Teresa's Ponderings

Every single thing I do is a choice. Watch TV or clean the kitchen? Go for a walk or scroll Facebook? Snack because I'm hungry or drink some water and wait to see if it's truly hunger? Drive to the store or throw on my backpack and hoof it? Choices are everywhere, everyday, sometimes each minute.  This week I made good choices. I walked 15,000 steps almost everyday. I added yoga and running to my exercise routine. I ran the stairs instead of sighing and sludging up them. I chose to make 10 trips to the garage when I could have piled up my arms and made one or two. And the biggest change of all? I put eating in its proper place. It's a necessity, not my source of enjoyment and happiness. The question is, can I sustain these choices? I lost 2.2 pounds this week. I worked hard for those 2 pounds. Really hard. My body hurts from the added movement and there are days that I'm super hungry at night.  Only time will tell. ♥️ I'm only posting a picture for a thumbnail. This...

I haven't been to a TOPS meeting since the first week of April. Between work, parents visiting, and illness, I've had plenty of excuses to not attend. And the truth is, I haven't really cared to have the dedication to say no. To anything and everything. The resulting 7 pound weight gain isn't exactly a shock.  I knew I had gained at least 4 pounds, but I hadn't stepped on a scale in over 6 weeks. I'm just thankful the resulting gain is only 3 pounds more. So, what am I doing to get back on track? Well, I think a better question would be what were you doing to get so far off track, Teresa? 1) Too much emphasis on meals 2) Too many "cheat" moments  3) Too many high calorie, zero payback foods/drinks 4) No accountability  5) I quit caring The truth is, since my mother-in-law died, I haven't cared much for my health. I know I need to, but I truly haven't cared.  So, today is a new day. No more tracking weeks or days in a row for weight loss. Today ...

This week I really focused hard on training for the upcoming hiking season. I've extended my time on the treadmill and upped the amount of "hills" I'm doing. I've tried to do 90 minutes at level 3 on the glute buster or hill interval selection and 45 minutes on level 4 of the same. I alternate every other day with these two settings. The level 4 puts my walking speed at 3.6, which doesn't sound like much, but the incline will range anywhere from 5 to 7, depending on which program I am doing. Walking 3.6 on an incline is a good workout for me right now. I generally don't hike at that pace and the incline does a decent job of simulating a hill/mountain.  I continue to check off boxes in my pursuit of "50" this year. I went hiking with a friend on Saturday and the area was much hillier than I expected.  The day before I had done my most intense workout so far and by the time the hike was done, I was wiped.  Curt and I chose that day to clean out the...

 I stayed the same. I was worried about a gain, so I took off my socks when I weighed in and that's the only reason I didn't end up with a gain.  I've worked out hard this past week. I added in arm strengthening exercises because I have an all girls canoe trip in August and I want to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be for it. On the opposite days I am focusing on keeping my heart rate raised for long periods of time to train for multiple hiking days. I'd really like to tackle the SHT this fall.  We walked out to the pictographs after church on Sunday. It was rough walking because the top layer of snow has seen a lot of melting and freezing cycles, but I felt strong doing it. That's all for today. Catch up with you all next week 😘.

I'm beginning this blog on Monday, March 20. I wish I could bottle how I feel today and bring it out for a "sip" whenever I'm struggling or want to make poor choices. I woke up feeling stronger, both physically and emotionally. For the first time in weeks it feels as if I've lost some inches on my body. That's empowering. I've gotten more accustomed to the portion sizes with the Jenny Craig meals and I'm working towards being able to recreate a few aspects of the program as well as the portion sizes. It's too expensive to continue for very long.  Thursday Woke up early and went to workout. Today is a busy day and if I don't go first thing then I'm afraid I won't be able to get one in.  Working out and then weighing causes me to be heavier on the scale. I don't know why this is, but it's the oddest phenomenon. I still lost 1.2 pounds this week, even with weighing after working out. Pretty pleased with that. I'm still 4 pounds...

 This week I focused on sticking to the Jenny Craig food and being active. I hit my step goal every day and even tried downhill skiing.  It really does feel better when I'm moving more.  I had to weigh in early today because my boss is on vacation so I'm working Thursdays until she's back. I'm pretty pleased with my 3.8 pound weight loss.  I'm not sure how long I will stay on Jenny Craig. I struggle with the types of food I'm eating, especially the amount of cheese, but it is definitely helping me to establish smaller, more frequent meals. I love that.  Next week's goal is to stay the course. ♥️

I haven't done so well since last December. With Curt's mom's death I just can't seem to get it together. I've managed to gain 4 pounds since the beginning of the year. I know why, I just need to turn my will power around.  This week I am beginning Jenny Craig. Tomorrow I receive my first set of meals. I'll still have to cook for Curt and the kids, but this will get my portions and snacking under control. The best part, I just have to pop something in the microwave and boom, done.  I had a wonderful time in Florida for my mom's birthday. I tried new foods and took walks on the beach every morning ♥️. Here's to better choices and more will power this next week. 😊