Category Archives: Health

Pulling Myself Up by the Bootstraps

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What a difference a couple of good days on the wagon will do for the soul.

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And what a good feeling to unload (on the blog) the things that bugged me. I feel lighter already!

I had a really good day on my healthy food choices yesterday. And I’m on my way to having another really good day today.

So the hubs asked me out on a lunch date today. It made my day! I loved our conversation too. We visited and reminisced back to when we first met. Makes me smile to think about our journey and how it has brought us to where we are today…

Before our lunch date, I had an idea that if I commit to take a picture of my lunch and post, that it could help me stay on the good health wagon when dining out.

So I did – I had turkey chili with an apple. Then I declared (to the hubs) “this bowl is my  favorite item on the Panera Bread menu.”

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I’m not sure how long I’ll keep up the posting of what I eat when we dine out. But for the next month, I believe this is going to be a good way to keep those goals in check.

I’m thankful for bootstraps, lunch dates, great conversations and for keeping the scissors out of my hair another day.

Cheers to pulling myself up by the bootstraps.

Blessings – Debbie

Lately

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A couple of things have bugged me. It’s small stuff, really. Nothing earth shattering. But I decided to make a blog note of it, as the little things too shall pass.

Truth – I have not successfully picked up on my healthy eating habits as planned by the 1st of the year.

However, I did have a really good 2 weeks healthy run and had nearly lost the weight I gained over the holidays. And then I fell Flat. On. My. Face. A few days ago. For shame.

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What is it about this year and not being able to get control of myself?

Well I started back again today on the plan. And I plan to pick back up with my monthly health status next month. The truth must be told.

Another thing that’s bugging me is my hair. I decided a while back that I would like to let it grow out again.

But this crazy stage is driving me NUTS! Nuts, people!

And I think the hubs knows I really want to grow it out. So he’s been telling me no, don’t cut it, the last few weeks. This is not like him. It’s just not. As he could care less if the stuff is long or short or in between. He really doesn’t care.

And it’s kinda cool to see him tell me no, more like giving me support to get thru this crazy growing out stage. And it’s working, as it would have been long gone a few weeks ago.

I told you, it was little stuff, but I feel better now that I made a note of it. And I think it will help me to keep things in perspective, remind me that it’s just small stuff and to get a grip on the things that really matter.

That’s all for today.

Blessings – Debbie

Monthly Health Update

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Truth, this is all about coming clean about the things I’ve done. Be it good or bad.

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For starters, I planned to have better days. But I didn’t.

Truthfully, I think I had a Panera Bread pumpkin muffin Every. Single. Weekend of the month. Sad but true. Good but bad.

We celebrated a birthday – cake and ice-cream was in order.

And Halloween came…

I hate to admit it, but I waited with great anticipation for the hubs to get home from work. Ok, that came out wrong…

You see, he was bringing the stash of Chocolates for the little ghosts and goblins. And I couldn’t wait to get my paws into the chocolates.

And I’m disgusted with the amount of chocolate consumed last evening. And happy the hubs took the remainder to work today.

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But you know what I’m happy about?

While it’s been an up and down battle all month. I’m happy to report I was able to maintain the month of October.

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I’ve also come to grips with the fact that I may not lose another pound this month.

We have big celebrations on the horizon and Thanksgiving will be thrown into the mix. And I’m good with being able to maintain.

Here we go into another month of celebrations. Hold ON!

Blessings – Debbie

October Health Update

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First things first – Wishing a very happy October 1st to each and everyone!

By the time September rolls around, I get excited about autumn. But October 1st is the real deal. It’s here, my favorite time of the year is here!

Regarding the health update. I was able to take off a few more pounds this month. Not much, but a little.

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There were a few setbacks, but I’m bouncing back.

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It’s funny how we I always tend to find excuses and place blame on circumstances about why we I did or did not do better.

For me, I continue to place blame on that Big Green Egg. And the weekend we made the brisket. That’s where I’m pointing my finger. It’s all the “Egg’s” fault.

And if I continue to point fingers, I’ll fail.

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Truth be told – if I take a long hard look at myself, I can’t point fingers at none other than me. And if I want to see changes, I need to follow thru during the normal day in and day out.

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I’m still pleased with the results, but it’s time to stop placing blame and do something about it.

For the month of October, The goal is to have a few more better days and a lot less (day in and day out) party days. Cheers to good health!

Blessings – Debbie

Health Update

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For whatever reason, I’ve neglected talking about my health journey for a while.

My journey back to good health started two years ago this past June. And I haven’t looked back to the old way of living.

Sure, I celebrate the good times and holidays and special events and go on vacation and eat what friends and family cook, including the goodies they bake. And I’ve found that moderation is still key.

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To be honest, the health journey has not been perfect. Had it been perfect, I would have reached my healthy weight by now.

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But you know what? I started this journey with the intention of not being in a rush. And finding ways to get the weight off after a celebration. It’s something I’ve been able to keep up.

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I’m happy with the choice, but now I’m getting back to the basics of good health.

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My next plan, is to take this weight loss to the next healthy level. Which means, I’m ready to focus again.

You know what else I think? I think being mentally, physically and emotionally ready for this journey is another big key to success.

But the best key I hold = My Hubby! He’s right by my side going thru this step by step with me. I’m so blessed.

As I look to the future, my wish is to continue to seek good health. I want to live for the quality of life. And to have a piece of chocolate in moderation for the rest of my life.

I hope to include more health updates along the way, perhaps a monthly progress report? We’ll see.

Blessings – Debbie

Crazy Week of Diverticulitis

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It’s been one of those crazy weeks. And it all started sometime during the night on Sunday.

It came swiftly thru the night and attacked my lower abdomen with a severe pain.

Monday morning, I didn’t say anything to the hubs, or anybody for that matter. As I thought to myself.

It has to be a very sore muscle, that sounds about right from the work I had done over the weekend.

As I put one foot in front of the other, the pain would not subside. I continued to tell myself all day, that it was just a muscle.

It was onwards and upwards to school, to work on my project.

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That evening, I pretty much sat on the love seat nursing myself and still didn’t say a word to the hubs about it.

Nighttime rolled around and the rest came and went like waves. Rest a little, lay wide awake in pain as I tried to find a comfortable position. All the while wondering if morning would come.

Morning did come! And that is when I told the hubs all about it. Followed by saying “I think I’m going to call my Dr. right away.” The hubs said “Don’t mess around with that, call your Dr. as soon as the office opens.”

And so I did. And the nurse put me on hold and soon I was talking to my Dr. who thought it necessary to be on the phone with me. After asking a series of questions, she said. “I want you to go straight to Urgent Care and do not drive, have your husband drive you”.

As I was calling the hubs, he was getting into work. And he said “Hold on for just a few minutes, I’ll be right there.”

Back to the house he came, ready to do whatever he needed to do to get me back on my feet.

He ushered me into Urgent Care and from there Urgent Care sent me directly to the Hospital/ER.

The hubs took this shot just before my warm blanket arrived.

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After the Dr. prodded in a few areas, the decision was made for a CT Scan.

And so it was, I had the hubs by my side, drank the fluids necessary, had an IV going and jumped thru the hoops necessary to have my very first CT Scan. Although I did put a stop to the morfeen they wanted to put into my system. I would much prefer the pain than to have that stuff making me sick to my stomach.

Then I was wheeled away to have a CT Scan look see. It wasn’t bad at all. But the die part was my least favorite. Die was pumped thru the IV and into my system. And the crazy taste and burning sensation all thru my body, even my tongue, was just a little too bizarre.

Soon we knew what was causing all the fuss. I had a case of diverticulitis. Description below taken from Mayo Clinic.

Diverticulitis (di-vur-tik-u-LI-tis) occurs when one or more diverticula in your digestive tract become inflamed or infected. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form anywhere in your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. However, they’re most commonly found in the large intestine.

Diverticula are common, especially after age 40. When you have diverticula, the condition is known as diverticulosis. You may never even know you have these pouches because they seldom cause any problems, such as diverticulitis.

So that diverticulitis is what has had my attention the last few days. But I’m happy to report it was this, rather than something else.

I’m following strict Dr. orders regarding what I eat. It can be a bit controversial when I see different opinions out there on the web. But I’m doing what I’m told as I would much prefer a bland diet as to have that pain anywhere near me.

Our Tuesday began at 8am with a phone call to my Dr. and ended at 4:30 when we left the ER. I was so happy the hubs insisted to be right there with me all day. I even tried to get him to break for lunch, but he had no part of that. He’s something else and I love him more than he will ever know.

The hubs even stayed home Wednesday to be sure that I was going to be ok. I’m on the mend and feeling so much better today. It is amazing what a lot of rest, meds and diet for this disease, will do for a body. Cheers!

And I leave you a picture from the garden, as it would not be right without a pretty shot.

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Blessings – Debbie

Truth be Told

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When one is in doubt, there could be more.

One of my readers had question the other day about the way I look after my 3.5 mile hike.

It reads –

“I love reading your posts but I always wonder….do you hike all dressed up? and how do you look so pretty after a 3.5 mile hike? 🙂  I’m all sweaty and red faced…lol…just wondering ;)♥ “

Um, for starters, I apologize for making it seem I look anything other than this.

Today, I huffed and puffed with an elevation gain 1,347 ft.  I perspired and got all red-faced.  As you can see, my hair even got a little yucky and sweaty too.  I was a hot and sticky mess.  We will not discuss how I smelled when all was said and done.

But I bet you can guess how it went in my brand spankin new hiking britches.  Total bliss.

The hike was amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite pots in the neighborhood.

I have no idea what these were used for, years ago.

This almost looks like a cannon.  Boom!

I would know what this is, I’ve used one a time or two.  Just not for a pot.  One day…

This neighbors garden woos me.

It looks like the perfect home for fairies, gnomes and trolls.

It’s amazing how the scenery changes from one place to another.

It’s a beautiful and perfect distraction from the way I really look.

Do you have a question?  Feel free to ask in the comment section.  I will do my best to answer in an upcoming post.

Blessings – Debbie

Britches

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I couldn’t think of a better title, as I’ve used that word more than any other word in this post.  So there you have it.

There were a number of things I wanted to conquer today.  One being my toes.

They have not seen a pedi in over a month.  And they were in dire need of a little TLC.  This is not the time or place to share before pix.  You just have to trust me on this.

I love the blue polish I picked up at the grocery yesterday.  It’s just the “right” color of blue.

The name of this polish = Blue Me Away!  Yes, there is an exclamation point on the polish bottle after the name.  Seems fitting as it really blue me away!

While my toes were drying, I got busy on Google Reader and caught up with my reading.

Then I got busy throwing laundry from the washer to the dryer.

While busying myself around the house, I noticed little sprinkles on the surface of the pool.

And then I remembered that we forgot to put the grill cover back on from our BBQ last evening.

Then I realized I needed the camera.  What the camera has to do with covering the grill is beyond me.  I just wanted the camera with me when I stepped outdoors as I didn’t want to miss anything.

Perhaps it’s a good thing I brought it out.  Because this vine will be all trimmed nice and proper when the gardener comes over this weekend.

Look!

And then there were two.

I’m glad that there are times in life when goodness shows up.  Sometimes we have to be prepared and on the lookout.

When goodness comes, stop and enjoy the moment.

So the grill did eventually get covered.

The laundry is behind me.

My toes are finally dry.

I had a manicure as well.  My nails are pretty happy now that they are up to snuff again.

I made a run (in the car) to get new walking britches.  I love saying britches.  My grandma calls em britches and I love the word.

One time when I said britches to my step-daughter, she thought I was referring to underwear.  I hope she knows the difference now.

As I was saying, I got new britches and it turned into such a great experience.

Can you believe that this is the first I’ve replaced my hiking britches since I started losing weight?  Me neither.  I guess I have it in my brain that I do not want to buy every stinkin size as I go down.  So I just doubled my britches over in a couple of places and used safety-pins to hold them up.  I’m resourceful like that.

How fun will it be, in the morning, to put on my new britches, sans safety-pins?  It’s going to be epic!

Blessings – Debbie

I’m a Work in Progress

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Good Day!  And what a good day it is.  I have so much to be thankful for.

We were blessed with such a pretty night sky last evening.

Night sky with a bit of reflection in the pool

This morning dawned and a lovely day appeared.  This was an early shot from my hike today.

Can I tell you a thing or two?  Yes?  Please don’t judge.

You see, we all have heard the saying “Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a peasant.”  I totally get it and understand how breakfast will jump-start that metabolism among other good things.

But I’m just not that much of a breakfast person.  I don’t wake up starving.  And even when I get back from my morning hike, I have no desire for food.

It seems all I really want in the morning is coffee.  So I’m up to 2 cups each morning.  1 cup while I’m getting hubby’s breakfast and lunch ready.  And the second cup after my hike and shower.

A picture from my hike this morning.

By the time noon rolls around, I’m ready to start thinking about a bite to eat.  Yesterday I had lunch at 1:30 and today 12:30.  I pretty much eat when I’m ready for a bite.

Back to breakfast.  I’m beginning to warm up to the idea of having breakfast like I used to.  Because it’s good for me.  Lest I confuse you, just because I’m warming up, does not mean that I’m close to being ready.  Give me at least another month on this one.  A girl has to do what a girl has to do, right?

One more thing.  I told myself (last weekend) that I was done buying soda.  I told myself “when my soda is gone, it’s gone.  Period!”   Apparently I fought back on that too.  Because the pantry has enough soda for at least two more weeks.  But It’s only a matter of time when I will be drinking water and lovin’ it.  But for now, I’m really into my Diet Root Beer.  Sigh…

Another shot from my morning hike today.

My Total Today – Distance = 3.51 mi – Elevation Gain = 1,227 ft

I’m a work in progress and taking it one thing at a time.  I think that’s all part of what makes this journey fun.  I have my calories completely under control.  I use my smart phone app to log everything that goes in.  And I’ve moved into my exercise program this week just swimmingly.

Cheers for the good and Cheers to the areas that need work.

Blessings – Debbie

Blaze A Trail Thru Summer

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Good Afternoon!  Today is a big day.  It’s the day when I dip a bit deeper into health.

I’m not sure about you, but I’m just not the kind of gal that can take on a whole bunch of stuff all at the same time.

No, that would not be me.  I can feel myself shutdown at the thought of biting off more than I can chew.

I take things little by little, such that I don’t have a panic attack walk away from the thing I want so badly.

So last week, I totally embraced eating my daily allotment of calories without exceeding the feed limit.  Amen!

And as I look into this brand new week, I can see that there is room to add exercise to the list.  I’m ready for it.

On this beautiful blustery Southern California morning, I set out for my very first hike of the summer.

It was good to reconnect with nature.

And I’m more than ready to whip off these last 15 or so pounds.

On a good note, I dropped 3 pounds last week!  A testament that I am taking this serious. But I know it’s only a matter of a week or two that I will be back to only seeing a pound or 1/2 pound loss per week.

The goal is to find my stride.  And now that our travels are over and life is back to normal, I can focus and blaze this trail to goal.  And ultimately goal for life.

I’m happy with the progress and so thankful and proud that my hubby is on this journey with me.

Blessings – Debbie

Baby Steps

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There are times when “Baby Steps” turn into giant leaps.  But for now, I’m just working on “Baby Steps” period.

This week is all about getting myself back into the health wagon.  And the way I see it, I’m not ready to do everything all at once.

This week is all about focus.

And by that, I mean getting my calories “ALL” under control.  I’ve managed to do that both yesterday and today.  But there are still areas to work on.

Things like:  Getting more protein, exercise, taking in more water…All things I will embrace in time.

Take today for instance, I found a new coffee flavor, it’s so yummy.

And this afternoon, I wanted another cup.  Now I normally (before Keurig) have one cup of coffee in the mornings.  But with this new Keurig thing in the house, I’ve had 2 – 3 cups a day.

So what did I do with my afternoon yearning for another cup of coffee?  I had it.  The calories come in the form of cream added to each cup = 105 calories per cup of coffee.

That just means 210 calories less that I can spend on food today.  And I’m ok with that for now, but not for long.

Yup, this week is all about weighing, measuring and counting every calorie that goes in.  And not exceeding the feed limit.  Because, that’s what it’s all about.  Baby Steps.

Blessings – Debbie

Good Health 1 Year Anniversary

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As we tuck June away for another year, it’s a reminder that my journey back to good health is 1-year-old.

I picked another rose today.  May it be a reminder to take the time to continue to smell the roses.  And may it remind us that while life passes by, there is balance when we stop from our busy routine.  Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.  And find balance in whatever it is that we do.

I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.  In fact, it’s a lifetime commitment.

Every area of life requires balance, as does this journey to good health.

I haven’t had a lot to say about my journey the last couple of months.  That’s because this has been a real test.  A test to see if I’m really committed to this lifestyle.  Will I stop when the party is over?  Or will I get back up?

We were out-of-town a total of three weeks in the last two months.  We celebrated both of our birthdays.  We took some time-out to dine at our favorite restaurants and ordered exactly what we wanted.  Yes, the best fried onion rings in the world made it to my plate, ice cream from Cold Stone was enjoyed more than I care to admit…It’s been two solid months of celebrations.  Or taking the time to smell the roses, if you will.

There was a major weight gain that took place during this last trip out-of-town.  Up until this trip, I maintained (of course gained and lost) my weight no problem.  Being away from home for 13 days, eating with the rest of the crowd.  And celebrating “big”.  That’s what we did and that’s life.  And it’s ok to allow ourselves these things.  No regret.

I did have a number in my head of what I thought I would gain.  Turns out, I was one pound under my expected gain.

Once we returned home, I lost 1/2 of that gain in the first 4 days.

Since then, I haven’t been practicing my good health guidelines.  While I have not gained, I certainly have not lost.

Today is the day, the day I have had in my mind the last two months.  The day I will get back to the health plan my Registered Dietician laid out for me last year.

I’m ready mentally, emotionally and physically to feel the way I feel when I eat for my health.  It’s time.

As far as the weight loss, it will come.  I know it.  There is no rush and I realize that it can become a bit harder getting the last of it off.  The way I see it, I still have 15 – 20 pounds to go.  While I have weight to lose, I do not have a set date for goal.  I will get there when I get there.

Cheers to good health and the desire to have it more than ever.

Blessings – Debbie

Hello May

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Well good day and happy May!  Can it really be May already?

Well May is here and there is so much to look forward to.  Summer is upon us and plans for fun seem to be discussed each and every weekend and evening in between.

Plans to travel, celebrate hubby’s birthday, see friends and family, attend a very special wedding, Visit the Grand Canyon, visit a castle, summer BBQ’s, visit the beach, travel to Las Vegas, celebrate my birthday, a planned trip to Yosemite, visit LA, baseball, celebrate our anniversary, have another wedding ceremony – just hubby and me (I’m in love that this was totally hubby’s idea), visit Disneyland and most importantly, time together.  While some of the things on this list may fall off, there’s no doubt that we’re going to have a total blast this summer.

With all of the planning and excitement that fills our home, we still continue to work hard on the good health front.  So much so that I’m ready to post an update before all of the summer fun comes rushing in.

I continue to be amazed that more weight continues to drop.  I’m now below where my Dr. originally wanted me.  That’s huge for me!  I’m encouraged daily and feel a sense that I finally hold the reins to health and the balance between good and evil foods.

It’s a time where I’m preparing for weight gains during the summer fun and celebrations as well as taking it right back off when the party’s over.  We’ve learned to live and celebrations are and will always be a part of living.  But we have learned that together, we can get right back up and take the weight right back off faster than we put it on.  The key is getting up when the party’s over.

I may bring this subject up again during the summer months when the “party’s over”.  I want to talk about how there is no shame with those gains.  We accept them for what they are and would do it all over again.  That’s part of the whole process.  To be an encouragement to each other is huge!  And together, there is no doubt in my mind that we will conquer whatever it is we set out to do.

I had the joy of shopping for new clothes again yesterday.  I really need new clothes as things are starting to sag and fall off of me.

The most bizarre thing happened.  No matter what I was trying on, I continued to grab for two different sizes.  But the smaller sizes continued to fit over and over.

And I continued to doubt that I really am here after working so hard this past year.  I wonder how long it will take for me to just grab one size, my size?

Lately I’ve been focusing on my arms and pumping that iron hubby bought for me.  He makes an amazing trainer!  My arms are a feel good sore daily.  Not too much, but just right.  He has the plan now lodged into my head and I’m working so hard on tone.  He said, just the other night how he can already see a (little) difference.  Makes me happy!  I keep thinking I need to take before pictures and share the before and after pictures in a few months.

Another subject regarding my health that seems to be on the front burner is my skin health.  I just had my very first visit with a dermatologist to have a full check for skin cancer.  Cheers to a clean slate to date!

But then, just two weeks ago, I did the craziest thing.  I went to the beach (it was pretty cloudy) and didn’t put on my sunscreen.  What was I thinking?  Right, I was thinking, I’m covered all except for my legs and it’s so cloudy, no need for sunscreen today.  Not good.

Two weeks later, my legs look like this.  It’s not pretty, but I’m just keeping things real.  And  I’m thinking “never go in the sun or clouds without my 30 SPF ever again.”

Next up, hubby got the most amazing report from his blood work.  His cholesterol could not be any better and his weight loss to date is somewhere around 67 pounds.  I could not be happier for him.

I’m so thankful we make a team and sticking right beside each other as we seek our ultimate good health goals.

Cheers to summer fun, celebrations, treats, good eats, weight gain (no, it is not a bad word), time together and returning to good healthy habits at the close of each and every party.

Blessings – Debbie

What I Consider a VIP

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Good afternoon!  It’s that kind of afternoon when all feels right with the world.  Birds are chirping, it’s such a pretty day and after the pool man leaves, I may go soak in the sunshine (with my 30 sunblock) for a spell.

These pictures have nothing to do with this post, but they were taken during my stroll in the garden this morning.

It’s also an exciting day because hubby and I are looking to pick up a dumbbell set complete with a rack this evening.  I wonder how sore my arms will feel in the morning?

We’ve come such a long way in the last 9 months and it’s only getting better on the health front.

Although, Pinterest is killing me with all the things I find that need pinning.  Truth be told, most of the sweet/not so healthy things I pin, I think about using around the holidays or special parties/events.

Speaking of holidays, I’m happy to report that we haven’t baked anything since last Christmas.  I’m pretty impressed.

That’s not to say we haven’t had our sweet tooth taken care of every now and then.  And there is no shame allowed when we agree to a sweet treat/unhealthy meal fix.  In doing those things, we’ve found that our bodies are so forgiving after the splurge.  And we find that sometimes it’s just good for the soul to get it out of the system.

To celebrate every pound down as a (VIP) Very Important Pound, is huge.  Each pound down is a victory, worthy of celebration!

Blessings – Debbie

Down Another Size in the Fitting Room

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As hubby stated this morning “April showers bring May flowers” and that is exactly how our night and day turned out to be.

I dodged the rain to take a couple of shots before starting the day.

Coffee and yogurt were at the top of my list this morning and so was something else.  It just seemed like a perfect day to be at the mall.

So the mall it was.  I started an early search for a dress to wear to a wedding in a couple of months.

I would love to find something on the long side, with a little swing in it for dancing with hubby.  But I didn’t come up with anything today.

However, I did snag a swimsuit and that makes me happy!

Cheers to summer fun, weight loss and getting into smaller sizes in the fitting room.  Sizes I haven’t seen in a very long time.  And for the first time out shopping, I had no clue what size I was and didn’t know where to begin.  It soon became fact that I had indeed gone down more than I expected.  Look out size 6, I’m coming for you!

I just hit the goal my Registered Dietician wanted me to reach.  A goal she thought would be reasonable to maintain for life.  I didn’t know how I would feel about this number until I arrived.  Now that I’m here, I still feel the need to press on for another 20 pounds.  We’ll see how it goes.

One thing I do know, I want good health every day, for the rest of my life.

Blessings – Debbie