A long lost blog - I'm back to try again.
My weight issues will probably be life-long (does this count as pessimism? self-fulfilling prophecy?), but I am glad to report I have started to see progress in the right direction!
Ultimately, this came down to my asking a friend at church (Laura) to kinda "mentor" me through my health journey. It isn't that I don't have the knowledge - it's that I lack the self-discipline to apply what I know, and having her ask me about my decisions from week to week - and in a relationship where I am willingly submitting to her instruction and rebuke if need be - is precisely a piece I've both lacked and truly needed.
By my best calculation, I have lost 9 1/2 lbs since we started a few weeks ago.
When you get to be the size that I am, 9 1/2 pounds isn't visibly that much difference, yet. But I can "feel" that I'm less bloated - so I suspect a lot of that was water (also to be expected at the start of anything like this).
Laura has to continually remind me that I must not expect great things overnight. (yada yada yada ;)) Her estimate is that this will realistically take about a year. Much as I wish for overnight transformation, I actually believe a year is an optimistic goal. (Don't tell her I said that! ;))
For now, I find it helpful to find motivation wherever I can. It's like I'm forcefeeding my brain on pep-talks wherever they abound. A personal favorite is catching "The Biggest Loser" on Tuesday nights when I can.
Profound (RE)Realization #1:
I MUST GET MORE SLEEP!
My constant depriving my body of the rest it needs (a perennial problem of mine in case you haven't noticed by now) is like health-suicide; it NOTICEABLY messes with my hormone levels and countermands my best efforts to manage my adrenalin levels. So my battle with my busyness begins again in earnest.
GOALS BY THE END OF THE PROVERBIAL YEAR-LONG JOURNEY:
I hope I'll have lost 100 lbs, have ramped up to 4x 30 min. activity per week (or more) - and that I'll LIKE it!, be consuming a maximum of 1600 calories per day of whole/organic/fresh foods, and wearing a Size 14/16 or smaller -
and, of course, then MAINTAIN healthful habits for life!
FIRST LEG OF THE RACE:
PLAN - For the past month or so, Laura has been coaching me through baby steps (decreasing daily caloric intake and increasing weekly physical activity to a habitual 3-4x per week) to prepare me for a 2-week juice fast (max 1200 calories per day intake) beginning November 1. So I'm reactivating this blog to motivate me to stick with that. :)
Any of you out there want to read this and give an encouraging word, I'm all ears...er...eyes as the case may be.
And if you'll forgive the overt application, I nevertheless pray it will be true that in my life:
~ may the Lord always INCREASE even as I decrease ~
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
~"The Really Good News About Stress"~
*Saw this article through a link on msnbc.com and had to check it out. Interesting - just goes to show that "it's not always an either or thing"!
The Really Good News About Stress
Surprisingly, research suggests that moderate levels can actually boost your health.
By Kate Stinchfield, Health
A report due yesterday, 100 ladybug-shaped cupcakes to make for the school bake sale (tomorrow morning!), and your mother-in-law arriving for the weekend ... Feeling stressed yet?
That might not be a bad thing, if you know how to take advantage of it. While chronic or extreme stress levels have been linked to heart disease and hypertension, among other things, research suggests that moderate levels can actually boost your health.
"The positive aspects of stress are underappreciated," says Ken Robbins, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Here's how it works: When you're stressed, your adrenal glands release a cascade of hormones, including adrenaline, which ups your heart rate and boosts energy, and cortisol, which increases glucose in the bloodstream. When your body gets overwhelmed with these chemicals for weeks and months, you start to see ill effects.
But in short bursts (like a day or less) stress can make your body more efficient and your mind razor sharp. Here's how to use stress without letting it use you.
Stress makes you smarter
Channel it to strategize
Research from The Rockefeller University in New York City and the University of Buffalo suggests that stress can enhance learning and memory, thanks to the effect of small bursts of cortisol in the brain. So when you're too wired to go to sleep, don't force it. Sit down with that report or spreadsheet, and catch up on your rest when you're calm again.
Stress makes you nicer
Channel it to reaffirm relationships
When you're stressed, your body pumps out oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates bonding—making this is an ideal time to call your college roommate or connect with friends on Facebook. And you'll probably feel like doing that anyway.
"Women are more apt to seek social support when they feel stressed," says Paul Rosch, M.D., FACP, clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College. Oxytocin—and a good old-fashioned gabfest—can calm you, helping to make sure your stress levels don't go through the roof.
Stress makes you heartier
Channel it to heal your body
Bursts of stress may prime your body to battle future ailments. They can boost the immune system, with long-term effects, a study from the Stanford School of Medicine found. And you don't have to do anything—enjoy the protective benefits of short-term stress, and know that as long as you take some downtime later to breathe, your body's got you covered.
Copyright © 2009 Health Media Ventures, Inc. All rights reserved.
URL: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100258015>1=31009
Well, I don't know if my BODY has me covered (so to speak), but I know that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - and I will praise the Maker of heaven and earth for his wisdom, so that even in learning how to REST, I must not abandon ALL "stress" (or perhaps risk becoming a sluggard?), and trust HIM for the grace I need each moment....
~Leah
The Really Good News About Stress
Surprisingly, research suggests that moderate levels can actually boost your health.
By Kate Stinchfield, Health
A report due yesterday, 100 ladybug-shaped cupcakes to make for the school bake sale (tomorrow morning!), and your mother-in-law arriving for the weekend ... Feeling stressed yet?
That might not be a bad thing, if you know how to take advantage of it. While chronic or extreme stress levels have been linked to heart disease and hypertension, among other things, research suggests that moderate levels can actually boost your health.
"The positive aspects of stress are underappreciated," says Ken Robbins, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Here's how it works: When you're stressed, your adrenal glands release a cascade of hormones, including adrenaline, which ups your heart rate and boosts energy, and cortisol, which increases glucose in the bloodstream. When your body gets overwhelmed with these chemicals for weeks and months, you start to see ill effects.
But in short bursts (like a day or less) stress can make your body more efficient and your mind razor sharp. Here's how to use stress without letting it use you.
Stress makes you smarter
Channel it to strategize
Research from The Rockefeller University in New York City and the University of Buffalo suggests that stress can enhance learning and memory, thanks to the effect of small bursts of cortisol in the brain. So when you're too wired to go to sleep, don't force it. Sit down with that report or spreadsheet, and catch up on your rest when you're calm again.
Stress makes you nicer
Channel it to reaffirm relationships
When you're stressed, your body pumps out oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates bonding—making this is an ideal time to call your college roommate or connect with friends on Facebook. And you'll probably feel like doing that anyway.
"Women are more apt to seek social support when they feel stressed," says Paul Rosch, M.D., FACP, clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College. Oxytocin—and a good old-fashioned gabfest—can calm you, helping to make sure your stress levels don't go through the roof.
Stress makes you heartier
Channel it to heal your body
Bursts of stress may prime your body to battle future ailments. They can boost the immune system, with long-term effects, a study from the Stanford School of Medicine found. And you don't have to do anything—enjoy the protective benefits of short-term stress, and know that as long as you take some downtime later to breathe, your body's got you covered.
Copyright © 2009 Health Media Ventures, Inc. All rights reserved.
URL: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100258015>1=31009
Well, I don't know if my BODY has me covered (so to speak), but I know that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - and I will praise the Maker of heaven and earth for his wisdom, so that even in learning how to REST, I must not abandon ALL "stress" (or perhaps risk becoming a sluggard?), and trust HIM for the grace I need each moment....
~Leah
Thursday, May 13, 2010
"...When we are bitter we assume the negative and have a critical, fault-finding spirit."
we had a guest speaker at church, last night - [Andrea Giffith from "Revive our Hearts" ministries] - addressing the ladies, sharing her testimony, etc. Her talk was entitled "Beauty for Ashes" (from text in Isaiah 61:1-3)
she had some very convicting things to say about many subjects, but what stood out to me, perhaps the most, was how we begin to physically suffer (chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, "no rest, no strength") because of "a root of bitterness" in our hearts. That really resonated with me - particularly with the ongoing health struggles I've had and for which my doctor has been able to really do little.
and I would say "bitterness" definitely describes my general disposition for the last several weeks, which may explain the resurgence of migraines and fatigue (and cystic acne which has again ravaged my face and back), etc.
so without compromising the appropriate "boundaries" that I've been fighting to set up with various "difficult persons" over the past few weeks (as I was even discussing with my boss yesterday re my "prickles" being up, and that I am resolved to STOP exhausting myself over building bridges that won't ever reach the other side of some chasms), nevertheless I do not like living with myself when I am "feeling" this way, and feel I must do some serious heart-examination....
among other passages, am meditating on Psalm 32, today.
she had some very convicting things to say about many subjects, but what stood out to me, perhaps the most, was how we begin to physically suffer (chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, "no rest, no strength") because of "a root of bitterness" in our hearts. That really resonated with me - particularly with the ongoing health struggles I've had and for which my doctor has been able to really do little.
and I would say "bitterness" definitely describes my general disposition for the last several weeks, which may explain the resurgence of migraines and fatigue (and cystic acne which has again ravaged my face and back), etc.
so without compromising the appropriate "boundaries" that I've been fighting to set up with various "difficult persons" over the past few weeks (as I was even discussing with my boss yesterday re my "prickles" being up, and that I am resolved to STOP exhausting myself over building bridges that won't ever reach the other side of some chasms), nevertheless I do not like living with myself when I am "feeling" this way, and feel I must do some serious heart-examination....
among other passages, am meditating on Psalm 32, today.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
~Pastor, You're Probably Fat~
An appropriate followup to my previous post:
(taken from blog at TheResurgence.com)
http://www.theresurgence.com/youre-probably-fat
(taken from blog at TheResurgence.com)
http://www.theresurgence.com/youre-probably-fat
Grown Man in a Bib
Was listening last night to a pre-recorded sermon by one of the pastors at my church - the topic of the message was "WORK" - but one illustration reminded me of a conviction I'd had a while back on one particular verse in the Proverbs, so I thought I would share it, here. Especially with the accompanying word picture as described by my pastor in this sermon.
As you may know, the book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many words of wisdom, among which are many discussions about the characteristics of the UNwise, the sluggard, the lazy man. One such verse is Proverbs 19:24 which says:
"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again."
Perhaps the word picture here is obvious. Imagine a man slouched in his chair, lethargically plopping his hand to his dinner plate, and drooping over it with a slack expression. He looks up, but just can't quite bring himself to move his hand to bring the food to his mouth. In your mental picture, do you see a fat man?
In the above-referenced sermon, Pastor Raemisch likened this to a grown man in a high chair, wearing a bib and crying "Feed me!" The simple translation of this is, "He's too lazy even to feed himself," which immediately provoked in my mind a mental picture of FAST FOOD.
Ah, yes, now to the point. Because I am utterly dependent - as are most Americans! - on our FAST FOOD culture. Even though the food is usually awful - really awful! - I tell myself I value my time MORE and so I don't plan my meals ahead, I don't do much cooking (because what's the point when you're basically only cooking for yourself?) EVEN THOUGH I LOVE TO COOK!, and I like to do OTHER things with my time (like read, write, visit with friends, STUDY!, journal - "important" things!). I even adopt a disposition of INSISTING I remain free to do what I like with my own time. (hm. more heart idolatry?)
I have had imaginary conversations in my head to the effect of a financial counselor telling me I spend too much on eating out, and me listing off all the reasons why this is a legitimate and even necessary expenditure in my budget!
*****
The long and the short of the matter is this:
I know the good I ought to do, and I'm not doing it. (Scripturally, that makes this a matter of SIN!)
There is biblical evidence (sufficient just with the above-discussed verse) that *I* am a sluggard! I think a lot of my "eating out" could be resolved by simply "dying to self" on the matter of how I spend my TIME! which goes back to previous discussions re being much too busy, etc. (Counterintuitive to think that a sluggard might be otherwise "too busy," huh? But I must consider this!)
So, instead of making new "rules" for myself re eating out, or fast food, or the like - I am praying for a disposition that the Lord would enable me to see my TIME as HIS, and that I will continue to grow in my understanding of how to GUARD MY REST so that I will have the time I NEED for the responsibilities I have. And I am also praying that the Lord will give me the ability to see the PRIORITY of caring for my physical body - such that I will also GUARD MY HEALTH (nutrition, bulking up my immune system, etc.) with intentionality and diligence - instead of squandering it so I can "do what I want when I want!"
Any thoughts/suggestions/responses to these reflections? I'm all ears. ;)
~Leah
As you may know, the book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many words of wisdom, among which are many discussions about the characteristics of the UNwise, the sluggard, the lazy man. One such verse is Proverbs 19:24 which says:
"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again."
Perhaps the word picture here is obvious. Imagine a man slouched in his chair, lethargically plopping his hand to his dinner plate, and drooping over it with a slack expression. He looks up, but just can't quite bring himself to move his hand to bring the food to his mouth. In your mental picture, do you see a fat man?
In the above-referenced sermon, Pastor Raemisch likened this to a grown man in a high chair, wearing a bib and crying "Feed me!" The simple translation of this is, "He's too lazy even to feed himself," which immediately provoked in my mind a mental picture of FAST FOOD.
Ah, yes, now to the point. Because I am utterly dependent - as are most Americans! - on our FAST FOOD culture. Even though the food is usually awful - really awful! - I tell myself I value my time MORE and so I don't plan my meals ahead, I don't do much cooking (because what's the point when you're basically only cooking for yourself?) EVEN THOUGH I LOVE TO COOK!, and I like to do OTHER things with my time (like read, write, visit with friends, STUDY!, journal - "important" things!). I even adopt a disposition of INSISTING I remain free to do what I like with my own time. (hm. more heart idolatry?)
I have had imaginary conversations in my head to the effect of a financial counselor telling me I spend too much on eating out, and me listing off all the reasons why this is a legitimate and even necessary expenditure in my budget!
*****
The long and the short of the matter is this:
I know the good I ought to do, and I'm not doing it. (Scripturally, that makes this a matter of SIN!)
There is biblical evidence (sufficient just with the above-discussed verse) that *I* am a sluggard! I think a lot of my "eating out" could be resolved by simply "dying to self" on the matter of how I spend my TIME! which goes back to previous discussions re being much too busy, etc. (Counterintuitive to think that a sluggard might be otherwise "too busy," huh? But I must consider this!)
So, instead of making new "rules" for myself re eating out, or fast food, or the like - I am praying for a disposition that the Lord would enable me to see my TIME as HIS, and that I will continue to grow in my understanding of how to GUARD MY REST so that I will have the time I NEED for the responsibilities I have. And I am also praying that the Lord will give me the ability to see the PRIORITY of caring for my physical body - such that I will also GUARD MY HEALTH (nutrition, bulking up my immune system, etc.) with intentionality and diligence - instead of squandering it so I can "do what I want when I want!"
Any thoughts/suggestions/responses to these reflections? I'm all ears. ;)
~Leah
Monday, April 26, 2010
I just can't get enuf water.
I think I'm going to have to switch to decaf coffee, too. Not cuz the caffeine is an issue for me, jitters-wise. But I just can't drink enuf water. Does anyone know; does decaf dehydrate as much as regular coffee? Or maybe I'll go back to drinking rooibos teas....mmm....with a bit o' honey? YUMMM. ;)
Tomorrow's the big day! Weigh-in. I'll try to remember to report thereafter with any interesting updates.
Tomorrow's the big day! Weigh-in. I'll try to remember to report thereafter with any interesting updates.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Health Challenge - About to Become Official!
Work has set up TWO challenges for us - we can participate in one or the other or both - I'm doing both. The first is a "pool" of money to be divided between all the participants who don't GAIN anything during the challenge. The second is a "pot" of money which will go to the "Biggest Loser" - measuring BMI rather than total pounds. I would like to win BOTH. And I'm up for some tough competition!
But I'm already on a roll - the first big piece is perhaps obvious - EAT OUT LESS OFTEN. I'm becoming a big fan of soup, also - just gotta watch the sodium intake. But even that is a FAR more healthful option than most non-soup meal options - especially when you consider most prepared food is high in sodium ANYway.
Fighting some serious puffiness with respect to both a migraine battle this week and some PCOS related hormone issues (which triggered the migraine). So the second big piece which is also perhaps obvious - DRINK MORE WATER! I have ALWAYS been bad about this. Now not letting myself drink anything - especially coffee - without first drinking at least a full glass of water (ratio of 2 to 1 for coffee).
The "weigh in" for the health challenge at work will be next Tuesday - so the "heavier" I am to start the greater my "advantage" at the start. BUT - I'm not waiting. ;) Will be just that much MORE of a challenge for me, right? But that much more of a reward, too, I believe!
Lord, train my appetites!
~Leah
But I'm already on a roll - the first big piece is perhaps obvious - EAT OUT LESS OFTEN. I'm becoming a big fan of soup, also - just gotta watch the sodium intake. But even that is a FAR more healthful option than most non-soup meal options - especially when you consider most prepared food is high in sodium ANYway.
Fighting some serious puffiness with respect to both a migraine battle this week and some PCOS related hormone issues (which triggered the migraine). So the second big piece which is also perhaps obvious - DRINK MORE WATER! I have ALWAYS been bad about this. Now not letting myself drink anything - especially coffee - without first drinking at least a full glass of water (ratio of 2 to 1 for coffee).
The "weigh in" for the health challenge at work will be next Tuesday - so the "heavier" I am to start the greater my "advantage" at the start. BUT - I'm not waiting. ;) Will be just that much MORE of a challenge for me, right? But that much more of a reward, too, I believe!
Lord, train my appetites!
~Leah
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