Down and Out

So I have bad news, then some good news, then some awesome news. Whats first. I believe in tearing the bandage off fast so bad news. I'm single for the first time in 14 months, thats over a year. WOW. Over a year. So after a little time to myself I realized it was a blessing in disguise.

That blessing was not being comfortable. I was happy in my relationship, but with that I also became complacent or comfortable with myself. Which normally is a good thing. It meant I had a partner who loved me for who I was. However because I was so comfortable I let little things slip here and there. The best way to mend a broken heart is to fix the stuff around it first. Thats what I did.

So onto the good news. Taking a look in the mirror and realizing hey, I need to get back on it. Whip myself back to what I used to be. So far I am down to 190. WOWZA. Go ME!! Still got a ways to go but I'm glad to take the journey.

Food for Thought

So I just got back from my vacation, had a blast, enjoyed a few good walks on the beach. Some of that beach time was not good, as my phone went for a swim. (feel free to donate to the matt needs a new phone fund lol). Besides the point though, California had such variety of food. From fresh sushi, to some great Mexican food which got me thinking;

How much do you think about food. Well considering my yo yo weight loss I think about it constantly. But what I am really asking about is food planning and preparation. That is important. I am pretty easy because I can eat one thing every monday, every tuesday etc. While some people get bored and need to change it up every week.

What I have found easiest and most effective is I make a menu for 3 weeks. Each week has ingredients that can mix and match a bit, and I have a shopping list designated for each week as well. That way I don't go to the grocery store and do the "MMM that looks good" shop. I can stick to my list and better yet not forget anything. Then I just have to rotate weeks and on occasion change it up or throw in a Healthy takeout.

The other trick I like to do is set aside a few hours to prepare some grab and go dishes. Tupperware is my best friend on this day.. so is the freezer. The easiest on is soup or my favourite chili. Just prepare, let stew while your preparing a few other dishes then plate up and freeze. Second, I will usually precook a few chicken breasts cut them up and put them in a dish for easy protein salad topper or wrap ingredient.

So with all this I still like a pizzazz dish. One that just pops from the others. One of my fellow bloggers has some amazing ideas lots that work with the South Beach Diet... if thats what you are going for. Besides healthy dishes though.... they are delicious. Check her out http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/

Well thats my food for thought.

New Year's Resolution

So, apparently more people are reading this than I thought because I already got a couple complaints about not writing over the holidays. Glad to hear, very glad to hear.

Topic of the month, New Years Resolutions. Honestly I hate these. Why do I have to wait for a specific day to set a goal for myself. If you want something, really want something just do it. January 1st is just like any other day. If you do have to choose a specific day why not just Monday. This gives you enough time to think about your goal, plan your route and expected outcome, and you don't have an excuse to procrastinate. The other great thing is you don't have the weight of an entire year on your back, and if you screw up one day. Who cares just jump back on and the next week resolution is ready to go.

Next Monday, I will be in California, so I am not going to make any unrealistic New Week Resolutions. Yes I am going to cheat on my eating habits but i am going to be out walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying a good time. My New Weeks Resolutions work good for me. I can look back and remember everything I did this week, and adjust for the next weeks resolutions. If a weeks to short and changing that much just isn't good for your routine. Then do a months resolution. Whatever works best, just don't wait, start now.

For all my friends in Canada. I want to wish you a good week of snow, and everyone a Happy New Years.

When I get back Red Deer friends, I want to book some workout times with yeah!!!

Stats

Weight: 202.5 lbs.

Height: 5' 8"

BMI: 30.08 (just .08 from no longer being "obese")

Plan: Balanced, reasonable meals, and moderate exercise when able. 

This season is tough to lose weight so my goal is maintenance for the next week. 

Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ho Ho Ho, or just Holidays everybody!

Mind Over Matter

So stress is the last thing anyone wants. Somehow lately thats all I get, so finding a way to get rid of it has been my goal lately.

So when I am feeling like my head is ready to blow up, first thing I think is just take it day by day. Stress leads to stress. The more pressure you put on it, at least in my mind, the worse it is and the more I think about it.

Secondly working out. I guess that should be first. Sometimes, its the last thing you want to do when you are ready to split. The best thing about it, though, is that it always makes me feel better. Not only for the fact that exercise releases those AMAZING stress relieving endorphens, but also its a distraction. When I am on a treadmill, the last thing on my mind is that  bill I have to pay.

I get the best workouts when I am pissed off. I take out all of my frustrations out on those weights. Every lift, or push, is proof that I am where I need to be. Every hit to the punching bag is, knockout to that jerk who cut me off, or that guy who said one thing and did the other. I like to think of myself as an overall happy person, and I think this is why. I take my frustrations out when I chose to. I chose to turn my frustrations into something positive. A harder, more productive workout.


Your body only does what your brain tells it to. So really, the only thing to consider isn't the burning in your legs, or the hard breathes you are taking. Its, how much do I want this. Tell your body to go out and kick some ass and I will do the same. In the end whether my goal was weight loss, looks, health or just to get out off the house. For some reason after a good workout I just feel happy. I guess really, happiness, is the best goal to shoot for.