How is everyone?I need to make sure I’m updating more often, because as I sit here typing, it’s hard to make sure I don’t miss anything in this update!
First, on the 11th, I started the Metro 42 challenge. I think, for me, this was a great way to start a healthy eating lifestyle. I started exercising regularly in December 2012. There is absolutely no reason, other than horrible eating, that I shouldn’t be at my goal.
It’s been a long learning process. Making sure I’m eating enough, and tracking is a great way to see how you may be possibly eating too much in other ways. For me, sugar intake was too high. I put way too much in my coffee. And sometimes, I’d have multiple cups. This eating challenge has not only helped me see this trend, but also change it up. I love tea. Tea is a great coffee substitution. Also, if I have coffee, a use a little agave nectar instead of sugar and far less creamer as well. (Sometimes I use the dairy-free).
I started this challenge at 138.something and this weekend I weighed in at 131.2! Starting weight might have been a little off. We weighed in in the afternoon on the 11th, so I had eaten and everything. For home, I like to weigh myself in the morning, before I’ve eaten. Either way, I haven’t seen this low number since February last year. It’s neat to look at MFP, and see the graph. Over the last year, I’ve stayed between 131-139, which is a bit of an accomplishment, but I’m still overweight for my height, so I’m eager to see how the remaining weeks will go of Metro 42.
I also have every intention of writing out a shopping list before I go to the store. I need to add more vegetables to my diet and maybe change up my source of protein. Of everything I’ve learned about fitness, weight loss and nutrition, I think it is most evident that your health IS 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. You can’t out-train a bad diet. My results over the last year make that clear.
Colleen continues to do well off her one medication! There is still no sign of her new bed, and we are also still waiting on a wheelchair. We got a letter at the beginning of the month stating that part of it had been declined. It was crushing. There’s nothing like knowing your child needs something, and insurance denying it. I feared that it might have been because we switched her back to Jonathan’s insurance (my company switched providers, as the one we were with increased their rates 49%!!) Ridiculous. So, with that switch, even though it has been a long time since the wheelchair was ordered, I thought that it was the reason the wheelchair was declined. It wasn’t. Letter stated medical necessity. Ugh. So frustrating. I need to look into the status of this and the bed. Her current bed is wearing already and I hate that she’s constantly getting herself stuck.
I was also excited about her being able to start an adaptive dance class. We were first told of it last year by one of her doctors who was going to add Colleen to the list. Also, her physical therapist said she had also requested that she be added to the class. I inquired about the start, since I thought it was supposed to be this month. I’m sad to say that there is no room for her currently, but she is first on the waiting list. While trying to research the program, I found an article about dance helping children with cerebral palsy, so I would be so excited if Colleen had the chance to do this. Fingers crossed that she can start sometime!
Whew! I hope I didn’t miss anything in that! Till next time, xoxo.
Month: January 2016
2016 Goals
2015 was a blur. I wish I could stop the pace at which everything seems to go.
Top moments in 2015 for me was earning my Bachelor’s degree. Finally. I changed jobs, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but I love it. Colleen was weaned off of a few medications, and it’s been for the best. What else?! There’s probably so much more. Overall, it was an okay year.
I do think it’s extremely important to write down your goals. If self-improvement is your thing. It keeps accountability, and it’s great to look back and see how far you’ve come.
1. Getting healthy. I’m better than what I was, but I need to take the time and focus on nutrition. I’m starting a work challenge on January 14th which will involve a lot of focus there!
2. More yoga. I started taking a class once a week while I was at Welch Allyn, and I really enjoyed it. I think it would be beneficial to both body and mind.
3. Patience. Being more aware of my feeling and trying to relax. I can let myself get worked up over things, and I lose a lot of patience. I don’t like this side of me and I want to set a better example.
4. More photography and more time to be creative. I am a creative at heart, and I don’t make a lot of time for myself for this. I miss photography, and I think overall, it will help me become a better designer.
What are your goals for the new year?
Building Castles 