I haven't really been doing much related to weight loss in a long while. Well, actually, yes I have: in the past year I had gained 11 lbs., and last year's summer clothes were snug. I "knew" all the reasons I needed to lose weight, but I think I was waiting for some kind of catalyst. This proved to be it. I thought, "This just can NOT continue."
So I started exercising near the beginning of this summer. I outlined my routine more fully in this post from my main blog: barbarah.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/my-experience-with-video-and-gaming-workouts/ But mostly I've been using the Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout for the Kinect (thanks to having gaming sons, we have one of those: if not I don't think I'd buy the Kinect and X-Box just to use this game). Now I use it 30-50 minutes 4 days a week and supplement two other days with other workout videos I have. Sunday is a complete day of rest.
I've lost 11.5 lbs. in 12 weeks. Not spectacular, no one else has really noticed yet, but I can feel a difference both in how my clothes fit and how I feel. The first two weeks, I walked around feeling like I'd been beat up or had the flu -- or both. One reason I don't want to miss an exercise session now is that I don't want to lose that momentum, that level of ability that has been so hard won. There are days I exercise through gritted teeth, but I'm usually glad for it when I am done.
I probably should track my food -- it's just so tedious and time consuming I hate to. But I have made small changes in the amount of snacks I allow and in making food choices. I was very surprised the last couple of days when at one meal I didn't want seconds (very unusual for me) and at another I couldn't finish what I had.
So, there's progress, slow but sure. I hope the momentum only increases. Maybe now that I can do more in he way of exercise, that will help burn more calories.
Here's to progress!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"How convenient is heart disease?"
On the Biggest Loser last night, one woman, confronted by a whole counter full of fast food that she usually ate was asked by Jillian why she ate that stuff.
She replied, "Convenience."
Jillian asked, "How convenient is heart disease?"
Puts a whole new light on it.
She replied, "Convenience."
Jillian asked, "How convenient is heart disease?"
Puts a whole new light on it.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I'm back...sort of
I haven't really done much with with diet or exercise lately beyond the occasional Wii Fit exercises...and consequently I gaine back almost all I had lost. I just couldn't get beyond having to give up or limit what I liked to eat.
But a few nights ago I was listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll on the radio concerning Nathan's confrontation of David's sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12), and in the context of evidence of true repentance, he mentioned a willingness to make a break with sin rather than just feeling sorry about it. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
That convicted me because, though I had felt plenty bad about my overeating, I couldn't say I had turned from it. I became convicted that at the very least, the out-of-control indulgence had to stop. Temperance or self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galoatians 5:22-24), and I would need His filling, help, and grace, but I knew I had to take that step.
Ironically, I was making cookies that night. But by God's grace I was able to set a limit of how many I would have a day rather than just grabbing one every time I passed through the kitchen. Jillian of The Biggest Loser would probably laugh at that, but for me it was a definite start and step in the right direction.
I still need to get areas of my eating and exercising under control. But every journey begins with a step.
But a few nights ago I was listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll on the radio concerning Nathan's confrontation of David's sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12), and in the context of evidence of true repentance, he mentioned a willingness to make a break with sin rather than just feeling sorry about it. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
That convicted me because, though I had felt plenty bad about my overeating, I couldn't say I had turned from it. I became convicted that at the very least, the out-of-control indulgence had to stop. Temperance or self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galoatians 5:22-24), and I would need His filling, help, and grace, but I knew I had to take that step.
Ironically, I was making cookies that night. But by God's grace I was able to set a limit of how many I would have a day rather than just grabbing one every time I passed through the kitchen. Jillian of The Biggest Loser would probably laugh at that, but for me it was a definite start and step in the right direction.
I still need to get areas of my eating and exercising under control. But every journey begins with a step.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Too true!
People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Long time no blog
I haven't done much with this blog, because, sad to say, I haven't been doing much of anything in regard to watching what I eat.
The past few days I have been sick with some kind of bug that kept me within a few steps of the bathroom. I had about 8 crackers and a few bites of applesauce for about a day and a half. Even water would set off a bathroom session.
Pretty miserable.
I had to learn that even though I craved something to eat or drink, it would have dire consequences and I'd better hold off.
If I could just get this lesson in everyday life: when I eat or drink the wrong things or too much of the good things, there may not be immediate consequences, but there are longer-term consequences.
The past few days I have been sick with some kind of bug that kept me within a few steps of the bathroom. I had about 8 crackers and a few bites of applesauce for about a day and a half. Even water would set off a bathroom session.
Pretty miserable.
I had to learn that even though I craved something to eat or drink, it would have dire consequences and I'd better hold off.
If I could just get this lesson in everyday life: when I eat or drink the wrong things or too much of the good things, there may not be immediate consequences, but there are longer-term consequences.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
How to Say No, Chapter 13
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
How to say no, chapter 12
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
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