Juli's Journey

2015-01-19T16:11:00.002-06:00

Wow. Well it has been almost 3 years since I posted on here. What a shame. Quite honestly, I forgot I had created this blog. Shame on me. It wasn't until my dear friend told me she recently looked at my journey and wished me well, that I realized she was referring to this blog. Again, shame on me.

I guess, here's to new beginnings. Time to start over. Time to re-assess my goals. I will be back with a vengeance!!!

My friend, you know who you are......my gratitude and deepest thanks goes out to you. May we rock this journey together. :)

Week 6 down, Starting Week 7

2012-07-19T17:42:00.002-05:00

Hello my blogger buddies. I missed blogging last week. I have been preoccupied with class. I have, however, still been going strong with Weight Watcher's. I gained a pound last week, but lost two pounds this week. So, I am now at a 10.4 loss. If you are familiar with Weight Watcher's you know that I just got my second star. :) I haven't done that for a long time. In fact, I have never made it to week 7 so that is huge. I couldn't do it without the special guy who is on this journey with me. I thank him every day.

I have two more weeks to go and I will be in Cozumel, Mexico. I am so excited. I need the break so bad. I am looking forward to relaxing in the sun.

See you next week.

Namaste

Weeks 4 & 5

2012-07-04T21:41:00.001-05:00

I guess I forgot to post last week. My apologies. I am still going strong. I have lost 9.4 pounds this first month. It feels good. In fact, right now I am enjoying a cup of chamomile tea, listening to Bjork, and looking up healthy recipes. It is 92 degrees at 9:30pm and I am watching through my periphery the wonderful fireworks. My kids are all out together this evening watching the fireworks and I have the house to myself.

I am totally at peace and loving it.

I know that this journey has truly begun and I don't feel like stopping at all. I am truly excited. I know I have a long way to go, but I can do it. One day at a time.

I think I found myself and it feels amazing!!!

NAMASTE!!!

Week 3!!! Becoming a Habit

2012-06-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

I made it through week two. On to week 3. If any of you remember, I never make it through week 3. This time, however, I am confident that will change. I was so excited when I stepped on the scale this week. I lost 4.8 pounds. That means I have lost 7.8 pounds in 2 weeks. I am so pumped. I am still taking baby steps, so I don't expect to have that great of a week every week. I am just hoping to lose something every week.
I have set a preliminary goal of losing 17 pounds by the first week in August. Since I stopped blogging for a while, I have to fill you in on my plans. In August, I am going to Cozumel, Mexico. I am SO excited. I had to get over the fact that I won't be thin and spry when I get there, but if I feel this good after simply losing 7.4 pounds, I think I will feel even better 10 pounds lighter still. Who knows, maybe I will lose more before the trip. We shall see.
Until next time.

Week 2

2012-06-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Well, week 1 has come and gone and another week has begun. I think I have blogged in the past that I tend to stop trying on week 3. This time I vow to change that. I really want to change this time. I really want to see results.
Week 1 was successful. I lost 2.6 pounds. It was actually easier that I anticipated. I am working on getting my steps in every day and I had some great days last week. This week has proven to be a bit more of a challenge. Today I am not feeling all that well. I don't think I will get my walk in today, but I am not going to give up on that yet. I might find the strength. I want to make sure I don't give up on anything anymore. Wish me luck.

New Beginnings

2012-06-10T11:43:00.001-05:00

It has been a long time since I blogged. Shortly after I last blogged, I lost my job. Even though I was prepared for it, I didn't prepare for how it would affect my eating habits. I also threw myself into my school work as I am now a full time student.
It hasn't been easy and I have had to talk myself into being happy every day. A few months ago, I hit my rock bottom. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back, I am quite certain. I felt lost, without direction. On the surface, I was fine, happy with school, loving the time I spent with my kids, but inside, it took all of my strength just to get out of bed in the morning.
Then, about a month ago, someone said something to me that brought it all to the surface. It was one statement, but it was exactly what I needed to hear to get me out of my funk. Someone actually cared. Someone actually worried about me. Don't get me wrong, I have always been aware of people caring about me, but this time it was presented with sincere concern and love.
Because of this beautiful person and his words, I have begun my journey again. I have to start over, but I am so willing to do it this time. What is different, you might ask? Well, this time I have a support system. This time I have a cheer team. I am no longer alone in my journey and I am so happy.
I am looking forward to sharing my progress and feeling the support I once felt from all my blogger friends as well.

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #21

2011-08-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 21: Celebrate success (but not with food).

You lost five pounds this month and walked every other day? Time to celebrate! Rewarding weight loss success really can encourage more success, so revel in your achievements. Buy a CD, take in a movie, and set a prize for the next milestone. Just don't celebrate with a sundae or deep dish pizza.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #20

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 20: Keep a food diary.

A simple pen and paper can dramatically boost your weight loss. Studies show the act of writing down what you eat and drink tends to make you more aware of what, when, and how much you're consuming -- leading you to ultimately take in fewer calories. One study found that people who kept a food diary six days a week lost about twice as much as those who only kept a diary one day a week or less.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #19

2011-08-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 19: Chew sugarless gum.

The next time you want to grab a fattening snack, reach for some sugar-free gum instead. Chewing some types of gum gives you fresh breath and can also help manage hunger, control snack cravings, and aid in weight loss. Although gum might make you eat less, it doesn't mean you can stop eating right. A good diet and exercise are still important.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #18

2011-08-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 18: Limit alcohol to weekends.

Alcohol contains empty calories: a five-ounce glass of wine has 125, a bottle of beer about 153. Because our bodies don't use those calories well, they usually get converted directly into fat. If you enjoy an occasional drink, consider a compromise. Enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverage on weekends only, with just one drink for women per day, two for men.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #17

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 17: Eat more fruits and vegetables.

The best "diet" is one where you get to eat morefood, not less. If you eat more fruits and vegetables, you shouldn't feel as hungry because these nutrient-rich foods are also high in fiber and water, which can give you a feeling of fullness. Snacking can be a good thing as long as you choose smart snacks.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #16

2011-08-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 16: Understand portion sizes.

We're so used to super-sizing when we eat out that it's easy to carry that mind-set home. To right-size your diet, use a kitchen scale and measuring cups to measure your meals for a week or two. Use smaller plates and glasses to downsize your portions. Split restaurant servings in half -- making two meals out of one big one. Portion out snack servings instead of eating them directly from the container.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #15

2011-08-15T12:39:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 15: Get enough sleep.

When you're sleep deprived, your body overproduces the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin but under-produces the hormone leptin, which tells you when you're full. Getting enough sleep may make you feel rested and full and keep you from doing unnecessary snacking.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #14

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 14: Weigh yourself once a week.

People who weigh themselves regularly tend to have more weight loss success. But most experts suggest weighing yourself only once a week, so you're not derailed by daily fluctuations. When you weigh yourself, follow these tips: Weigh yourself at the same time of day, on the same day of the week, on the same scale, and in the same clothes.

Courtesy i of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #13

2011-08-14T20:00:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 13: Lose weight slowly.

If you're losing weight but not as fast as you'd like, don't get discouraged. Dropping pounds takes time, just like gaining them did. Experts suggest setting a realistic weight loss goal of about one to two pounds a week. If you set your expectations too high, you may give up when you don’t lose weight fast enough. Remember, you start seeing health benefits when you've lost just 5%-10% of your body weight.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #12

2011-08-14T12:36:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 12: Clean the cupboards of fattening foods.

If you have chips in the pantry and ice cream in the freezer, you're making weight loss harder than it has to be. Reduce temptation by purging the cupboards of fattening foods. Want an occasional treat? Make sure you have to leave the house to get it -- preferably by walking.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #11

2011-08-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 11: Include fiber in your diet.

Fiber aids digestion, prevents constipation, and lowers cholesterol -- and can help with weight loss. Most Americans get only half the fiber they need. To reap fiber's benefits, most women should get between 21-25 grams daily, while men need about 30-38 grams -- nearly twice the current national average. Good fiber sources include oatmeal, beans, whole grain foods, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #10

2011-08-13T20:00:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 10: Always eat breakfast.

It seems like an easy diet win: Skip breakfast and you'll lose weight. Yet some studies show the opposite can be true. Not eating breakfast can make you hungry later, leading to too much nibbling and binge eating at lunch and dinner. To lose weight -- and keep it off -- always make time for a healthy morning meal, like high-fiber cereal, low-fat milk, and fruit.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #9

2011-08-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 9: Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables.
Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a dress or pants size in a year. "You can save from 100-200 calories if you reduce the portion of starch on your plate and increase the amount of vegetables," says Cynthia Sass, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #8

2011-08-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 8: Order children's portions at restaurants.

Ordering a child-size entree is a great way to cut calories and keep your portions reasonable. This has become such a popular trend that most servers won't bat an eye when you order off the kids' menu. Another trick is to use smaller plates. This helps the portions look like more, and if your mind is satisfied, your stomach likely will be, too.

Courtesy of WebMD..com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #7

2011-08-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 7: Stock your kitchen with healthy, convenient foods.

Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes on hand sets you up for success. You'll be less likely to hit the drive-through or order a pizza if you can throw together a healthy meal in five or 10 minutes. Here are some essentials to keep on hand: frozen vegetables, whole-grain pasta, reduced-fat cheese, canned tomatoes, canned beans, pre-cooked grilled chicken breast, whole grain tortillas or pitas, and bags of salad greens.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #6

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 6: Spice it up.

Add spices or chiles to your food for a flavor boost that can help you feel satisfied. "Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying, so you won’t eat as much," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Malena Perdomo, RD. When you need something sweet, suck on a red-hot fireball candy. It's sweet, spicy, and low in calories.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #5

2011-08-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 5: Eat protein at every meal.

Protein is the ultimate fill-me-up food -- it's more satisfying than carbs or fats and keeps you feeling full for longer. It also helps preserve muscle mass and encourages fat burning. So be sure to incorporate healthy proteins like lean meat, yogurt, cheese, nuts, or beans into your meals and snacks.

Courtesy of WebMD.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #4

2011-08-11T12:20:00.001-05:00

Tip No. 4: Eat several mini-meals during the day.

If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you'll lose weight. But when you're hungry all the time, eating fewer calories can be a challenge. "Studies show people who eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day are better able to control their appetite and weight," says obesity researcher Rebecca Reeves, DrPH, RD. She recommends dividing your daily calories into smaller meals or snacks and enjoying most of them earlier in the day -- dinner should be the last time you eat.

Courtesy of WebMN.com

Best Dieting Tips Ever....Tip #3

2011-08-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tip No. 3: Enjoy your favorite foods.

Instead of cutting out your favorite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy one fresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy from the bulk bins instead of a whole bag. You can still enjoy your favorite foods -- the key is moderation.

Courtesy of WebMD.com