Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Day 82 of a "HEALTHIER LIFE"

Sorry, I haven't been posting about my achievements but trust me, trying to get adjusted to exercising, eating healthier and living a cleaner lifestyle has really taken my time away from me. However, I'm pretty happy to say, I'm finally catching up to life and within a week, I should be right on target.

I am doing FANTASTIC on this adventure/journey...I'm learning to keep a journal of my foods, my exercising and my feelings...I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get to the finish line, but I know for a fact now that I am on my way to a better and happier life. Again, I won't be posting how much weight I've lost because whether one has 5 lbs to loose or more, it's still important to get to a healthier life.

Part of my new lifestyle is also living a "greener" cleaner one. I make my own face cleaner and using non-toxic cleaners in my house, mainly making up my own out of vinegar, baking soda and water. In time, there will be more...This summer we are even going to put up a clothes line and for as long as the weather permits, my dryer will sit still...

I'm working on some curtains, my quilt, a cq block (I am so desperately trying to finish), and a beautiful cross stitch angel. I'm preparing to create some art on fabric, knit up some kitchen dish cloths, make a knitted shawl for my Sister in Law for Christmas and getting materials ready to make my paper.

My herb garden is getting cleaned and is much bigger than last year...Yeah!! I am so looking forward to the first signs of greenery...I have been baking bread, making muffins and have plans for some canning this summer..

So now you know what this country bumpkin is doing, let me know how you all are doing...Would love to hear you are working on and what your plans all..

Until later!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Happy Hump Day!

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Hump Day!!

As promised here is my weekly post...I don't still have much to show in the way of art, but soon, I promise...Once again, we did some more additions to our house which included various messes about..This is a great thing I assure you!!

So with the end of January came a new lifestyle change and yes, weight loss. Originally, I was going to post the amount of weight I lost but have decided against it..Why you say? Because my new lifestyle change isn't just about weight, although a good percentage of it. It truly is about living a better, happier and healthier life.

In regards to my weight change (see, I'm going to say "diet" anymore if I can help it). I make better wiser choices..Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables (essential), lean meats, dairy and grains..I am learning to balance these all out so that I am not overeating in any one category. And yes, the weight loss is really working..

My physical activities have improved...I do 30 minutes of Yoga a day..Yoga is a great way to help your body either get to or stay balanced with better posture. I do strength training about 4 days a week to encourage more toned muscle and less fat approximately 20 minutes each session..I also include aerobics and balance exercises to burn calories, increase muscle mass (over fat) and again, working to coordinate my body even better. I work out approximately 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours a day with the exception of Sunday's when I only do about 20 minutes of Yoga.

I'm reading my self-improvement mind books, my mysteries, of course, and doing some writing again.

Included with all of these changes, I'm getting about 7 hours of sleep a night. I've spent years only sleeping anywhere from 2 to 4 hours a night and now I'm having to retrain my body, encouraging sleep. I must admit, I'm quit liking it.

So, as you can tell I'm feeling much better. For those of you are on some type of self improvement journey, just remember, you are not alone. You have friends who care and together we can do this.

Until later, Blessings to you all!!!!

Friday, January 29, 2010

January 2010 Is Nearly Over???

It's been nearly a month (4 straight weeks to be exact) since I started my new lifestyle change. I don't want to use the word "diet" as I think it comes with negative connotations attached, but I do admit to needing to loose mega amount of weight.

The new change isn't negative; in fact it's so positive it's off the charts. Each day I jump out of my bed actually looking forward to that one more hour or more workout. It's hard to believe that when I started my journey, I was lucky to do 20 minutes of exercise. Now, I work out for an hour plus an additional time for either walking or jogging.

The food I'm eating isn't diet food either. I try and eat good healthy foods; fruits, plenty of vegetables, proteins, some type of milk product and of course, my eight glasses of water. My diet coke consumption is 1/3rd of what it used to be and I have started drinking hot green tea. Because of my age and worries of whether or not I'm getting the recommended amount of nutrients, I'm also intaking 1 daily vitamin plus additional vitamin C. I'm reading self-improvement books as I know I need to accept a different lifestyle with hoping it will add to my self-esteem and confident issues.

Changes like this require desire, dedication and the realization it is for the best. However, I've also discovered it has altered my time a bit and I need to make some modifications for the things that also important and try to balance all of this out a little better.

If any one is interested in joining me, that would be awesome. My first suggestion; remember to start with baby steps..Every step you take is one step closer to a healthier goal. It takes 3 weeks to break a bad habit but it only takes that same 3 weeks to make good ones as well.

I'll try to post to my blog weekly and update my goals. I'll be honest with my weight reduction, talk about the exercising and how I'm feeling through all of this.

The quilt I'm working on is called "Snowball with Nine Patch"...It's going to be for our bed and I think will be absolutely beautiful. The crazy quilt block is one that should have been finished but will be shortly, thank goodness. I'm cross stitching some hearts to give to my granddaughters for little Valentine Gifts, plus embroidering a pillow case. I'm reading Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Your Sacred Self", Kathy Reichs's "Fatal Voyage" and The Bible.

Until I return, have a great day!