Losing weight seems to be on the mind of many of the women I see every day. We talk about it. We complain about it. We try and try ...again.
I recently heard about Weigh-In Wednesdays from Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life. Each week those who are working on their weight check in with Kim of At Home With Kim. It's a place of accountability, encouragement and information. I need to lose 20 pounds. Although I know exactly what to do, I thought I could use some accountability.
I've always been very self-disciplined with diet and exercise. You see, for 25 years I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist. I had to work with heart patients and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyles. I always felt it was important to walk your talk.
This is how I used to look. I had lots of energy, could run up and down the stairs at my house with ease, hiked the mountains several times a week and went on my treadmill six days a week.
My exercise area was very convenient. It became a daily routine. I'd walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes and do my stretches. I used weights every other day. More than 100 sit-ups were a part of my daily routine. My stomach was flat. I was able to keep my weight stable for years. If only I'd kept this habit up!
Fast forward ...
I've experienced several years of extreme stress. After selling our home, including all of the furniture and exercise equipment, I didn't exercise on a regular basis. I was depressed and it was too hot to walk outside. After all, I live in Phoenix. I began to recite many of the same excuses I'd heard from others over the years.
My weight increased with the lack of regular exercise and eating foods I never used to consume. Here I am at my heaviest at a wedding in 2010.
Lately, I've been feeling better. I'm enjoying my job. We moved into a condo that is closer to town and my work.
I'm ready to get back in shape.
I want to be able to fit into the clothes I now have stored away. I want to be able to get dressed quickly in the morning and not have to change because my outfit doesn't fit well. I think I took those years for granted but never again ...
I've already begun losing a few pounds since I started exercising. I was thrilled when I was able to purchase back my original treadmill. Woo hoo!
This treadmill is key for me.
In Phoenix, the weather can often be too hot to walk outside. I need something that is convenient. I don't like to go to a gym. I don't like to have to depend on another person to go exercise. So having access to my treadmill makes all the difference.
A group at my work are joining together to help and encourage one another in our weight loss. We are each contributing $5 at the start. We will weigh in every Friday and record our weight in the nurses' office. The ending date we set is November 21. The person who loses the most percentage of their weight gets all the money in the kitty.
So, I figure between my work group and Weigh-In Wednesdays with Kim, I should be able to hit my goal of losing the extra weight. There's something to be said for accountability.
I just finished reading a book "Every Body Matters" by Gary Thomas. I would highly recommend this book as the author puts things into proper perspective about how proper eating and a fit lifestyle impacts how we serve Christ. Gary talks about our bodies being instruments and not ornaments. I liked that. When I am fit and healthy, I have more energy and feel better.
How about you? Do you need some accountability to lose weight? Maybe you simply need to become more fit and strong. If you'd like to come along on this journey with me, please feel free to add your comments. You can also read Kim's Wednesday posts on At Home with Kim. I will write about my progress. After all, I write about the choices we make every day.
Getting fit and healthy is a great heart choice!
Blessings and love,
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[name=DEBBIE PETRAS]
[img=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFJVPMbOdvnnAWibKZdwPabEM01zxrBxqngtQd92EREjOQ0mIw3Z-d9vt7rV4vS0_tTNvpQoN0Ec-Uvt1kSf1YwFDZzrVagGbjWfQXV0fEqpcK3Gjrg1toowBP4IgU-7qQ4Z_JlJMjBG8/s1600/Debbie+Face+blog.JPG]
[description=]
Great idea!! You got this. I need to stop making excuses as well. We are currently trying for another baby so I sort of gave up on the last 10, but, after reading this, I know I will feel better if I try to get it off now. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me...I am at the gym daily, at least an hour, ride bikes with Benjamin and watch what I eat...but guess what...no weight loss. Very frustrating...but I feel good, so I need to be more discipline with my eating...I have 40 to 50 pounds to lose and it does get frustrating to step on the scales to zero weight loss...I will be checking this out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, Debbie! I am currently trying to get back in shape. It used to be soooo easy for me, but those days are gone I think. What used to melt away after only skipping snacks for a day or so, now cling to me with stubborn determination! It's frustrating! My goal is to lose 10 pounds (So far I've lost 2). That will bring me to a weight that is much healthier and I know I will feel better. I'll be checking in!
ReplyDeleteI'm right with you Debbie, fighting the battle in Texas! I will be checking in with you, and I'll let you know on November 21 how much I have lost. It's a real struggle in one way, and yet I feel so much better when I am IN THE GROOVE of right eating and exercise. Great and encouraging post!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Hi Debbie, I think you are so beautiful inside and out but when I saw the first photo I thought you looked to thin. I so understand how you are feeling; when I was young I was so skinny and then life happened. Two years ago I took off 15 lbs but had health issues. This summer it was too hot to go on long bike rides and I suspended my gym membership. Now, I need to take off 5 lbs and keep it off. I know what to do and how to do it,just need to do it. Thank you for the encouragement; I'm going to visit Kim's blog. Debbie, I know you'll be successful but you really do look good; I know that we(at least I am) are often our worst critics. Just want to be healthy.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
Well, Debbie, even in the picture where you said you were your heaviest, you look great! But, I wish you all the best in this endeavor and I love my treadmill and have been walking on one for about 25 years. I'm like you, want it to be convenient, don't want to have to depend on anyone else to do it with me, so it works for me. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou're a great role model.
ReplyDeleteI need to loose 15 kilos, instead I'm gaining wait.
I guess my key stop eating when I'm full, that is my stomach, not my eyes.
I need to be outdoors. I can't walk long any more, but every little step counts. I have to think out better ways of regularly exercise.
Good reminder, not only for the heart, but for my skeleton, not to speak of my feeling comfortably with my self.
Staying healthy with regular exercise and good eating habits is something that most people would like to do, but it isn’t always easy and we really have to train ourselves and stick to good habits to do it. Being accountable is a great way to stay on track, and once we see some results we begin to feel so much better about ourselves! I for one could sure amp up the exercise! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat motivational post Debbie;
Blessings and success!
Denise
that is my biggest problem, not that I am overweight. But I need to exercise to make my body strong and since I love reading and where I work I do activities wiht the elderly sitting coz most of them are sitting in a wheelchair. I am not fond og going out because of the cold weather, My exercise is sometimes zumba and rockring. But only once in a while. I am thinking to go to gym. That I have to do this week. Thanks for the inspiration:)
ReplyDeleteI ate my way through last winter & gained 10 lbs. So far it hasn't bothered me enough to get serious about getting rid of it. The only thing I struggle with is the pile of jeans I can't pull up past my thighs :)
ReplyDeleteHello friend. You are beautiful. You inspire me with all of your working out. I am just trying to get my MOJO back. It decided to leave and now I can't find it :) So thankful to have you along on this journey.
ReplyDeleteI need to lose some weight. It has become increasingly difficult for me to do this, but I'm trying. I can only walk now, which helps me maintain the weight I don't want to be, but I'm not losing a pound. Always looking for a way to jump start this process. Thanks for the motivation.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
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