Posts by maureenz

Another perfect topic for me..MOTIVATION!

For me, I have to set my priorities straight.  Getting this extra weight off is one thing, but I have to reinforce that my HEALTH will benefit if I keep motivated to exercise, eat properly and reduce stress in my life.  What motivates me??? When a co worker comments on how I am looking OR finding my clothes are fitting a big loser OR I have more energy OR I'm smiling more???   It's not easy that 's for sure and we have temptation around us 24/7 and at times we like to take the lazy way out and not get out of bed etc. but I find putting my mind in a positive frame right at the start of the day and focus and keeping a positive outlook on life itself, will get me through.  I also take it one day at a time as the cliche goes.  I find I "think too much" and some of those thoughts trigger "emotional eating" so I have to motivate myself to keep thinking "nice thoughts".  Since may 1st, I've really been doing well and now that the warm weather is upon us, I am out on the tennis court.  My energy level has increased and I just remember how good it feels when all is well with the world...if I can maintain those thoughts...then that MOTIVATES ME!

As for increasing the group.....I think it would be ok to increase a small number at a time.  Either way, the group we have now is AWESOME!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THIS WEEK....keep motivated :) :)

Maureen

Here is the link to my salad. It's really yummy and you can't stop at one plate!!!

Raspberry Spinach Salad

Hi all,

Thanks for the note Sara and you too Lee-Anne.  I was away for 5 days visiting my son for Easter and when I returned last night, I picked up some flu bug so am not up to par totally.

However, I read this week's topic and I have to answer is walking with my IPOD.  Not only do I get the heart rate up, muscles going but also it releases a lot of stress for me as I "boogey" on down to my favourite tunes.  I aim for a total of 50-60 minutes but do it in 3 sessions so I don't feel that it's a drudgery of trying to do the whole thing at once.

I also find playing a sport with a good player helps me as I enjoy the challenge of the sport.  I guess I've always been competitive and it is that that drives me harder .....not only to sweat but to win! ha!

Good luck to all, I'm in a bit of a slump  after being away 5 days for Easter and I wish that the Easter bunny would hop on out of my cupboards and stop leaving me goodies :) :)

I'm determined to do better next week or should I say ..........tomorrow!

Take care all,

Cheers,

Maureen

Hi Lee-Anne,

Thanks for the welcome back and yes it was a wonderful holiday.  Our weather was more rainier than normal but who cares when you can go outside with shorts on and walk around in 85 degree weather.

I'm going through "withdrawal" time this week and then on Monday, it's back to my healthy eating and exercise schedule that I was on before heading for Hawaii. 

How are you doing?  I hope we shall all reach our goals SOON!.....in this lifetime that is ha!

Sara, thanks for the sound words of wisdom.  I know I can't wait too long as it will be more difficult to get the weight off but I remember how good I felt just prior to my holiday and I want that feeling again!

Cheers to all,

Maureen

Hi all,

I had a bad day last Sunday...craved carbs (emotional eating) but stuck to eating only Graham crackers! (only thing in the house) but at the time that was my "fix" to whatever was pulling me down.

Anyhow, so far this week I'm back on track and keeping to my exercise regime in spite of the snowfall today!!.

I am off to hawaii next week and if Idon't post anything before I leave I will say ALOHA...good luck to all and I shall be in touch when I return at the end of March. 

For those who have had a  few slumps....pick yourself up and put one foot in front of the other and tell yourself"It's going to OK!...Spring is around the corner and getting more Vitamin D will boost all our moods.

Bye for now....I plan on being active in Hawaii as I have packed my tennis racquet, good walking shoes and the snorkel gear however, a Mai Tai and a few Lava Flow drinks might make the needle on the scale go up........BUT....I'll deal with that when I return.  I plan on having a good rest and lots of fun!

Take care everyone...talk to you on my return.

Cheers,

Maureen

Hello all,

I've had a pretty good week and am slowly but surely getting lighter but more importantly, I'm getting smaller as the inches are now coming off.  Have to say that one of the reasons I couldn't reach goal before was that I felt that I could never do it....just didn't believe in myself nor believe that through perseverance and dedication, that I would get positive results. Boy! was I wrong. 

This week, three people from the office commented on my weight loss and just hearing those little words spurs me on to another day, another few minutes of exercise, or giving me strength to walk past those tempted goodies sitting out on someone's desk. 

I haven't had too much time to research this week's topic but just wanted to share something that I started doing for "myself" to increase my metabolism.  I was blow drying my hair and it takes a long time and I tend to get impatient so I stood in front of the mirror and started doing  "squats"..Yes, you heard me right...i was doing squats while drying my hair and before I knew it I could feel the workout in my thighs and thought..hmm?? when one thinks of it, they can get in a few minutes of exercise throughout the day. So whenever I'm standing impatiently doing whatever, I try to make the best of the situation and make up some exercise to pass the time.

I am off to Hawaii in three weeks and won't reach my goal but when I think of it I have achieved one IMPORTANT goal and that is I haven't allowed little "cheatings" to make me binge which had been my biggest failure so actually I have achieved one great goal and I shall continue on at my snail's pace which is just FINE by me.

Thanks Sara, for all the input and work you put into this group. 

Good luck to all and no matter how bad things get, stay positive and remember tomorrow is another day!

Cheers,

Maureen

Hi Robin,

So nice to read your story and happy that you and your hubby found 'quality" time for each other.  I believe that is so important and also helps those struggling that we are still "beautiful" no matter what.

I had a bad weekend emotionally and ATE so today...Feb. 1st it's back on the wagon to re-evaluate my goal and positive attitude in moving forward.

Have a great week and may you have many more "hot dates"!!!

Cheers,

Maureen

Hi to all Wagon Jumpers....I've had a couple of emotional weeks (family emergency) but I'm back and hoping for some ray of sunshine from all of you. :) Thanks to Lee & Sara for continued support (much appreciated).

I quickly read this week's thread and here are my thoughts.

"What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?"

Well, I think I have always wanted to do some "fun exercise of sorts" as I'm normally quite competitive in tennis, squash, weight training and power walking (also have skiied in the past). So I have to say I would like to take either salsa or belly dancing or yoga lessons cause I have never tried that and it sounds like fun (especially the belly dancing and salsa).  I don't think I'm quite ready for "pole dancing" yet ! LOL       They are offered here at different times of the year and I think I just procrastinate too much and then the class gets full and I'm out of luck so my procrastination is the main roadblock.  I think I need to check the parks and recreation schedule earlier, pay the fee and then go for it.  At least when I go on holiday to somewhere warm, I may be a smash hit on the dance floor especially with my leaner body??????

I'm doing ok in that dept. I am still carrying two of the six pounds I gained over Christmas but after being on an emotional rollercoaster ride, i'm ready to focus on Maureen once again.

Good luck to all and see you next time :)

Cheers,

Maureen.

Hi all,

I'm back from my Christmas holiday in Ontario and am still waiting for my luggage to arrive from Vancouver (it's been two days now and no luggage!!...lots of backlog due to these snowstorms).  Anyhow, I trust you all enjoyed your festivities as I did with my family.

I had "planned" on only gaining ONE pound, but due to terrible, cold, snowy conditions and goodies galore.......I came home 6lbs. heavier.  But!! I'm down 2 lbs. already and the rest will be off by Friday....water loss anyhow.

Because of the bad weather I was only able to get one walk in and I did one weight training program indoors.  To keep me from going crazy from cabin fever, I knew that I had to burn off some energy in which case I went out and shovelled the driveway for one hour.  Therefore, I combined aerobic and anerobic exercise all in one.  I made sure I used my legs to do proper squats while digging for and lifting up that shovel of snow and have to say it was a great workout.  So my tip for exercise..........find "other means' of working out if you have no other way.  Parking the car far from the store and walking/ carrying two or 4 bags of groceries in at a time, concentrate on posture, strength and energy level is all I can offer at this time since I haven't been home to do my 3x daily walks or my squash games.  My clothes still fit fine but this extra bulk is soon to be gone!!.  I have to admit, that I got sick of eating sweets and big meals and felt so uncomfortable.  I guess I can only blame it on being HUMAN. 

Trust you are all on the road to achieving your goals and increasing the exercise level a notch or two.

Good luck to all and congrats to all those who are still doing well in CC.

Cheers,

Maureen

Hi all,

I have always been active and enjoyed sports but since I made this committment to reach goal, I was more determined to find "little extra ways" of burning calories.

My normal exercise regime consists of 2 -3 20minute walks daily or total walking minutes to equal 55 or 60 minutes.  Once or twice a week I play squash which is a great cardio workout allowing me to burn almost 800 calories in an hour.  Once or twice a week I try to get to the gym but if I can' t make it, I have 5 lb. weights at home so I do free weights and squats making sure I get in upper abdominal crunches.

My job is quite active and I work on the 1st floor but have to go to the 2nd or 3rd floor several times a day, therefore, I'm clipping upstairs each and evry time.  My job also entials a lot of filing so it is nothing unusual for me to stand, bend, stretch for files 1 to 2 1/2 hours day of filing so this adds to my calories burnt off.

When I go to the mall, I try to park far, far away and then I walk the whole mall a few times around.  I was born with a lot of energy and find the more I move the more energy I have and then ultimately, the better I feel.

Good luck to all, I am leaving for a week to fly to Ontario for Christmas so won't be able to write for the following week.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy, Succeful 2009!

cheers,

Maureen from B.C.

Hi,

I was a late member to Wagon Jumpers so I didn't post a goal at the original time.

I am happy to report that as of today I am past the half way mark for my goal date of March 6/09 in which I'm aiming for 145lbs.  It's going to be tough getting through Christmas but my emphasis actually is not to binge on the chocolates etc.  I am going to still count my calories and allow ONE lb. gain for that week. 

I lost a total of 3 lbs. for the month of November instead of the 4,  I had hoped but rather than "beat myself" up over it....I patted myself on the back cause I've dropped inches, feel great! and the most important thing....I DIDN'T BINGE NOR EAT OUT OF EMOTIONS!.  Therefore, I have to adjust and accept that one lb. a week is good and for that one week of the month, I just might not lose due to hormonal fluctuations. 

Sara, glad to hear you are ok from your conference.

Lalie: congrats on size 12!! ...ME TOO!! I even pulled out a size 10 pair out of my closet and guess what???...got them them up and zipped and although a wee bit tight....it is a big difference from wearing size 16.

I decided to join the squash club as a regular member and yesterday I went back to the gym for a killer workout....felt great!.  I know exercise is one of the MAIN keys in success and if I should have a few extra bites of something, well I just get off my chair and get my body moving whether it's going up and down the stairs a few times, cleaning out closet, out for a little walk...anything!!

For those just joining, welcome and good luck.  Patience, perseverence and committment will aid you along the way but remember...EAT TO KEEP THAT BODY FUELED...no other reason!

Cheers all,

Maureen from B.C. Canada

Hi Christine,

Many thanks for the positive feedback on my message to Felicia.  It's trial and error each and every day but in the end, we have to find out what really works for us.

My last week homework?? (forgot to respond).  I try to log in my daily food intake but I have avoided the 'little extras" like one mint (I stop at one!!!) or the two graham crackers if I'm still hungry at night.  I do know that logging in helps me meet my daily quota of calories and keeps me in tune to how much food I need to "exist" and how much food " will turn to flab!!" (ha)

Sara:  I think a membership of 30 is ideal.  I'm still fairly new in here so have many notes to write to other members.  I don't get on to my computer until late at night so I apologise for not participating as I should be.  Rest assured, I think of you all and manage to read each email sent.

Will write more later....i'm off to the Pub for supper out and YES< I already know what I won't be eating :) :)

Cheers to all and Sara.........YOU ARE DOING AWESOME!  (I do want to respond later to the visit you had with your mum)

Maureen: I LOVED reading your posts because you've been directly addressing emotional eating. Generally I've found that I need to fill up my time with so many activities I barely have time to eat except when I really need to.  That tactic's not working right now . . .  Did you do anything specific to kick that habit?

Felicia,

You wrote this to me and I'd like to take some time to respond. The truth is the majority of women are EMOTONAL EATERS and hormones do play a big part of that.  I feel society has put a lot of "stress on us" to look a certain way, wear a certain size etc. etc. and this also adds to the low esteem we feel from time to time hence, emotional eating.  Also, I find eating out of boredome, loneliness, depression, anger etc. etc. is our "comfort blankie" we seem to reach out to to make us feel better AND it does for a few minutes but then we get caught in that vicious circle once again.  Every one of us in CC know what to do, how to do it, what not to put into our mouths yet we are still human enough and along the way we go into these YOYO cycles of eating.  HOw many of us have lost that same 10-15 lbs. over and over again. 

You asked me (see above) what did i do to "kick the habit"....well, if you must know Felicia I sat down and thought of MAUREEN and what would make her happy and what is making her unhappy.  Naturally, being overweight was the main issue.  Then I asked myself ...how many more year am I willing to allow this to go by before doing anything about it.  I'll be 57 March 3 and on March 6, I leave for Hawaii...so I asked myself what do I have to do to make this committment work....to see what I've been doing to myself....and the most important thing I asked myself is : What AM I AFRAID OFF??? WHAT"S STOPPING ME from reaching goal...the answer was FOOD! I've allowed food (binges) to make me feel better; make me feel worse; me feel sick; make me feel that I'm worth nothing.  So Felicia, on Sept 1/08  I looked in the mirror and said ENOUGH! I've had enough of this CRAP....I'm worth more than this torture and I deserve to be happy AND I know I can do it if I allow Patience to guide me....deep down, I felt I couldn't do it and always felt a failure...now I mark my successes by losing little by little whether it's pounds or inches.  And we all know that happiness comes from within so I stopped blaming others for me being overweight....I TOOK CONTROL of FOOD.... AMEN!! (ha)

Hope this helps you Felicia and any one else...thanks for your words of encouragement.  Tiny steps Felicia..that's what I'm taking but you know what when I die (don't laugh at this ) I don't want to be overweight!!!! and I know that if I look after myself properly I can live longer!

Good luck Felicia, and good luck to everyone...it's a constant battle but one WE CAN ALL win!

Cheers,

Maureen

Enjoy the rest of the weekend all.

Sarah,

Adding squash to my exercise regime has certainly upped my weight loss as I play competitively for one hour and within that hour I can burn off up to 700 calories! It's been a godsend for me as living in B.C. our winters consist of rain, rain and more rain! Rather than sit in and watch tv, I feel that getting out and hitting the ball is a good stress reliever and I'm far away from the kitchen!!

Good luck this coming week to all of us!  DON"T let emtions control you by feeding these emotions with FOOD!...we are stronger than that!

Cheers alll,

Maureen

Hi Sara, Hope you are doing well. I am still on the road to success...slowly but surely but i'm half way there.

I trust you are doing well and thanks for the "reminder".  Have a great day!  Just off to work so will write more tonight.

Keep up the great work1

Cheers,

maureen