Friday, July 1, 2011

Another day, another workout!

I struggled today in my workout this morning, but Alex was conscientious of my abilities.  It is a great thing to have the support of someone that knows what you can do, and pushes you to go beyond what you think your limits are.   I am doing so much better, I can feel it now.  I have been so out of tune with my body, mainly ignoring it. I appreciate the nutrition class this last week, Mindy helped me to understand the food labels much better.  She also helped reinforce the portion control, wow I now know why America is getting obese! 
If anything, this challenge has helped me to once again tune into what my body needs and how I feel.   The challenge has reminded me of what I need to feel better, and gives me the support that will leave a lifetime of good habits and health.  I am so glad that I was chosen for this challenge, yes, even on the days when I don’t think I can do another minute of a workout.  Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t easy, but to know that others in the challenge are there makes it somewhat bearable.  I saw Lori and Rose today during my workout, and Paul was there as well. Just seeing others in the challenge helps me to go another day, walk another step farther, and keep up the struggle until I overcome.  I hope we all have a great 4th of July weekend!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Checking in for this week

Today in my baskets (from Bountiful Baskets) I got several plums, mangos, limes, a pack of strawberries, peaches, and Granny Smith apples. I also got a huge head of Romaine lettuce, lots of carrots, a large head of cabbage, celery, and some spring onions. A good haul of fruits and vegetables for only $16.30 total.  This last week from Sunday to Saturday was mostly good. I missed class on Thursday, but will meet with Mindy on Monday.  I didn’t make a goal of working out for 6 days and there were no excuses, I just didn’t do it.  I did have a good workout with Alex today, thanks so much.  Some goals for this week is to keep my food journal, exercise 6 days, increase my vegetable and fruit intake.  Lifestyle change does not happen overnight, my trainer is my friend, and you can do this are things I struggle with daily. Alex, my trainer, makes it bearable to finish my workouts, I am not as motivated but ready to quit without that support. Right now the best I feel I can do is to take the challenge one day at a time.  I have found that preparation is essential to my nutrition and intake goals, but the time it takes is overwhelming, but I feel it should get better.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

On our way

Saw another participant this morning at the Wellness Center, she was working out with her trainer, I think her trainer's name is Josalyn (sorry if I misspelled your name). I feel more and more comfortable working out when I see members of our 100 Day Heart Challenge team. I wanted to quit at 20 minutes, then 25 minutes, and last 30 minutes, but I went 45 on the seated-elliptical . My goal by the end of this challenge is to be jogging on the treadmill...have to keep your dreams high and reach for the stars!

We are just leaving for the few days off. The few days off doesn't include exercising, water intake, or food journaling. I will report how I did on Friday when we return. Will miss everyone at our nutrition class this Thursday.
Bruce

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Challenge for the Challenge

I start my short vacation tomorrow. My family and I are going to Sanpete County to do family history research and enjoy the Manti Pageant. Luckily we reserved a hotel in Ephriam in March and it has a small exercise room. I will be using it! The test will be to keep my food log and keep away from all the goodies.I know I can make great choices, my wife is preparing raw veggies to take and wonderful 9 grain bread as well. Thanks Diane. I will miss our class on Thursday but have made arrangements with Mindy to meet and make up the class.

I don’t want to be like this anymore!

I worked out this morning with Alex and he pushed me, but I asked him to do that. Watching shows like Biggest Looser and those types, I understand that you really need to do two things with exercise. First you need to push yourself to do more or have someone you trust push you. Secondly, you need to push yourself through the pain, real or imagined. No one can do that for you, it is something that you need to realize, and get on with it. 
It was so great to see Cheryl, Traci, Lori and others in the wellness center this morning. I honestly wasn’t as embarrassed like the first time.. I think this increased self assurance is due to the smiles and conversations from those around me.  I want to thank all my friends that have sent me encouraging emails.  THANK YOU!
It was great to see Cheryl’s smiling face in our leadership class this morning after we worked out at the wellness center. That spirit of togetherness is what will get me through these 100 days, and beyond.
Now to get a little more philosophical:
I know that some of the things I want to do such as workout, eat better, decrease stress and balance my life are not absolutes, or must be done perfectly. Today I realized that it took over 30 plus years to get myself in this situation and the change will not happen overnight, but I am determined for it to happen. 100% is my goal; and listening to my trainer, dietician, and others in the group makes this challenge and my goals accomplishable.

For those of you, who want to get a great deal on fresh fruits and vegetable, please look into Bountiful Baskets.  http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ Each week you have the opportunity to get fresh produce for a good price you get a laundry basket of fruits and a laundry basket of vegetables for only $15.00. You don’t always know what you will get, but 99% of the time I use every last veggie and fruit. Last Saturday I got Mexican Packs and used some of the items to make this great salsa. I didn’t put any extra salt in it and it still tasted great and fresh. http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/featured-recipe-tomatillo-salsa/ 
Good luck to all of us this week and Alex, yes I will work out 6 days a week…. J

Monday, June 20, 2011

First Post whewww!

All,
I really haven’t been neglectful in doing my blog part. I just couldn’t get into the blog and called Janet to get things worked out.  So, my first week was very interesting. I kept a food log, exercised with my trainer, Alex, and Traci last Thursday evening.
The food log was something that I occasionally did while on other diets or routines, but this time I am more determined to succeed so I have made this a priority, not a goal per se, but a priority.  From the very first few day  I saw that I allow work and stress to interfere with my nutrition. When I spoke to Traci about this she wanted me to try and eat smaller meals at closer increments. I am starting that today. The biggest barrier I have is prepping for the food. If I do not prep, I will stop at the closest fast food place and try and make a choice of a good item that really, in my opinion, doesn’t exist.
Last Thursday I went to the Wellness Center to meet with Alex and Traci.  I was so nervous to go, well to be honest, embarrassed. Traci and Alex made me feel very much at ease, and tailored the workout so that I could succeed. Thanks Traci and Alex. I look forward to my twice weekly meeting with Alex.  I thought that I made an appointment with Alex for last Saturday at 11:00 a.m. but when I called him, it was this coming Saturday. So one good thing happened, instead of giving up or leaving, I did cardio for 45 minutes. 
I remembered someone asking me if I wanted to win the contest. After pondering about winning, I just decided that winning wasn’t the apex of this experience, that learning lifestyle changes, committing to improve my lipids, increasing my endurance, and generally feeling better was the prize for me regardless of being the ‘winner’ or not. Don’t get me wrong, it would be great if I were the winnerJ. I think that all of us in the challenge are winners just for trying; but to see the end and have goals in mind, plus the best support from co-workers and the staff makes this a time that allows for new habits to be formed, lifestyle changes to occur, and increased self-esteem to blossom in each and every one of us.