Tomorrow night is the final weigh-in! I am sorry that the program is almost over. I will miss the Greatest Thriver program, even though I am still going to exercise at Forest Ridge. Somehow the program has kept me on track for these eight months.
I only hope I can continue to have the same enthusiam that I have now. The summer months are harder for me because I do so much yard work in addition to housecleaning and vacationing. Never-the-less, I still have good goals for myself for the rest of the summer. My goals are: I want to be a better looking Grandma this year when I take my granddaughter to Holiday World. I know I won't be a candidate for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, and really I wouldn't even want to be. I just want to lose at least 10 more pounds before we go in August.
Last year, I went as a lumpy, bumpy, but never grumpy Grandma. I really had a blast there and enjoyed the water and fun, but I would certainly enjoy not looking so awful in a swimsuit.
Last year, I shopped for the suit in a larger than life size and didn't even put it on again at home in front of the mirror because I looked so terrible. Carly, my granddaughter, loves me so much she didn't realize that her grandmother was such a frump, but I knew.
This year I will be slightly less frumpy (34 1/2 pounds lighter) because of Greatest Thrivers. I might even try the highest water slide this year.
Thanks Greatest Thrivers and thanks to Henry County Health Dept., Nate Minyard and Dr. Miller, Laurie Stonerock and all who sponsor the program. It is a great opportunity to begin a healthier lifestyle. It's been awesome!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
We are all winners!
The finale for Greatest Thrivers is almost here. Next Tuesday, May 19 will be the final weigh in for this year's program. It has been a real hoot.
I began the program in September with very little hope that I could lose weight and learn to exercise properly. I was shocked to think that I had to exercise at least four times each week. I doubted that I could stay with the exercise routine through the winter months. I also doubted myself in many ways. You see, like most of the Thrivers, I have lost weight many times in my lifetime and quickly gained back more.
But this program works and I made it to the end. I am a Thriver!
I can say that the Greatest Thrivers program has been a real life-saver for me. I have lost 34.5 pounds so far and have gained a lot of knowledge about myself and how to exercise properly.
In the past, whenever an crisis came along, I folded and began to melt down and binge eat. I didn't just nibble around on favorite foods, I jumped into a vat of chocolate and ate my way out.
This time has been different, I have continued to exercise when my husband had cancer surgery. I continued to exercise through Christmas parties and holiday celebrations. I continued to exercise through the winter snow storms and spring's first sunshine. Now the hard part is near. Greatest Thrivers is almost over. But I am determined to continue the regime for the rest of my life.
One thing is for certain, there has been "No Losers" on this program. All of us are Greatest Thrivers. We have lost pounds and inches and gained self-respect and knowledge. All of us Thrivers are winners! I am so proud of every one of us!
I began the program in September with very little hope that I could lose weight and learn to exercise properly. I was shocked to think that I had to exercise at least four times each week. I doubted that I could stay with the exercise routine through the winter months. I also doubted myself in many ways. You see, like most of the Thrivers, I have lost weight many times in my lifetime and quickly gained back more.
But this program works and I made it to the end. I am a Thriver!
I can say that the Greatest Thrivers program has been a real life-saver for me. I have lost 34.5 pounds so far and have gained a lot of knowledge about myself and how to exercise properly.
In the past, whenever an crisis came along, I folded and began to melt down and binge eat. I didn't just nibble around on favorite foods, I jumped into a vat of chocolate and ate my way out.
This time has been different, I have continued to exercise when my husband had cancer surgery. I continued to exercise through Christmas parties and holiday celebrations. I continued to exercise through the winter snow storms and spring's first sunshine. Now the hard part is near. Greatest Thrivers is almost over. But I am determined to continue the regime for the rest of my life.
One thing is for certain, there has been "No Losers" on this program. All of us are Greatest Thrivers. We have lost pounds and inches and gained self-respect and knowledge. All of us Thrivers are winners! I am so proud of every one of us!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Less than six weeks to go
I feel like hitting the panic button - there is less than six weeks to go on the Greatest Thriver. I have lost 33 pounds so far (24.5 inches) and have said goodbye to 200 pound mark FOREVER! I feel like I have accomplished so much and yet, I still have so far to go.
I will miss the teamwork portion of the Greatest Thriver journey when we are done. I truly believe that we have become a team on this journey and have encouraged each other along the way.
I also believe that I have learned new skills that will carry me on to the final weight loss goal that I desire. I, like others, will have to continue the journey on for the rest of my life to be successful.
In the past, I lost pounds with a special diet and then eventually got tired of the food and began to add my own personal diet plan to the mix. Hopefully, I have learned to eat sparingly the things I like so I won't go overboard and gain all of my weight back.
This week, I had my yearly check-up at the doctor's office. My doctor was so proud of me and my blood work was really good.
I will miss the teamwork portion of the Greatest Thriver journey when we are done. I truly believe that we have become a team on this journey and have encouraged each other along the way.
I also believe that I have learned new skills that will carry me on to the final weight loss goal that I desire. I, like others, will have to continue the journey on for the rest of my life to be successful.
In the past, I lost pounds with a special diet and then eventually got tired of the food and began to add my own personal diet plan to the mix. Hopefully, I have learned to eat sparingly the things I like so I won't go overboard and gain all of my weight back.
This week, I had my yearly check-up at the doctor's office. My doctor was so proud of me and my blood work was really good.
I would say to anyone who wishes to sign up for Greatest Thriver next year to definately get your name in at the Henry County Health Fair. That is where I signed up last year.
The Greatest Thriver has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned new exercise skills and learned to control my eating not with a specific diet, but by eating wisely the things I love.
Come to the Henry County Health Fair, June 13 at the YMCA and start a new healthy lifestyle!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Remaining Faithful To Myself
I have been reading about how everyone is getting into action and really making this last two months count on our Greatest Thriver journey. That is really great! As for me, I have continued to work out 5-6 times each week and find that whenever I leave the exercise routine behind I miss it. I guess I love routine. Somehow it makes me feel safe.
I still have a lot of weight to lose in the next two months and realize that I won't even be close to the goal weight I desire by the end of the Greatest Thriver journey. That is scary for me. It makes me want to go on a very strict routine, a fad diet or something, and not stick to what I know works for me.
I have to look at the progress I have already accomplished and realize that this "routine" is forever. I can not go back to the lifestyle of my former self and expect to have positive results. Someone said, "If you do what you have always done, you can expect the same results as you have always had."
I watch The Biggest Loser and have noticed that the minute the contestants get an opportunity to eat starch and sugar they always seem to over indulge. They never seem to learn. (even when the cameras are rolling)
I still have a lot of weight to lose in the next two months and realize that I won't even be close to the goal weight I desire by the end of the Greatest Thriver journey. That is scary for me. It makes me want to go on a very strict routine, a fad diet or something, and not stick to what I know works for me.
I have to look at the progress I have already accomplished and realize that this "routine" is forever. I can not go back to the lifestyle of my former self and expect to have positive results. Someone said, "If you do what you have always done, you can expect the same results as you have always had."
I watch The Biggest Loser and have noticed that the minute the contestants get an opportunity to eat starch and sugar they always seem to over indulge. They never seem to learn. (even when the cameras are rolling)
My prayer and greatest desire is that Greatest Thriver's experience and the coaching of Lauri Stonerock will remain with me throughout the rest of my life. I want to be a different person and remain faithful to myself and my lifestyle change forever.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Easter Eggs Got Me
Well, it finally happened. The chocolate Easter eggs got me and I gained .8 of a pound last week. I know better than to mess with chocolate temptation, but unfortunately I did it anyway.
Because I am such a slow loser and don't lose but one pound or so per week, a whole week's progress was thrown out the window. But that was last week and now I am walking the straight and narrow again. See you at the scale!
Because I am such a slow loser and don't lose but one pound or so per week, a whole week's progress was thrown out the window. But that was last week and now I am walking the straight and narrow again. See you at the scale!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Exercise well worth the effort
The beautiful sunshine of the last two days has been an inspiration to me. I am inspired to shop. Yea, I get to get a whole new wardrobe this spring because I have nothing that fits. In most years, that is because I have outgrown my clothes. But this year is different, I have shrunk! Hurrah!
The Greatest Thrivers experience has been a good one for me. I have learned to exercise at least 4-5 times each week, watch what I eat and control my portions. So far since September I have only gained one week and that was .4 of a pound. So I am slowly taking off the excess weight.
I have lost weight numerous times in my life, but this is the first time that I have undergone weight training. I have learned that even though muscle weighs more - it sure looks better.
The winter has always been an extended time of depression and overeating for me. When the sun doesn't shine, neither do I. This winter while exercising at Health Ridge, I have made it through the bleak weather with less depression time because I have exercised.
Exercise is the key to success in my book. A routine exercise program has relieved my stress, increased my mobility and lifted depression.
I wish I could say I love it, but I don't. I only say that I know I MUST exercise. It's like flossing your teeth. Few people get up each day and say, "Wow, today I get to floss." The same is true with exercise. Although exercise is hard - it's well worth the effort!
The Greatest Thrivers experience has been a good one for me. I have learned to exercise at least 4-5 times each week, watch what I eat and control my portions. So far since September I have only gained one week and that was .4 of a pound. So I am slowly taking off the excess weight.
I have lost weight numerous times in my life, but this is the first time that I have undergone weight training. I have learned that even though muscle weighs more - it sure looks better.
The winter has always been an extended time of depression and overeating for me. When the sun doesn't shine, neither do I. This winter while exercising at Health Ridge, I have made it through the bleak weather with less depression time because I have exercised.
Exercise is the key to success in my book. A routine exercise program has relieved my stress, increased my mobility and lifted depression.
I wish I could say I love it, but I don't. I only say that I know I MUST exercise. It's like flossing your teeth. Few people get up each day and say, "Wow, today I get to floss." The same is true with exercise. Although exercise is hard - it's well worth the effort!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Husband on the mend
My husband, Mike, just got home today from having surgery at Reid Hospital. He had prostate removal surgery last Thursday so I spent five days in the hospital trying to keep him company.
We are both glad that he is at home and on the mend.
As for me, it was hard being in the hospital and eating the food that was available. I admit I didn't keep 100% to my healthy eating plan. I kept the exercise up though so I hope I don't have a weight gain.
Well, at least I'm back at home and ready to get serious with the food plan again.
We are both glad that he is at home and on the mend.
As for me, it was hard being in the hospital and eating the food that was available. I admit I didn't keep 100% to my healthy eating plan. I kept the exercise up though so I hope I don't have a weight gain.
Well, at least I'm back at home and ready to get serious with the food plan again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Kick it up and smile
Winter is almost over and it is time for us to start thinking about spring. Spring always means a time of new beginnings.
As a farm girl, I always look forward to spring when we begin a new crop year. It is a time when the sun begins to shine and so does my spirits. It is a very busy time of activity.
I want this spring to be a time of new personal beginnings for me with my diet program. I have found in the past two months of cold, snowy weather that I have fallen back into patterns that are not the best for a person who wants to be successful with their new healthy lifestyle plan. I have dipped into the chocolate candy dish too often.
It is time to get serious and tough for us on the Greatest Thriver program. I don't want to be a Survivor. I want to be a Thriver, don't you? There is little time to waste now. We are well over half way through our program and I am not half way to my goal weight.
I am happy that I have lost 27 pounds through the winter months, but that rate of loss will not get me to the goal weight I so desire to be at come June. So I plan to kick it up a bit this month and smile all the while.
As a farm girl, I always look forward to spring when we begin a new crop year. It is a time when the sun begins to shine and so does my spirits. It is a very busy time of activity.
I want this spring to be a time of new personal beginnings for me with my diet program. I have found in the past two months of cold, snowy weather that I have fallen back into patterns that are not the best for a person who wants to be successful with their new healthy lifestyle plan. I have dipped into the chocolate candy dish too often.
It is time to get serious and tough for us on the Greatest Thriver program. I don't want to be a Survivor. I want to be a Thriver, don't you? There is little time to waste now. We are well over half way through our program and I am not half way to my goal weight.
I am happy that I have lost 27 pounds through the winter months, but that rate of loss will not get me to the goal weight I so desire to be at come June. So I plan to kick it up a bit this month and smile all the while.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Old Dog Learns New Tricks
In the past year, I took a course with Clarian Health to learn how to help people quit smoking. The task of breaking an addiction is very daunting. I learned that the nicotine from tobacco can be flushed from your body in 72 hours, but the habits that you have acquired make the smoker want to smoke for much longer. These habits are called triggers. Triggers are everyday habits you do without thinking that make you think you want a cigarette. Like having a morning cup of coffee.
Dieting is much the same as smoking. We develop habits that make us want to turn to chocolate or cookies or chips. Personally I have always been a stress eater. Of course I don't eat stress, but I am someone who turns to food for comfort in times of stress. "Afterall, I deserve something special..." Does that sound familiar?
Several days ago, I attended a particularly long meeting in Indianapolis. It had been a snowy drive to the conference and I was extremely nervous about the traffic. The day was long and I was feeling overwhelmed at the task before me. When I got in my car to travel home in rush-hour traffic, I had the intense craving for McDonald's French fries. In fact, I thought I was gonna' die without McDonald's French fries. The feeling grew with each passing mile. I HAD TO HAVE SOME FRENCH FRIES!!!
I thought of the advice I so freely give the people who want to quit smoking. I smile and tell them to put off the act for as long as you can.
Taking my own advice, I passed the first exit that boasted of having a Micky D's and decided to try to make it to Pendleton exit. The traffic was slow and it took a while to get to the exit. By the time I got there, I decided to put off my purchase until I got to New Castle. Well, you guessed it. By the time I got to New Castle, I had come to my sences. I drove on by McDonalds and came home to fix an evening meal of Lean Cuisine.
This little episode taught me a good lesson. When I am in a stressful situation, I absolutely can not turn to food. I have to retrain myself to sing or pray or laugh. Anything but eating will do. I guess even this old dog can learn new tricks!
Dieting is much the same as smoking. We develop habits that make us want to turn to chocolate or cookies or chips. Personally I have always been a stress eater. Of course I don't eat stress, but I am someone who turns to food for comfort in times of stress. "Afterall, I deserve something special..." Does that sound familiar?
Several days ago, I attended a particularly long meeting in Indianapolis. It had been a snowy drive to the conference and I was extremely nervous about the traffic. The day was long and I was feeling overwhelmed at the task before me. When I got in my car to travel home in rush-hour traffic, I had the intense craving for McDonald's French fries. In fact, I thought I was gonna' die without McDonald's French fries. The feeling grew with each passing mile. I HAD TO HAVE SOME FRENCH FRIES!!!
I thought of the advice I so freely give the people who want to quit smoking. I smile and tell them to put off the act for as long as you can.
Taking my own advice, I passed the first exit that boasted of having a Micky D's and decided to try to make it to Pendleton exit. The traffic was slow and it took a while to get to the exit. By the time I got there, I decided to put off my purchase until I got to New Castle. Well, you guessed it. By the time I got to New Castle, I had come to my sences. I drove on by McDonalds and came home to fix an evening meal of Lean Cuisine.
This little episode taught me a good lesson. When I am in a stressful situation, I absolutely can not turn to food. I have to retrain myself to sing or pray or laugh. Anything but eating will do. I guess even this old dog can learn new tricks!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Cowgirl at heart
The weekend has been a great one. My granddaughter and son came to the farm to stay all night. At four years old, Carly still thinks she wants to be a farmer when she grows up. She got to ride a horse this weekend and play on the computer so she was a busy camper. Lots of fun for Valentine's Day. As a little girl, I always wanted a horse. I have continued to want a horse even though I am afraid to learn to ride at my age. Carly begged her grandpa today to buy Grandma and her a horse. She said, "Grandma and I can be cowgirls - we really can, Grandpa."
I only have a fear that I cannot get myself up on a horse any more. They seem much higher off the ground then they used to. Maybe after I get muscle mass in better shape, I can lift myself up on a horse. Who knows?
Today was sunny and bright which made me think that spring was not far away. I can't wait until I can get outside this spring. I love my flowers and need to dosome major work in the garden area.
Well, I lost weight this week despite the fact that I had company for a visit. Little by little I am nearing a halfway point in my goals for myself. I am learning to get back in the "saddle" after I fall off my diet horse. I guess I can be a cowgirl afterall!! Ha!
I only have a fear that I cannot get myself up on a horse any more. They seem much higher off the ground then they used to. Maybe after I get muscle mass in better shape, I can lift myself up on a horse. Who knows?
Today was sunny and bright which made me think that spring was not far away. I can't wait until I can get outside this spring. I love my flowers and need to dosome major work in the garden area.
Well, I lost weight this week despite the fact that I had company for a visit. Little by little I am nearing a halfway point in my goals for myself. I am learning to get back in the "saddle" after I fall off my diet horse. I guess I can be a cowgirl afterall!! Ha!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Going Back In Time
Have you every felt like you are going back in time? This week I did. My big sister, who lives in Georgia, came to visit for a few days. We were both raised as farm girls and spent much of our young lives eating and cooking our favorite recipes. So naturally when we get together, we want to reconstruct "old times." This usually includes noodles, dumplings and all of the fixins. At present, my sister is a borderline diabetic and I am the kid sister who can only see the borderline of obesity in my rear view mirror. In other words, we both need to break some bad habits.
This visit with my sister wasn't spent entirely in the kitchen or nearby restaurants. When I went to my favorite eatery, I made better, more healthy choices. I realized that I still had a great time and can have a wonderful fellowship without the presence of gravy. Ha!
I did indulge in a few chocolate treats and am hoping that I don't have to pay too big of a price on the scales this week. Life is sweet afterall!
This visit with my sister wasn't spent entirely in the kitchen or nearby restaurants. When I went to my favorite eatery, I made better, more healthy choices. I realized that I still had a great time and can have a wonderful fellowship without the presence of gravy. Ha!
I did indulge in a few chocolate treats and am hoping that I don't have to pay too big of a price on the scales this week. Life is sweet afterall!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Turning Back The Clock
Greatest Thrivers has been an interesting experience for me. At sixty years old, I still have a lot to learn. This is my first blogging experience and I am up for the challenge. Hurray! (I think I am getting younger.)
When I began Greatest Thrivers in September, I really didn't have much hope that I could get myself back in shape. I was very stiff and unable to walk without wobbling to and fro. Greatest Thrivers was not my first time at losing those ugly pounds. I have lost a ton of weight in my lifetime, but never learned how to keep the pounds away.
My trainer, Laurie Stonerock, has been an inspiration to me. She has taught me a lot about exercise. I work out 5-6 times each week and increase my weight training every two weeks. I never dreamed I could find the time to exercise so much, but somehow I have managed to get it done. It almost seems natural to me now.
I have lost 25 pounds and 24 inches so far. This weekend when I went sale shopping I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Ha! What a treat to buy new clothes that actually looked good on me.
When I began Greatest Thrivers in September, I really didn't have much hope that I could get myself back in shape. I was very stiff and unable to walk without wobbling to and fro. Greatest Thrivers was not my first time at losing those ugly pounds. I have lost a ton of weight in my lifetime, but never learned how to keep the pounds away.
My trainer, Laurie Stonerock, has been an inspiration to me. She has taught me a lot about exercise. I work out 5-6 times each week and increase my weight training every two weeks. I never dreamed I could find the time to exercise so much, but somehow I have managed to get it done. It almost seems natural to me now.
I have lost 25 pounds and 24 inches so far. This weekend when I went sale shopping I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Ha! What a treat to buy new clothes that actually looked good on me.
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