Weigh-In Wednesday ~ My New Normal

My  new normal.  I read this phrase recently on a blog and liked it (thanks Shari).  That's how I want to look at healthy living.  It's not going on a diet to lose some weight.  It's being healthy.  It's having the energy to do the things that are important to me.  I certainly don't want to waste a lot of time, energy and money on doctor visits or medications.

I want to be healthy.  The habits I adopt will become my new normal.

I have to laugh when I accompany our Pre-K 3 class to PE.  They have so much energy!  They start out doing warm up exercises.  A child is chosen and they decide what exercises they want the group to perform.  For example, they might say arm circles (a favorite of mine) and throw out a number of repetitions.  Or they might say mountain climbers, twelve (not my favorite).  I have to laugh when they do jumping jacks.  They haven't quite gotten the hang of them. It does take coordination to use your arms and jump opening and closing your legs all at the same time after all.  I try to do many of the exercises along with the children too.

But back to Weigh-In Wednesday.  I love this group of women who encourage one other to live a healthy lifestyle.  The support and love offered is something that all of us can use, especially when working towards a very important goal.

This week we were presented with another challenge.  We're already doing at least two planks each day.  If you need a refresher on this, click here.  I'm getting pretty good at them but I have to set my kitchen timer for one minute.  I hold the position until the timer goes off.  The first one isn't too bad but the second one is harder to hold. I'm hoping it gets easier.  We've also been drinking 48 ounces of water a day.

Weekly Challenge #2 =
2 reps of 8 sets of Triceps dips (or more) + at least 64 oz. of Water EVERYDAY!

OK, I was having a hard time getting my 48 ounces of water per day and now I have to increase it to 64 ounces?  I have to admit that this is hard for me.  I've not been consistent yet but I'm working on it. No more Diet Coke for me.  Every ounce of liquid is water.

As far as the tricep dips, I'm actually enjoying them.  I used to do them on a regular basis and I loved the results; definition in my arms.  I'd gotten away from doing them on a regular basis but this challenge got me back to this habit.

I'm still hopping on my treadmill as soon as I get home from work. I do this 5 days a week.  My weight has been stable after losing four pounds.  I had a birthday celebration with a few extras to eat but I was happy I didn't gain any weight back.

Now for some exciting news!  

I was honored to be approached by a lovely representative from Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute The Heart Truth®.  American Heart Month is February 1-28.  I was asked to participate in a few of their exciting activities in February.

Heart Choices was selected for several reasons:

• I often write about heart health 
• I believe in the importance of making wise and healthy lifestyle choices 
• I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years

What they didn't know is that I've personally experienced heart disease!  I was born with a congenital heart defect and had open heart surgery at the age of seven.  I also have a strong family  history of heart disease.

So I am on The Heart Truth® Pinterest Board under "Stories from the Heart".  I was so excited to submit my photo wearing red (of course) along with my statement on how I keep heart healthy.  I encourage you to click on the photo of me below so you can link to Pinterest.  I would appreciate it if you would 'like' and/or 'repin' it so others will become aware of this very important month for women's heart health.



I'm linking up with Kim of At Home with Kim for Weigh-In Wednesday.

        

Blessings and love,