Tuesday 5 November 2013

Weight Loss is NOT a Physical Challenge



<H2>Weight loss>/H2>

Weight loss is not a physical challenge.....really!?!? I am pretty sure that when I was struggling to stay standing and NOT pass out while on the elliptical machines yesterday, it was pretty much a physical thing!! Really, all kidding aside, Dolvett from Biggest Loser reminds me weekly how my journey to a healthier lifestyle is in fact, not largely a physical issue but a mental one.

Each and every person who struggles with weight loss has something in their past that is the main reason for their struggle. It is not that you are lazy, or don't eat enough healthy food. Those are definitely contributing factors, but when we strip away all of our excuses and bad habits, at the real core of our struggles is some emotion "thing" that is holding us back. This my friends, is the biggest and final hurtle to climb over. Then and only then will our lifestyle changes be a permanent reality for you.  This is easier said than done....but you will be so happy when you have completed this part of the journey!!

<H2Hardest Workout EVER</H2>

Your hardest, most intense, most draining, most tiring workout you will EVER complete will not happen in a gym, using weights, or even break a sweat! Breaking away from the mental chains holding you back from living your healthiest life is going to be an intense emotional workout harder than any physical workout you have experienced so far. I am not saying this to frighten you or persuade you to not deal with this issue. I just no longer believe in sugar-coating the truth; this journey is not easy! So let's face this hurtle together and soar towards our goals!

My next set of blogs will be focusing on steps to break free from these mental chains that are holding us back from moving forward in authentic, purposeful steps towards us becoming our healthiest, best, selves that we are meant to be! So I hope you join me on this part of my journey and join in the discussion by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.

Are you ready? Let's hold hands and take the first step off the cliff to enlightenment together;

Step 1:   Identifying your mental chains

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Sunday 20 October 2013

No shortcuts

Forty Something and Getting Healthy http://fortysomethingandgettinghealthy.blogspot.com/

Saturday 19 October 2013

There Is No Fast Fix to a Healthy Lifestyle

 
 
 
We have grown up thinking that there is a quick fix to weight loss. THAT....IS......A.....LIE! I hate to break it to you but I think that if you are reading my blog you are already at the point of knowing this truth and taking the slow, steady, healthy pace towards your healthier lifestyle. There is also no fast fixes when it comes to building a strong, healthy body either.
 
With every workout.....with every food choice we make.......with every sacrifice of unhealthy treats.....we are EARNING our new healthy body and mind!
 
My Dad use to say that, "Anything worth having is worth fighting for." This is never truer than in the realm of becoming and staying healthy. We have to remember to have realistic expectations and goals for ourselves. It did not take me 1 year to put on over 125 pounds of fat on my body. It certainly won't only be a year to take it back off; that is not realistic! Research shows that the slower you make changes the more willing your body is to that change. This is why diets DON'T WORK!!!!
 
Just make one change at a time; maybe that is cutting out white sugar, or white bread, or adding one more 45 minute walk to your weekly schedule. Whatever it is make that change and be consistent for 30 days. It takes 28 days for something to become a habit. So give yourself the time, love, and patience to make these lifestyle changes slowly and over time. You will find yourself more accepting of change and much more successful than in you repeat the "all-or-nothing" approach to dieting and exercise.
 
And, don't forget.......ENJOY your journey along the way!
 
Yours in health,
 
Sheri

Saturday 5 October 2013

Weekend Warriors

Are you a Weekend Warrior? That is what my gym calls those who come into the gym during the weekend. I have not make a habit of going to the gym on either Saturday or Sunday; those days are for family. This weekend, however, I am going to be a weekend warrior and I am taking my two little Chicklets with me!

Sunday is the CIBC "Run for the Cure" 5K walk/run. I am honoured to be walking on a friend's team who happens to be a wonderful person, dedicated teacher, and amazing survivor. As 25+ people on her team (named "Save Second Base") gather to walk to help find a cure, I realise that for the second time since making changes in my lifestyle, I am setting an example for my younger girls. They are sooo excited to participate in this event! Last time my 5 year old walked half way; 2.5K!! I was so proud of her and she was such a great cheerleader. "Come on Mama....We can't stop now!" was just one of the chants she said as we walked back in the cold, rain. I can't wait to experience this second 5K with my children this weekend. My 5 year old wants to try to walk the whole way; how proud am I!?!? I will be sure to follow up with a post after we are back home Sunday. But I wanted to share our weekend plans with you as a way to challenge you;

What are you doing to be active this weekend? Are you involving loved-ones? Are you doing something within your community?

I really urge you to consider participating in a 5K walk/run. You don't have to run at all. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family while helping a great cause in your community; and it is a great workout too!

Happy weekend everyone!

Thursday 3 October 2013

Why Did I EVER Stop Going!?

Well, I went back to the gym tonight for the first time in weeks. I have to admit I am  now sitting here wondering, "Why did I EVER stop going!?"

I think the hardest part of making healthy lifestyle changes isn't that first surge of motivation when you are pumped up and ready to attack all the negatives at once; it is months later when you are tired, weighed down with responsibilities of work, family, and everything else life throws at you, and those old habits begin to sneak back into your routine. THAT is when motivation and determination is KEY in continuing successes in your journey to living a healthier lifestyle.

I have been so lucky to have so many sources of support and motivation but ultimately it is up to me to listen to that encouragement. Tonight I listened to all of the support that is around me and I listened to my inner voice and finally said, "Enough, I am not going to put my health on the back-burner one more day!" and as soon as the my little ones were in bed, I headed fort he gym.

I loved it! The staff had missed me and welcomed me back and asked what my goals were tonight. My sister-in-law joined me and I felt great! I did not go overboard, but worked hard and came home energised. And now, the next time I don't feel like going I will be able to re-read this post and get that feeling back again.

 I hope, by sharing this tonight I can encourage someone else who knows they should be making that step to get back into the routine they had going, to take that first step again. Just once....give it a try. Maybe you will feel the same way that I am right now writing this post. Maybe you won't; that is OK. Try something else until you find something that makes you feel energised! IF it is not fun, you won't stick with it. Trust me, I know from experience. I am also taking a modern dance class this year; and love it!

Thank you for bearing with me this evening as I try to get out my sense of empowerment that I am feeling; I wish this for everyone....to feel this kind of "high" after a good workout. I am always looking for new and exciting ideas for staying physically active so please share your exercise routines with me.

Yours in Health,

sherig

Wednesday 2 October 2013

When Small Steps Turn into BIG Steps


           "If you have taken the first step, you are already half way there." 


Have you ever heard the expression? I don't know who ever started this saying but I'll bet they were talking about changing their lifestyle to be a healthier one! This is hard work! It is easy for everyone, including ourselves, to point out the "don't" and "shouldn't", the "never" and "can't" in our diet and lifestyle. Why is it that everyone points out the negative?! Well I am here to that there is always more positive than negative in any situation; sometimes we just have to search hard to find the positives when the negatives are right there "in our face" so to speak.


A friend shared this on their Facebook page just the other day. Sometimes, just when we need it the most, we come across a picture or a saying that feels like it was put there just for us. On this day, I needed to be reminded what small step originally started me on this journey to a healthier lifestyle. Today I decided it was time to share this one small step with you.

We need to go back to a cold February day in 2012. I was waiting for my medications to be filled at my local Costco pharmacy and I saw this book on the counter. I read the title, "The Vice Busting Diet" by Julia Havey and immediately thought, "Man, have I got vices for YOU to bust!!!!" When the pharmacist came with my scripts I jokingly said to him, "Is this book free!?! There is no price on it!!" To my utter surprise his reply was, "Yes it is free. Please help yourself to it!" Being one to never pass up most things free and one to usually try anything to help me lose weight I thanked him and added the book to the other stuff in my supply bag. And this is where the book stayed; forgotten, buried, and ignored until the end of June.

As I was sorting through and storing my teaching supplies from that school year I came across this book in the bottom of my bag that I did not even recognize at first. After reading the title a few times I remembered how this book came to be here and thought, "well, why not Sheri, might as well try reading this one, nothing else has worked!"

And that, right there, was the smallest of steps in the right direction that ended up being the biggest step of my life! You see as I taught that school year my negative eating habits had gotten out of control; I was a huge closet eater and would pick junk up to eat each and every day on my way to school and even on my way home sometimes. I weighed the most I had in almost 10 years and knew I had to do something but felt like I had tried everything and always failed. I knew if I did not do something I would end up on my same path that ultimately ended my father's life; type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Yeah, remember those scripts I was getting filled? One was for high blood pressure!

I began to read Julia's book and became immediately hooked. For the first time ever I was reading advice from someone "who had walked the walk and now talked the talk!" This lady had lost over 100 pounds over 15 years ago....she knew what she was talking about from personal experience! By the end of the second or third chapter I had question, and so, after reading her invitation for me, the reader, to contact her I sent her an email. I told her a little bit about me and my story and to my complete surprise she emailed me back and asked me to call her!! Can you believe that!?!

Julia ended up coaching me through my first three months following her program. We would speak once a week on the phone and also had contact on Facebook when needed. She still is there for me over a year later; not as often but if I need her to help I know she is only an email away. She checks in with me and asks how I am doing and I am honest in my response. Sometimes it is a GREAT response and other times I admit that I am struggling. She never fails to offer my both advice and positive motivation. I love her for that; she has never, ever, left me feeling anything but positive.

We all need those positive motivators in our lives, especially while on our never-ending journey to be the healthiest person we can become. Julia always reminds me that even if I have had a bad day, week, or yes, a bad month, it is not really bad; bad would be completely reversing all of the positive changes I have made since July 2012. EVERY step is a step forward, even a step that keeps you in the same place you were yesterday. I have had many days and weeks like that over the past year and a bit. But if I kept track on a calendar (which she actually suggested that I do!) I would see how many more good days I have had than bad days!

I hope, that through this post, and my blog in general, I can help motivate and educate others who are on the same journey as myself.  Maybe you are just beginning your journey; well welcome aboard! If you are further along on your journey, I hope you will share your experiences, insights, and yes your struggles on here with me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I look forward to continuing my journey with you!

Sherig


Tuesday 1 October 2013

Bugs Bunny....one SMART Rabbit!!

I encourage you to go over and read my blog below. My childhood bunny has sage words of advice for all of us on a journey to self improvement!


http://2mommiesof3.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/bugs-bunny-one-smart-bunny/

Thursday 26 September 2013

CALLING ALL INTERESTED IN IMPROVING THEIR LIFESTYLE!!!!

HELLO OUT THERE.............

Is anyone around?

Well.......I am going to take a leap of faith and begin spending time posting on this blog again. I had become discouraged from a lack of "followers" but realized that when I did share each post on my personal Facebook page I received a lot of response and support from friends and family and I have missed that.

So thank-you all for your words of encouragement and support. I hope that you will continue to help keep me accountable and motivate me to become better than the "me" that started this blog months ago.

I have been in need of a serious dose of MOTIVATION recently.....well really for the last month. My routine of healthier food choices and exercising at the gym 5 times a week really fell apart during the summer months. As a supply teacher, I have the privilege of being at home with my three Chicklets during the summer break. We were away several times and my routines became a lower priority on my list. Our family had two wonderful trips camping and an amazing 2 week vacation in Florida. We had a lot of quality family time and I would not trade that in for the world. Dancing with Donald Duck during a street party was pretty fantastic too!

I have come to terms with the fact that I took a few steps back and no longer blame myself or allow myself to feel guilty or somehow feel like a failure. I did, but that time is now over. There are a few reasons for this turn-around for me;

1. I have amazing family and friends who lovingly support me and gently "push" me towards healthier thoughts, healthier emotions, and healthier choices.
2. My body has begun to send me very convincing "messages" that it misses the workouts it had become accustomed to; My hips hurt....my knees hurt.......my back hurts......I get out of break after walking up a flight of stairs again.....you know what I mean....
3. I have been given an opportunity to not only educate myself about healthier living, but help bring this information to others through the internet. I will be writing posts and articles for some blogs and websites beginning this week. Some of these pieces will be linked to this blog so please watch out for them!!

So I am "back on the horse" so to speak. I will be doing my weights routine and cardio at the gym tomorrow and my nutrition choices will again include protein shakes, LOTS of water and PGX. It is very energizing to feel this way again; excited, motivated, and ready to go!

I even look forward to releasing some of the emotional reasons for the "funk" I was in by blogging about it on here. Not to vent, but, if by me sharing I can help just one person turn that corner or break that blockage holding them back from moving forward in their journey to better health then my posts on here are more than worth it.

Thanks for joining my journey again,

Sheri


Thursday 25 July 2013

Healthy Lifestyle While On Vacation

It has been a while since I have been able to spend time on my blog. Summertime is a season of camping, swimming, and hanging with my family. But alas, my journey to better health should NOT be taking a hiatus!

I have struggled, to be completely honest, since the end of school. Without the routine of the school year and work more time has been spent socializing and away from home. This presents certain challenges like getting to the gym and fitting in healthy options like protein smoothies and an appropriate amount of fruits and veggies each and every day (When camping with a family of 5 out of one cooler it gets challenging!). It is also a time (historically) for me to sit and read and visit and EAT! As I returned to the gym I realized that I could not continue to live my summers as I had in the past.

As I plan to head for another week of camping I have decided to come up with a plan to make sure I do not have to face an increase on the scale once I return home. I can't think of a more accountable way than to post it here on my blog. So here is my plan while camping;

1. Take home made granola bars to snack on when others' are partaking in "treats" and to break into my morning yogurt.
2. Take along my 52oz Bubba Insulated Mug for ice water EVERYWHERE I go including the beach.

3. Bring and WEAR my running shoes to take at least 45 minute walks each and every day.
4. Walk the sand dunes (up to 50 feet up the dunes to the path) to the beach and back twice each day. We always go to the beach unless it is raining so this means one extra trip a day.
5. Take my PGX at least twice a day to help my feeling of full to last after meals and into the evenings. There is always lots of evening eating around the campfire!
6. Eat fruits and veggies each day (we shop for three days at a time)

I am going into this trip aware of mistakes taken our last camping trip. With this plan for activity and better eating I know I will not only stay away from gaining weight but also feel soooo much better physically and mentally while I am away. Last time I came home feeling like I was full of junk (which I was) and with almost no energy. I have no intention of feeling like that EVER again!

So when you are heading out on your next vacation, or staying for a staycation; don't put your healthy lifestyle on the backburner. Even when camping without water or electricity I know I can still take be active and make healthy choices when it comes to what I eat!

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Sunday 9 June 2013

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: JOURNEY UPDATE......

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: JOURNEY UPDATE......: Good day all! I wanted to update you on my journey to a better lifestyle. I realized that I had been blogging but not about the many chang...

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: Challenges

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: Challenges: Weekly Challenges to help get you more active or eating healthier...... As we enter a new week I have a new challenge for you. Pick thre...

Saturday 8 June 2013

JOURNEY UPDATE......

Good day all!

I wanted to update you on my journey to a better lifestyle. I realized that I had been blogging but not about the many changes that I have been experiencing.

I feel soooo much better about myself; physically and emotionally. I have so much more confidence in myself and my ability as a teacher, mother, spouse, woman, and friend.

I have noticed how my energy level is so much higher; as long as I continue to workout!! I have accepted that working out is not a means to an end but a permanent part of a healthier lifestyle.

At the gym I have noticed that my endurance and strength have increased dramatically just since Easter Weekend when I joined! I can now run 5 minutes straight on the treadmill and my weights are increasing each week or so.

My clothes have been slowly getting bigger. It amazes me how big some of them are and I am still wearing them! Working out in shorts that are really big on me is becoming a bit of a problem....but a GOOD problem!!

I had a goal of fitting into a pair of capris I had bought last summer but never fit into. My goal was originally by the end of June; but I did not feel that I was progressing so I moved that time line to Mid July. After telling my friend Lindsay about this goal yesterday I decided to try them on to see how much closer I was to my goal (you see when I first bought them I could not even do the zipper up half way!). I wore those capris yesterday!!!! I felt WONDERFUL!!

I still don't know how many inches I have lost, or really how much weight I have lost to date. I did not take my measurements when I began this journey and I only weigh myself once a month or so. I don't NEED to know these numbers to know that I am getting healthier each and every day. I feel it and see it in so many other ways!

How is your journey going? Remember that no one has perfect days each and every day. As Julia Havey told me, "As long as there are more good days than bad in a month, you are having success!!"

Watch for another update during the summer. I have set new goals for myself and I will let you know how they are going!

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Sunday 2 June 2013

Counting Sucess Without a Scale.....


How To.....

  Count success without using a scale or measuring tape......   


My journey to live a healthier lifestyle has been very different this time than the multiple times in my past. Any other time I have been chronic on the scale.....weekly if not daily I would torture myself by stepping on hoping for a miracle drop and ultimately end up disappointed, blaming myself, and eating those negative emotions. It was the same with measurements...I was so eager to see results THAT became my focus and not what mattered.....the positive changes both physically, and emotionally that I was making along my journey. For the past 11 months I have not once taken my measurements and only weigh myself once a month or so.

Like many of us, while losing weight, I have not wanted to buy new clothes and so I am still wearing many of my clothes from before I started losing weight. This makes it very hard to "feel" the difference in my body. So I have relied on other factors to continue feeling positive during my journey to better health. I focus on how I body feels....literally!! My hips are no longer sore when I sleep at night; going up a flight of stairs several times a day at school does not take my breath away; bending over to do up my shoes is no longer sore or awkward.

What I have noticed the most is my energy level. As long as I am working out my energy level is high. That is IF I workout! I tend to workout during the week and spend the weekends with my family (my gym is not 24 hours on the weekends). By Sunday evening I am having a hard time staying awake....I feel drained and ready for a nap. If I had ever wondered if working out on a daily basis was a NEEDED component of a healthy lifestyle....I have definitely found my answer! I FEEL great and energized as long as I am working my body.

My biggest confirmation that positive changes are happening inside this body of mine was while I was at the gym last week. I had decided to switch things up with my cardio workouts and try different machines. The treadmill I had tried when I first started and was unable to run for even a minute without shin splints forcing me to stop. Well, after walking at a quick pace for about 15 minutes I decided to see if I could run for just one minute without pain and without completely losing my breath. Well.....I ran a full 3 minutes! I was ecstatic!! A few minutes later, I thought I would try for another three minutes. To my surprise I ran for 5 minutes!! I was so happy I almost started trying right there on the treadmill! I finished my 30 minute workout and then shared my success with the VERY supportive staff at my gym. I have felt amazingly proud of how well I have been doing at the gym and love sharing my news  with friends and family who are supporting me throughout this journey.

The numbers on the scale and measuring tape do not tell of your real successes. It is how your body changes that shows your real success. A healthy lifestyle means you have energy, your skin has a healthy glow, your hair has shine and your joints are not as sore since they are carrying around less weight.

So the next time you are discouraged and don't think you are seeing changes I encourage you to try something you never used to be able to do. Maybe it is running, or a certain yoga pose, or hiking a certain trail. Whatever it is you try you will definitely receive the confirmation that your body is changing in positive ways!

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Sunday 26 May 2013

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: Shutting Out the Negative Talk...

Forty Something and Getting Healthy: Shutting Out the Negative Talk...: Sometimes I think that the hardest part of making healthy changes is not the trips to the gym....the limiting of unhealthy food choices but ...

Shutting Out the Negative Talk...

Sometimes I think that the hardest part of making healthy changes is not the trips to the gym....the limiting of unhealthy food choices but the mental games your mind plays.You know what I mean....I am sure you have heard of the phrase...."you are your own worst enemy."

As I continue on this journey I find that self sabotagging is one of the biggest factors I am having to deal with. Some nights after I finally get my two little ones into bed I find myself attempting to to talk myself OUT of going to workout! I have come to LOVE the gym....but here is my mind....finding all of the excuses it can come up with; too late, too tired, I have to get up early in the morning, I am sore etc..... I am sure you can fill in your own "usual" excuses.

When you find that happening you have to find a way to shut out the negative self talk. A new friend at the gym says to me, "Sheri, you only have ONE job; just show up. The rest will take care of itself!" The first time he said that to me it was like a light bulb went off in my head! Of course!! If I actually get myself to the gym on those nights that I most DON'T want to workout.....well.....at that point I have won the battle! Who goes to the gym and fails to workout!?

At that point even if you get on that elliptical or treadmill and think....."Oh, ok......just half an hour instead of my usual hour long workout"......you won't be able to quit on yourself! You will find that after putting in the effort to get yourself here....nothing is going to cheat you out of completing a complete workout!

Try it the next time you are feeling like not leaving the house to hit the gym. Just remember......

"You only have one job......JUST SHOW UP!!"

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Monday 29 April 2013

"Let's Get Together.....for a Workout!?"

What is the first thought in your head when you want to get together with friends? If it is to get together for coffee....or a meal......you are thinking like most of society. Today I had the opportunity to arrange a social date with two friends who took part in Windsor's "Get Fit Challenge" this past fall.

Of course my first thought was getting together for coffee.....but it just did not feel right....these two ladies have inspired me to make positive changes in my lifestyle. How could I possibly suggest meeting them at someplace like a local donut shop!? I then had a brainstorm....maybe we could get together and workout!! They are self proclaimed Adrenaline junkies and attend AXFIT www.axfit.com regularly for their workouts. I am a member of Goodlife Fitness Clubs.....so.....the invitation has gone out and I am now looking forward to asking my club for two guest passes and working out with them......and swapping recipes, ideas, and motivation!!

Especially now that the better weather is here, when you have the occasion to get together with friends....think OUTSIDE!! A stroll along the riverfront, in a local park or even around the neighbourhood ( I love looking at new houses going up!) offer wonderful time to chat and get in some exercise! Not only will you avoid consuming high fat and calorie drinks and treats or, even worse, feeling deprived by sitting there while smelling and seeing temptations and you willpower and motivation taking a major hit!

So think outside the box! Be a kid again......play on the playground equipment and the swings....see who can go the highest!! The point of meeting up with friends is to have a good time and catch up. No reason you can get some activity at the same time....it is a win-win solution!!

Let me know what you do now when you get together with friends instead of sitting in a restaurant eating and drinking....

Yours in Health,

Sheri

Thursday 18 April 2013

Trustworthy Sources for Healthy Living Advice


If you have ever surfed the web after advice for healthy living choices you likely found the same thing I did......enough conflicting advice to make you head spin! With social media and the entire internet at our fingertips who do we trust and who do we turn to for "next steps" in our journey for better health?

My first souce is not found in the high speed, easy access world wide web. Call me old-fashion (I do turn 42 next weekend) but I trust the old fashion, ever trustworthy.....word of mouth! If you want to know how to live a healthy lifestyle; making better food choices, how to maximize your workouts, etc... ask someone who is living the lifestyle!

I had a great conversation with  someone I am honoured to call a friend. He has assisted me in motivation, suggestions and tips on my journey. Today I had a specific topic to "pick his brain" about and he was a wealth of information! I have completely eliminated my three biggest vices; chocolate, pop, and ice cream. Now I am in search of what to add to my eating habits.

I have sooo much to figure out but after my conversation I know where to start this part of my journey. We spoke about citrus being amazing as elmusifuers and omega fats being so good for the body (especially your joints which is always a concern as you become more active). He spoke of ways to decrease my carbrohydrate intake while increasing my motabolism. But there was one point that was stressed over and above everything else....and I want to pass this advice on to you........

NEVER SKIP EATING A GOOD SIZED BREAKFAST!!

This may seem obvious to you.....you may already be in the habit of eating breakfast each and every morning......BUT.......here's the catch...... a cup of coffee or simply a piece of toast or a simple bowl of cereal is NOT enough!

Really.....seriously.......no joke! You have to eat the most food of the day at breakfast! Who knew!!?! This, according to my educated and VERY healthy friend, is the most important meal  of the day (which we have all known since we were kids) but also sets the tone for your metabolism for the entire day! So you make healthy choices all day...work out extra hard at the gym.....drink your water....stay away from your "no-no" foods.....but if you have not eaten a substantial, healthy breakfast, you have not gained everything you could have by all of these good choices!

So here we go.....starting tomorrow......I am committed to eating a healthy breakfast each and every day....no excuses! Over the next few weeks I will make changes so that my breakfast includes fewer carbs and more protein and definitely citrus.

I have to thank my friend for all of his words of wisdom. I hope he is patient with me as I continue to pick his brain for information during my journey. I am Blessed to have someone as knowledgeable and informative as support. Seek someone who is able to help in your journey.....we all know a person or people who are living healthy lives. Simply start the conversation by asking......"I am interested....what exactly does your [daily food intake...or exercise routine.....] look like?

As I continue to learn I will be sure to share with you tips and tidbits to help....please share yours as well. Better health is a never-ending journey....what makes it enjoyable is sharing with each other.....

Yours in Better Health,

Sheri


Sunday 14 April 2013

My First 5K.......

Well I completed my first 5K walk today. It was the Run for Rocky along the riverfront and although the weather was cold and wet we had a great time! I say we because I walked with friends as well as my two younger children.

I was apprehensive to bring my 3 and 5 year old with me. I did not know how they would do behaviour wise. I also did not know if they would sit the whole time. Well sometime in life we find inspiration in the strangest of places. Today it came from my 5 year old daughter.

My 3 year old stayed in the stroller the whole time because she was very tired. My 5 year old daughter, however, decided to walk when we reached the half way point. Well I figured that she would walk for 5 minutes or so before she got bored or tired and settled back into the double stroller for the remainder of the walk back. To my surprise, the second time I asked if she wanted back in, my daughter said with complete enthusiasm and determination, "No way Mama....we can't give up....we have to keep going!!"

Indeed she crossed the finish line on her feet and was cheered on by some of those who had already completed the 5K! What an inspiration she was when I was wet, and my feet were getting sore! "Don't give up Mama!" is what she turned about a few times just out of the blue and said to me! I had no idea what a great coach she would be! It did not matter that my time was slower pushing the stroller; WE completed the 5K together.....encouraging each other along the way. It felt wonderful to have my own cheerleader with me!

My next 5K (whenever it is before the Detroit Marathon 5K this fall) I may do by myself to see how much faster I can go without the stroller and stopping along the way to help my children (snacks, mittens, and drinks were gotten as well as blankets picked up off the ground). But it won't be the same without my cheerleader. I have a feeling that she won't even ALLOW me to go without her!

I learnt a very valuable lesson today. Inspiration and motivation can be found when you least expect it....IF you have your eyes open to see it and your mind and heart open to accepting it! Instead of my girls slowing me down today I found inspiration and motivation to do better and not give up!

Years from now I look forward to letting my 5 year old read this post and telling her how much her enthusiasm encouraged me during my first 5K. I am sure it won't be long before they are both walking or running along side me at charity walk/runs!

Where is the most surprising place you found inspiration?

Sheri

Friday 12 April 2013

Where Do I Start?!?

Welcome back! IF you have returned or have continued to read this second post then you are ready to jump on my "health train" and enjoy our journey! You are probably thinking, "Sure.....why not.....I have tried everything else....let's see what she has to say that works......". Last summer I had reached a point of knowing I was out of control....again.....but did not really know where to start. I had tried the diets and I had tried the exercise programs; always to not stay committed and giving up. DON'T WORRY!! This time is different......it is not a DIET and it is NOT an all or nothing approach to getting healthy. Weight loss is not even your major focus! Who knew!?!

I started with the help of Julia's book, "The Vice Busting Diet". I highly recommend you downloading a copy of it from the www.pgx.com website. There is also a workbook to help you and an audio version of the book. This is not a NEED.....you may think....NOPE.....NO WAY......I refuse to read yet another weight loss book! All you really need is you........the honest, no bull person that you are.

Only you know where it is best for you to start. Pick just ONE change today. Maybe it is a vice that you know is a huge factor in preventing you from a healthier lifestyle. It maybe a food (I mentioned a few in my first post) or it may be that you always have seconds at each meal. One of the most popular stumbling blocks is the dreaded "after 8 munchies". Once my two little ones are in bed and the house is quiet.....WATCH OUT!! I am prowling through the kitchen like I have not eaten in a week! It is VERY hard to sit in front of the computer or t.v. and not eat. Whatever you decide....and this is the most important thing for you to take away today.......it has to be a choice you can completely commit to. Don't think, "What.....I can NEVER eat chips again!?!" I encourage you to think, "Just not NOW......maybe when I am as healthy as I want to be I will re-introduce [insert your vice here] again into my life."

I can honestly say that I don't miss chocolate.....MOST of the time. Pop and ice cream have been much harder for me to give up. There are a few thoughts that have helped me and I want to pass them on to you. I honestly don't know where they originated; I found them on either Pinterest or Facebook.
      "With every food choice you either fight disease, or feed disease."
      " The only person you should compare yourself to is the person
          you were yesterday."
Having a few phrases in your brain that can help encourage you when no one is around to help you make healthy choices really helps.

So think about one change that you are able to commit to today and think of a phrase or two that you will be able to rely on to help you through those difficult times and please share them with us all below. I am and will always be searching for new and interesting ways to improve my journey and your sharing will help me.

Enjoy your weekend and enjoy making healthy choices!

Sheri

Thursday 11 April 2013

Welcome to Forty Something and Getting Healthy Blog!

Welcome Friends!

My name is Sheri and I have fought my weight and been unhealthy for as long back into my childhood as I can remember. Just as many of you, I have tried almost every diet out there and had some success only to have all the weight and more come back on.

Last July I decided to finally start making permanent changes in my life to eliminate the unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier choices. I started following "The Vice Busting Diet" written by Julia Havey. After contacting her she also agreed to help me in my journey. IF you don't know about her; look her up on Facebook or at www.PGX.com. All of her materials are free to download and use thanks to the makers of PGX.

PGX is a fiber supplement that is used to increase your fiber, assist in your water intake, and help you feel full and not give into cravings between meals. Combining this with Julia's down to earth, small step approach to losing unwanted weight has been a combination that has allowed me to cut out my biggest vices.

I had my last piece of chocolate on July 22, 2012......yes I know how unthinkable it is for some of you to give chocolate up! For others it may be fast food, pop, ice cream or chips......but there are those things that you eat every day and can't seem to stop at one or say "no thank you" to. Those Julia would call "vices". Until I know I can control them instead of them controlling me I can't have any chocolate, pop, or ice cream.

It has been a struggle and to be honest, pop and ice cream have been harder for me than the chocolate...and I was a chocolatholic! But something I started doing was forgiving myself and having a "no blame, no guilt" attitude. Julia often reminded me that as long as there are more positive days than unhealthy days I am still moving forward on my journey!

I am glad you have decided to follow along with me on my journey....or now.....our journey! I have had the on-going support of so many family members and friends that I will never be able to thank them! You need a support system to help you. You need someone to complain to when you are impatient and don't see the number on the scale going down as much as you think it should be (I am only weighing myself once or twice a month). You must have someone who will say....."Ah...yeah...no Sheri.....you ARE going to the gym.....so get your a** off the computer and I will meet you there in 15 minutes". And....most of all.....although if you are like me you don't take compliments well but, deep down but LOVE to hear them.......you need people to recognise your efforts and applaud you on your journey.

So here I am......9 months into my journey. Two weeks ago I joined a local gym to increase my workouts ( I had been walking to work toward participating in a 5K but felt I needed more in a workout). I have begun not only doing cardio but also strength training and working on my core. I have had some amazing ladies offer encouragement and advice and am feeling even better about where I am going in this journey. I am also participating in my first 5K walk/run this coming Sunday! I can't wait to participate knowing that a year ago I would have only sponsored someone else to take part in this fundraiser!

So.....enough about me......here is my blog. I am going to be chronicling my journey in several ways. I will be adding recipes, inspirational quotes, exercise techniques that I find and like, my struggles and my accomplishments, my goals; both long-term and short-term, and anything else relating to my journey. I hope you respond with your thoughts, tips, and advice! I WON'T be sharing with you my weight or any other "numbers". This journey is not about a set size or weight for me. I will share how much I am up or down on the scale but that is it. I have over a dozen goals set out at this point and NOT ONE has a number in it! A number does not equate to how much stronger I feel, or how much more I can run and play with my children. It has nothing to do with how much less my joints are hurting and even less to do with how much better I am feeling about myself.

My first words of encouragement to you is this;

Don't focus on the numbers......doing that will only sabotage your efforts to become healthier. Healthy is not a number....it is a state of mind combined with good food choices and an active lifestyle.

So until next post, get out there....get active.....and commit to just one healthy choice at a time!

Yours in health,

Sheri