(New Year) Fitness Resolution

LIFE EVENTS
Last year (2012) was an eventful year, to say the least.  After being absent from blogging for several years now (I hope I remember how to use this), thought it appropriate to start up again to catch up just a bit but also to start to diary a weight loss/fitness goal that I've set for myself.

The catch up:  Since Jensen graduated last December, he went to Oman in January/February!  Jenelle got engaged and then married in August!  Justin and Talia got married in September!  Woot woot!  Yahoo!

HEALTH PLAN AND SUCCESS
Back in September of 2011, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to lose weight and by doing so, I knew I'd feel better and have the energy necessary to be able to plan and ENJOY the wedding (I knew of only one of them at that point) - oh and look better, too!

There are so many factors as to why I was successful and lost almost 28 pounds.  I was motivated.  I had a deadline.  I joined Weight Watchers, which is an excellent program.  I had the support of my fantastic husband and family.

HEALTH PLAN AND FAILURE
I lost control of my goal and spun into a very undisciplined lifestyle.  I didn't have a routine at all and my A.A.D.D. was complicating things, too.  Additionally, other many large life events as well as extended family stressers took on steam and I'm convinced that is one of the reasons I've put on about 14 pounds of which I lost over the last year or so -  in just three short months. 

I know that Failure is an EVENT  and not a characteristic or defines who I am.  I am determined to regain control of my life and health.  I know that my level of spirituality will play a big factor in new successes and will call upon the Lord many times every day for guidance, support and courage.

THE PLAN
So, what am I going to do about it?

There is a Facebook page that a gal in my church's congregation started about a month or so ago.  It is a walking/running group page and she invited whomever wants to, to join in her a fitness/exercise schedule starting this week.  I'm planning on joining them for two of their "walks" a week (I'm committing to Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00pm).  So, that means tomorrow!  I also just renewed my Curves membership and hope to fill in the remaining days of the week with that workout.  I really should be there right now, but I just pulled in to town from driving back from Utah (I was the only driver) and trying to get my bearings.  I really need to feel organized so I'm not distracted during my workout and cut out early.  I'm like that.

Additionally, I knew I'd have to get back into a better eating/diet plan.  I thought about Weight Watchers again, and know I'd have success, but was really conflicted with myself because it's takes a fair amount of planning and time - menu planning, shopping, counting "points".  I thought that after the holidays, I'd be able to put more concentration into that.

But, in the meantime, on my way home from Utah, I stopped in to visit with my friends, Kelly and Bruce Barfuss in Idaho.  They told me about his brand-spakin' new business venture into Herbalife.  The more he told me about the program and his efforts to make this is primary source of income, the more I convinced myself to give it a try instead of Weight Watchers.  I was his first customer!  You know how some business owners frame their first dollar?  I hope he frames my check!  LOL

DIET COLAS
I started the HerbaLife regiment today.  While I'm at it, I am determined to get off of drinking diet colas!  This unhealthy, bad habit has been plaguing me for about 17 years now.  In my head and heart I know I will be so much better off without it but just haven't had the fortitude to go through with it permanently.  I have stopped on about three occasions but then a stressor arises and I run back to it as if I was an alcoholic or illicit drug user!

WHERE I'M AT and MY GOALS
I'm starting out at 154 pounds.  I'll add my measurements in on my next post since I haven't done that yet.  I definitely want to lose the 14 pounds that I put back on.  An additional 5+ pound loss would be great. I'd like to feel better and have more energy.  I am achy a lot and think that weight loss and better hydration will help with that as well. 

THE REGIMENT
Herbal "Tea":
I had the HerbaLife herbal "tea" that is suppose to get you off to a good start as far as energy, first thing this morning.  It does have lots of herbs in it, but along with that, it actually has caffeine.  I'm sure that's what is a big part of the "energy"!  I altered the ratio of "tea" mix to water (1 teaspoon of mix and 12 oz of water) and added in a teaspoon of Splenda since it was a little too bitter for me.  Once I'm use up all of my Splenda (Costco size bag) I'm going to convert to Stevia, which is healthier/more natural. 

Water intake:
The HerbaLife plan recommends drinking half of your weight in ounces of water.  So since I weigh about 154 that means I should drink 77 ounces of water a day.  NO WAY do I think I cold stomach that.  Add to that the "tea" and the 8 ounces of water in the shakes/meal replacements twice a day and I'm sure I would feel nauseated most of the day.  Additionally, I just don't think about it when I get busy or don't have it handy when I'm at work.  This WILL be a challenge. 

Immediately upon arising every day, I do drink about 4 ounces of water - religiously.  Additionally, if I drink 12 ounces of "tea" every morning (which is kinda fudging on the water intake), I will still have to guzzle 61 ounces of water.  I'm going to commit to 34 additional ounces which is how much fits in a huge travel mug that I already have.  That would bring me to a total of  50 ounces a day.  I have to stop drinking by about dinnertime or I have to get up in the middle of the night.  (I can't really do that since I have to take meds to help me sleep).  If I drink the 4 ounce glass of water upon retiring (with my meds), I'd be at 54.  Anything more than that, I will feel even better about.  I know that for the first few weeks of higher water intake, many more trips to the bathroom are involved so I'm planning on wearing pants that don't have to be unbelted, unbuttoned AND unzipped all at the same time!


Meal Replacement Shakes:
HerbaLife Meal Replacement Shakes.  I got a 30 day supply:  1 vanilla and 1 chocolate.  This morning I added a half of a banana and ice to the vanilla shake mix and it wasn't too bad!

Sensible Dinner:
I'm thinking this will just be a normal dinner since Jeff will be eating it as well.  Since doing Weight Watchers last year, I've come up with some good recipes that we both like that are healthy and not too high in calories, fat or carbs.  There will always be a veggie and I'll probably add in a side dish of rice, potatoes or pasta for Jeff.

Snacks:
I definitely have to do in between "meals" snacks because of my hypoglycemia.  I plan to just have a cheese stick, yogurt or Laughing Cow cheese wedge with a fruit or veggie.  If I can't do that because of convenience and proximity to refrigeration, I'll keep some sort of snack bar with me.  Jeff and I have really become attached to a brand we get from Costco - Trio bars.  They have mostly nuts with some bits of dried fruit in them and have enough of a protein/carb ratio to be a good choice for me. 

Supplements:
The HerbaLife Starter kit came with a multi-vitamin and a "Cell Activator".  I still want to understand the science behind all of this but thought it was a safe program considering their long reputation of quality products.  I will continue to research it so I can feel even better about what I'm putting into my body! 

I'd say "wish me luck" but it is definitely not a matter of luck.  It will be determination and self-discipline, so whatever words of encouragement you would like to offer that doesn't involve luck, I'd be appreciative of!