Bwah!

I was in the mood for a blueberry muffin. So I stopped at a chain donut shop for their low fat blueberry muffin thinking it would cost me 8ish WW points... Whoa!!! I came home to find out that it will cost me 11 points due to 75 carbs per... How is this possible? I only get 33 points a day. 

I need to put this in perspective though. I started this diet saying I wasn't going to deprive myself; that I was going to eat smarter and healthier. BUT!!!, that I was going to be realistic about treats as well. I need to acknowledge that I eat them and put them into my plan.  In the past, I would be super strict, cheat with something and then go overboard and never count the calories. Duh! I know it sounds insane, but it is true.  But, I want to be the true, authentic self our Lord wants me to be, so I need to tell the truth- document exactly what I am putting in my mouth. I had a great priest tell me once, "Tell the truth about yourself!!!"

I am grateful, again Lord, for the help you have been giving me.  Even at 2 and a half weeks, I feel things are different this time.  All for your glory!

Omnium in Bonum,

Denise

Slow and steady

Well, I had my second weigh-in today- down 3.6 pounds for the week and 6.2 pounds in total.Yeah!  Not bad for two weeks. I can tell that I am over 40 now as things are moving so slowly, but nonetheless- it is progress. I am totally grateful.  WW sets a first goal which is a 10% weight loss- that number for me is 17 pounds away.  I wonder how long it will take me to get there? I can't wait to be able to wear clothing that I have from only a couple of years ago (still in fashion).

I have been holding off on buying anything at all for this summer. At least until I get 10 or 15 pounds under (or should I say OFF) my belt. Plus, it will be good to get a sale price!

Lord, thank you! And please continue to shower me with your grace to remain faithful to this little eating plan.  I want a body that glorifies and serves you and my family. 

Omnium in bonum, Denise

Well, I have been working on my diet now for 1 week at 5 days. I had my first weigh in last Tuesday and I only lost two pounds.  I had been away over the weekend and had little control over my choices of food. My guests offered me Mexican food on Friday night and Pizza on Saturday day night.  Also, there was a big reception after the graduation I went to with a big buffet. I did have some success at controlling myself, but I found it so hard to overcome my desire to eat all of those delicous goodies! I do know I could have asked for more grace to struggle against my weakness. I know all the help I need is there if only I ask.

The good news though is that my waist circumference has already gone down one whole inch. And my hips have gone from 51 inches to 49 inches!!! Totally awesome. My clothes already feel better.  I have exercised this week Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and today!  This is a huge change as I was a big couch potato for the last 18 months or so! 

Below is a picture of my guy- I totally love him!  He became the Holy Father when I was in the 5th grade and to be honest, I miss him here on earth. He was like another great dad to me! I had the opportunity to see him in person 3 times.  The first time was at World Youth Day in 1993 and I was 23 years old. The theme of WYD 1993 was John 10:10- A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. ( I also love the next verse: 11: I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep- which is exactly what JPII did).

If you are interested, here is the prayer to his intercession-

O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having
graced the Church with Blessed John Paul
II and for allowing the tenderness of Your
Fatherly care, the glory of the Cross of
Christ, and the splender of the Spirit of love,
to shine through him. Trusting fully in
Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession
of Mary, he has given us a living
image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has
shown us that holiness is the necessary
measure of ordinary Christian life and is
the way of achieving eternal communion
with You. Grant us, by his intercession, and
according to Your will, the graces we implore,
hoping that he will soon be numbered
among Your saints. Amen.

My next weigh in is on Tuesday- I hope the scale moves a little more as I get more active. My metabolism appears to be moving at the rate of a rusty old barge in sludgy water!  With your help, Lord, I will progress!

Omnium in Bonum,
Denise

Motivation

Just a short post today. I am totally grateful that after 3 days of the detox we are doing I am already noticing a differences AND a friend already commented (unsolicited) that she noticed a change. What???!!!!  That is totally motivating.

I leave tomorrow for a short trip to the east coast to attend a graduation ceremony. I was a little worried about how I would handle everything, but now I have the motivation and grace to keep on working the little plan for myself. My host even called today to ask me to bring work out clothes as there will be some hiking involved!!! Woot woot!!!! Even a little exercise already planned into my weekend. Awesome!

2Cor 12:9-But he told me: "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ's power will live in me.

Full Court Press

So I have decided to attack this weight loss effort with all the available means I have- Spiritual, physical and emotional.

If you happen to read this blog post, you can pray that I will be able to persevere in these efforts!  I usually have my own motivation last for six weeks, maybe even two months.  But then, my resolve dwindles and I get into old habits. I realize that some may not think that praying about losing weight is worthy of God's attention, but I do. I believe that God cares about our every concern- including our health. I believe he counts the hair on our heads! So I plan on relying on HIM to help me to persevere.

Also, I decided to receive a few sessions of acupuncture and the first one was today. I do have some other health problems that make losing weight more challenging. So my hope is to receive some help with my overall health/weight loss with this additional natural treatment.

Finally, I am exercising.  I can honestly say I don't remember the last time I have exercised. Perhaps two years ago???!!! So far I have exercises 4 times since last Tuesday. Pretty good, eh?  I feel great walking on the treadmill. I don't like walking outdoors as much, but it certainly challenges me more. I enjoyed being outside with the butterflies and the view of the nearby river, but it doesn't feel natural to me.  My husband calls me a 'Citygirl' and I suppose that is totally true!

So, so far so good. Feeling good but insecure. I have failed at this so many times in the past.  I am full of optimism and trust that with our Lord's help I can be healthy! 

Omnia in bonum

Denise

And here we go...

Well, I am writing this as a journal to document my current struggle to become more healthy and through that, a better servant of our Lord.  I have failed many times in the past, but, I have decided to turn this whole thing up to Him.

Today is May 1st- I am starting in the Month of our Lady.    I turn this over to her and to the intercession of Blessed John Paul the Great.

Here is the truth:

 I don't feel good alot of the time. I am not one of those people who wakes up in the morning and feels great.  I want to 'rest' alot.  I have avoided doing things I enjoy or that could serve others because I am exhausted.  That stinks.

Why I am still fat:

Well, pride for sure- I think I can do this on my own.  I lack the humility to ask our Lord for help each and everyday.  But, also, I LOVE food.  I do.  It motivates me in which other things don't. I will drive to the store to get something I want and yet, won't get off the couch to go for a walk... Also, a lot of stressors over the last 6 years. Yes that is right- SIX LONG YEARS.  But more on that later.

My motivation:

Serving our Lord better in my family and friends! To be more available to others especially my husband and two year old- to keep a cleaner house and be more involved in things I like to do!


So here is the good the bad and the ugly:

I started Weight Watchers today. I weigh 237 pounds. My waist circumference is 43 inches and my hips are 51 inches.  I am 5 foot 5 inches tall and am 43 years old.

Lord, I give this struggle to you. You will be the only way I every succeed.  Let's do this until November 1st and see where we get.


Today I leave this thanking God for the grace of today and that I can respond better tomorrow!