moonbeam65

I just got the results of my annual physical and according to every single measure  my health is fantastic. And I am still overweight. Based on all the smart cholesterol ratios, LDL and HDL, triglycerides, etc… such conditions can be called “reversing heart attack”.  I am pleased and happy. And still 10 pounds over my ”ideal” weight. According to the BMI charts. And I am still a comfortable size 12 in the lower body and size 10 in the upper body.  

 I do heavy conditioning three times a week and walk 4-6 miles daily. I stopped controlling and counting calories and being obsessed with portions. I am not losing weight and my clothes still fit almost the same. Should I start feeling miserable because my scale is not moving, should I start punishing myself and get into the yo yo cycle again? Or should I just walk around feeling great and being proud of maintaining great health (I have a proof in the test results) and living my life as a happy person? Continuing exercising because I like to see progress not because I hope to see a great weight loss next day and get upset if it’s not happening?

 Stepping outside a dieting mindset is very liberating. And no, I am not in denial or fooling myself because I stopped rigid control of eating and physical activities. It’s not a permission to eat whatever I want and sit on a couch all day long because I am not on a weight loss mission anymore. It’s quite opposite really. I like making good choices for myself, not from the place of fear and disgust of feeling fat but from the place of love and joy.

Went back to belly dancing. I forgot how much fun it was. The body still remembers the moves but it’s so rusty. And there is a martial art class just before the belly dance class in the same studio. I want to check it out next Tuesday. All the girls and women in the belly dance class are skinny and toned. I felt a pang of bitterness when I saw myself as a largest woman in class… and then decided to just enjoy the music and shaking hips and arms.

 Off to work… have a great day everyone 

To skiing.  Yesterday we did two and some hours literally making a trail in fresh snow, enjoying sliding … and it was snowing and so beautiful. Quiet, still, and oh so white. I was so sleepy and tired when we came home. We are going back on Sunday because I work on Saturday.

Tomorrow is a workout with the trainer. Eating is fine and stress reduction has been okay. With my mom almost recovered after her surgery I am feeling much better about the future.

For all the Wii seekers, check wii tracker online and you may get lucky. I also got a Transfirmer from Amazon and plan on lifting my booty doing Firm videos. My basement looks like a home gym. I have a rowing machine, weights, transfirmer, yoga equipment, and will bring my Gazelle and bouncer from my old home. And the best thing is that the kitchen is on the third floor and when I am in the basement, I have to walk four floors up if I want something to eat. So food is out of my reach when I am in the basement surrounded by exercise equipment and having Wii handy. Gosh, I love my strategic thinking.

Yes, going skiing again! Will have to work many hours Thursday-Saturday, so I am taking this day to enjoy outdoors. It’s sunny and cold in Seattle and there is tons of fresh snow up in the mountains.

Eating has been so-so because we ate out last night. Got myself Wii with Dance Dance Revolution party and look forward to learning dance steps. Should be fun. For some reason Tom is way better at playing tennis on Wii and is better at bowling. I am blown away how much fun you can have with Wii games.

I plan on cooking mushroom soup and steamed veggies. I discovered Cliff dark chocolate and walnut bars - delicious! It’s my favorite dessert now. Still eating nonfat plain yogurt, apples, almonds, and whole grain bread. Not fighting my weight and not getting upset over “goals” and “plans”. Ahhh, just enjoying life without guilt and shame.

I read a lot of blogs where people strive for numbers and assign “bad” or a “failure” to a day, week, month, or even a year depending on numbers they impose on themselves. Well, life is so much more than the number. I remember the times when it drove me crazy to think nonstop how much I weighed or what size of clothing I was wearing. Madness. The war with weight, the battle with food, the fight of munches, the black and white thinking… all too familiar. Restrictions, punishment, and new promises. I am glad I stepped out of that frame of mind and actually found freedom of choice and room to breath. OK, time to stop rambling. I am aware that detailed planning and following strict choices do work for many, many people. We are all different and approach problems differently. That’s the beauty of this site, the diversity and the wealth of experience and advice.

Have a great Wednesday!

I worked out with the trainer at 7:30 AM. We did shoulders and abs. I walked back home and felt so light, strong, and toned. It’s such a pleasure to make a body move, stretch, and pull weights.

Thank you for all the comments on my Sunday blog and for new buddies who asked me to add them. I am excited for this year to be a great one for my health and married life. We are going skiing again on Wednesday, early in the morning before my work. Although I joined a walking challenge, I slack on walking now. I love winter sports. We will be snowshoeing this weekend. If you tried snowshoeing, you know it’s a very strenuous workout when the snow is fresh. I anticipate soreness in hips and thighs and yes, I am looking forward to it.

Eating has been fine so far. I stocked up on organic fruit and nut bars, nonfat yogurt, and apples. Almonds are also good for snacks. We banned cookies and pies from our house. Tonight I will cook salmon and brown rice. Well, off to work again and to my Italian class tonight.

Have a great Monday!

We are going skiing again. This time it’s not that far from home, only 1.5 hours of driving. I worked out with my trainer yesterday and I am hurting all over. Especially my poor arms. Now skiing requires propelling myself forward with poles using said poor arms. The thought of it brings invisible tears to my eyes but I have my snow pants on and I am definitely going. Tom loves skiing now because I taught him the basics of skiing so now he actually can slide instead of just walking on skis.

Eating has been good. I eat tons of fruits and veggies, nonfat plain yogurt and lean meats. Well, not tons of them, but reasonable portions. Jennifer mentioned cooking soups. I need to do that too.

Slowly the holiday spirit is lifting and the working spirit is settling in. I will be taking Italian starting tomorrow. Chao bella and have a great Sunday my dear buddies.

P.S. I have been thinking about Matt lately. I hope he feels better…