I cannot even believe how fast this week went by.
I drafted this post last night before I went to bed in. My intention was to edit and post it first thing this morning, but Zion woke up early with a sick tummy. I will spare you the details, but let's just say it wasn't pretty or pleasant smelling. He has a fever now and it is sitting on the couch beside me holding onto my arm. Say a prayer for him and the rest of the kids today, if you can.
Thank You
For everyone who took the time to leave a comment last week, thank you. I am completely overwhelmed by the response that I received from last week's post about "No Excuses". It was all I could do to put that post up there (and out there) for all the world to see. I thought that maybe a few people would come by and support me, but the response has been overwhelming (in a totally good way).
I am very thankful that I took the chance to be vulnerable. Here I am again to take the same chance.
I have received emails from mamas just like me who are looking for someone to walk this journey with them. Thank you so much for contacting me. You know who you are.
How did my week go?
Here are some random thoughts from this week:
- I didn't walk Thursday or Friday because life happened. BUT I pushed through the excuses and I have been walking twice a day since Saturday (That's 5 days in a row – that's 10 miles).
- I am still working on adding enough water. I don't drink enough water. Truth is – I hate having to climb the stairs all the time to rush to the potty.
- I have been eating salads with most of my meals and adding in fresh veggies and fruit wherever I can.
- There was at least one day this week where I did my walk and it felt too short.
- I am not so winded going up stairs now.
- My knee has been hurting less. I have been taking less pain meds because I am not in as much pain.
- I have been noticing that after some foods I feel really good and after others, I feel sluggish and in need of a nap. Now to pay more attention and avoid those foods that make me feel icky.
- I had a severe lack of sleep for three days due to weekend meetings, but I exercised anyways, after I worked out solutions to my excuses.
- I had a sore throat and just wanted to sleep for a few days and I did the walking anyways and I felt better each time.
- I am noticing myself be a bit more active overall.
My Goals
My goals have not changed much for this week except for an increase in the walking which came way sooner than I expected.
- walk 1 mile twice each day
- drink more water
- eat more fresh veggies and fruit
- make my food more colorful and interesting
- take photos once per week, but share on the first Thursday of the month
- measure my body once per week, so I can track my inch loss to share with you
My Reasons For Losing Weight
This is just a very short list of some of the reasons why I want to lose weight.
- for me
- for my family
- to be a better witness of my faith
- so I can be more active
- so I can go hiking, biking, swimming, etc
- so I can sit in chairs with arms (going out for dinner, going to the movies, going to the dentist, going to the eye doctor)
Excuses
These are some of the excuses that I was pushing through this week. I am happy to say that I have solved ALL of them.
- exercising with an audience – get in the zone and pretend you are alone
- not enough time – decide what is more important and make time for it
- How can I exercise twice a day? – fit the extra workout in earlier in the day
- How can I exercise in my room? – by getting an extra dvd or using YouTube walking videos
I Want To Connect With You!
I played with the idea of doing a linky here every week, but they feel so impersonal. I would rather have conversation with you (in the comments or via email if needed). Here are some things I would love to have you share in your comments:
- Have you written a blog post about getting healthy? Leave me the link.
- What goals are you working on? I would love to hear them so we can cheer each other on.
- Anything else? Feel free to share anything else you want or need to.
Several Blogs Have Linked To Or Mentioned My Original Post
I am linking up this post with Eclipsed (weekly weigh-in), Confessions Of A Snowflake (Weight Loss Wednesdays), A Mother's Heritage (Weight Loss Wednesday), The Legacy Of Home (Healthy Home Link Up).
Great job Honey!!! I noticed you’re linking up to Kris @ Eclipsed… I’m with her in her 12 week Sprint to the Finish. Now of course lots of people aren’t in their finishing times, myself included, but it’s great to be part of a challenge. Here’s the link to my week 1 results: http://mykidsmydietmylife.blogspot.com/2011/06/sprint-to-finish-week-2.html
Sam recently posted..Wilderness Wednesday
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:17 pm #
Hi Sam,
I have been trying to remember to link up with Kris. I wish I was in my 12 week sprint to the finish, but I will get there eventually. Good for you.
Blessings
Honey
Congrats on a great week! You are definitely an inspiration. Thank you for being so honest and open about your struggle. I would love to keep in touch with you weekly. I also need to start back up with writing posts about my journey to a healthier lifestyle. Blessings to you!
Joy recently posted..iFellowship 1 Peter 1-22 – 2-1-3
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:20 pm #
Hi Joy,
I am glad I can be an inspiration to you.
I am trying really hard to be open and honest with myself (and with my readers).
I am excited to be able to share my journey with you and I hope you will continue to join me each week.
When you do get your posts written, please feel free to leave the links in the comments.
Blessings
Honey
I also notice a big difference in my energy depending on what I eat. And some even give me headaches. I’ve been trying to stick with the non-culprit foods, but am not always completely successful.
I appreciate you honest post.
Grumpy Grateful Mom recently posted..Disturbing Dishwasher Discovery
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:22 pm #
Hi Grumpy Grateful Mom,
I haven’t done very well identifying offending foods yet, but I haven’t really tried over the last couple of weeks (due to everyone having the flu).
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
Blessings
Honey
Twitter: Kris_WUHSMom
June 9, 2011 at 5:58 pm #
Way to go, Honey! You’re doing great! Your attitude is inspiring and contagious.
It is annoying having to run to the bathroom so often, but I always look at that as being more exercise.
You already know what’s going on with me this week, but I love saying it, so can I say it again? I finally hit 75 lbs. lost this week! I can’t wait to celebrate your milestones with you.
Kris recently posted..Tough Love
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:29 pm #
Hi Kris,
Thanks for continuing to encourage me!
It wouldn’t be so bad drinking water and running to the bathroom if the bathroom was on the same floor and not up a set of steep stairs (hard for my knee).
I am so excited for you meeting your milestone! That is huge!
Blessings
Honey
Twitter: Kris_RunnerMom
June 23, 2011 at 8:33 pm #
I can relate. I have to go up or down stairs to get to a bathroom around here, too. Take heart — it won’t always be hard on your knees.
Kris @ Eclipsed recently posted..Weekly Weigh-In: Moving in the Right Direction
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:38 pm #
Hi Kris,
I will be honest, I hate our stairs. I laid down on the bed this afternoon for a little rest and I think the swelling in my left knee actually went down a bit. I decided that I am going to attempt one walk tonight and then start again on my new week tomorrow.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Blessings
Honey
Twitter: Kris_RunnerMom
June 23, 2011 at 9:03 pm #
I hate our stairs, too. I wish we’d listened to our parents — who were about the age we are now when we bought our house — when they told us that we’d hate those stairs when we got older. Shhh…don’t tell them, though. You know how parents get when they find out you’ve admitted they were right.
Kris @ Eclipsed recently posted..Weekly Weigh-In: Moving in the Right Direction
Twitter: Saving4Someday
June 9, 2011 at 6:04 pm #
Way to go Honey!
Instead of saying ‘drink more water’ maybe you could put an actual number on it. So if you’re only getting in 3 glasses, set your goal at 4 glasses. Whatever it is, give it a number – glasses, ounces, what have you. It will help you find success!
Keep up the great work!
Sara
Sara at Saving For Someday recently posted..Whole Foods One Day Sale 6-10 – Scallops 999 lb
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:31 pm #
Hi Sara,
I really liked your ideas about the water. I was trying to figure out if there was a way that I could really keep track of my water without it being too annoying. Like fill a jug that no one touches and try to finish that during the day or something like that. I do think it is really important to put a number on it.
Blessings
Honey
Twitter: MamaLaundry
June 9, 2011 at 6:54 pm #
Honey – I’m so very proud of you.
I’ve already told you, but you really inspired me to lose the weight that I need to. Whenever that clock goes off in the morning and I’ve only slept a few hours, my mind immediately goes to your ‘No Excuses’ theme.
I appreciate your encouragement!
-Lauren
MamaLaundry recently posted..6 Ways to Know For Sure That You Have a Laundry Problem
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:33 pm #
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for your encouragement. I am glad that I could be an inspiration to you. I
Anytime I am wanting to give up, I try to figure out what my excuses are push through them.
Blessings
Honey
I am so delighted to have you join our Vintage Healthy Home link-up! You have inspired me!
Blessings
Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home
Mrs. White recently posted..Settling in to a Simpler life at Home
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:35 pm #
Hi Mrs. White,
I am glad that I could be an inspiration to you.Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Blessings
Honey
Yay for you! All these improvements you are feeling should help keep you motivated! I had to change my diet a year and a half ago because of food allergies and lost 25 pounds so I know what it’s like feeling the struggle and the success! Have a fabulous weekend!
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:36 pm #
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. We have allergies in our house, so I know all about them. It is no fun working around them. Congratulations on your weight loss.
Please join me again on my journey.
Blessings
Honey
I am so excited to see you pushing past your excuses and doing it! You really can do it! I can’t wait to celebrate with you as you continue to walk this journey. Blessings to you my friend! And thank you for joining Weight Loss Wednesday!
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:40 pm #
Hi Alicia,
I am so happy to have my friends taking this journey right alongside me. We are going to have one big party when I reach my final goals. I have no idea what or how, but there will be some kind of celebration. (Well, besides my 40th birthday!).
Thank you for being there for me.
Blessings
Honey
Yay!!! You’re doing fantastic!! May your new choices continue to bring momentum to your life and bless you and your family:) I’m so inspired:)
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:41 pm #
Hi Jules,
I am happy that I was able to inspire you. Thank you for the encouraging words. Please continue to join me on this journey.
Blessings
Honey
I’ve been increasing my water intake with a product called “Mio”. It has no calories and that little bottle lasts a long time, even if you give it to your grandchildren when they come over. It helps me, I hate water. Ok, instead of wondering how you are doing with your walks, I will go on my own.
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:43 pm #
Hi Karla,
I have never heard of Mio (Googling it now).
I hate plain, old, ordinary tap water. I love lemon slices or ice cubes.
How are your walks going?
Thank you for continuing to join me.
Blessings
Honey
You are off to a wonderful start and should be so proud!!! I am in a similar situation physically and am looking for encouragement. I have lost and gained too many times to count. I’ve almost lost 10# recently. I love your “no excuses” approach. I am going to have to fight my excuses! I’ve been too easy on myself with exercise.
Jenn
Twitter: sunflowermommie
June 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm #
Hi Jenn,
Thank you for joining me on my journey. I would love it if we can encourage each other. Congratulations on your 10 pound loss.
No excuses has become my mantra, my catch phrase, my way of pushing through. Identify the excuses and then find a way to fight through them or work around them.
Blessings
Honey