I Cared About Me

I look back 3 months at what I was eating with little to no exercise and the sluggish feeling I had along with all the medicines I was taking  and I can say today I am free!!!

I am free of weight issue. I am free of exhaustion. I am free of medicines. I am free of the recliner. I am free of negativity. Someone cared enough about me to show me that I should care enough about me, as well. 

I Did It!

There's just no way to share my remarkable results in words. I am truly blessed. Watch it and see!

http://youtu.be/jbdcvZnuiz8

It's going to be OK

Excited to see doctors next week to get results of what I believe to be good numbers. I have eaten very clean with exercise and walking being my daily priorities. Also, excited to start this Semester with BSF as we start a thorough study of the book of Revelation. 

For there is nothing better than to love the Lord with all your heart and all your soul and know that in the end everything's going to be ok.  

It's Happening!!!

The halfway mark is here!!! Tomorrow morning I will happily walk into the Lab and have my blood work done. My results will be in by evening and I can't wait to see my Doctor's face when he opens the chart to see the ridiculously low numbers! I am believing this! I have worked so hard to make a change in my health. I claim this new me!!!!

For the better!

There's no better feeling than to start a workout knowing it is going to be rough but you do it because you love the feel afterwards. Such a personal, absolute, healthy, and clean high from achieving more today than yesterday while knowing tomorrow is going to be even greater!!

I have changed my thinking to better my actions. I have changed my diet to better my health. I have changed my attitude to better my life. I have changed for the better!!!

Excited about Life!

Yes. You read correctly. I wake up excited about the day and what I am going to do.  I do not work outside the home any more but I do work! I work at making my life healthy. So many yummy recipes and so many new healthy dishes to cook. There are new exercises I have yet to do, primarily because I was unhealthy, but now I say bring it on! Although I can be limited in doing it, I am not defeated. I find I am more energetic, more happy, more friendly, and even more mentally alert. It is all because my doctors told me I was Diabetic and I refused to accept. I am now on the road to show myself and the professionals that caring for ourselves is more than taking a pill and accepting the diagnosis. It is believing there is more to living than taking medicines and being a pin cushion for all those shots. It is taking back my life one day at a time!

Wandering Star

"Be still! Dig deep! Ground yourself!" These are the things I remember as growing up. You can and do all you want if you just you follow these 3 things. Funny how that comes back to remind me many years later. All so true! Seek to know who you are and what you want from living. Nothing happens until you do then plant yourself. Be still, dig deep inside where the core of you is and then stop! Ground yourself and pursue life! You will never be nothing but a "wandering star" if you don't. Words of days gone by still echo in my mind. 

It's Done

Down for the 2nd stage of my "healthy-get-fit journey" and results look good. I feel great! Taking a day break and back on this journey and this time I am on my own, no coach to cheer me on or push me forward. Hoping for a cheering session from friends and family as motivation is always good. I have lost over 11 lbs but the inches have really fallen, even my dress size has dropped. All the final numbers come when I have ended this battle to be healthy through sheer strength and stamina as I seek to achieve all my goals. I am in it to win it! 

Day #20, 2nd Journey

This getting healthy is not easy, but super exciting. We all have hit those bumps in the road. Health issues steered me off the "Healthy Higway".  It is a challenge to find the "road map" that leads you back to the "Healthy Highway" but not impossible. It need not be difficult or unpleasant.  

It is always up to you. I made the decision after another health scare and this time I am in it to win it! One more day left with this 21 day journey. It's back up and going again with my group 9/8/2015 for my 3rd 21 Day Fix Journey but actually 4th 21 day journey. Confusing? Read my blog starting early June and you will see the issues I faced and am now overcoming. 

If we fall to the ground we find a way to stand back up. Who wants to crawl? So why should we make life in general a struggle? When we make bad eating choices and choose not to exercise, we are giving in to the crawl. 

"Stand up!" Is my life time Motto! 

Making It Happen

We none can accomplish a single thing until we decide to make it happen and follow through. This is my mindset for this daily decision to excel at doing my best at whatever it is. Loosing weight, eating healthy and cleaning out my body of all those nasty toxins and to rid my body of any need to take medicine are all the reasons I need. Yes, there are days when I have a little less motivation but not long. It is totally up to me to be my best motivator and win this battle. When it comes down to the wire, I want to have a fantastic medical checkup. In fact I'm banking on it. 

From Here I Move Forward..Day #11

Even a month & 1/2 back when I was preparing to ride my bike I knew it would take much more exertion. I have pushed and done all that is required to gain a life-long-way-of health-and-fitness. Still not where I want to be. However my goal is in reach. I finally weighed in just to see how I am coming along. Since June 3rd I have lost 10 lbs. Keep pushing!!!!

Mental Strength Produces...Day#9

Today's challenge begins with a lot of activity. This is what burns the calories. Riding my bicycle which is a mere manual paddling type, so requires much leg movement. Later I'll do a 30 minute power walk and Upper Body Video, in addition to my 10 minute Ab. Lastly I will use my push mower to mow the yard. So, I believe I may very well burn some calories. I am noticing more arm and leg definition while the waistline begins to find a shape. Yeah! Why quit? I am on a thrill of a lifetime at my age. I say if I can, you can. I am confident that my blood work at the end of August will produce some great numbers. I am out to prove to myself and the doctors that healthy eating with the right consumption plus exercise will produce a body free of meds and full of life.

Yesterday I was really burning those calories. I did an hour Power Walk in the crazy heat we have, later in the day I did a 30 minute full body cardio and a 10 minute Ab workout in addition to much walking, outside of my normal workout. 

"Be mentally stronger than what you physically feel." 

I believe if you can power through a regimental exercise plan with this in mind you will achieve your goal. I'm betting on it.

Never Give Up-Day #7

Today I am giving it all I have even though my body is saying, "NO!"

Yesterday my body felt depleted of all energy, sore to the bone and my bulging disc in lower back wanted me to stop. I did slow down, but still got my 30 minutes of exercise in even though some were modified. 

Eating at proper intervals so the body is being fed, eating clean and drinking lots of water will keep me on track and feeling much better. It is daily educating myself to what foods provide more energy at the times I need them and what foods tend to elevate the sugar and blood pressure. Today I have learned to keep afloat I must "Just Keep Swimming".

Before The Sun Goes Down on Day #5

Yes! I am still going strong even with some of my health frailties. Got a 30 minute hard core cardio done and 10 minutes of non-stop Ab workout. Out for a PW (power walk) before the sun goes down. Topping this day off with evening meal of Ground Beef Patry (95%>) and a cup of Salad with my own home-made Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing. Oh! Not to forget the water. Hydrating cleans out those toxins, especially when you are eating healthy.

To that I say, "Day well done!"

Moving On..Day #4 Down

Doing much better with the exercises. Must mean my body is adapting to a little cardio and weights. Keeping up with at least a 30 minute power walk, although this was the first day I had to bypass the walk. I was extremly exhausted, but will pick it up plus more tomorrow. My Blood Pressure is so unreal GREAT that I am to-the-moon-and-back happy with myself. My major concern is my sugar. It has only tapped into single digits a couple of times, so tomorrow will be my first check in about a week. No weigh in at all until I hit Day #21 and that morning I will run to those scales. If I have not made it to my goal weight then it's another 21 Day Fix. I believe I will have time to do one more round before my 3 month follow up with the doctors for more testing. It is one day at a time and one pound at a time. Nothing is going to happen if I don't move. I am pushing it!!!

Never Give Up

On this my 2nd day of my "Getting Fit Journey" #3 I'm learning my body's requirements. Adequate amount of sleep is defiantly a must. Exercise actually makes the body want to rest. My average  healthy-feel-better sleep time is 7-8 hrs. If I fall short of that my body does not respond as well to exercise. Also, it is eating throughout the day small meals instead of larger ones. Of course, eating the right amount of the nourishing foods best fuels the body. We don't want to forget water. At first I had to make myself drink the required water amount of 50%  daily, but no more. I actually want it. I  have omitted sweet drinks and I do not miss them. So that's it for today. I am staying true to my goals whether it takes me weeks or months, but I'm never giving up.

Making Change Happen

According to Dr Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon in 1950s, it would take about 21 days for his patient to see a difference. Hence the quote "it takes 21 days to form a new habit." 

With my recent 21 Day Fix plan of eating and exercising regularly I believe this to be an accurate statement. So much so that I am entering into doing it again. Listen as I tell you my short story.

http://youtu.be/UzLCr6eQjIE

Journey #2 FINISHED!!

July 13th I weighed in and took those measurement. I grabbed the Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor and  the One Touch Ultra. 

Can you believe it???!!!! I lost 12-14 inches, depending on areas one measures. Although on this 2nd 21 days I only lost 3 pounds, I built up muscle mass so I was not dishearted but excited. My BP continues to amaze me at the low readings. My blood sugar is not consistent yet, but is much lower. A few days I dipped into double digits. It is my goal to stay there. I do not like those 3 digits even low as they may be. After all, it is the A1C test that will determine Diabetes. I still have until September 1st for my first testing. Second comes in late November, early December. This one is my final test before it is determined if I am to be labeled "Diabetic and go on BP meds".  

I say, "No way!"

I actually believe in what I am doing is what is required to be healthy. We tend to take medicine when we could have beaten it by eating right and exercising daily. I recently stopped my cholesterol meds and my arthritis meds. Blood work in Septmeber will be a big factor as to whether I made a good decision or not. I believe in the power of a healthy body!

Yesterday I set up a small secret FB group of friends & family to inspire others to get up off the sofa and on the feet. Motivation is great for all of us. I am excited to see how we all do and learn new recipes and maybe a new exercise or two. 

I officially begin Journey #3 July 20th with my original group, drinking my daily shake with many nutrients  and tracking my foods and exercising daily. 

I will post a small daily update on this next exciting hurdle.

Wish me luck!!!

I am in it to win it!!!!!

Almost There

My second consecutive 21 Day Journey is almost at a close. I am excited to see the results of what I have accomplished. I see it in my energy. I see it in the mirror. I see it in the clothes I wear. However, the scales and measuring tape will confirm how well I have done. The amazing part of this journey is that my health has improved. Blood pressure and blood sugar are both in a normal range.i have not denied myself any foods good for me, only those that aren't. I will take a week reprieve and begin my third 21 day journey of eating healthy and exercising daily. Every journey we take has a few hurdles but we overcome. I am an overcomer!

I am Strong!

"There is nothing more beautiful than believing in yourself."

Be all of you, your strength, your thoughts, your heart, your desires, your passions and through it all simply smile. At the end of the day you can say,"I AM STRONG!" Powerful thoughts bring powerful happenings.

~Kayron D. Huff

https://www.facebook.com/groups/InspiringAgapeLove

Day 17

As this day ends I think back to when I began this journey. June 1st began 21 days of doing it my way. I did well, lost a few pounds, got to feeling healthier and felt much more alive. But on Day #22 I started over on a new program, more strict, more accountable and results began to come about much more rapidly. So as I started Day #1 of the 21 Day Fix program, I truly became motivated as the coach and other members held me accountable. I have 4 days left in this round. I intend to give it my all. I will take a week off and start over. 

Day 13

On this 21 Day Fit Program I am learning more about my body's capabilities. Age has no bearing on whether we can or cannot. It is the mind that takes us there. Sometimes it takes people to motivate us, sometimes it takes a health scare and other times it simply takes a determination of personal will to begin a healthy lifestyle for life. 

Today my 13th day of this program I am challenged more as the soreness sets in, but it will not beat me. I see improvement in my shape, the clothes I wear, the way I feel but the scales are not as cooperative. If I am to stay with this program I must continue to educate myself on the "what, when and why" of overall healthy eating & lifestyle. So my first step is to realize and document evidence. I find that muscle weight is heavier in weight than fat.  While I have basically lost very little on this last 21 day journey, my body has taken on a new form, less around the waist, arms, chest, thighs and even my hands. My blood pressure is at a normal range and my resting blood sugar is also in a normal range. This is a battle I intend to win. We can accomplish much if we just put our mind and heart into it. Be our own motivator! Just do it!

Refreshed, Renewed & Energized

Day #8 of my second 21 day journey of better eating, better living and better health. Just in 8 days I have regained stamina I thought lost. While I eat to nourish I am really not hungry/craving foods. I am excited to do the next day's exercise, excited to see changes in my body. This is totally a transformation and I can hardly wait to see the portrait of me my mind had drawn.

Up for the Challenge

Ending the 21 day healthylife awareness journey that began June 1st with an amazing drop in my blood sugar & blood pressure and 5 lbs. vanished is only the beginning of what I hope to accomplish.

I now step into a new 21 day program. This journey is an awareness of my body's need for nourishment and exercise, not my personal habitual need to eat and sit. It is learning that aging can be beautiful if the mind will allow it. As I complete Day#2 and embark on Day #3 I am giving my mind permission to let my body enjoy the goodness of a healthy aging. 

"Get up and get moving!"

Day 21

Yippee!!!!! The sugar is down even more, weight is standing still for today, BP was also amazingly lower. Didn't get exercise in today. I made it my rest day. Was just a little threatened today by sweets in the home. I confess I had a couple chocolate dipped strawberries and a dipped apple. Overall I have been very disciplined. Ate light, drank my proten smoothie but did not consume as much water as I should. I have recently learned that to flush out the toxins and help me stay full I must drink at least half my body weight daily. That's good-to-know-information. 

So, down with Day 21. 

Day 20

Motivation isn't easy when you've been idle too long. It took a reality check to put a step back into my walk. Started my journey June 1st. Now on day 20 as I climb my mountain I can begin to see the top, although still far away it's closer than before.

Reality brings things home, makes us appreciate life and the determination to live it with as much enthusiasm as one can muster. A good healthy attitude and a lifetime to match makes the road a happier one.

When I began this journey, my blood pressure reading was just a bit too high and blood sugar teetering on the Diabetes side. Although I am not overweight, it seems to be that eating wrong foods of late had moved the weight into an area of the body that is not healthy. Today I weighted in 4 1/2 lbs. lighter, BP 112/71 and pulse rate at 64. Sugar was a bit too high, 122. I am educating myself in a fast way what constitutes a sugar. I forgot that my pure organic raw honey I normally use in my de-caf evening coffee with a touch of cinnamon is not recommended, hence the higher sugar reading. Honey went in the trash. In fact, I have cleaned out a lot of things from my pantry. Salt no longer has residency here. Water has moved in. 

Off the couch and out the door!  Gym time, outdoor bicycling, walking the dogs, walking me ( a little humor), floor exercise, DVD Workout, mowing yard, and whatever else I can find to keep me moving. I have a healthy and sensible breakfast, my protein shake with fruit about mid-day and end the day with another sensible meal, adding water throughout the day.

Day 20 down and out.

New Dawn

Energized for another beautiful dawning, I sit outside awaiting the sounds and visits of the early morning backyard birds while sipping on my hot, bold coffee. During early to late Spring and even early Summer this time is my moment of tranquility, of a beauty that is etching its own image of God's beautiful creation. 

While there are many chirping sounds, there's an unusual melodic tune filling the air from atop the trees. What bird is that? Wait! It's many different birds. I continue to scout the trees, the rooftop, the skies. Where are those birds that are bringing such beauty to my ears? A soft breeze flows through the tallest pine and I see him singing his song. It is only one bird! Yes, it is him, Mr Mockingbird. He has a gift of memicking the sounds of other birds, even frogs and incorporating them into one beautiful song. I counted 16 different sounds before he paused to start again. Yes, I did hear the frog sound as he hit a low note. 

I continue to enjoy my tranquility time when the backyard becomes quiet..ery quiet. All of a sudden a beautiful big Red-Tailed Hawk swoops down to the ground from behind the pines and the sounds of many birds sing their alert sound. How I hate this moment: the beauty and life of many birds being jepordized by the beauty of another. God, in all His beautiful creation knew what He was doing. Yes, it is the "dawning of a new day", again.

Did you know?

Once upon a time, long ago there was this great love that could not be contained. One person held onto this love for as long as one can and from that love an even greater love was birthed. Brilliance like unimaginable radiated from this amazing love, touching many who in turn told about this love. Time passes. Excitement and joy of telling about this love became so overwhelming that jealous reared its ugly head trying to crush this rippling magnitude of love. Destruction was inevitable. Mission was accomplished, so it was thought. A love so great cannot be destroyed. This love was created by the one who created all things. 

Now you know the "rest of the story".

~kdhuff~

"Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life."

John 3:16

Drifting Along

Yesterday was awesome! Great reviews on the work front with new job title, got in an early morning exercise, great hair day, dinner out with friends was relaxing, got that "oh-so-expensive" jacket on sale, and surprisingly laughed often. 

However, today is another story.  Lay-offs are announced. With the new title comes the dreaded responsibility of downsizing; great friends, but none want to listen; stress is looming; today is defiantly a hair-pulling" day; there's a snag in that new expensive jacket and trying to muster a smile seems impossible. What else can go wrong??!!!!!

Do you take what the day offers or do you offer something to the day? Are you just drifting along, living each day with a "come what may" attitude or do you live each day with a "hello world, it's me" attitude? Life will pass leaving you with many regrets or life will pass leaving you happy and content. It's simply a choice made daily. 

"In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master."

 ~Colossians 3:23 

"Let all that you do be done in love."

~1 Corinthians 16:14

Healthy eating. Where does it get us?

The story goes, "if you want a good life eat right & exercise". Kind of not true because you can eat whatever you want and have a life, not necessarily a good one. It is when I was faced with a health issue that I said, "No More!" 

My doctor ran the test one day and the next day I was sitting in her office dreading the outcome. I had known for the last two years that my diet was not like it use to be. My weight fluctuated a few pounds up and down, but nothing drastic. I had gone through physical therapy a couple of times for some back issues. My exercise regiment was defeated, at least this is what I told myself. So the "I-will-do-better-later attitude" was born. Meals prepared at home were seldom. Eating out or going through a drive-thru was so easier. I had responsibilities. They were keeping me busy. I was stressing over things I had no control over. Slowly I was giving up on me and giving into everything and everyone. So when the doctor sat back in her chair turned around and faced me I knew times were about to change. They did. I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. What an awakening! She was about to write a prescription when I said, "Wait!" She looked up and was prepared to speak when I simply stated, "give me a chance to change this through diet and exercise". 

I was surprised at her response. She was in agreement, even liked the idea that I chose to try and beat it before I chose medicine. I have 6 months to correct this diagnosis. I have seen a dietician, gone back to the gym, become more active, less stressed and get the required rest to maintain a healthy life. Each day brings renewed hope that I will accomplish my goal: to be healthy and fit.

Step On The Brakes

Running here, running there, doing this, doing that....STOP!!!!!! Time keeps ticking away and nothing you do will stop it or slow it down, but you can stop and you can slow down. 

Have you wondered what would happen "IF" you did not make the bed this morning, left the laundry for tomorrow, picked up dinner instead of rushing home to cook, kicked your feet up to enjoy downtime after work, did not rush to the cleaners for that last minute drop-off, put off grocery shopping for a day, or even went to bed earlier than normal????  Well let me tell you. Tomorrow you would feel great! Life is short. Time is precious, but so is the life you have been given. Cherish it! Never take one second for granted.