Keeping on task

It's been awhile since my last update. Here are my current numbers:

Weight: 176

Waist : 45

Bust: 40

Neck: 14

I have not been as diligent as I was at the beginning with taking my triple threat (thermofit, fat fighters, and greens on the go). I need to get back to making sure I am doing this every day as well as following the lifestyle diet menu. I have cheated too many times in the past few months, with ice cream and other things!

I also have had ongoing back pain for the past 6 weeks, so I have taken it easy with the elliptical. I miss this so much, though. It was becoming part of my morning ritual for 30-45 minutes. I plan to start back up soon as my back pain has eased up.

I've realized that when other areas of my life are in chaos (the cleanliness of my house, too busy of a schedule, and not making time for God thru devotion, Bible reading, or prayer) then my physical/food issues also suffer. It's more difficult to implement self control and stay disciplined with making healthy choices. 

I have been cleaning up our house. It's always amazing to me (when I do a deep clean) how I've let the house get in such a mess to begin with. Isn't that the same with life? When we don't focus on the important things, it's easy for things to quickly turn to chaos.

One of my goals in the next 1-2 years is to reduce my work hours to part- time so I can have more time to focus on my family and church service. I also plan to quit my Olivet adjunct position once my current group of students have completed their clinical work (I follow them thru Feb 2018). I have been too busy for too long. I realized this the most during the past school year (for my children). I felt like a cloud was pulled over my head keeping my brain foggy. I would get so frustrated with myself because I could not remember what grade levels my children were in half the time! Fortunately, my husband does a good job of balancing his work responsibilities and the kids' activities, homework, etc. The only activity I was able to help with this past year for my son was Field day (on the last day of school)! I had so many fun activities and weekend getaways that I wanted to complete, but time or finances were a hindrance. I found myself feeling remorseful that the past year went by in a blur. I want to cherish the time that I have with my children while they are little. This has always been one of my biggest heart's desires, and I feel like God will honor it as long as I don't get in the way!

When there is a clear goal in mind (being financially solvent in order to live off less income), it is easier to strive for that goal and reach it in the anticipated time frame. I think a lot of my issues in the past six-seven years have been due to not having any clear goals in mind, and feeling like I am living in disarray. My whole life was chaotic, and it was apparent by walking inside my house, looking at my outward appearance, and even seeing thru to my spirit (that had become overwhelmed and hardened). 

I am not saying that anyone who is overweight or out of shape has all these issues going on. I even have some health issues that make it more difficult for me to maintain a healthy weight. I will say, though, that for me, my physical appearance and health declined further when other areas of my life were out of balance.

Today's church service talked about allowing for rest (often!) in an overwhelming world. Pastor Joe reminded the congregation that Jesus offers to lighten our burden and ease our yolk. I am ready to accept Jesus help, are you? 

Matthew 11:28-30New International Version (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

New habits, new rituals.

Well I haven't been great about posting lately, but I have been implementing some new habits into my life.
The link for the website below talks about the importance of implementing morning rituals:

http://www.theralogix.com/about-theralogix/balanced-living/morning-rituals-healthy-lifestyle/?utm_content=buffer30256&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Here are the ones that I am focused on right now:
1) exercise- I have gradually increased my time so that I am doing 30 minutes on the elliptical at least 3 mornings per week.
2) water intake- I have not been drinking warm water with lemon, but I make sure I drink at least 8 oz water in the morning before I eat my breakfast. My goal is 92 ounces of water per day.
3) minimalist lifestyle- As I look around my messy house, I realize that I need to purge, not splurge. My husband is probably one of the most frugal people that I know. He'll wear the same pair of shoes every day until they wear out. He only buys essentials. I am trying to be more like that for many reasons (more about that in a future post).
4)Meditation- I am working on clearing out our closet to use as a prayer room.
5) waking up earlier- I am not a morning person, but I do like my "alone time" in the mornings prior to heading out for work. I used to spend a lot of that time as wasted time (surfing the internet, etc.) I now use that time to start exercising while I watch gospel music videos (which also helps calm me for the day).

Here are the other things I have accomplished in the past 3 weeks:
1) keeping a food diary and following a meal plan. I use myfitnesspal app. When I exercise or get more than 6,000 steps per day, I allow myself up to 1500 calories per day. Otherwise, I try to keep my intake between 1000-1200 calories per day. I also follow a meal plan. I have eliminated bread, pasta, potatoes, corn, and high sugar foods.
2) drinking half my body weight in water daily. This is hard to do sometimes, but all I drink is water. I have not had soda (regular or diet) in 3 weeks. I have had a few cups of unsweetened tea in the past few weeks, but for the most part, I just drink water.
3) taking supplements and vitamins. I am hesitant about some supplements, but I have recently started using It Works Ⓡ products. I feel like the supplements have helped curb my cravings and helped me stay full. I take:  greens on the go, fat fighters with largest meal of the day, and thermofit with other 2 meals per day.
4) focusing on a lifestyle change and improving my overall health rather than focusing on the number of pounds I am losing. I am down about 5 lbs since starting this change (and about 10 lbs overall since I noticed I had gained so much weight). It's easy to get focused on the number, though. For me, this is the first time that I have felt this healthy in a long time. I feel so much better. I crave good foods and nutrients now. I can feel more energy as I do outdoor activities with the kids and work out. I used to barely be able to stand on my elliptical let alone do 30 minutes on it. I am heavier now (even after losing some weight) then when I first bought my elliptical and tried it. That's been the big sign to me that I am feeling better.
5) family change- my husband is not taking supplements but following the same diet as me (for the most part). He has concocted some pretty delicious all natural smoothies too (recipes to come later). With us focusing on eating better, we also have encouraged our kids to eat more vegetables, etc. We also spend more time together as a family with adding physical activity (playing tennis together, going on hikes, etc.) My husband bought me a fit bit for my birthday to help encourage me, and I value his support so much.

I plan to wait until the 4 week mark to share weight loss, measurements, etc. I want to focus more on what I am gaining instead of what I am losing.

Until next time,

Melissa

This the day of new beginnings!

"This the day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone.
For by the life and death of Jesus, God's mighty spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again.
Then with the Spirit's daring, step from the past and leave behind our disappointment, guilt, and grieving, seeking new paths and sure to find.
CHRIST is alive and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.
In faith, we'll gather round the table to taste and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new!"

Words by Brian Wren (1978)

This is a familiar song in the United Methodist hymnal. We sang this a few weeks ago in church. Spring is officially hear and Easter is coming soon! With signs of new beginnings all around me, I have resolved to make some positive changes in my life (more about my story in a future post).

I have blogged a few times about my goal to become healthier... but I usually get distracted within a few days. My most recent post was in 2015, and I was depressed because I was at my heaviest weight then (weighing more than I weighed when I was pregnant with either of my kids). Well two years later, I am heavier still... Several things have happened recently to make me painfully aware that I absolutely NEED to make my health and habits a priority. I have also been encouraged by others (family, friends, acquaintances via social media) who have made positive changes recently.

So here we go again... I am going to use this blog to journal and help myself stay accountable.
I am going to focus first on physical health, but I am also going to delve into other topics later (spiritual health, financial health, emotional health).

Here is my current info:
weight 187.8 lbs; height 5'2"; estimated BMI 34.3
arm 13.5 in
waist 49 in
hips 49 in
thigh 25 in

Measurements

Hoping to seriously get my health back on track. Should be getting lab values (HgA1C, lipids) at my annual physical in November. Here are my measurements. My goal is to lose inches and lose at least 20 lbs by November 19th (10 year anniversary)


Weight 180
Height 5 ' 2"
BMI 32.9
Bust 41 inches
Waist 42 inches
Hips 48 inches
Left arm 12 inches
Left thigh 21.5 inches


I Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"  My goal is to lose weight so I am healthier and have the energy to spend time with my kids and chase after them at the park. I also do not want to be a glutton, especially when there are so many people around the world who do not have enough food or even clean water.

Will be trying to post  a daily entry with food journal, exercise time, and scripture verse.

Until Tomorrow!

Mel

MORE of HIM, less of me

I have renamed my blog to also focus on the spiritual path I hope to take- to focus more on Jesus so I am less focused on me. The blog address "moreofhimlessofme" was already taken so I chose "moreofhimlessofmellie"
I am hoping that as I focus on eating healthier and more for hunger (than for stress or boredom), that I will be reminded of those less fortunate. Those who wait hours during the day just for water (that may not be clean). As I remember those people, I hope I will pray for them.
I also hope that as I exercise, I can use this time to pray and meditate. I am hoping that within the next year, not only will I be physically healthier but spiritually healthier as well.

"HE must become greater, I must become less" John 3:30

elliptical

Well, this weekend I have burned 70 calories on the elliptical. It's a start. Several things to focus on, but I am going to focus this week on slowly building up time on the ellipitcal.
I have been eating more raw veggies the past month, so hopefully, I will start seeing results.

Water, water, water

Well, my only claim to fame today is that I drank 4 bottles of water and didn't drink any soda! I had hot tea today to give me my caffeine fix. It tasted good on another rainy morning.
My goal is to get up early tomorrow before getting ready for work and do 20 minutes on the elliptical. Until tomorrow!