I went over my calories yesterday by 111. I made it thru dinner still under, but was still very hungry. I had a 100 cal. bag of mini goldfish, thinking this would do it, and I’d be OK.  NOT the case.  I then had a 100 calorie yogurt, which sustained me.  I’m not upset, I am just trying to figure out why??!! My combinations yesterday just didnt work. I will study the past food logs at thedailyplate.com,   where I track and see if I can find some answers. The other option is to just accept I had a BAD day, and that’s OK too.  I would like to resolve and not repeat. I had pasta for dinner, and I am finding protein is the key to keeping me feeling full and satisfied.  Todays adventures may take me back out for a hike in the forest. If it warms up and the sun stays out, that’s where I’m headed.Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!!!!!! 

I know some of you have been struggling with drinking enough water each day. I wanted to share what I do, and then a product you can buy, that takes all the guess-work out of it.
I treat myself to a Vitamin Water every few days. It’s quite tasty, but does have calories. My newest fave- XXX. I re-use the bottle( 20 fluid oz.) and refill it with H2O . I drink about 5 bottles a day on average. It’s portable, and it goes with me everywhere.
I came across this Water Bottle in one of my Yoga magazines and have seen it at Sharper Image and Target and runs anywhere between $25-$30 , but takes all the guesswork out. If anyone has this, can you let us know.
Sportline HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle

World’s first “intelligent” water bottle “thinks while you drink” to achieve and maintain healthy hydration.
Calculates your body’s hydration needs, tracks your water intake, and paces your consumption for optimal benefits.
Displays the amount and percentage of water consumed relative to your daily hydration goals.
LCD screen also shows time, date, fluid intake per hour and time elapsed.
Silicone mouthpiece is angled for easy sipping. Features ring for hooking on a carabiner clip. Holds 22 oz.
Runs on CR2032 button-cell battery (included).
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__SL705

I’m sure it’s not that exciting to anyone else, but it keeps me motivated, so I am writing today to say I just completed my 28 min Yoga routine w/ DVD. I have to go get a more cushion-y mat. This one I was using is too thin, and my knee’s hurt. I ended up throwing my sweatshirt under my knee’s. It’s very relaxing. I get so relaxed, I want to take a nap. But I have a Yoga business to build. Oh, another thing I am doing nightly is massaging my abdomen. I learned this technique in massage therapy school. I figure if I can aid in digestion and elimination( sorry folks), it’s good for the body. Some topic’s are sensitive, and I wont go into detail, promise! It’s just one more thing I have added to my routine, and it helps to alleviate bloating as well.Ginger Tea is also good for digestion. Nice this time of year. And of course, drinking LOTS of water. 

It’s funny- the only time I really think about the length of time I have been doing this, is when I type in the title on my daily blog. It really is for the rest of my life. The days are not numbered in my head, only to keep my thoughts in order.Isnt there a saying” the teacher appears when the student is ready?” I think this is SOOOO ringing true to me. I have spent many years trying to define my path, with little to no luck. I have great idea’s on where I want to go, and what I want to do, but couldnt seem to find my way. Just a lot of “DO NOT ENTER” signs. Those sign’s were created by me, and my fears. Just as I would get a great idea, I’d be the first one to talk myself out of it. It’s  crazy, but so true. A good friend, Jen, shared with me the other day that maybe as I have my Yoga teachers certificate and Reiki certificate, that maybe I combine the two. I thought about it. Then yesterday, she pointed out that our society has little to no “real” people as role models. Most exercise instructors are fit and trim. In yoga, they can bend and twist like a pretzel. The true reality is that most of us are not those people. I dont believe it is realistic to even want to be. I dont think we can cookie cutter people into one shape or size. We are all remarkably different, and that is what makes us so unique. I dont want to be like “THEM”. I say that jokingly, but I am happy with who I am. I am working to improve my health, and I think the weight loss is a side affect of better living.So Jen, you have helped me more than you know…. I am going to offer a yoga class to women of size- I am going to keep it local. I am going to teach acceptance. I am going to teach inner beauty. Our bodies change, our inner soul remains the same. It defines who we are. And sometimes it gets neglected. Nurture and loving and accepting ourselves are the first steps to healing. I am so excited and moved with this epiphany.  This is a time in my life I am extremely appreciate of. I want to give back, and this blog has inspired me so much.  All of you with such positive attitudes and kind and loving words. We have all met here on our life’s journey. This is how life unfolds…… and I cherish every moment. My best wishes to each of you. Continued success on your search for self, and trust me, heal yourself, and the weight will not be an issue. 

Someone had asked me to elaborate on the tips for yoga for a larger individual. I got this directly from an article in Ladies Home Journal. The yoga instructor, Megan Garcia, is a plus size model.  She is so passionate about yoga and the positive difference it can make in ones life.  Her website is Megayoga.com. Please check it out.   Here’s what she says: “To customize poses that can be uncomfortable for people of size — such as standing-forward bend, in which a large belly can obstruct breathing — Garcia recommends a technique called “moving the flesh,” which is as simple as it sounds. Students carrying extra weight around the middle may “need to actually reach down, move the flesh of the tummy out of the way, and then they can fold over further.” Modifications such as this one allow the student to maintain proper form — the bare-bones foundation of any yoga practice.” Another example from a different article: “Take, for example, the spinal twist, a seated pose in which you turn your torso and neck to look over your shoulder. “If you have a big, fleshy stomach, it sticks out and touches your thighs. You have to actually hold your stomach and move it along with you,” Garcia said.” It’s a common problem, and nothing I havent experienced myself. I love this woman and her message. I hope you all check it out. 

My dear DH has been a huge supporter of my decision to get healthy and drop my extra weight. Yes, He loves me for me, but would be thrilled if I could do some activities, that my weight/mind have not allowed me to do.  Daily, I am as active discussing my weight loss journey at home,  as I am on here.  What has happened is there is much more conscious eating going on. My children are consciously eating better/healthier, and well DH just said the other day, “if I ate the recommended serving size of things, I could drop weight too”. Now he is not overweight in my eyes, but would like to drop a few pounds. Some may say I am obsessed with this, but let them. I am having positive results, as is my family.  Shame on me? No, shame on the critics.  My motivation is clearer each day I blog, and I have to thank all of you for your feedback. So, that is where I am today. 17 days into the rest of my life. 

I just finished my Yoga DVD, Yoga Just My Size ( Megan Garcia). I have owned the thing for months, and am tired of making excuses. So I popped the DVD in, and instead of watching it all the way thru( like I usually do), I got down on the floor and did it. I felt every last muscle in my body twitching on every singe pose.  Some I could do, some were a bit more difficult. This DVD is for women of ALL sizes. The instructor is a plus size young woman, and it was actually a better experience for the first time than I was thinking it would be. So, I am refreshed, tingly, and proud I did it. It was 28 minutes long.  My goal is to complete this workout daily, as I feel great right now.I think I figured out why exercise has been a bit of a struggle for me. It’s the extra me that gets in the way when I bend. It’s just way too much extra. It gets in the way. This DVD has special tips which help you move the extra skin/fat to get into the positions better. I noticed it when I used the recumbent bike. My gut gets in the way of my legs pedaling. It’s upsetting. So, to accept my body as it is today, is the first important thing to do. And, secondly, to write and remember just how good I feel having done the exercise. Whoever says yoga isnt exercise, is crazy. It’s good for the whole person, inside and out. The beginning of my lifestyle change re: exercise. 

I had a decent day yesterday. I had plans to make a big dinner- these winter months, I love to create in the kitchen. I knew my recipe would be high in calories, so I planned throughout the day. When dinner was served, everyone loved it. It was a Cheese Ravioli Lasagna w/ Ground Beef( 93%) and garlic bread.  The struggle was to figure out how many calories as it was made from scratch, so I did my best. A lot of cheese. I kept to my one piece of garlic bread, and savored every bite. Mmmmmm….. I did not have desert, and I ended under my calories. BUT, I dont know how accurate my calories were for dinner, so  I think it was a wise decision. My pedometer is here and I just have to make it a habit of putting it on in the morning.  The software is a bit complicated, so I may use it on it’s own for a while. The weather is a bit warmer today- in the 30’s. I think more snow is forecasted  for tomorrow. I am spring cleaning a little early, as I need to keep busy inside. Nothing like getting rid of stuff that just takes up space. Simplicity in my life is key. 

Since I am starting today, I will do one week increments.  My first week counting and second week still in progress. The Daily Plate website says I should eat 1458 calories, to drop 2 lbs a week. ~Week 1~Jan.10th-1040 cals, Jan.11th-1438 cals, Jan.12th-1275 cals, Jan.13th-1295 cals, Jan.14th-1301 cals, Jan.15th-1008 cals Jan.16th-1124 cals.Total Calories 8481- Average Daily Calories 1212 ~Week 2~ Jan.17th-1371 cals., Jan.18th-1338 cals., Jan.19th-993 cals., Jan.20th-1334 cals, and Jan.21st-1287 cals.    Botzz- can you tell me how you get your writings so they line up in columns- I had this all nicely typed, and it mushed it altogether. Thanks! 

Well everyone- I was nervous to even get on the scale today. Robyn had some good numbers in today. That made me happy. I went from 203 to 201.  (2) lbs for the week.  I desperately want to get into the 100’s, but know that a good weight loss plan is in effect, and 2 lbs is right on target. So, YES, I am pleased.  The 200’s are going to be a thing of the past soon, and I remain on target.  Last week I didnt deprive myself, I actually ate a few sugar cookies my daughter made.  I at my veggies, and lean meat. I’m ready to continue this lifestyle, cause my health matters. The impatient part of me is “lightening up” a little and for that I am grateful.  The pedometer is due in today. It will be fun to track my progress with it.  I am still playing with my % of protein/carbs/fats-  I try to keep the fat the lowest, but yesterday I had an avacado, and so I dont worry about the fat so much, cause it’s good fats. I need to make sure most of my carbs are from veggies. I am loving BROCCOLI right now. I’m fond of most veggies, and am seeing the children are actually becoming more receptive.  I have been drinking ginger tea daily. It is supposed to be good for digestion. It serves a second purpose to keep me warm. It’s been quite chilly here in CT. 20’s during the day, and single digits at night.I also wanted to comment on the journaling done in this blog. I think, daily, I am working on healing myself. I dont think that we get overweight by accident. Whether we use food as comfort or as punishment, whether we eat from stress or boredom, we need to search for the underlying reasons. My search has been very therapeutic. I have faced a few demons, and remind myself daily, that I am worth it.  I know we all are doing this for different reasons, but to put myself first, maybe for the first time ever was a struggle. The kids need me, my DH needs me. I am nothing to them if I dont take care of myself. So……… here I am, today . I am happier, more confident, and optimistic.  I will not worry about yesterday, and I will not get caught up in tomorrow. Today is my day, so I’m going to live it!Thanks to all of you for your comments and support. It makes a huge difference. Have a GREAT day!