I am now into my second week of strict dieting, and I am quite proud of myself as I am still doing well, and I have not deviated off of my plan except for the one day when we went to see Bocelli. Several days ago I weighed and I can not tell you how happy I was to have lost 5 pounds, but even better still is seeing the difference in the way my clothes are fitting. To top it of, I had one of my co-workers tell me yesterday that he could see that I had lost some weight, especially in my face. I have been wearing loose clothing for sometime now, to try hiding my butt and belly. Today I wore a sweater that I haven't put on in a while as it usually shows every bulge, but I felt comfortable in it today and not self-conscience at all.
I am still having problems with finding the time for exercise, but at least I have been stretching and trying to walk more and faster. Even when I am standing in one place, I try to move from foot to foot and also flexing my buttocks and thighs and even trying some old belly dance movements such as rolling my abdomen or fluttering my belly. (Can't do it like I use too!) I am trying to pay attention to deep breathing, which is also great for relieving stress. I try to take advantage of doorways, doing a makeshift standing push-up and stretching my shoulders.
I really have noticed that I am not as hungry as usual either, and part of the time I couldn't care less if I ate or not, but I am being very aware to do so in small amounts. I am not as concerned either with what I am eating, as food is not longer my primary focus. That's not to say I am not paying attention to food, actually not eating much, but it is nice not to be experiencing that constant urge to feed my face.
With that being said, I need to be more conscience of experimenting with preparations of my meals and trying not to let it get boring. Not so much for myself at this point, as I have already said, I don't seem to care about it, but mostly for Vito. He has been really good in not sabotaging me and actually he has continued to cut back as well. But I know Vito, he is a creature of habit and although he is doing well with it right now, soon he is going to want something fattening and he will blow it to hell and back, iif I don't keep his pallet satisfied with appetizing food.
Also Mom will be coming down for Christmas soon and I need to create some goodies that are not too bad for us all. I have planned my diet in such a way that I will be on my "off two weeks" through the holidays. That doesn't mean eat everything I want, but some splurging in small amounts and just trying to maintain for two weeks. Then I plan to go back on another two weeks of strict dieting after the first of the year. That's the plan, two weeks on and two weeks maintenance until I get to the weight I want, and then it will be perpetual maintenance. I don't ever intend to let this happen to me again!
This weekend, Vito, two other friends and myself are going to some of the worst areas of Camden where there is a tent city of homeless, to feed some of the people. It is a project that we have committed to try to do every other Sunday. We have been collecting winter coats, sweaters, etc., and also have been getting donations for our cause; some giving us money to buy food, and then some restaurants, bakeries and produce places are giving us food donations to take with us. It is shocking as to how many people just in out area are homeless and without food. One guy told Vito that he hadn't eaten in a week! Can you imagine? That is inexcusable that so many are starving in our own country, in our own neighborhoods. We are not a third world country, or are we? We will be if we all don't take action and become more human, get involved. My hopes is that other people will start taking responsibility and trying to help feed the hungry in their communities across the nation. Now I know that many contribute to different charities, and that is good, but often we don't really know where that money goes. I'm not saying people should stop donating to charities, but if you get out and volunteer and mingle with the less fortunate yourself, it is very rewarding for the soul and you are actually making a difference for someone as well as for yourself. The experience makes you appreciate what you have and as a result you really become a better person. It puts your life in a better perspective. If everyone would even volunteer and try to help these people even once a month, what a difference it would make in our nation and in our world. We can't fix everyone or everything, but we can take steps to do something even if just for a few. You never know how you my effect just one person's life and change everything for them or the world.
I bring that up because we all need to be aware as to how blessed we are to have a home, a bed, and food on the table. When we become more grateful for our blessings, we are less likely to abuse ourselves with food or any other addiction for that matter.
Also, I would like to mention that people often tend to be more generous to the poor during the holidays, but the problem continues to exist afterwards. It doesn't go away after Christmas is over, just the opposite a statistics show that the homeless suffer even worse because there tends to be less donations during January and February, and those are the most harsh months due to the elements. We can't forget about the unfortunate, as it could be me, or my sister or brother, mother or father, or my child or yours. It could be you or yours.
Enough of that; get creative with dieting, move when you can and be grateful for all that you have today.
TIP: If you have a flight of stairs, make a habit of going up and down them an extra trip each time (even better if you can do it three or four times each trip). Also, buy a set of ankle weighs and just wear them whenever you can. They will help to strengthen and tone your legs. Also while seated, you can lift your legs together or one at a time straight out in front of you, life leg lifts. You can also do leg kicks to the back of you while washing the dishes.
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