Mamavation Monday - August 23, 2010

Another Monday already!? Where does the time go? So how did this last week go? Well let's start with exercise. Monday I did my c25k run, Wednesday was supposed to be my 2nd run of the week, but I woke up with horrible sciatic nerve pain; so skipped that run. Friday I did my run and screwed up my knee. I was supposed to go for xrays today but I didn't make it up there. Will attempt to do that tomorrow. When I went to the doctor on Friday he didn't say I couldn't run. Just told me to let pain be my guide. Okay, yay! I thought. Here it is Monday, and I still can't walk much without a lot of pain. So no running in my near future. This is a bit disappointing. And now I need to figure out what I want to do for exercise, since even going for a walk at this point is out.
Now let's talk food. Oh food how I love thee. :D For the most part I made pretty good self-honoring choices. I am pms'ing so of course there is some hormone driven food searching going on, but at least I was aware of what was happening (mostly) and tried to stay aware most of the time. This morning as I was driving home from town I was thinking how bloated I feel and I started to think about the last week...Just about every single night I was having a little "snack" well after 8pm. I didn't even realize I was doing this. I am aware now and will try to make some better choices - If I'm truly hungry then I will try to make a good healthy choice and not just what I think I want.

Goals for this week:


Food - I feel like I am doing a lot better with my food plan. This week I'm going to concentrate on staying conscious with my eating during the evening hours. Also still want to work on increasing my h2o intake. I am considering the HydraCoach bottle. 


    Food plan for this week: My basic meal plan is as follows and suppers can be found on my Menu Plan Monday post. {Supper will be around 6pm or so}

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola or	Green or Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg)  & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea

Exercise - I have no idea! Any suggestions?

Self-Care Practices - Baths! Meditation each day. Also this week I want to try adding in some creative time - maybe not every day but a couple of times this week would be nice.

Hope you had a great week last week and that this week is an even better week!

P.S. Also check out my huge ($195 value) Weight-Release Giveaway!! It ends this week!

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 23, 2010

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Mamavation Monday - August 16, 2010

What a week! I am really glad to see last week over. There was a lot of emotional stress going on in my life last week. And 6 months ago all that emotional stress would have found me in the kitchen - a lot. I'm am so thankful that I've been going through the Weight-Release program and have been practicing other self-honoring ways to manage my stress and emotions. I spent a lot of time last week taking baths, meditating, eventually writing in my journal - even wrote a little poetry & I haven't done that since I was in high school. I had planned on starting the couch to 5k running program sometime in the near future, but the added emotional stuff I was dealing with really gave me a push to go for it. It helped me manage some anger constructively and now I'm finding myself really enjoying continuing with the program. I'm actually enjoying running! I never thought that I would enjoy running.
Food wise I wasn't perfect. I'm never going to be perfect and that is perfectly okay. But I did really well. I stayed in touch with my feelings, observed my behaviors and even when I decided I really wanted to have the chips, for example, I put them in a bowl and went ahead and just enjoyed them. No guilt. And no sitting with the bag shocked later that I ate so much. :)

Goals for this week:


Food - With the new running program my appetite has really increased. I'm still working on adjusting my meal plan for that. I think it's going to take a little bit to work out, but I'm not going to stress over it.  Just going to try to make some good choices and listen to my body. It will fall in place. Might need to change my before run snack to something else. I've been keeping with the yogurt but it's not really working for me. If you are a runner what are some other suggestions you have?

Water - this is a big one for me. Every week I have very good intentions to drink lots of water. Every day I start off well and then it just sort of fades off into the day and at bedtime I'm trying to get water in. I'm not drinking pop or tea or anything else that's keeping me from drinking my water. I'm just not drinking anything at all.  So that's not really great. Going to try to keep a glass of water on my desk while I'm at work and see if that helps. I noticed the last few days when I run my fingers swell so I know that I am not doing well in the h2o department.

Exercise - I'm going to continue with the c25k running program three (M,W,F) days a week. I'm also thinking I would like to do some strength training two days (T & T) and on the weekends hmm not sure but something - yoga maybe? I will think about that.

Self-Care Practices -  I want to continue with meditation each day. Taking baths - adding Epsom salts to help recover from soreness. I want to try harder to write in my journal more days this week. This used to be a really nice habit and I've slipped from that - I know it helps me so I want to get back into doing it daily. And basically continue practicing making self-honoring choices.

So that's this week in a nut shell. :) Congrat's to the Sista of the Week - Kimberly! Yay You! :)

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 16, 2010

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Weight-Release Wednesday

The Freeman Michaels Show

If you have been reading my blog at all for the last few months you've probably noticed that I have mentioned a "Weight-Release Program" more than a couple of times. I found out about the program through Feels Like Home blog back in April. I signed up for it, not quite sure what it was going to be all about, but hoping that this program would be the one that helped me finally figure out why I couldn't stay on a diet or exercise program for longer than a couple of weeks at the most.  The program did more than that, it has profoundly changed my life. Not just my relationship with food and exercise, but the relationship that I have with myself has changed - all for the better. And I know that by honoring myself and accepting myself I won't gain the weight back this time.

The last two Wednesdays I have had the honor of being a guest on The Freeman Michaels Show for Weight-Release Wednesday {9am PDT/12pm EDT}. Today will be my third time being on the show discussing how I have used the program to change my life and start releasing weight.  I'm actually going to be mentoring a group through the program (I'll be going through the process with them - you!) on my personal Weight-Release Journey blog site at the end of August.  Today on the show, Freeman is going to give the first caller a free full digital Weight-Release Program course. The program includes 12 videos, The Weight Release Workbook, the book "Weight Release A Libearting Journey", two meditation CD's, and the Weight Release Manual. Plus you'll have access to post on my Weight-Release Journey blog site to get all the support you want on your personal journey.  This is a fabulous opportunity and I wanted my friends here to hear about it first.  Go check out the program, ask me any questions you have about it and then if you think this is something that you can benefit from please call in today - I promise you, it will change your life! I'm even going to give you the number so you can be ready to call in when Freeman announces the giveaway - (805) 639-0008.  Even if you aren't the first caller I encourage you to call in and ask Freeman any questions that you might have about the weight release program.

You can listen to my first interview on the Freeman Michaels Show here:

and you can see and hear Freeman explain the program more here:

Please don't let this opportunity pass you by - It can help you change your life!!

Weight-Release Wednesday

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Mamavation Monday - August 2, 2010

Dang it's been two weeks since I last checked in - ack! It's been a really busy two weeks is all I can say. If you have read my Menu Plan Monday post you can see what I have been up too.  Last week I struggled to just get from one day to the next without losing my mind.  Lots of adjustments going on and honestly my exercise goals and healthy eating went right out the window this last week. I think I held it together fairly well the week before, but really I can't remember much. ;)  Last week was just a whole new dance routine and it's taken me a bit to find my rhythm and learn my steps. Obviously it's going to take a little bit and I am trying to be compassionate with myself during this period of change.

Goals for this week:


Food Plan: I have created a vision and a plan for what I want this week to look like.  I created a menu plan & I precooked all of this week's suppers on Saturday, so that we would have healthy meals.  My basic meal plan is as follows and suppers can be found here. {Supper will be around 6pm or so}

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg)  & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea

My vision is a calm week with time to take care of my needs so that I can better serve my family and others.  Taking care of my needs includes eating healthy {making self-honoring choices}, getting some exercise {goal is daily - even if it's just a 6 minute #NEWO - anything to move my body and work towards a strong healthy body}, drinking lots of water {my skin is starting to change since I've been working towards including my pure water in my diet}, time for rest, relaxation, creativity, and meditation. 

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 2, 2010

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Mamavation Monday - July 12, 2010

Last week was a pretty good week if I say so myself. I wasn't perfect, but I was perfectly human. I pretty much ate according to my plan. I may not have eaten exactly what was written on the plan but 9 times out of 10 if I changed my meal it was with another self-honoring choice. If I went off the "plan" I was okay with it. This is a big deal. Before I did the Weight Release program if I had gone off the plan then there would have been a lot of negative self-talk going on. Lots of feelings of failure. I think this is the first time I have ever just had something to eat without negative feelings or thoughts going on.  It's just choices. That's all.

Secret time; Saturday is my night I like to have a drink or two. Lately my drink of choice has been margaritas (they are soo good when it's soo hot) and I usually have two. Sunday I was cleaning and on PBS was that show Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. So he's talking away and I hear him say something about margaritas so I stop and listen. He says one margarita can have 700 and some calories. Oh my gosh! Yeah, ignorance was bliss. lol Hate to tell you but I'm not giving them up. However, I will just have one and maybe a small one at that. If you read my post last week you know I'm not about depriving myself, but you can be sure I will be really enjoying every single sip of my Saturday night drink from now on.

Exercise went really well last week. I jogged 4 times last week! I'm really proud of that.  It wasn't like I jogged a mile or anything but I jogged! I noticed this morning that the place I jog is starting to get a little easier too, not easy by any means yet just easier. I also played the wii two days and I did NEWO 6 minute strength training exercises 6 days. Best thing is that I am enjoying the exercises I do. That's something because if you would have asked me 5 months ago - I hated exercise. Oh how things have changed.  I still want to add in some yoga though.  I was talking to a friend last night and she was telling me how most exercise is for your muscles but yoga is exercise your insides. I think it would also help me learn to focus better on the now.  I am pretty sure in the fall I've seen flyers for yoga classes, I'm going to keep my eye out for those.

Saturday night we had friends over and she told me that she could tell I've lost weight. It was really good to hear that. Not because I've been worried about it or anything like that; I thought I was but I wasn't sure. Recently I've noticed more definition in my waist but I wasn't sure if I was really seeing it or if it was just my positive outlook on my body.  Before I did the Weight Release program; when I looked in the mirror I could only see what I hated about my body. Honestly I never saw anything good. Even when I really was thin I never saw myself the way others did. Now when I look in the mirror I'm practicing positive affirmations for all those things I didn't like. So when she noticed I've lost weight it was a positive reenforcement that I can trust the way I'm seeing myself. I still have no idea what I weigh or any inches I've lost. I'll admit this morning I was tempted to get the scale out, but I decided I'm not ready for that. I wasn't sure how I would react to the numbers and I didn't want to start anything negative within myself. Besides my success isn't based on numbers. :)

Goals for this week:

Food Plan is: the same as last week. It's just a plan though - I do change things up more than it looks on here. This is good for me to have if I feel crunched for time or I'm really hungry - I don't have to think about what to eat.

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6 pm	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea

Exercise plan is: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to go outdoors for a walk/jog. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to do some sort of workout with the Wii.  Every afternoon or evening I want to do the 6 minute NEWO strength training exercises.

This week I want to add water to my goals. I do okay with water some days and not so great other days. I'd just like to make drinking water a good, healthy habit.

I hope that you have a great week and to all of you applying for Mamavation Mom - Good Luck!!!
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - July 12, 2010

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Finding My Peace

"Stress is caused by being 'here' but wanting to be ' there'" - Eckhart Tolle

Life is changing. Minute by minute, hour by hour, everything is changing.  It's easy to get caught up in the expectations and worrying about what is going to happen next. What's important is to just go with the flow. Ride life's waves and just be. Feel the feelings. Believe me; I know it's easier said than done. That's our human nature.  For years I've stressed and worried about anything and sometimes even things that weren't happening but they might. Those feelings don't feel good. My stomach gets in knots, I feel like I can't breathe, my heart is racing, and before I know it I have found myself in the kitchen looking for a way to swallow my feelings.  It's difficult to sit and just feel the feelings. Even now I'm not very good at it, but I'm working on it. Today in my life things are changing. Change is scary, it's unknown.  I fear the unknown. Not knowing how things will turn out, not knowing if the bills will be paid, there are lots of unknowns and that is scary.

So what can we do when we feel as though things are spiralling out of control? Here are a few things that work for me:

• I like to validate my feelings to myself.  I can do this by writing in my journal. In the book Weight Release a Liberating Journey by Freeman Michaels; he talks about upset needing a place to land. I've found for myself if I don't address the reasons (the truths) for my emotions I tend to dump them on whoever is nearby. What happens when I get to the truth of my feelings (which 9 times out of 10 is fear of something), is I don't feel so out of control. I'm able to acknowledge the feelings and say to myself, okay you are scared what do you need?
• I also like to take a few deep cleansing breaths. This can give me the time I need to figure out the next step I want to do to address my feelings.
• I also have recently learned to meditate.  I love this! I try to do this daily even if I'm not experiencing stress, but during times of stress it is especially helpful. It really helps me feel centered, calm and at peace. 

These are three things I know I can do anytime, anywhere; even if I have a house full of kids.  If I am able to squeeze some alone time; taking a walk (no earphones!) and listening to nature around me can help me - it gives me a chance to work through thoughts and take some good fresh air breaths.  Also taking a hot bath can help me de-stress too; especially if I meditate then.

What are some practices that you use to find your peace in times of heightened emotions?
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Finding My Peace

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Mamavation Monday - July 5, 2010

I can't believe that my last Mamavation post was back in May. It's amazing how quickly time passes. I've been working hard on me since my last post. So much has changed and is changing each and every day. No longer is my focus on weight loss. That doesn't mean I don't want to weigh less or be healthier though. But that isn't my focus. My focus is on me, accepting myself, forgiving myself, finding my compassion, honoring my body. It's been a journey so far, parts of it have been extraordinarily difficult to work through, but the other side of it is bringing absolute freedom to my life.  There has been a new awakening within me and the journey is far from over. This is a lifelong journey and I'm ready and excited!

So what does all this mean in regards to my weight and my journey to better health?  Well, I've come to realize food has served a purpose for me. Perhaps not the healthiest purpose at all times - it's been a comfort, it's filled a need. I've also used it to punish myself. No more. I am working on accepting the parts of me that uses food for reasons other than nourishment; I'm learning how to sit in discontent and just feel the feelings. I am working on loving all the parts of myself. I intend to nourish my body and treat it like the temple that it is.  I am not depriving myself.  I am being mindful when I eat.  I am eating less but more often - I am not allowing myself to become overly hungry.

In regards to exercise - I've actually been exercising regularly for a few weeks now. Going for walks, doing some workouts with the Wii, and of course my 6 minute NEWO. Today I actually for the first time in, I would say 15 years, I jogged. Outside where people might see me. This is HUGE! I didn't care if they were all in their windows pointing and laughing (which we all know they weren't) but I didn't allow my inner critic to dictate what I did today. I did intervals of jogging and walking on my last km of my usual walk.  I'm sore now, but I lived! I jogged and it didn't kill me and I just might do it again. :)

My food plan for this week looks something like this:

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6 pm	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea

And my exercise plan is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to go outdoors for a walk {jog if I feel led}. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to do some sort of workout with the Wii.  Every afternoon or evening I want to do the 6 minute NEWO strength training exercises.  Sunday is my day of rest and relaxation. :)  I also intend to include plenty of self-care practices.

I have no idea what I weigh and at this point in my journey I am not ready to bring back the scale or measurements. For me, right now, it's important for me to be loving towards myself and I am not sure I am capable of being as kind to me as I should when I'm basing my success on numbers.
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - July 5, 2010

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Mamavation Monday - May 3, 2010

So it's been a few weeks since I've written a post for Mamavation Monday. It's not because I've given up, although some of this may sound like I have. I'm taking a different approach to it with the help of Freeman Michaels and his book Weight Release: A Liberating Journey.  The just do it and diet is not working for me & hasn't worked for me in the past.  I've lost weight in the past only to find it again.  So this time I'm not losing anything, I'm working on releasing the weight. Figuring out why I use food the way I do and learning how to forgive and love myself.  I've only been in the process for a few weeks and Freeman has now graciously started giving me one on one coaching, but the process is far from easy.  I'm learning a lot about myself. Lots of it isn't easy to finally face but I'm going to stick with it.  This is the first time in my entire life that I feel like this is going to work.
So my scale has been put away. I haven't stepped on it in weeks. I'm not sure that I have lost weight..some days I feel like I have, but today isn't one of those days. I am working on making self-honoring choices when I want to turn to food for whatever reason (there are lots of reasons), and that isn't always easy.  I haven't been doing a "work-out" in awhile.  I still do my 6 minute #NEWO but that's about it.  I go for walks when the weather has cooperated.  But I haven't done a video workout or whatever in a few weeks. I just don't want to right now. I am thinking about it however, trying to think what I do want to do - what do I enjoy doing...I love swimming, love it.  Maybe I should see if there is somewhere I could go to swim laps or something hmmm.
As far as meal plans - well a few weeks ago I decided to be vegetarian (after viewing Earthlings).  I've been raw vegan off and on for two years so this isn't a big leap for me.  So as far as meals go, my meals are very healthy.  Even the snacks that are around the house aren't that bad (since nearly everything is homemade), but it's the quantity I eat it in, because I'm eating for something other than hunger..It's not even a binge - it's just if there are cookies on the counter I'll have one, and then I'll go back, and go back...you get the idea. I'm working on those self-honoring choices...I'm working on it.
So that's what's going on with me.  I'm sure as I move further along in the process I'll be adding in more real exercise and maybe one day I can use the scale again. But right now I just need to learn to love me for me - all of me, even the jiggly bits that I don't like.
Love ya sistas! You're all doing so well, I still read and watch the tweets but I feel like I'm not on the same playing level you are so I don't know what to say. And that is the reason I haven't written a Monday post in a few weeks.

Mamavation Monday - May 3, 2010

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Mamavation Monday - April 12, 2010

Well another week down and another no change in my weight. It is my fault. At least there wasn't a gain so that's something.  I've not been eating junk but I know I've been eating too much in general. Rather than taking a second helping of veggies I would take a second helping of potatoes - yeah, not very weight loss conducive.  And exercise, well I did do some exercise but if I'm going to be honest with myself, I didn't do enough - not enough to lose weight.  If you want to lose it you've got to move it right? Right! And well, as the queen of excuses - I've always got a reason.  So, I need to ask myself - do I really want to lose weight.  Today I can honestly answer that with a yes.  I spent sometime this weekend paying attention to my feelings and emotions, thinking about what I need to do.  Biggest thing I noticed was I hate the way my body moves - I hate the way it feels. I feel bloated and heavy (and it's not water weight folks). I turn to food when it often times has nothing to do with hunger -stress, boredom, emotional upsets - all times you can find me in the kitchen.  I also use breastfeeding as an excuse - well I need to eat more, I'm breastfeeding. HELLO! The kid is 2, not a newborn.  Am I self-sabotaging for some reason I don't understand? I honestly don't know.

Tara from Feels Like Home is starting a Weight Release Journey, led by Freeman Michaels. He is the author of Weight Release, A Liberating Journey.
I've decided to join Tara and see if I can figure out what is holding me back from losing weight. I know all the things I need to do, so why am I just not doing it?

For the next 12 weeks I'll be joining Tara and the others on this weight release journey and I'll be blogging about it here on Tuesdays. I am really hoping that with this program I'll be able to break through some of the things that are holding me back from being who (what) I really want to be.  I think (hope) with this program and the help and support of my girls in The Sistahood, I'll be able finally lose the weight and be the healthy, vibrant me that I really long to be.

On another note I'm really excited to see who is going to be chosen for the next Mamavation Mom. I'm also excited for selfish reasons.  They are going to have to post their workout and meal plans that will be assigned to them, so I'll get to have a peek at that and I am leaning towards copying as much as I am able. I've read about the success the other Mamavation moms have had so I know it's really possible to use the system and have it work.  It's going to be an interesting week that is for sure. Hope it's a great one!

Mamavation Monday - April 12, 2010

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Mamavation Monday - April 5, 2010

I woke up this morning excited (sorta) to see my weigh in results. I was prepared to only see a pound or two loss. I wasn't hoping for a 10 lb loss over the course of a week, just a small loss.  What I got was nothing. not even a half a pound. This just sucks. I mean I know I wasn't perfect with my diet but I was so much better than I would have been. I didn't eat hardly any junk, on Friday I had 2 cookies & yesterday I had a small slice of my birthday cake. Saturday I had one can of coke, oh and I had one yesterday with our bbq.But seriously before last week I could easily drink 2-4 a day.  Exercise - I didn't do interval training on Monday because I was just in too much pain. The rest of the week I exercised and I was moving all week. I was cleaning, moving furniture, took E swimming.  So after all of that I seriously expected to see at least a pound gone.

This isn't new.  This is the biggest issue I have with losing weight. I can't seem to lose any unless I am starving myself - literally. When I put my diet under 900 calories I can lose weight. But I can't do that forever. I need something I can live with you know, so after the diet I don't gain it all back + some.  Right now, I feel like saying forget it. I'm never going to lose weight, I will be fat and hate my body forever. But I don't want to. I want to be happy with my weight and feel comfortable in my own skin. I want to have more energy, I want to not be self-conscious with how I look.  Just right now, it feels like that will never happen.

This week's re-cap:

Exercise: Tues & Thus I did 6 minute #NEWO, Wed & Fri I did 20 minute #NEWO interval training. Spring cleaned the whole house last week. Played outdoors with E.

Food: Diet was good not perfect. I guess I need to use a food journal to really make sure I am not forgetting things.

Weigh-in: No change.


Goals for this week:

Exercise: Maybe I need to step it up more and do more?  I've heard a lot of talk about EA SPORTS Active for the Wii. I've heard it's really helped quite a few to kick start their weight-loss.  I would love to be able to give that a try.  The weather is going to be nice for the next couple days - I will be outdoors with E and I'll try to throw in a walk or two.

Food:  I'm going to keep track of my food better using a food journal. I've had the idea in my head to make a sort of daily planner for myself.  So I'm going to do that and see if that helps. Start my day with an intention and hope that this week is better.  I know I need to work better at getting in my water. Well, I got my water in last week but many times it wasn't until around supper time that I started working on it.  I need to spread it through the day.

On a good note I was accepted into The Sistahood last week.  I'm very excited about that.  I hope I can figure this out and start seeing changes on the scale and in my body.



I hope that you all had a great week last week and this week you are reaching more of your weight-loss/health goals.

Mamavation Monday - April 5, 2010

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In Search of Me

Priority \Pri*or"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. priorit['e]. See Prior, a.]

1. The quality or state of being prior or antecedent in time, or of preceding something else; as, priority of application.

2. Precedence; superior rank. --Shak.

Priority of debts, a superior claim to payment, or a claim to payment before others.

Syn: Antecedence; precedence; pre["e]minence.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

I've been absent from my blog this week because priorities have been on my mind.  Mostly the lack of putting myself as a priority. This is going to be a very hard post for me to write. I'm going to be admitting some things that are very difficult for me to admit.

I've been skipping out on Menu Plan Monday posts because I (once again) have had to stop raw eating.  I know that this way of eating is what is good for me.  It is what will work for me to lose weight and be healthy.  I've had glimpses of this during the periods of time that I have been able to stick with it.  This time it isn't a lack of will power or determination that has stopped me, but a lack of funds.  It is really expensive to eat raw. Even though I'm the only one of the five us eating raw it would add up enough extra to our budget that grocery shopping was costing over 200 dollars a week. Yes, you read that right - a week! I just can't justify that right now.  Not when I am a stay at home mom and we are relying solely on my husband's pay check.  So for the time being I am putting raw eating on the back burner.

For the last 2-3 weeks since I stopped buying all the stuff for my own special meals I haven't even payed attention to what I have been putting in my body. This is not good. Not good for weight loss, not good for my physical health, and not good for my mental health.  I shouldn't say I haven't been paying attention, because oh how I have. But I eat whatever and then I beat myself up mentally for it. I know all the right things to do, all the right ways to eat but I still choose to eat junk or way too much. I eat to deal with emotions, stress, boredom and lastly hunger. I'm also good for putting off eating until I'm so hungry that I will just eat whatever is ready to eat right now. 


And let's talk about exercise. Yeah, I've decided I'm just lazy. Well, that's not entirely true but when it comes to exercise it is true. I will do anything to not exercise.  I will make up excuses (that may or may not be valid), I will be so busy (this is true - partially) that I just don't have time to exercise.  I bought the Just Dance Wii game and told myself that I would use that for exercise over the winter.  I've used it a grand total of one time. wow. pathetic.  What is true is that I won't give up time I spend playing with Little E during the day to exercise. I could be taking him for a walk in the stroller though, and I'm sure the fresh air would do him good. What is true is I won't live in a messy house to make time for exercise.  A messy house stresses me out - seriously. What is true is I spend time on the computer that I could be exercising but I want to have "down time".  Why don't I consider exercising, something that is good for me to be down time? Oh, well because exercise is work.  All that said, I know that if I really want to lose weight (especially if I'm not going to be eating raw) then I need to add in exercise.  I know that if I add in exercise I will start to have more energy.  I do want those things.  I do.

What all this boils down to is I am not on my priority list.  And if I happen to show up on it, I show up at the very bottom. I know that this week I've spent some time crying and thinking about myself and what changes I want.  I just don't know how to do it. I don't know how to make myself a priority. I don't know how to get it through my thick head that I must exercise and eat properly - whatever that is. At this point I'm going to say I don't know how to eat properly.  I've got it in my mind that they only way I can lose weight is by eating raw foods because I know it works and I'm not left feeling hungry like when I try to diet.  So what do I do? I mean I can't possibly be the only person out there that has felt this way.  Someone must have some words of wisdom or great advice.  How do you make time to take care of yourself if you're a stay at home mom?  A mom that is involved with her kids, likes a tidy house, likes to cook; how do I make this work for me.  I need a teacher.

I look in the mirror and I hate what I see (this is even worse since I had E and I have that c-section tummy now).  I am uncomfortable in my own skin.  I want to feel good about myself, I want to feel sexy, I want to be healthy and fit. How do I find my way there? At this point I am at a loss.  I'm going to try spending some time this weekend thinking about this, searching for answers and hoping that maybe someone out there can help me.

In Search of Me

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