthday in April. My birthday is April 14th and our weigh in will be on April 10th. So for my first goal I want to lost 20 pounds (or more) by April 10th. I know that the pounds going forward will not come off as easily (HA! HA! believe me it was not easy!!) as the pounds I have lost. However, I know I can do this!!! Gloria, my trainer, has added a little incentive to this journey I am on and there is a Grand Prize at the finish line!!

We will be having a Biggest Loser Contest throughout the year at Body Dimensions for all the members. This will be based on percentage of weight loss as some of my fellow gymsters have less or more weight to lose. We are not required to participate but are encouraged to do so. We will weigh in every two weeks. Who ever the winner is for that two weeks will get a certificate and other prizes. We will all pay a one time entry fee of $25 which will go towards the Grand Prize. At the end of the year the person who has received the most certificates through out the year will receive a trophy and the Grand Prize which is all the entry fee money for the year.

Now the "Two-Week" prizes are a great incentive to try my best to keep my diet and exercise on the right path!!! My first two week weigh in is on January 31st. I will be keeping you informed on how I and my fellow gymsters are doing in this little competition. I think it will be interesting and alot of fun!! So join me as I continue my journey to a healthier lifestyle and compete against my fellow gymsters for that Grand Prize Jackpot to be awarded at the end of 2009!!!

You can email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thanks for coming along on my journey!!!!
Love, Faith

BEFORE AND AFTER

noreply@blogger.com (Faith) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I forgot to add these to the previous blog!!!! January 16, 2008--January 16, 2009