The Holidays and the New Year

WOW!  This is my first ever white Christmas!  The snow started in Greenville this afternoon and is still coming down.  It is supposed to continue all night.  Tim and I took a ride today to look at the beauty of it all and we really enjoyed ourselves.  Fresh snow is so pretty and makes everything look so fresh and clean!
We started out the day with a breakfast at Waffle House and ended with a Chinese dinner.  It was a great Christmas Day!

Now that Christmas is over, my thought turn to the new year.  With the loss of my job just a few weeks ago, I am not sure exactly what to expect!  Who knows what this year will hold for me.  I know that much of what is to come is out of my hands.  But there are some things I can control.  Continuing on my quest for health and fitness IS in my control.  Even though I have felt less motivated the last few weeks, I am now ready to be back on track and get some of these pounds off!

I am starting to work on my new year resolutions.  I want to encourage you to make (at least) one for yourself.  Be specific. No broad "lose weight" or "exercise" resolutions!  Resolve to eat more vegetables.  Maybe you can commit to exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes.  And tell someone...or everyone...what your resolution is so that you are accountable.  Write it down where you will see it every day, like on your fridge.  If you want to lose pounds, decide how much and set a goal date.  Maybe also think of specific ways you will reach that weight goal.  When you reach it, you can always set a new goal for the next few pounds.  Resolutions can be made any time...not just in January! A goal to lose 10 pounds is much less intimidating than 50 pounds!!!

Here is my first rough draft for my resolutions:

1. Exercise 6 days a week for at least one hour.
2. Limit dessert to one day a week.
3. Eat out only 2 times a week.
4. Run a 5K.
5. Post to my blog every week.
6. Find a way to encourage someone in their weight battle every week.

Notice I did not set a weight loss goal for myself.  I have found that I cannot focus on a number, or I get discouraged.  Instead I am working on being healthy and strong and the weight will come off as I do that. 
I also want to get my personal trainer certification, even if I haven't reached my personal weight goal yet.

I would love to know what your resolutions are.  Post a comment and share yours with me.

Make 2011 a HEALTHY and happy New Year for you!!

Big changes

Man, it's been a crazy week!  Last Friday I was getting ready to go to lunch when my boss called me into his office.  Very matter-of-factly he told me that he had decided to "restructure" his business and was eliminating my position...he was letting me go.  It was like having the rug pulled out from under me!  It was such a shock!  I was given several weeks of pay and sent on my way.  I cried all afternoon waiting for Tim to get home.  He was very supportive and encouraging.

We went out to supper that night and I decided to "treat" myself to chicken alfredo pizza.  Saturday and Sunday I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity and ate whatever I wanted.  And no exercise either.  Come Sunday night I started feeling pretty bad and woke up Monday with a yucky head cold.  I guess the bright side was I didn't have to call in sick!  HA!

Now here I am, a week later, and way off my diet and exercise plan!  I haven't gained any weight back, but I haven't moved forward either.  I know these kinds of things will happen and this is my first real test, but I think I have failed this test miserably.  That does NOT mean that I have to drop out.  Tomorrow is another day. 

Since I will not be working I have the unique opportunity to ramp up my exercise and get back on track.  I stopped at the grocery store earlier and loaded up on fruit and a few healthy meal choices.  I think a key for me while I am not working is to stay on a strick schedule of meals and snacks and a good exercise plan.  It will be too easy to sit in front of the TV all day and snack, so I want to have a plan.  I also want to try some of the classes offered at my gym and I'm hoping they won't be as full during the day.  On days that the weather is nice I want to get to the track and run.  And I plan to double my treadmill time.  Tim and I both agreed that keeping my sessions with the trainer is more important now than ever.  I need the accountability even more than before.

I do have a phone interview on Monday for an office assistant job I would love to have.  I will continue to look for a position and send out resumes.  In the meantime I will continue to work towards my goal of a healthier lifestyle.  I hope I will use this time wisely and make smart decisions.  I'll keep you posted!