The last half of last week was a rough one.
My husband was out of town, so I had no backup help. My baby wasn't sleeping, instead he was crying all night. Stressful! I had very little sleep and found myself heavily leaning into bad habits. I craved sugary things - probably for the quick energy that they provided. And I especially craved soda and gave in to the cravings, hoping the caffeine would help me stay awake and more alert.
So I didn't do as well as I would have liked.
However, it is a new week. Hubby is home. Baby is sleeping more (and me too). I'm off to a good start.
Sunday weight: 175.8
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Accountability Journal
Weighed myself on Sunday. I was 174.4
I have been having lots of dance parties with my kids. Quick and fun ways to connect and burn a few calories - get my heartbeat moving.
I had a soda yesterday. We ate lunch at Costco and cheap drinks are too easy to get, so I was tempted and caved...even though it was only Pepsi. Overall, though, my drink choices have been much more healthful, which is good for me. I am also still keeping tabs on my calorie intake. I am usually a bit over, but I don't stress on it because I at least know it is in the correct range.
I have been having lots of dance parties with my kids. Quick and fun ways to connect and burn a few calories - get my heartbeat moving.
I had a soda yesterday. We ate lunch at Costco and cheap drinks are too easy to get, so I was tempted and caved...even though it was only Pepsi. Overall, though, my drink choices have been much more healthful, which is good for me. I am also still keeping tabs on my calorie intake. I am usually a bit over, but I don't stress on it because I at least know it is in the correct range.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Accountability Journal
Today I am definitely over my calorie allotment.
Two words: Pie Day.
I splurged.
But I did make some good choices too. No soda (even though I was sorely tempted). And even though we ate lunch out, I ate till I was full and didn't polish off my plate completely.
It could be worse. Literally. :)
Two words: Pie Day.
I splurged.
But I did make some good choices too. No soda (even though I was sorely tempted). And even though we ate lunch out, I ate till I was full and didn't polish off my plate completely.
It could be worse. Literally. :)
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Accountability Journal
Last night I really wanted a sweet snack.
Really, really badly.
I had already gone over my calorie count for the day and had even given myself a special treat (a milkshake) with my dinner.
I knew I didn't need it. I simply wanted it.
It didn't help that my newborn thought that bedtime was optional and I was up until past 3 a.m. I am sure it was part boredom, part exhaustion.
Nevertheless, I made it through. It helped to know that I was going to make myself accountable here today and in my food log. I drank a lot of water and chewed some gum and waited for the craving to go away.
One choice at a time.
Really, really badly.
I had already gone over my calorie count for the day and had even given myself a special treat (a milkshake) with my dinner.
I knew I didn't need it. I simply wanted it.
It didn't help that my newborn thought that bedtime was optional and I was up until past 3 a.m. I am sure it was part boredom, part exhaustion.
Nevertheless, I made it through. It helped to know that I was going to make myself accountable here today and in my food log. I drank a lot of water and chewed some gum and waited for the craving to go away.
One choice at a time.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Acountability Journal
Back once again on my road to healthful living.
I do much better when I am accountable, so I am going to be journaling here on my continued progress.
I stopped counting calories while pregnant, but I still tried not to go overboard with my eating habits (although I did give myself a few more treats than before). I also continued my exercising up until the last month or two. As such, my weight gain was within normal ranges for pregnancy.
I went back to counting calories this week. Not crazy strict, but as a way to give myself an idea of what I am eating each day.
My soda intake increased when I was pregnant as well. Now sodas are being pushed back to Soda Saturdays once again. Once a week is good enough and makes the soda a real "treat".
I still have 2 more weeks before my follow-up appointment with my midwife. I am not yet cleared for workouts, but I have been striving to get out and do some walking with the kids. Hopefully I will be able to ease back into my exercises soon.
My current weight is 175 pounds.
I don't really want to focus on weigh a ton. Mostly, I would just like to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans again so that I can stop living in sweats and leggings. :)
I do much better when I am accountable, so I am going to be journaling here on my continued progress.
I stopped counting calories while pregnant, but I still tried not to go overboard with my eating habits (although I did give myself a few more treats than before). I also continued my exercising up until the last month or two. As such, my weight gain was within normal ranges for pregnancy.
I went back to counting calories this week. Not crazy strict, but as a way to give myself an idea of what I am eating each day.
My soda intake increased when I was pregnant as well. Now sodas are being pushed back to Soda Saturdays once again. Once a week is good enough and makes the soda a real "treat".
I still have 2 more weeks before my follow-up appointment with my midwife. I am not yet cleared for workouts, but I have been striving to get out and do some walking with the kids. Hopefully I will be able to ease back into my exercises soon.
My current weight is 175 pounds.
I don't really want to focus on weigh a ton. Mostly, I would just like to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans again so that I can stop living in sweats and leggings. :)
Saturday, November 16, 2013
My Body Image
I have been working lately at changing my body image.
No, I am not changing how my body looks. Well...I am, but that's because I am pregnant and by body is growing and changing on it's own.
But more and more I am focusing on mentally accepting my body for what it is and appreciating its beauty. Moving beyond what the media says is "ideal" and appreciating my own normal.
Of course, this doesn't mean that I want to throw caution to the wind, eat everything I desire and sit on the couch watching my favorite shows. For me, part of my love of my body has come from knowing that I am treating it right - making healthful choices and staying active. If I know that I am taking care of my body, I feel more at ease with the shape that it gives me.
Part of the reason that I have been working on changing my mental "ideal" is for me. I want to be happy "Being Sara." But another, bigger reason that I want to accept myself is that I want to teach my children that there are many types of beauty - and that's okay. Most of all, I want them to have a mother who is confident in the way that she looks and feels about herself. I am hoping that in the long run, I can set an example and help them build their own confidence.
A few days ago, I posted on my personal Facebook something that my son said to me. I was bending over to pick up a few toys and he stated, "Mom, having a baby suuuuuure makes your bum big."
It was a cute little anecdote from my kiddo that points out the honesty of children. I really thought it was quite amusing.
However, what I didn't post was my response. I straightened up, turned, looked at him, and smiled. I said, "You're right, it does! Look at how big and soft and squishy it's becoming." At this point I actually squeezed my bum. "It's going to be so soft and comfy for the baby when it comes out. Isn't it beautiful?"
My son nodded and smiled and then innocently asked, "Can I feel how squishy it is?"
"Sure!" I let him squeeze it a few times and he giggled. It WAS kind of silly, but I think it made a good point. "Don't you think the baby will like that?" I asked.
He once again nodded vigorously.
"Yup, daddy likes mommy's bum too. He thinks it's big and soft and beautiful. Right daddy?"
At which point my husband chimed in that he absolutely loved my bum.
I'll admit, a few years ago I don't think I would have responded this way. It probably would have hurt my feelings and I would have told my son that it wasn't a kind thing to say. But this isn't the first conversation that my son and I have had about bodies and sizes. In this last year I have been much more generous about myself when we discuss bodies and I must say, I like the new approach so much better. It not only helps my child have a healthier understanding of bodies, but it helps me feel better about my own in the process.
I have seen this approach pay off in little ways. Not long ago, my husband was getting ready to go out walking. "Why are you going for a walk?" my son asked.
"Because I'm fat," my husband responded.
My son frowned, "Fat's not a nice word, daddy. You are big and soft and beautiful."
I was so proud of him at that moment! I can only hope that the things we discuss now will stick with both him and my daughter throughout the years. I hope that I can even provide a least a tiny bit of a buffer for them through life when the world will often tell them that only one type of beautiful is acceptable. And I hope to continue working with myself on my own acceptance.
Today I challenge you. Sometime this week I want you to look in the mirror at yourself. Really look. Notice the gentle shapes, the curves, the angles. I want you to find 3 things that you find beautiful. Then I want you to go further. Find 2 more things - things that you hadn't really thought of as beautiful before - and try to find their own unique beauty. Perhaps it's a bum that's big and soft and squishy. Maybe it's the gentle curve of your shoulder or the smoothness of your back. Or it could even be the excess flab on your tummy, full of stretchmarks, that speaks of babies being grown and cared for.
Have you every really noticed how amazing your body is?
Because it is.
It is remarkable and beautiful all in its own way.
YOU are beautiful.
No, I am not changing how my body looks. Well...I am, but that's because I am pregnant and by body is growing and changing on it's own.
But more and more I am focusing on mentally accepting my body for what it is and appreciating its beauty. Moving beyond what the media says is "ideal" and appreciating my own normal.
Of course, this doesn't mean that I want to throw caution to the wind, eat everything I desire and sit on the couch watching my favorite shows. For me, part of my love of my body has come from knowing that I am treating it right - making healthful choices and staying active. If I know that I am taking care of my body, I feel more at ease with the shape that it gives me.
Part of the reason that I have been working on changing my mental "ideal" is for me. I want to be happy "Being Sara." But another, bigger reason that I want to accept myself is that I want to teach my children that there are many types of beauty - and that's okay. Most of all, I want them to have a mother who is confident in the way that she looks and feels about herself. I am hoping that in the long run, I can set an example and help them build their own confidence.
A few days ago, I posted on my personal Facebook something that my son said to me. I was bending over to pick up a few toys and he stated, "Mom, having a baby suuuuuure makes your bum big."
It was a cute little anecdote from my kiddo that points out the honesty of children. I really thought it was quite amusing.
However, what I didn't post was my response. I straightened up, turned, looked at him, and smiled. I said, "You're right, it does! Look at how big and soft and squishy it's becoming." At this point I actually squeezed my bum. "It's going to be so soft and comfy for the baby when it comes out. Isn't it beautiful?"
My son nodded and smiled and then innocently asked, "Can I feel how squishy it is?"
"Sure!" I let him squeeze it a few times and he giggled. It WAS kind of silly, but I think it made a good point. "Don't you think the baby will like that?" I asked.
He once again nodded vigorously.
"Yup, daddy likes mommy's bum too. He thinks it's big and soft and beautiful. Right daddy?"
At which point my husband chimed in that he absolutely loved my bum.
I'll admit, a few years ago I don't think I would have responded this way. It probably would have hurt my feelings and I would have told my son that it wasn't a kind thing to say. But this isn't the first conversation that my son and I have had about bodies and sizes. In this last year I have been much more generous about myself when we discuss bodies and I must say, I like the new approach so much better. It not only helps my child have a healthier understanding of bodies, but it helps me feel better about my own in the process.
I have seen this approach pay off in little ways. Not long ago, my husband was getting ready to go out walking. "Why are you going for a walk?" my son asked.
"Because I'm fat," my husband responded.
My son frowned, "Fat's not a nice word, daddy. You are big and soft and beautiful."
I was so proud of him at that moment! I can only hope that the things we discuss now will stick with both him and my daughter throughout the years. I hope that I can even provide a least a tiny bit of a buffer for them through life when the world will often tell them that only one type of beautiful is acceptable. And I hope to continue working with myself on my own acceptance.
Today I challenge you. Sometime this week I want you to look in the mirror at yourself. Really look. Notice the gentle shapes, the curves, the angles. I want you to find 3 things that you find beautiful. Then I want you to go further. Find 2 more things - things that you hadn't really thought of as beautiful before - and try to find their own unique beauty. Perhaps it's a bum that's big and soft and squishy. Maybe it's the gentle curve of your shoulder or the smoothness of your back. Or it could even be the excess flab on your tummy, full of stretchmarks, that speaks of babies being grown and cared for.
Have you every really noticed how amazing your body is?
Because it is.
It is remarkable and beautiful all in its own way.
YOU are beautiful.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Weekly Goals
Geez, it has been a long time since I posted on here.
Life has been crazy. Temporary job. Balancing kids and schedules. Bronchitis. Children with pneumonia. And baby Schwab #3 on the way.
Baby #3 has been my biggest obstacle. I am currently 24 weeks along and still experiencing some morning sickness. Plus, I have a low placenta and have to be careful with my activities. I don't feel like cooking at home. I don't care about eating healthy (I typically just want what I want...and it isn't healthy). I don't feel up to my doing my usual exercises (and shouldn't exercise too strenuously).
However, I have been watching the scale creep up, perhaps a little faster than it should, and I realize that I can't completely let myself go with this pregnancy. I will definitely regret it later as it's not good for either the baby or me. I am going to have to take control of something.
I have decided to start setting a few weekly goals for myself again. And I am determined to do it here, in public, where I tend to be much more accountable than if I just make them to myself.
I know it's already halfway through this week, but I don't care. I've got to start somewhere and now is always better than later when it comes to being healthy.
My goals for the rest of this week:
1. Drink no more than one soda per week. I had tremendous success with "soda Saturdays" once before. I have slowly edged into having more - especially since I have been eating out more. It's just easier to order a soda. Plus, I love them...so there's that. But I need to cut back, so one a week it is for me. In my mind I am already counting down the hours till Saturday...
2. Eat only one portion-appropriate treat per day. You would think this would be easy for me right now. You see, my baby hates sugary things. Anytime I eat something sugary, I pay for it by feeling sick for several hours. Is this enough to stop me? Nope. My craving for sweets is so strong, I often tell myself it'll be okay, only to regret it later. And yes, I do this more than once a day sometimes. I am going to start by limiting myself to one small treat a day.
3. Eat appropriate serving sizes. I keep telling myself that extra calories are needed to grow babies, so I allow myself to eat more and more all the time. My goal this week is to keep an eye on serving sizes and not eat more than my body tells me it needs.
Wish me luck! And please, feel free to set some goals for yourself and leave them in the comments (here or on Facebook). I would love to have you join me!
Life has been crazy. Temporary job. Balancing kids and schedules. Bronchitis. Children with pneumonia. And baby Schwab #3 on the way.
Baby #3 has been my biggest obstacle. I am currently 24 weeks along and still experiencing some morning sickness. Plus, I have a low placenta and have to be careful with my activities. I don't feel like cooking at home. I don't care about eating healthy (I typically just want what I want...and it isn't healthy). I don't feel up to my doing my usual exercises (and shouldn't exercise too strenuously).
However, I have been watching the scale creep up, perhaps a little faster than it should, and I realize that I can't completely let myself go with this pregnancy. I will definitely regret it later as it's not good for either the baby or me. I am going to have to take control of something.
I have decided to start setting a few weekly goals for myself again. And I am determined to do it here, in public, where I tend to be much more accountable than if I just make them to myself.
I know it's already halfway through this week, but I don't care. I've got to start somewhere and now is always better than later when it comes to being healthy.
My goals for the rest of this week:
1. Drink no more than one soda per week. I had tremendous success with "soda Saturdays" once before. I have slowly edged into having more - especially since I have been eating out more. It's just easier to order a soda. Plus, I love them...so there's that. But I need to cut back, so one a week it is for me. In my mind I am already counting down the hours till Saturday...
2. Eat only one portion-appropriate treat per day. You would think this would be easy for me right now. You see, my baby hates sugary things. Anytime I eat something sugary, I pay for it by feeling sick for several hours. Is this enough to stop me? Nope. My craving for sweets is so strong, I often tell myself it'll be okay, only to regret it later. And yes, I do this more than once a day sometimes. I am going to start by limiting myself to one small treat a day.
3. Eat appropriate serving sizes. I keep telling myself that extra calories are needed to grow babies, so I allow myself to eat more and more all the time. My goal this week is to keep an eye on serving sizes and not eat more than my body tells me it needs.
Wish me luck! And please, feel free to set some goals for yourself and leave them in the comments (here or on Facebook). I would love to have you join me!
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