betsysblog

Give up!!  That’s what I would do!!  I know my 6 pound gain has not been because of my back injury- I gained that weight before I hurt it.  I know what caused it…and a year ago I would have just said, forget it, and went right back to my unhealthy lifestyle.  I’ve been on this journey what I consider seriously for a year now…and I’ve lost a grand total of 12 pounds.  This can be very discouraging,  and I know for a fact without my support system here at BS and my Wildcats team members, I wouldn’t still be trying.  So, thank you goes out to everyone who supports, uplifts, and encourages me not just once in a while, but every single day…please know that you are the reason I am still fighting for what I really desire!  And someday when I’m there I look foward to having a big thank-you celebration for all of you!!

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.     Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.     Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

Hey Buddies,

What are your preferences for sweetners?  I have used everything in recent years; sweet n low, equal, splenda…I’m currently using sugar in the raw, and I like it; however I’m wondering if it’s better to use honey?  I don’t even use much; just a packet in my tea and a packet in my oatmeal on days that I have that.  What are your thoughts?  favorites?

If you’ve never been to this website, you should check it out- really great info and recipes! Here are some good tips for the new year:

Listen up, people. We’re only nine days into the new year, and many of us can already feel those resolutions slipping away. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. HG’s here with the TOP ATE tricks for sticking to your diet and exercise resolutions…

1. Get by with a little help from your friends.

Following healthy eating and exercise plans can be tough to do on your own. GET SOME SUPPORT! Find a buddy to walk with or join you at the gym. Compare grocery lists with a calorie-counting pal. (Check out our AWESOME new printable list for 2009!) And if you’re a little shy about this kind of stuff, a discreet approach can be just as effective. Get your sweat on in your living room with a new workout DVD (consider the video trainers your new BFFs). And hop onto some discussion boards online to swap stories anonymously. 2. Just journal.

Jotting down your daily diet is one of the best ways to stay on track. Even if you’re too crunched for time to record every calorie, fat gram, POINTS® value, etc., just writing a little description of each meal and snack can have a huge impact. You can always review your choices later, and see if you need to make some changes. Ooh, and don’t forget that old WW credo, “Write before you bite!” That one’s a keeper, since you’re way less likely to scarf down 87 jellybeans if you see it in writing first.

3. When it comes to exercise, everything counts.

Even if you can’t get a full workout in one day, you can always squeeze something in. Go for a few calf raises while waiting in line at the bank — or get a walk in before dinner. Do bicep curls with soup cans while you wait for the oven to preheat. Stretch in the shower (careful — don’t slip!). Commit to doing at least SOME physical activity each day. 4. Be prepared.

Holiday shopping may be over, but you can still have a spree at the supermarket. A stocked kitchen is KEY to success, so print out our latest grocery list and hit the aisles running (okay, walking). Make sure to consider all your snacking and mealtime emergencies. Do you have purse-friendly snacks? How about nukeable dinner choices for when you get stuck at the office? Make a list of all your tough-eating scenarios and plan accordingly.

5. Rethink your resolutions.

One of the main reasons resolutions fall short is because they aren’t reasonable. If you’re determined to lose 30 pounds by the end of January, you’re setting yourself up for failure. If you’ve never exercised before noon in your life, yet you’ve made up your mind to hit the 6am cycling class five times a week, you probably won’t do it. Adjust your goals and make them REALISTIC. Who says resolutions need to start on the 1st anyway? 6. Keep it fun.

Face it — if your meal plan is boring and your exercise routine’s lame, you’re never gonna stick it out for the entire year (let alone beyond that). So add some excitement. Find great new recipes to try out — plug the name of your favorite food into the HG search bar (in the upper right corner!) and see what comes up. And seek out exercises that you actually enjoy. If running doesn’t do it for you, try dancing. You can also take power-walks through the mall, try a new sport, hula hoop, take up karate, go swimming… Whatever! You can even work out with your video console (Wii Sports, anyone?). Just do it. (Our secret? Lots of bad reality shows while walking on the treadmill.)

7. Rely on reminders.

With all that’s going on, you might need some “shoulder taps” to keep you from forgetting your New Year’s wish list of personal goals. So buy yourself a cute calendar and fill it with activities. Schedule workouts. If they’re written in your calendar, you’ll be more likely to do them. 8. Forgive, don’t forget!

If you slip up and miss a day of exercise or accidentally inhale an entire week’s worth of chocolate in one sitting, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s one thing to acknowledge where you went wrong so you don’t repeat your mistakes, but it’s another thing altogether if you throw yourself a pity party that lasts until Labor Day. Don’t give up, letting one bad day turn into a bad week or month. ACK! Be patient with yourself while you figure out what works. Live and learn!

I post weekly goals on my team forum, but now I’d like to post some additional goals right out here for everybody to see, and help hold me accountable!!!  I don’t like to call them “resolutions” because that just sets me up for failure..if you like that word by all means use it, it just doesn’t work for me!  So here goes:

* I will drink 100oz a water a day, even on my day “off”

* I will exercise a minimum of 4 days per week, even if it’s only for 30 minutes (unless of course I’m injured like right now LOL )

* I will eat healthier and I will help my family eat healthier

* I will find more active things for us to do as a family

* I will not feel sorry for myself

* I will set goal weights in increments of 5 pounds- it is attainable and not scary!

* I will stay positive- I KNOW I can do this!

* I will be more faithful to BS and the forums and my team

* I will help and encourage others

* I will make time to spend alone with God

* I will let go of my stress- it is not healthy

* I will be grateful I have a job

* I will be a better friend, wife, mom, employee, and family member

Our pastor recently said we should want to be different this year than we were last year- you know, growing, a better person, closer to God, etc…and that is my #1 goal for 2009- I want to be different!!  In all the previously mentioned ways, and in my weight loss journey.  I don’t want to start 2010 with any regrets!