A healthier life

Brrr....was it cold this morning, but underneath my khaki pants, I had on pajamas, then four layers on (undershirt, polo, sweater, jacket) with a scarf, a thin beany and gloves.

I feel so relaxed now...which is how I generally feel after biking to work.

I've been keeping up this biking/gym routine. This is the fourth week of my beginning a "healthier life". And even though my time with a trainer last Friday was hard (and I felt the pain all through the weekend), I managed to do some of my routine yesterday (what I remember and what I had time for). My muscles seem to hurt less this time, since they were used to the strain. And they say that weight training helps loose weight because the muscles burn up fat.

My trainer gave me some combination exercises to try, i.e. squating onto a bench then standing up and lifting weights over my head, or doing lunges and following up with a bicep curl. I'll have to ask him for others since I don't remember them all.

Anyway...I was happy to see that the scale dropped from 222 to 219 lbs. EL YAY! I know you should lose 1 lb. a week healthily. So that's 4 lbs a month, and if I want to lose 20 lbs, I should be able to do it in 5 months: May 2010. In the words of Bridget Jones, "I'll do it."

Gerry

Baked Goods Implosion at the Workplace

Have you noticed that this time of year, people at work start bringing in cakes, cookies, chocolate and many other sweets? Well at my work they do. I guess it is kind of a way to say "Happy Holidays" to everyone and no one in particular. Sometimes you feel obligated to partake in their goodies. And though, it would be rude to refuse, and though you know it won't help your waistline, you think, "just one cookie never hurt nobody"…and BANG! Before you know it you're eating the whole tin box, scrounging around for more sweets, grabbing them as they come, totally rolling around in the sweet floury goodness! Hehe…okay, maybe not that extreme. Any suggestions on enjoying but not indulging in holiday break-room sweets?

Someone already stole my idea:

http://www.starling-fitness.com/archives/2005/12/23/how-to-survive-christmas-in-the-office/

It's getting easier...

I just realized after I had walked up the stairs yesterday that it is getting easier to climb/walk and I don't get tired as much. This workout routine is coming at such a wonderful time. There are some struggles though. The cold climate is making it harder to get to the gym or for bike-to-work Thursdays. Next Thursday, the low will be 26°F!!!

Today, however, even though I spent last night playing the new Mario Bros. on the Wii, I got up at 6 am and got to work by 6:30. I got to park in the closer parking lot (really defeats the purpose of getting fit, but saves time) and went to the gym! I hadn't been to the gym in the morning for the longest time. I started out with the eliptical, then did leg strength training…did some crunches, was able to do 8 push-ups (not push offs!) and then jogged for 10 minutes.

If you don't have "Tunak Tunak Tun" on your i-pod, get it! It's a great song to start your workout. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bAN7Ts0xBo

After showering and getting ready, I stepped out of the gym and felt great!!!

I want to try going to the gym any day I don't bike to work…or even some that I do. It just takes a lot of planning…getting clothes ready the night before, making sure lunch is packed. Making sure Os is able to take out Booker in the morning.

Hope everyone has a lovely day!

Gerry

Tasty Teas

I've noticed that many teas offer anti-oxidants and other healthy nutrients for your body. Teas are also low in calories, so a great way to keep hydrated during the day is to drink tea.

Right now I'm into the Lemon Zinger flavor, but if you're in the holiday spirit, there are many flavors for this time of year. For examples, I've seen cinnamon spice, or chocolate chi....sounds so good!

This weather is also perfect for drinking tea. I sometimes get chilly in my office, and a warm cup of tea helps.

It's healthy and delicious!

Gym

Just got in from the gym. Did the eliptical with arms for 20 min and then the row for 10. Then did some strength training with the machines. Then I did some crunches, but ouch!

After my workout I was actually able to touch my toes! I think it was because of the rowing.

Next week, I think I'll ask for a trainer to set up a workout for me . Woo-hoo!

I ate an orange and now I'm having some galletas Marias with peanut butter and raspberry jam. I know, not totally healthy, but I'm only eating 4 cookies. ;)

Gerry

Healthy eating

This has been my experience for the last 3 or so days of "dieting." It's not really dieting! It's more about making better choices. For example: last night I went out to dinner to a restaurant. It was a steakhouse, and I was so tempted to get the biggest steak possible with a baked potato (yum!). I ended up getting the grilled chicken salad with leafy greens. My choice for dressing was blue cheese (so I did splurge there), but I didn't have any of the apptetizer bread. After all was said and done, I was fine! For the last three days, it's been easier than I thought it would be. I always thought food was my vice and there was no way I could change, but it's mostly a mental wall that prevented me from making the better choices. Ok, so let's not get crazy - it's only been 3 days, but I feel great!

Posted by Carla as a comment on December 4, 2009 2:33 PM . Reposted as a post by Gerry

First Post

It's lunch time and I just had a turkey and cheese sandwich. No chips. Great! But, that doesn't say much about this blog, does it?

This blog is created to be a pivotal force of support to encourage weight loss, light meal eating, and fun physical activities. OK, basically it is for us to describe our struggles and triumphs in achieving a life of total health, thus the title, "We Fit for Life".

Please feel free to write about feelings, struggles, work-outs, fun activities, goal settings and accomplishments.

I look forward to reading and writing entries. If you know of anyone who would like to join our little goup as an author, please let me know.

Gerry