Sunday, April 27, 2014

Will I Ever Learn?

I've mentioned that I haven't been eating very well lately and yesterday it caught up with me.  Major heartburn ALL DAY!

I got it the first time about 8 years ago.  My weight was at an all time high and I was living on a steady 6 meals of fast food a day.  All of a sudden I started getting these pains right in the middle of my chest at the bottom of my rib cage.  I finally went to the doctor after trying Tums and immediately throwing up after taking them. Nothing would stay down without causing immense pain. And I would be up all night doubled over in pain from the pressure in my stomach and the pain in my chest.

Brace yourself...

My doctor told me it was heartburn. I was surprised, because I didn't think hearburn would be so painful. Commercials for heartburn just show people with a little discomfort grabbing their stomach in pain, not doubled over the toilet wondering if they are dying. I was experiencing intolerable pain!  She told me to change the way I ate and prescribed me a month of some prescription acid reducer to help with the flare ups.  She told me no coffee, no soda, get rid of the fast food, start exercising and you should see improvements.

So I did it. I stopped drinking my half pot of coffee a day, drinking soda constantly and stopping at fast food joints every chance I got.  I actually quit caffeine for 2 years. I dropped 50 lbs by doing Weight Watchers and really started to feel good about myself.

The heartburn has come back a couple of times, but it is so painful that I will immediately change my eating habits again...and again...and again.  I keep falling in the trap of eating like garbage and not expecting any
consequences.

Close enough


So, let's do this again. I'm starting Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live Challenge anyway. And this recent flare up just solidifies my need to change the way I eat.  So starting today, I will start with no caffeine: no soda, no coffee.  This is going to be especially difficult, because this week I have to work third shift at work, so my usual meal and workout routine won't be happening this week, but I don't really have a choice but to change.  My body has had enough.

Have you ever had to change your eating habits?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Eat to Live

Yesterday I went for a run/walk. I completed both Week 3 Day 2 and Week 3 Day 3 of the Couch to 5k program.  I usually will complete one 'day' by heading out from home and then walk all the way back home, but I hadn't completed a day since last Wednesday I believe, and wanted to get through it - because I knew I was capable of it.

I was planning on Zumba tonight, but for no good reason decided to not go which left me feeling pretty down about my weight (especially since I stopped and got Rocky Rococo's for supper). I haven't been eating very well, staying in my calorie range for the day? - yes, eating healthy? - no.

More like here and Instagram.

I had put a hold on the book Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman on the elibrary.  I read it before a long time ago, but it was more of a skim through rather than a read and absorb.  I like that he knows "diets" don't work and promises that I won't ever go hungry on his plan.  I also really like that the way he says we keep weight off is by eating real, natural food, not by eating the fat free, sugar free, over-processed foods that many diets encourage people to eat.

Challenge accepted!

Since I am going out Friday night to a beer bash, I will start Saturday fresh and on this new eating plan.  Dr. Fuhrman says to give him 6 weeks and it will change my life.  That's a big promise, but I'm willing to take on the challenge.  This will give me a day to plan my meals and grocery shop so I start out successful.

Have you ever read this book or another book to help lose weight or inspire yourself?

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Spring is in the Air

I think living in a place where we have long, cold and snowy winters, really makes me more appreciative of sunshine and warm(er) temps, especially since it just snowed 2 days ago. I went outside to do my Couch to 5k workout. I am on week 3 day 1 which consisted of run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes for about 20 minutes.
Some muddiness and puddles from the melted snow.
Spring flooding of the River. 

I bundled up a bit, because the temps are just in the mid 40s and it's pretty windy out.  Otherwise, the sun felt amazing and the air smelled like Spring.  The ducks were swimming in the river, the geese were squawking and strutting around, and the robins were flying back and forth. I felt like I was in a Cinderella movie or something and we were seconds away from bursting into song.

Bundled up, but loving the sunshine.
Today was my day off, so I had the whole day to do what ever I felt like.  I slept til 9.  I was in a baking mood and ended up making a brown sugar and cinnamon coffee cake and a loaf of bread.  I also cleaned the house and did wash.  I know, I know. I'm a wild woman!  I also am reading Game of Thrones, the first book.  I am borrowing it from the elibrary and only get it for 7 days. I have only 4 more days and am not even 20% of the way through.  I may have to just buy the book myself.


Do you run outside?  
Have you read the Game of Thrones series?


Sunday, April 13, 2014

Change is a Process

I've had a long hiatus from running. Jomo really hasn't been running all that much since the marathon in October.  I didn't realize how much those 26.2 miles took out of me, physically and emotionally.  I was completely empty of any desire to do any activity...unless you count snacking on the couch cardio.

Sometimes

I recently started running again.  I started the Couch to 5k program, because I can't just run for fun.  I have to have a program to follow.  I use the free app right on my phone so I don't even have to think about when to run or walk. The nice lady just tells me, "Run now" or "walk now". I don't even wear my Garmin. I need a break from being obsessed with time. I just want to enjoy being out there again.  I finished week 2 today.

The app I use

I've also been trying different exercises. I've found a love for Zumba. I've always enjoyed it, but there is a class on Tuesday nights that is just SO fun. I rearranged my work schedule just so I could go to it! I can't believe how much I sweat and how many muscles I can feel working!

During my 6 month running hiatus, I have also gained 20 lbs.  It's pretty depressing, but I just kept eating like I was training for a marathon when I was doing little to no activity.  Now I am trying to work it back off.

I did Weight Watchers for 3 months.  I signed up on my birthday, Dec. 30, after wanting to make a change with my eating habits.  There was a 3 month deal for only $18, so I figured why not?

I lost a couple of pounds, but ended up gaining another 5.  I just couldn't get into it again (I had done it years ago and lost 50 lbs).  So, at the end of the 3 months I cancelled it and started using the free program, myfitnesspal, again.  I deleted my old account and made a new one - sort of like a fresh start for myself. I'm jnmolina if you want to "friend" me.  I have managed to lose 5 lbs so far.

Wanting to change and actually doing it is so hard for me. I'm trying not to make too many changes at once so I don't become overwhelmed. I'm also trying not to put too much pressure on myself to work out.  I become sort of obsessed with it.  That's why I'm not bringing my Garmin on runs or even keeping track of my miles so I don't become obsessed with the numbers.  

Change is a process

I'm planning races again too.  I haven't done any in 6 months. I just did a 5k yesterday and walked it with 2 friends. It was pretty fun, even though it started raining down on us right after mile one!  I have a few more I'd like to do: an 80's themed 5k in June, the Iron Girl in August, and a half marathon in September.  It feels good to finally be looking forward to working out again!

What is your favorite form of exercise?