How slow it is!

This is a picture I took a few years ago while in Vermont. I love that state. I had the best time and hope someday to go back. It's a great place to ride a bike. Nice rolling hills and lovely creeks that run alongside the highway. Anyway...

I got up this morning and stepped on the scale. A loss of 1.8 lbs! WooHoo! I'm happy for a loss but really was hoping for a bigger loss.

I've been using myfitnesspal.com to track my food and exercise. I really like how easy it is to use. I found it from Donna B at her blog Tidbits of Info. She mentioned in a comment the other day that maybe I'm not eating enough with all the exercise I'm doing daily and she was right. For the last couple of days myfitnesspal has told me that I'm not eating all my calories and that it might send me into starvation mode. Go figure, I have a lot of fat on my bod and yet it can still go into starvation mode.

So this week I will be more aware of what I'm eating and try to eat more. I know it's healthy to lose weight slowly, but I really would like to lose between 2 & 3 lbs a week for a couple of weeks. Can you tell I'm impatient?

I made some Haystacks that Heather at The WW Chick shared on her blog. Can't wait to have one later after I take Sydney for a walk. It's very windy today so the bike ride may not happen.

I hope your weekend shines and you take some time for yourself. Don't forget to drink your water!

What a find!

I've been exploring blogland tonight and found a real gem. Heather at The WW Chick, has lost 80 lbs and kept it off for 6 years! She is a Weight Watcher leader in the Cincinnati area. There is really great stuff on her blog. I love the monthly calendar she shares that you can download and print. I'm using mine to keep track of my bike rides. The Haystack Cookie video is mouth watering good and they are simple to make! I don't do Weight Watchers anymore but I still follow some of what I learned when I was an active member.

Heather also has a website http://www.thewwchick.com/, she has a newsletter, recipes, tips, etc. Can you tell I'm excited?

Whether you follow WW's or are just doing your own thing, Heather's blog is worth checking out!

I've been tracking my calories for the last few days and I don't think I've been eating enough. This is the part of dieting that I hate. I get to a point where food makes me nervous. That I will eat too much so instead I eat to little. Gaahhhh. I guess my weigh-in Saturday will tell if I need to add more food.

Happy Saturday bloggers. Turn up the music and dance while you're cleaning house! Don't forget to have some fruit and drink your water!

Cool New Gadget

Has anyone noticed the new gadget on our blogs? The Followers thingy over there to the right of this post...I know, like where did that come from?! It looks different and it is different. I decided to click on one of the peeps pics and it tells me about them and who they have links to on their blog. Way to go Blogger! I think that is really cool.

Okay, now on to health related stuff. Today and yesterday I felt like I need to eat something crunchy and sweet. I went to the store and got some trail mix from Planters. It's got some raisins, cranberries, granola (geez, I love granola) and some nuts in it. I wanted to open my mouth and pour it in. I could feel myself getting that urgent out of control I'm-gonna-eat-this-whole-damn-bag feeling. I did eat about two servings worth, put the bag away (in my desk at work) and drank my water.

My calories have been kinda low and I'm riding my bike everyday, outside for 35-38 minutes (which based on my weight & according to myfitnesspal burns around 430 cals). I'm afraid of eating too many carbs since in the past it always seems like they slow down my weight loss. The scale does not show any loss this week yet so I'm freaking out. My weigh-in day is Saturday and I feel like I'm running out of time.

What I want to do is eat bread. With nothin' on it. Just bread. I hate that! Anyway I'm staying out of the kitchen, you?

Play with your new gadget, eat your veggies and drink that water! Yes, I'm talking to you!

The incredible edible...parsnip?!

Have you ever tried parsnips? Well, I hate to admit it but I tried parsnips last month for the first time in all my 52 yrs. I don't really know why my family never sought out this root veggie but I'm here to tell you - we didn't know what we were missing! These are my new favorite food. They look like a white carrot. When roasted with a little olive oil they are sweet and delicious! Yum!

Here's the nutritional facts:

Nutritionally, parsnips are low in calories, about 130 for a whole one 9" in length, and contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. That same 9" parsnip can boast a 6.4 grams of fiber, 93.1 mcg of folic acid (that's nothing to sneeze at), 59.2 mg of calcium, and 46.4 mg of potassium, and lesser amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, vitamin C, iron, and zinc. (taken from Vegetarians in Paradise)

If you're looking for a little variety on your plate, go get you some parsnips and butternut squash. Peel and cut into one inch chunks, drizzle on a little olive oil and roast at 425 degrees till they get tender. Enjoy!

Wii or Roll?

Yesterday it was gorgeous outside. I rode my bike down to a little neighborhood park and back and it was just under 8 miles. I could have gone for a longer ride, but sooner or later I would have to stop and pee. I can't find the key to my cable lock so I wouldn't be able to secure my lovely ride. And right now, he (it's a mans bike) means too much to me to risk losing him. I need to name him, any ideas?

Anyway, today I was a little tired, stayed up too late watching the Oscar's. Hugh, I love ya! He was the main reason I watched but all in all it was pretty good this year. I don't like the way the media worships Brangelina. I mean really, it's not like they're Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Sophia Loren was looking divine!

I decided since I was tired I'd get on the Wii and get fit. It's so much fun but I could tell my legs wanted to get on the bike. Tomorrow it'll be a high of 75 with a little wind and low humidity. Just like I like it!

Have a great evening. Don't forget to move a little and drink your water!

Energy and Persistence

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." - Ben Franklin

This week was all about persistence for me. I'm not ready to quit. Nope, no quitters up in here! I nearly let a little cake become a major obstacle. The sugary delight was like an addictive drug that demanded everything and left me wanting more no matter the consequences. It sapped my energy and made me lose sight of what is really important to me at this stage of my life: a healthier me.

By Wednesday I was getting my focus back and was able to put the cake behind me. I made good food choices the rest of the week and I continued to ride my bike, regardless! And you know what? I lost 1.2 lbs this week. I must confess that I did get on the scale earlier in the week and naturally I was up about 2 lbs. In the past this would have been a cue for me to quit. I've quit so many times in the past, obviously or I wouldn't be writing about weight-loss, I'd be writing about keeping weight off! I am looking forward to that day!

I attribute my quick recovery to all the great comments of encouragement and positive vibes that I got from you all and from reading your blogs. Having such great community support is what is helping me keep things in perspective. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs, it's what keeps me moving!

Have a wonderful weekend, and don't forget to keep moving.

The Fog is Lifting

This afternoon I asked myself "do you really care if you lose weight, or not?"

I paused and then answered "yes, I really care and I really want to lose more weight." I've worked hard at making changes and I don't want to let a little chocolate cake get the best of me (or the worst of me depending on how you look at it). I've been liking that my pants are looser and my bra is slipping up in the back.

I did have a turkey and Swiss cheese on crescent today for lunch. For most that's not a bad thing but I try to stay away from white breads. I really wanted it so rather than have my body throw another tantrum, I gave in.

This program that I've been trying out has me eating very little calories day to day. My energy level for the last few days has been lacking and riding my bike has felt like a chore. The ride today was great. I felt re-charged and full of energy. I rode for 45 minutes and average speed was 10.9 mph. Of course when I got off the bike, I felt the pain in my thighs but during the ride it felt great. Maybe the sandwich was what I needed to give me a boost.

Anyway, I'm feeling like the fog is lifting and I see my goal again. The important thing is that this time I didn't hate myself or feel like a failure. I felt like a person who faced a tough time and got over it.

Have a great evening and love the one your with, even if it's just you.

Body of Evidence

Yesterday I was off work for Prez's Day and I think I spent the entire day trying to talk myself out of going for the cake, AGAIN. Gahhhh. Why do I let something like this get such a hold on me?

I started the day out okay. Told myself I was over the cake incident and I didn't feel bad about myself for eating it. It's just that my "head" keeps telling me something sweet would be nice. The constant nagging in my head is getting old. When does the desire to eat crap stop? I really like eating healthy but when I fall off the wagon my body doesn't want to get back on. Struggling with myself is exhausting and makes me want to throw in the towel.

I think I mentioned that I'm trying out a program here at work for "lifestyle changes" to lose weight. It advocates that eating only when you are hungry means you can eat whatever you are hungry for. Scuse me? So if I'm never hungry for spinach or green beans, I should just not eat them? They say to drink a mixture of orange juice and water (1:7 ratio) throughout the day for hydration. And it will keep your blood sugar leveled to keep hunger at bay. That part does help but I don't think eating only what I want is going to work for me. You are supposed to stop eating when you are comfortable and remind yourself that your stomach only holds about a cup of chewed food.

I know this is going to take a long time to lose this weight and change my habits. Eating the cake this weekend really set me back mentally. Am I a sugar-holic? Not to be trusted with sweets? Do they make serotonin in a pill? Do I need to live in a cave?

Today is a toughy for me. Hope it's a good one for you. Drink that water!

I (H)ate Cake.

Sometimes I'm so pathetic. Yesterday was Valentines Day and, as you know, my son's b-day. My mom made a choc cake w/choc icing. I thought one piece was do-able. I mean, I've been really in control for a few weeks now and I talked myself through it thinking, heh, no problem-o. Then my son gave me some dark chocolate covered cherries (my fave) and I lost it. Control, what control?!

Why did I think I could have a taste? Why am I such a wuss? The cake wasn't even that good. I like a really heavy cake (juicy is what I call it) with glaze soaked into it. Not really a fan of icing but I ate it. I want more, too. The cake is on the bar by the kitchen within sight while I'm watching TV. Crap. I need the cake to sprout legs and leave.

My mom doesn't understand. She's not that crazy about cake so it doesn't bother her. She's not the problem, though, my sugar addiction is the problem. I guess it's too much to ask for me to not want cake and candy in the house. I'm supposed to be learning that life will go on without cake. Why couldn't she have just made a small cake. A few cupcakes. None of us needed a whole damn cake.

Okay, tomorrow I'll practice more avoidance behavior and stay away from the cake.

Aside from my cake issues, here are some pics of the great evening we had celebrating my boys birthday. In the pics are me, my boy, his girlfriend, and my mom. I think you can figure out who's who.

I heart my scale today! (HYC Weigh-In)

After having a big loss last week I was not expecting to lose much this week. Well, the bike rides have been worth it. I lost 3.2 lbs this week! I'm so excited! I've proven to myself that making a plan and sticking to it really is the answer.

And you know what, I don't feel like I'm missing a thing. It's just food. I'm more interested in exploring new things. Things that my fat self hasn't been able to do. Things I didn't think a fat person should do. I have a long way to go but I feel strong. The support I get from blogging here is priceless. I can't say thanks enough, really.

I rode today. When I started out it was sprinkling a little and then all of a sudden, the rain stopped and I rode for 38 minutes. During the first 15 minutes I felt like my legs had weights on them. It just made me pedal harder. The rest of the time just flew by and I was done.

We're going out to dinner for my son's b-day - our favorite, Mexican food. I have a plan to eat slowly. Take a few chips from the bowl and break them into smaller chips and that's all for me from the bowl. Then meal-wise I plan to eat half whatever is on my plate. We will have cake when we get home. My mom made him a great chocolate cake w/choc icing. It's been sitting on the bar in it's glass case. I'll have a tiny piece with very little icing. And a big mug of coffee. It's looking like a great day to celebrate!

Hugs and kisses! If you have a chocolate, savor it, then drink your water!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is Valentine's Day. It's also my baby boy's birthday. He's not a baby anymore though, he's 25! My munchkin is such a grown-up. He's all a mom could ever want in a son if I say so myself! I do miss the days when we used to catch lizards and build "forts" out of sheets. Anyway, I love him to pieces!

The last couple of days have been the same diet-wise. Sticking to my plan, riding my bike. It rained again today so I did the Leslie Sansone Walking DVD. Worked up quite a sweat just tromping around in the den. Missed riding. I think I'm addicted. Wait, did I just say that?!

I hope you have a perfectly sweet day. Oh, and don't forget to drink your water!

Got Rain?

Finally. We got some rain in Houston last night. It even rained in my neighborhood. The rain was much needed but the timing was not to my liking. 20 minutes into my bike ride the wind picked up and raindrops started pelting away. I'm not afraid of a little rain so I rode for 5 more minutes but the wind was too gusty for comfort. So I headed home.


It rained during the night and I heard on the news a lot of people got hit with some really rough weather. Hope all are safe. It's sunny today and feeling crisp outside. Can't wait to get out and ride this afternoon. This is the kind of day I wish I had an outdoor job. I feel like when I was in school and used to sit and daydream out the window...


This week I've been fighting the feeling that I'll give up ship and fail again at losing weight. After my post yesterday, I got some really great support. Thank you, blogger pals, for zeroing in and offering pearls of wisdom and food for thought (the diet kind). I feel so blessed to have you guys as my life line. (I've linked each item on my list to the blog of the blogger that left me a comment yesterday, except for #4 which is linked to zenhabits.net) Here's the plan:

1. Banish the fear
2. Love the highs and work through the lows
3. Think in abundance, not in lack
4. Shine light on the dark areas of my life
5. Keep my eye on the prize
6. Keep blogging
7. Defend my new lifestyle fiercely
8. Keep doing what I'm doing

Have a great hump-day and don't forget to drink your water!

Spring is in the air!

I love the wind. I love to feel it on my face. I love it when my hair blows all over my head. Well, that part not so much when I'm on my way to work!

It's very windy right now and riding my bike in the wind is a real challenge. I don't care. I just pedal harder. My legs are screaming at me tonight but I know that means I had a good work-out.

I've been so motivated and revved to stay on track but now fear is starting to sneak up on me. You know how you'll be doin' so well, completely motivated and it seems like nothing can knock you off this perpetual forward spin you're in? But you know lurking out there somewhere, is that part of you that feeds your doubts and tells you "you won't be sticking to this much longer." I'm scared. I've lost and gained and lost and gained so many times and that familiar fear of failure is creeping in.

I know this time I'm focusing more on totally changing my lifestyle, so I think this feeling will pass. But still, I worry. This is what I want, isn't it? I mean I'm losing it for me this time. Not for some one else. Not to make some one else happy but to make me happy. So I can be the me I see myself as. I will overcome this fear and I will be me. I will.

It's late and I need to turn this light out. Hope Monday was good to you and Tuesday will be even better. Don't forget to drink your water!

Key Ingredient #2 - Exercise!

Last weekend I came to the realization that I needed more sleep. I made a conscious effort to go to bed a little earlier each night. It was hard but I did hit the hay at least a half hour earlier each night. By last night, I was still feeling a little sleep deprived so this week I will head to bed an hour earlier. I'm already feeling anxious about that but I'll just have to deal!

In addition to more sleep, my goals for last week were eating less and exercising more. So, I rode my bike everyday for at least 30 minutes, cut out the deadly powdered creamer (that I thought I couldn't live without) and subbed lite soy milk in my coffee (the cappuccino flavor was best), tracked food consumed, and drank lots and lots of water. Bingo! I had a landslide of a week.

I'm so pleased with how the week went that I'm planning on a repeat next week. I'm still looking for my elastic bands. I know I have some here but I've been "organizing" crap and I don't know if this happens to you, but the more organized I get the more I can't find my stuff. I think I need a directory for where my things are kept. Hmmmm. Sounds good anyway.

I'm off to clean this crazy place and then get out my dvd for the fitness ball. Can't wait to bounce around for awhile. Oh, and this morning I felt thinner (ha!) so I got on the scale and I've now made it to 20 lbs gone! That's right, I've lost another 1.4 lbs! I can't tell you how great I feel today. I want this feeling to stick around so I'm listening to my body and I'm staying on track.

Have a great weekend. Eat your veggies and whole grains and don't forget to drink your water!

Oh, baby, that's what I like! (HYC Check-in)

Last week the scale said I gained 3 lbs. Ugh. I knew it I just didn't want to face it so I didn't post it here till today. Being in denial over gaining is still a problem for me. I hate to admit failure even though I know what I did to make myself fail. Last weekend I added insult to injury by consuming that challah loaf and brownie. Strange enough though, I didn't gain from eating those. I don't want to sugar cote anything either so I'm just going to say that I wasn't giving my 100% during that week.

This week however has been a horse of a different color. I've been making great choices for eating. I've been on my bike for at least 30 minutes everyday since Saturday. As a result, I lost a total this week of 5.6 lbs. I really only lost 2.6 because of the gain from last week. So to be honest I'm saying I lost 2.6. I hate to include pounds I have already lost once. (does that make sense or am I now babbling?)This weekend I'll be hunting down my weights to get started on some training to build up some muscle. I feel like a new woman. Is it the fresh air? Is it the lack of sugar? It's all that and a gang of bloggers!!

Really, I could not see myself facing this battle everyday without all you humor, support, tips, and reality-check sharing peeps out there in blogland. You make my life richer everytime I read your posts. Keep hacking at it. We are going to all be leaving the weight-loss arena together soon.

PS - I wore my red today, but forgot to bring my camera to work. I'll try to take a pic before I change for my ride tonight.

Love Poems

I just ran across this piece about a book of poems that might be just right for your Valentine.

If you read my blog then you know I love bikes. If I were to get a Valentine Day's gift I would want Bicycles (Harper Collins) by Nikki Giovanni. She wrote 65 poems to celebrate her 65 years!

I have not had a chance to see the book yet, but I will be looking for it this weekend. I went to amazon.com and read a few of her poems. They are not about bikes. They are about love and life and how a bike is all about trust and balance...and so is love.

Enjoy yourself today. Chew slowly and drink your water!

Is there such a thing as...

bike rider's high? I know when you run you get to a place where endorphins kick in and you feel really great. At least that's what I've been told. I wouldn't know, I don't run. Not like Tamzin, you go girlie!

I do, however, ride the heck out of my bike. I've been riding everyday since Saturday. When I first got back to riding in November I could hardly ride for 15 minutes without my butt feeling like it disappeared. Today I rode for 38 minutes around my neighborhood. That's a distance of 6.5 miles. My top speed was 14.2mph but that was for a quick little sprint moment when I felt like blasting off.

I used to come home everyday from work and sit at the computer or sit on the sofa and watch the news. Now I can't wait to get home so I can ride. Our neighborhood is pretty safe, not a lot of traffic but there are some folks that have no idea how to share the road with a bike. Morons. But being slightly smaller than them, I don't fight for my place on the road. I just mutter under my breath some not so nice sentiments. :)

Anyways, I know some of you are having really cold, bad weather. Stay warm, and be careful out there.

Oh, and don't forget to drink your water!

Back to Feelin' It

Over the weekend I had a slight binge attack. I say slight because it was nothing like I've done in the past. I did eat an entire loaf of challah bread. Gotta love that stuff. The nectar of the yeast gods. It was freshly baked, too. I also had a brownie. I can't believe I'm even talking about it here since I usually eat this way when no one is looking. The slight part is that I ate these foods over a two day period. In the past I might have had them in a span of a few hours.

Another difference this time was that when I finished them, I was done. I even rode my bike Saturday, Sunday, and today for 30-40 minutes each day. In the past I would have laid around like a stuffed toad. So I think I'm learning a new appreciation of self.

And today I was right back to eating according to my plan. I'm tweaking it a little because as we all know diets can get complicated what with all the planning and recipes, etc. I'm keeping it simple this week. Sometimes I have to take the focus off the food because it leads to overeating. Less on the menu gives me less anxiety.

It feels good to sit here and know that I had my fling with food this past weekend but I didn't gain from it and I'm setting my sights back on the goal. Yeah!

Breathe deep and relax, drink your water, and reflect on the best part of today!