Fitness Fridays: I Gotta Be Real

If you have read any of my Fitness Friday posts, then you know I try to be fun loving and lighthearted. I guess that's who I am most of the time. I have lots of "down" days, but I really try to hide those times. Whenever I have let that "down" side show, I've had more ladies than I can count tell me that I am looking on the negative too much; I need to trust the Lord; I need to just be grateful for what I have, etc. They're right! I do need to be positive, trust the Lord and be grateful! Sometimes though, I need a friend. I'm thankful for all of you who read my blog. But most of you are in another state! Some of you, I've yet to meet. Sometimes, I need a friend with a face. Proverbs 25:20 says As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart . I understand that. Have you ever mixed vinegar and baking soda? Try it. It fizzes and makes a great spewing volcano for a science project. That's how I feel when I try to share my burdens with certain folks. Instead of understanding, I get an outline on "how to be happy during the bad days." Or as the verse says, I get a rendition of "Smile A While". To be honest, I got a little sick of it. And these were fine, godly ladies, by the way! I still love and respect each of them. But are you tellin' me that they never get down? They've never had a burden so heavy that they needed to share it? If they have never been low or even mildly depressed, then I'd like to shake their hand! I sure have had my share of valleys. Some of the valleys I've shared on here. Some I can never share with anyone. I'm sure you know what I mean. I understand that these women were possibly trying to "cheer me up" or maybe, they were afraid if they gave in to my outpouring of grief that they were feeding the monster of negativity in me. If that happened, then I would have the pity-party of the century, or so they may have thought. Who knows what their reasons were.
What's really scary, is the thought that maybe I have told someone who's sharing their heart with me to smile and "put on a happy face!!", making them feel the same way. Ouch. I sure hope not. If so, it wasn't intentional. Therefore, that may not have been the intention of the ladies who spoke with me. So, I'll cut them some slack. But just this once. Just kidding.
Because I am so afraid to open up to anyone, except the Lord and my husband, about certain things, I tend to do something else. I eat. Whenever someone snaps at me at church, I bite my tongue until it's bleeding and then I go home and eat. I know, you're appalled. I'm sorry to have appalled you. I hope I haven't lowered my image in your esteem. What? It wasn't high to begin with? Oh good! No harm done then!:]
Something very minor happened to me this past week. It wasn't a big deal. Looking back, it seems silly! Most of my feelings could've been related to hormones or emotional instability or lack of spiritual stamina, or all of the above! I didn't scream at anyone, or cry, or even get angry. I just felt a deep, stabbing pain inside my chest, and tears started to come, but I held them off because there were people around. I went home and started to go through my change to scrape up enough money to get a thin mint blizzard from DQ. I wanted to eat an entire tray of Sesame Chicken but I didn't. Panda Express was closed already. Something also stopped me from going through with the blizzard idea. That something was that DQ was closed too.
As I went to bed that night, that deep, stabbing pain came back. You know what I mean? There was no food to quench it. There were no people around. So I cried. I cried and prayed and went to sleep.
It wasn't until the next morning that I realized what I had started to do. I started to turn to food for comfort. I've done it before. Oh yeah, baby. I've eaten more than I'd care to admit here just when I felt sad! Afterwards, I feel guilty so I eat lighter for a few days and I try to workout consistently. Soon I forget about it. Till the next time. The result is that I've lost four pounds over and over. I can't get back to my goal weight because I keep gaining, and then losing, gaining and losing, and on and on. I need to stop this vicious cycle. I need to stop making food my friend, and looking forward to food as my only thing to "live for", which is another thing I often do. (When Terry tells me he's taking me to Olive Garden, I highlight the calendar and make a paper chain to count it down. Okay, I don't make a real paper chain, but I count it down in my head for weeks!)
This is my new goal: stop making food my best friend. That's the role that Jesus should fill! I turn to him for other things, I need to turn to him now. After all, once I consume the blizzard, it's gone, but Jesus lasts forever!
I am not going vegan. I am not even going vegetarian. I still plan to eat another blizzard someday. But I don't want blizzards to be the thing I live for, or turn to in times of heartache. That's what the Lord is there for. The song says "He's all I need..." and that's so true.

Fitness Friday (or Slim Down Saturday): Feet, Our Foundation

Those of you who are faithfully checking in on me know that this post wasn't published on Friday. It's really Saturday. I cannot post a "Fitness Friday" when in reality it is Saturday. Therefore, I have sub-titled this post "Slim Down Saturday" in order to keep things honest and real.
We are busily preparing for our vacation, but I'm taking a few moments to post. I'll be gone about two weeks! I'll be having "blogging withdrawals" by the time I get back! However, I should have TONS of new photos to post, [I just finished emptying my memory card on my camera to make room!!]and lots will be happening, so when I do get back to my spot in cyberspace it should be interesting.

For my Fitness Friday, um, (clears throat) I mean Slim Down Saturday, I wanted to post about our feet! After all, our feet are the foundation of our bodies! If you've ever stood in Super church on tile floors for an hour or more wearing two inch heels, then you know how important your feet are. If you have ever broken your little toe on a ceramic toilet in the dark, then you, my crippled friend, really know what our feet mean to us! Yes, I've lived through both experiences. Feet are important. They are everything!! Think of it like this: Sore feet = Sore attitude. Well, that's true for me anyway.
I recently purchased brand new tennis shoes. Or sneakers. Whatever you call athletic shoes, I bought some recently. I couldn't believe how pitiful my old shoes looked. I had bought them back when Clinton was in office. Yes, it was definitely time to get new ones. I bought them in the spring of 2000. Eight years ago. My goodness. And, amazingly, they really don't look as bad as you would think eight year old tennis shoes/sneakers would look. They had seen me through many a Denise Austin workout, and many a long walk. They are good friends. In fact, they would make a good commercial for Nike. But, all sentimentality aside, I had to retire them.
This time, I bought New Balance.They are a half-size larger than my last pair. I have used them for about a month, and I am a very satisfied customer.

NIKES, circa 2000 model. You were a good shoe.

Off with the old and on with the New Balance. Much better. (And I really love the pink and gray combo!)

After I bought my new shoes, I was telling my Mom about how much better my feet felt while exercising. She told me that she purchases a new pair every year. She's read that every 500 miles you should buy new tennis shoes/sneakers. She walks two miles a day, so the "once a year pair" is just right for her. Mine were a little over that, but hey, better late than never.

I hadn't realized how uncomfortable my old shoes were making my exercise until I used new ones! The difference was amazing! Unless you're a swimmer or skier, then your shoes can make or break your workouts. And walking is a workout! Be sure your footware is foot friendly. Buy a new pair every year.

Feet are so important that legendary basketball coach, John Wooden ,(formerly of the UCLA Bruins) taught his players how to properly put on their socks before he taught them a single play. After all, what good is dribbling and shooting, if your feet hurt so badly you can't even walk?

Remember, if you take care of your feet, your feet will take care of you!

Here's this week's funny! Have a great week!!

Fitness Fridays: Your Help is Needed

Yay! We made it to another Friday! Congratulations everyone! This week, I really need some help. I get in a rut eating the same snacks, and sometimes, a healthy snack is nowhere around, so I've either been hungry and miserable, or I indulge in the "not so healthy" choice.
So, how 'bout it? Do you all have any favorite low-cal treats or sweets? I'd love to hear what you make or buy that satisfies your cravings. Email me or post it here.
Thank you so much! Oh and happy Friday!! :]

PS I'm dealing with a bout of poison ivy on my hand and forearm...I have no idea how this got on me. Anyway, if you have any help to offer with that, I'd appreciate it. I've been using Caladryl.

Fitness Fridays: Denise Wants to Kill Me

Okay, maybe she doesn't really have it in for me, but it sure does feel like it! I've been having a lot of sinus trouble lately, and since I don't have a doctor here in blessed Hope, I am trying the "housewife, heal thyself" remedy. Basically, it's prayer,vitamins, prayer, water, rest, some exercise, and more prayer.
I recently got a Denise Austin DVD called "Blast away 10 lbs." (I first accidentally typed 109 instead of 10! Wow! Wouldn't that be amazing! Blast away 109 lbs.! Oh, but anyway, I digress...) This is a kickboxing workout, and kickboxing is an excellent way to shed fat. So, in an effort to improve circulation - which is how our bodies heal, by the way - and get fit, I did the first 20 minute workout. Okay, really, I just completed as much of this workout as my sinus-drainage head could manage. At one point I felt as though Denise had me pinned to the mat and someone was dialing 911, but then I realized it was my sinus meds making me see and hear all of that. I just stopped for a minute, steadied myself and pushed "pause." I then ran to take two huge puffs of my inhaler. Then, being the OC (obsessive-compulsive), "finish what you start, even if it finishes you" nut that I am, I went back and pushed "play." My heart was telling me "you can keep going, but I'm taking a break." Right then, Denise began the cool down...that sweet, relaxing, wonderful cool down! (From which I did not get very cool!)
I then plopped down in front of my computer with my water bottle to let you know that I worked out just because of you. I hated to sit down and type another "zero" for my efforts this week. Okay, I did it because I'm OC, but I'm OC about this blog, not you, so don't think that you're my enabler or anything. I'd be this way even if no one read my blog, because that's how I am. (I told you that I was weird!)

Have a good week, everyone!
~Valerie

PS..I had a cartoon, but I couldn't get it to fit, so maybe I'll have better luck next week! Until then, just laugh when you think of me trying to be consistent! :]

Fitness Fridays: Balance Is the Key

Last week I jokingly touched on moderation in my Fitness Friday post. All joking aside, I do believe in moderation. I like being real. And I can be real about me. I am not going to be able to never eat a brownie again. I will eat tiramisu at Olive Garden again someday...I hope. I will indulge in pizza. It's going to happen. So, I am real about me. I am cutting back, not banishing forever. I am eating a balanced diet: grains, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and no, I'm not going to forget the itty-bitty point of the food pyramid - fats and oils, or as I like to call it, "the best part"!
While I try to maintain balance in my eating, balance in exercise is also needed. I do cardio for my heart, strength for my muscles and stretching for flexibility. These are the areas I'm working on, not the areas in which I've achieved. I have a long way to go, but I'm working.
So far, I have seen the inches vanish before the pounds do. Why is this? I asked myself. I found my answer. Muscle weighs more than fat, therefore, I am losing fat tissue, but replacing it with heavier muscle tissue, so my weight loss is less. This is good for my metabolism in the long run, so I'm going to forge ahead. I will tell you, though, that losing 3/4 of a pound at a time is not too encouraging.
I am happy to report I worked out three times this week, which was my minimum goal. Yay! I am going to try to keep my balance this week in every area.

Here's the funny for the week.

Make it a great day, everyone!



Maybe I should try this method! :)

Fitness Fridays: Eat Less, Sweat More

The formula for weight loss isn't in the latest diet fads. It isn't in a pill, or drink. It isn't doing the "crash" diet thing, where you eat cabbage soup and water for "x" number of days. You can lose weight that way, sure. But as soon as you go back to normal eating, you will gain it back.
The best formula for weight loss is eat less, sweat more. It's really pretty simple. You shouldn't have to buy expensive meals, just eat less of your usual meals. Try to prepare healthy foods for everyone, and that can simplify your life greatly! Although, you may have some frowns at the broccoli and cauliflower that you serve! I sure get plenty of disapproval from the peanut gang in our house. By the way, I still prepare desserts for the family (and yes, for me too Dixie! ;] ). I enjoy eating desserts! The Bible says "do everything in moderation", I'm including desserts there too! :D I figure it's only wrong to eat the whole package of Oreos, not two!
I'm making very slow progress in my fitness efforts. I don't look like Denise Austin, but I'm seeing some improvement in my toning due to using hand weights. I can't boast a ten pound weight loss, but I've lost 7 (SINCE JANUARY). I'm not a skinny-mini, but I have more energy than I did in March. All of this gives me the encouragement I need to keep going.
As I was checking out of Wal-Mart in Texarkana recently (Arkansas side, in case you're wondering), I visited with Faye, my cashier. She was probably in her late 50s or so. She told the lady in front of me that she had lost 70 pounds, but it took her four years to do it. She said she had 30 more to go. (I thought she probably only needed to lose about 15 more, she looked good!) I had to know how she did it. "Did you follow a plan or program?" I asked her. "No." she said. "I just cut the fat out of my diet and began exercising." It took her four years, but that is great! That means her chances of gaining it back are very low, because her new habits are just that, habits! She went on to tell me that her doctor told her that her cholesterol numbers were high, and she was at risk for diabetes. This scared her into a new eating/exercise lifestyle. I applaud this lady for her hard work! It helps me to get going, and keep going.
I know, blogging about exercise and fitness isn't popular. My flesh doesn't like it any more than yours does. But it's good for me, so I do it. Blogging about it helps to keep me accountable in my efforts. My husband told me about a preacher who had to lose a lot of weight. His health was failing. He said "I finally decided I love preaching more than I love a Big Mac." That really convicted me. I love my family, and serving God, more than I love a Big Mac, and I do love Big Macs. And singles from Wendy's. And Olive Garden's chicken parmigiana. And pizza. And cake...okay you get the idea. But hey, moderation, right? So I can still have my cake and eat it too, just not as often! ;]

Here's a little something funny for you. Have a fantastic week!

~Valerie

Fitness Fridays: Never Give Up

When it comes to fitness, for me anyway, it can be a "three steps forward, two steps backward" kind of thing. I was making nice strides in being consistent in my workouts and eating a balanced diet before our move to Hope. Pausing home school, packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking, resuming home school, and setting up a new household has definitely taken its toll on my workout routine. In fact, there has been no routine! As I type this, I am surrounded by a cluttered desk and home office. Why haven't I put these things away? Because there is nowhere to put them! In Burnet, we had a desk in the parsonage, but it was not ours. Therefore, we are "deskless" here. This can be frustrating for someone who lives by the adage "A place for everything and everything in its place". The rest of the house is coming along nicely, but this room...well, it isn't. As for homeschooling, it's basically done. We have few loose ends to tie up yet, but considering we took two unscheduled weeks off, we're doing well. Now, I can focus on my workouts.
I'd like to quit. I want to say "Forget it!" But, I can't. I did manage to eek out two workouts this week. I did tapes of Denise Austin's old show Daily Workout. It is good. She is cheerful and balanced. Two things I love! Today, while we were working out, and I was sweating profusely, she said "Life isn't a dress rehearsal, it's the real thing. You gotta give it your all." What a nice reminder! It applies to everything. Our spiritual life, and our physical. By maintaining the physical side, we can do more with the spiritual side. Taking just a five minute walk reduces stress and helps to lower blood pressure, according to Leslie Sansone. By eating right and moving a little, we can keep ourselves in the kind of shape we need to be in to serve the Lord to the fullest. We'll ward off diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and increase energy and strength. But it won't happen overnight. It all begins with the first step.
And I'm officially taking the first step, for the second time.

Here's something fun that may make you smile! :)

Have a great week!