Daily Check In: Are You On Track Today?

shariletts

Our cold snap was supposed to be over today, but it isn't. I am not super happy about that as I need to pick up pop for the vending machine at work. I will pick much less than what I initially planned on picking up.

I had an okay day. I didn't end up tracking, but I feel like I did okay. I won't count it as day one of a streak, but I know it was a better day. That day could be today if I don't lose focus!

Congrats on your week-long streak Paula!

Paulawilldo

Shari, good that you did ok even without tracking. That is progress in and of itself. I think we all are getting to the point where we are making positive changes and developing healthy habits and choices, even when we aren't "perfect." I am working very hard to focus on positives in what I am doing. I am sending positive messages to myself, which I think does help me. I did ok today and am well within my calorie range and that includes logging 2 Girl Scout cookies. I had a delicious piece of baked cod today, which really satisfied me. Tomorrow my neighbors are coming for an early evening visit. Jane said they would be eating before they come here, but I think I will serve just some cheese and crackers or something simple. Cheese is a big temptation for me so I will have to be very careful or come up with another idea....maybe salsa and chips....but even with that I have to be careful!

shariletts

We are making healthy changes, for me, it's hard to sustain the changes for the long term. It seems like over time my commitment fades. I will need to be far more determined. My goal for today is it to fit in a 20 minute exercise routine. Not that I won't focus on the other healthy habits, but I let my exercise routine lapse and I want to work on that.

I hope you have a lovely visit with your neighbors or as in Canada, neigbours lol.

Paulawilldo

I admire you, Shari and DW, for including exercise in your plan. I really do not attend to that at all, other than being pleased with whatever limited movement I accomplish. I really must work on some chair exercises and make a commitment to that. I will plan to start out with 5 minutes to day and work upward.

I had another good day today for food choices. We had a great time tonight with our neighbors/neighbours (love it!) visiting. They are such a blessing to us. I could tell that they had a good time too. I served veggies with hummus, mozzarella sticks with pasta sauce, and cheese and crackers. I had a little bit of each and did not go overboard at all. Today was not a "hungry" day for me at all. I think filling up with the veggies helped a lot. If I weigh tomorrow I will expect a nice number. My energy level was solid today. I spent the afternoon cleaning in preparation for our visitors. I am very pleased with what I accomplished and how clean the living room/dining and kitchen look. Now to keep it all as clean and neat as it is currently!

A blessed Sunday to all!

shariletts

Sunday Blessings!

DH and I painted our stairwell and I did not end up getting in any exercise. I wanted to run a couple of errands before church. One stop included ordering new lenses for my glasses. The protective coating is coming off before a year and they are still under warranty. It does impact my vision a little bit so it will wonderful to get them replaced.

Good to hear that you had great visit with your neighbours Paula. I miss my neighbour so much. We do connect still, but not as often as I would like. Maybe we should pop over today. I know she would love that.

Paulawilldo

Shari, I think painting counts as exercise. It is not an easy thing to do in my opinion!

I did not follow my plan at all today, and I didn't track any food at all. I just felt like I wanted a day off so I took it. I will aim to start a new streak tomorrow and will likely stay away from my scale for a few days so I don't get discouraged. It was a very restful and relaxing day for me which I believe I really needed. Other than 2 online church services I did nothing of note at all...and I enjoyed it.

shariletts

Relaxing days are so good. It seems like it should be an easy kind of day to do, but definitely takes a different kind of effort.

We ended up going bowling and out for dinner with some friends. I had shrimp tacos and hope that the meal wasn't too high in calories. I decided to take a couple of days off from weighing in too. The price of restaurant food has really gone up. That will help us to eat out less, and that is not a bad thing at all.

Thankful to be able to work from home today! No commuting.

DW2022

Hello!
I had a big change of plans since I last posted. My sister got sick and wasn’t able to come on Thursday so we rescheduled for Saturday. We had a warmish sunny day on Friday and I had some energy plus could see how bad my floors were in the sunlight, so they did get mopped before my sister’s visit. Also on Saturday, my daughter’s college friends came to visit her. She hadn’t seen them in about 7 years but she said it was like no time had passed. She said that she was able to genuinely laugh with them. That did my heart good!! On Sunday my daughter went with my sister and me to breakfast and then to a huge antique mall where we did a scavenger hunt of sorts-we were there for several hours. I’ve been having progress with my night time eating and when I don’t engage in late night eating it can make a 12:12 or 10:14 IF. That’s my “progress not perfection “ moment!! Paula, congrats on being down a pound and also for taking a break when needed! Shari, between painting and bowling, you are definitely getting exercise! Have a great Tuesday!!

Paulawilldo

Shari, Shrimp tacos sound good and healthy to me. Seems like a winning choice. I am not surprised that restaurant prices have gone up. I notice considerable price increases just with regular grocery items.

DW, Such a blessing that your daughter's college friends are giving her support! They must be a special group of ladies. And what a nice time your visit to the antique mall sounds like.

We are having a little snow storm now. It started around 5 pm and will continue into tomorrow with sleet and freezing rain mixing in off and on. It will continue probably till mid day Tuesday. This is the first real measurable snow we have had all winter. I got right back on track today after having Sunday "off." Actually my calories today were under my range, totally unintentionally. I had a busy and productive day and really wasn't all that hungry. For lunch I made a sheet pan of roasted veggies for John and me. That was really filling and satisfying. I am so pleased with how much I got done today, I am lightening up my to do list for tomorrow. But I must get started on my income taxes. It doesn't usually take me very long, but I tend to procrastinate on that task.

shariletts

I am counting yesterday as Day 1 of a streak. I kept my portions small and I fit in a 20 minute exercise routine. I am noticing that I can't quite keep up like I used to a year ago. Exercise will be something that I will continue to strive to do in order to slow down the old age muscle loss for as long as possible.

DW- It must be very heartwarming to know that your daughter was able to laugh in the midst of her grief. We can pray for more opportunities for her to experience more of that. I am a sucker for antiques. I think that is because I am a pretty sentimental person. My sister is quite the opposite which is so interesting to me. We are so different to each other, which is fine, but in some ways I would love to have more in common with her.

I hope you can get to your income taxes Paula. I don't do ours, DH looks after getting things ready to go to the accountant. I always hope for a refund!!!

Paulawilldo

Congrats on your new streak Shari! You are so right about the importance of exercise. It seems like every day I come across at least one article on that subject.

This is day 2 for my current streak. It was an easy eating day. I didn't have any time for taxes though because a friend from our inter church group called and asked me to help her with a job that she was struggling with (for our group). I was happy to help her, but it did take some time. I did manage to work on my little to do list. Tomorrow I have plans to take Craig to a friend's house so he can rewire a lamp for her. I also will pick up groceries since Craig will be with me to help get the groceries in the house. Maybe I can work on the taxes on Friday as we are expecting more bad weather at the end of the week.

shariletts

An easy days sounds like a good day and helping others seems to help us feel better too. I do find that it isn't easy to ask for help, but knowing how much I like to help others, it shouldn't be so difficult. That will be a good thing for me to watch out for. I do have a bit of a stubborn streak.

I am not sure if I should call a day 2 streak or not. I didn't track so I am not sure if I went over my calories. I think I ate too many carbs, so I don't think I will call it a success.

Paulawilldo

I did feel good helping my friend yesterday. Today I also felt good helping another friend by taking Craig to her to rewire her lamp. This friend is an 80 yr old widow and recently is having some health problems. Craig was very glad to help her, and I was happy to be a small part of it. That is the good part of my day. My not-so-good part of my day was getting too hungry and straying way far from my plan when I got home. Ugh! Back to starting a new streak tomorrow. So frustrating that I allow this to happen on some days.

shariletts

I hear you Paula. It's not easy to stay the course. I know we won't give up and it's time to aim for a streak of 3 days in a row. It is achievable. I just can't lose focus when the day's events get the best of me.

Paulawilldo

Shari, You inspire me to aim for a 3 day streak. I agree with you, it's time! Like you, I must keep focused even when the day's events get the best of me. Today was much better for me, but not quite "streak level," even with my progress not perfection philosophy. I suspect tomorrow will be day 1 of my streak. I am ready.

shariletts

I didn't have a day one yesterday and that is because I met up with a young adult for dinner. I had a chicken wrap, but it came with some fries too. I didn't eat all of them so that was good! I think I can give today a really try to hit that day 1 so we can do it together!

Paulawilldo

Good going with the portion control on the fries Shari. I would consider that a victory. Today was not "streak worthy" for me, even though I started out strong. My friend stopped by totally unexpectedly at supper time and brought us a ton homemade potato pancakes. I was planning to cook my cod as she arrived. Ugh! If I would have practiced portion control with the potato pancakes I would count today as day 1 of a streak, but I ate way too many and didn't track them, rationalizing that they aren't as good when left over. Well since the cod is thawed I will cook that tomorrow and make sure I have a streak day. I gave myself a pretty serious pep talk too.

shariletts

You are in good company (or is it bad lol) Paula. I was doing well all day but DH decided have to drink, I made a Sangria. If I hadn't of done that, I would have been right on track. We get to try again today!

We should be able to finish our stairs today. That will be so good as they have been tricky to navigate.

I am not sure what I will make for supper yet. We will need to pop into a grocery store to pick up some food so I have ingredients to work with.

Paulawilldo

Shari, Did you log your sangria? I wonder if you did if it would have kept you within your range and resulted in a compliant day for you. I love sangria but haven't had it in ages.

I am celebrating today as day 1 of my streak. It was an easy day, and I feel successful. I also accomplished a lot today, most notably my tax info all organized and ready to go to my accountant. I will email him on Monday to see when he can drop by to pick up the info he needs. I also took care of a lot of little tasks without any problem and with not fatigue setting in. I am telling myself that a good night's rest coupled with healthy portion controlled food choices can get me where I want to be. Must keep telling myself this and working hard to stay strong.

Here's to a blessed Sunday for all!

shariletts

Paula- I didn't log my Sangria, I should. have just used a food listed in MFP. I think that trips me up, if I don't add exactly what I ate knowing exactly what the ingredients are, I don't complete my food diary. I would be better off not needing to achieve perfection.

Congrats on a successful day Paula! Mine wasn't quite there, but I did do better. I have let too many days pile up without enough effort. That is the first step that I need to achieve. A day one streak! I need to put something out as a reminder so I don't get side tracked and not think about what I am eating until it is too late.

I hope that I can report a compliant day tomorrow morning.

Paulawilldo

Shari, I am far less fussy about logging exact ingredients these days, but I certainly and all too well understand your desire for perfection. If I can't log things exactly I make a "guestimate." I figure it all evens out in the log run, lol!

I am able to count today as day 2 of latest streak. I was a little worried that I would mess up in the afternoon as I was craving and felt hungry. I satisfied myself with some pretzels, something we rarely have but my friend gave us some. The pretzels seemed to keep me satisfied and on track. The best part was I wasn't hungry till supper time. It was a good day overall. I rested a lot and did a good bit of reading for our church book group which meets tomorrow evening. We now have 2 classes on Monday evenings, a Bible study as usual with my cousin's church in Florida at 6:30 and then at 8 pm a book study class with the church in Ohio. Our Tuesday night class with the Ohio church is finished for now and will likely restart in a few weeks.

shariletts

I finally can say that I completed a good day and I am day 1 of a streak. I am so thankful that I did it, I knew I could but just didn't have the discipline. I feel like I can do it again today!

You have a full night tonight Paula. I am sure you will enjoy the discussion and the company.

I am struggling with a blocked saliva duct. I woke up with it yesterday. I think I may have burned underneath my tongue testing out some borscht I made on Saturday but I am not sure. I will give myself one more day and then I will get my dentist to check it out. I have a white patch under my tongue which could be burn, infection or fungus. It does hurt, so that's not fun.

DW2022

Hello! I did not drop off the face of the earth but my diet plan did! Paula, congrats on day 2 of your streak! Your studies sound enjoyable! I miss the study I went to that ended recently and haven't even managed to get to church or Facebook church the past 2 Sundays. Shari, congrats on day one of your streak! I hope your mouth feels better!!
I had a dog event this past weekend. I originally entered my girl and volunteered to work but had to withdraw my entry due to her being in season. I kept my commitment to work, which gave me many steps!! Unfortunately, there was a lot of candy and snacks sitting around and I demonstrated 0 self control. Today I volunteered at the food pantry, which also gave me many extra steps.
I am reading two books right now-both nonfiction (at least advertised as such) and it suddenly dawned on me how ironic it is! I am reading "Forever Young" and "The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning", and enjoying them both, although I am not feeling younger or cleaner-LOL!! Have a great week! I hope to report Day one of a streak tomorrow!

Paulawilldo

Woo Hoo Shari! Let's keep these streaks going. Ouch on your mouth! That sounds so very painful. Sounds like a good idea to get it checked out if the problem continues.

Streak day 2 for me today. I am very happy about this. I have done better with my meal planning the past 2 days which I think helped keep me on track. I had a busy day today, mostly doing paper work, some of it for our inter-church group but also some personal stuff here. I am pleased with how well rested I felt again today (not even a short nap) and with how much I accomplished. We are expecting a little snow overnight, but it should be finished and cleared by the time I have to drive to get our haircuts in the late afternoon tomorrow

shariletts

DW- I will need to look up The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning! An intriguing title. We would love to have you join us on trying to get a streak up to three days. It isn't coming easy for me.

I took an Advil last night and that helped a lot with the pain in my mouth. I will take Advil again today, but I think I may to book an appointment to get it looked at. I will make a decision before I leave work today. Having been in the dental field as an assistant I feel somewhat silly needing to go in. I don't know if there is much they will do. But since it's painful, I don't want to ignore it.

Have a great day everyone. I am really hoping that I can celebrate a third day in row of healthy habits.

Paulawilldo

DW, you and I must have been posting about the same time on Monday. When I posted I didn't see your post. Your books sound interesting for sure. I am especially interested in the Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. I looked it up on Amazon and might just purchase it eventually. Keep us posted as you read it. Getting in those extra steps is terrific! And you are doing such good volunteering at the dog event and the food pantry!

I hope you get some relief in your mouth Shari. I always admire people who work in dental offices. I don't think I would have been very good at something like that.

I guess I can't do simple counting. Monday was day 3 of my streak. I am off to a good start today as well but feeling a little hungrier than I'd like at the moment! I will focus and give myself another pep talk in an effort to have today be day 4.

shariletts

Well, I blew my 2 day streak at dinner last night. DH asked if I could pick up burgers for dinner. I should have looked up the nutritional information BEFORE I ate one. I should have passed and just got them for him. It was really good and I did enjoy it in the moment. But now I have to start all over. I know today won't be easy for me, so I think I will be starting over on Thursday.

I will be focusing on my water intake today to flush out the sodium from dinner last night.

Paulawilldo

Shari, Good idea to flush out that sodium. How is your mouth?

We had haircut appointments for late Tuesday afternoon but didn't get there because the battery in our van was dead. Thank goodness the van was our garage when I discovered this. The dead battery sort of turned things on Tuesday topsy turvey whileI I was working with AAA roadside assistance to dispatch someone to check/possibly replace the battery or if necessary tow the van to a mechanic shop if the problem wasn't the battery. It ended up that I waited till Wednesday morning to get the service to come to the house. It was frustrating but eventually all worked out when the technician came in the morning and replaced the battery. Not sure when we will be able to reschedule the hair appointments as our stylist works very limited hours.

I am able to claim Tuesday as day 4 of my streak and Wednesday as day 5. I did better on Wednesday than Tuesday but both days were within my calorie range. So glad the battery was replaced because I did a much-needed grocery pick up Wednesday as well. I have been eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast lately and that seems to help keep my on track. I add cinnamon and fruit which makes it extra filling. I am getting much better at measuring my portions, which is progress for me.

DW2022

Hello! Shari, I hope your mouth is feeling better!! Paula, congrats on your streak! So glad you were able to get your van fixed! I am doing better with eating and exercise but still trying to get back to where I was before the weekend. It is so frustrating that the weight jumps up so quickly and takes forever to come back off! At some point, I should accept that there is no way to eat sweets all weekend and not gain several pounds. …and then make better choices!! My daughter leaves Saturday to meet her brother and his family in AZ. We will have her dogs here and I will visit the cats at her home. 🙏🙏🙏🙏that her 15 year old dog stays alive while she is gone!! We are expecting snow overnight- not looking forward to that! Have a great Thursday evening!!

Paulawilldo

DW, so true that the weight comes on so easily but takes its good ol' time to leave us. Despite my streak of 6 good days (counting today) I am not seeing much movement at the scale. I don't weigh every day and see fluctuations with my weigh-ins but the trend is downward, so I guess I just have to be patient and work harder.

I hope your daughter enjoys her time with her brother and family. Arizona sounds like a good place to be at this time of year. We are expecting snow Friday into Saturday. I wonder if it is the same system visiting you DW tonight.