Daily accountability and check in

mikeyrowlands

I work in an office, contact centre to be precise. I try and get up and moving around but so much of the day is remote calls.

I saw that Noom has a 6 month free offer, I quite liked the articles and app when I last used it. Went through the 'build your plan' before getting to the price.

Worked out at £120 for 6 months or just over £10 per month. I'd have been up for paying £10 per actual month but not £120 up front.

Got a music festival this weekend so only 2 days in work, hoping my new roofbox arrives later so I can sort and hoover/clean the car before hand.

Randomly, here's an amazing lily flower from our pond, we didn't get them last year but I've not long cleaned out the pond filter and tidied all the plants up and thinned them out, my wife is convinced it's because I take such good care of the pond.

Lesson to be learned there I think, maybe I should take as much care of myself.

walkintofit

That's one beautiful flower mikey! cleaning the filters is a good idea. My question is how to clean up for the human body? I'm sure me caving in last night and having 3 drinks doesn't help "cleaning" the body. May help the nerves some.
Action plan today:
log food here
take a smallish walk (depends on feet after work)
eat greens with lunch

gbread2u0169

Good morning. I'm new to this conversation but thought to myself - "this is perfect! I keep saying I just need someone BESIDES MYSELF to be accountable to" (because unfortunately I allow myself to lie to myself, I allow myself to be lazy, eat like crap, sleep like crap but wonder why I can't lose this blasted weight!). So today, my 1 millionth and 1 'first day' I will be accountable to you all. To be honest I'm struggling, not just with me my weight but with my crazy life as well. (my youngest daughter and her family just moved in with me while they get a new chiropractic business off the ground and, on their feet,). I used to have a pretty good morning routine but lately I've been distracted, irritable (adjusting to a 4-year-old running around is hard at first lol) and just plain lazy. So, I made a conscious decision last night to face my new life head on - make a new routine that works better, make a plan that works better, and give myself (and everyone else) a break while we all adjust to this new crazy house life. lol

So, this morning I got up early, did my Bible study while I drank my coffee and faced my morning with a renewed spirit!

Breakfast was chicken salad on whole wheat english muffin and coffee. OH, and I logged in to MFP for the first time in forever. But hey, it's a start!

Thank you for letting me ramble. And thanks for a place where I can be accountable to someone other than myself (because like I said....I lie to myself A LOT! LOL)

Good luck to each of you and may we all have a wonderful, blessed, accountable day.

NellyJica

I was diagnosed with type2 diabetes last year after a life of not taking care of my body and trying every diet known to man and failing miserably. The diagnosis scared me into taking it seriously and managed to find the tricks for MY body that finally gave some good outcome and i managed to lose about 35 pounds. I know a lot of it was water weight, but still, i was so proud.

Then then holidays rolled around.

Suddenly my brain didn't know what to eat or the correct portions and what the word exercise was and i was back to my old habits. Every month saying "next month i'll get back on the horse". It is now almost August of the following year and i gained about ten pounds back.

This morning I decided, enough is enough. I found a meal plan, bought my groceries, prepped my breakfasts for the week (the meal i ignore the most), and starting my workouts today. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it come Thanksgiving again. I hope to come back here and read how you all combat the holidays!

mikeyrowlands

138

gbread2u0169 - doing anything is good, I got wrapped up in 'new starts' and found it hard going to keep failing. My new approach is just to make changes, some days I make more than others and some days I'm more successful than others, but it's about doing something different.

NellyJica - Holidays are tough, other people, different options, it's the holidays. I've got a music festival this weekend and will probably be 5 days of drinking and eating cheap carbs, I'm planning for some good choices but it won't be easy.

Not too busy a day today, a couple of meetings and time to do things I need to get done before 4 days annual leave, free day tomorrow, maybe I'll take my nephew fishing 🎣

Read this today in my Stoic reading, resonates with 'finding joy' in making change, it doesn't have to be easy, the joy comes from the investment in self and knowing that it's right.

walkintofit

"To be fully content with life , bounce back from adversity, be a source of strength and inspiration" Yes to that. I do need to move forward and find my 'new" life. I call it new as my old life has passed away and I am coming out of the ashes trying to find the new me. For those who don't know I lost my husband in December. That is where I'm coming from.
I am working on being better than yesterday, eat better, less junk, move a bit more. Look around and do just one thing, make a decision, take charge of something, finish something. Lose the 10 lbs I gain this year. Just keep on moving forward!
Thank you Mikey for the reading for today, gives me a focus

mikeyrowlands

159 (I think), sat on a train to York, I don't like working on the train so I'm only checking my laptop occasionally.

I've jumped back on the Noom wagon, don't know if anyone tried it, it's just a platform like WW or SW, but what it does differently is you get 10-15 mins of little articles/lessons to scroll through, not groundbreaking stuff but motivational and great for keeping you on track, I've never found anything that has a similar level of content. Anyway, I got a 6 month free deal so works out £120 at the end of my trial for the year.

I've still got MFP and also joined Slimpod - something is gonna work this year.

I weighted the other day, 17.6 which is good because I didn't put too much more on inbetween. I've had a good couple of days food wise, I'm doing pretty well movement wise too, I started a job for my wife, pulling down a climbing vine and trellis that covered a wall she wanted the BBQ to go up against I realised I needed the garden bag, so that then prompted a whole job of taking older garden waste to the tip so I could empty the bag.

4 hours later, wall cleared, BBQ moved, garden waste removed, decking cleared and brushed, much sweat and high HR.

Listened to an article yesterday about colon cancer and the rise in under 50s. I'm 46 tomorrow and don't have the healthiest of diets, so I'm gonna get it done I think, as well as a round of bloods once I can get it organised with the GP.

I have brought my gym stuff with me, I'll hopefully do something this week.

walkintofit

Glad u didn't "fall" off the wagon Mikey, wondering where u were and what was going on. I have thought about noom, but haven't jumped the mfp ship yet. I'm going to bookmark this page so I can find it quicker. It is hard to get the diet figured out. I need to get the food thing figured out as I keep on gaining. Or just stop drinking. Too much grief sometimes and I try to drown it out, it doesn't really work though. You are near my son's age, hope it doesn't bother you I have joined your page.

mikeyrowlands

Not off the wagon just yet. Was ruminating on my fitness plan yesterday, it's extra expense, but what I definately think works for me, is opening the app and doing 15 mins of lessons helps to stay focussed, let's see how it goes.

Happy (and glad) for you to be on the page, it's a great place for people to check in, post, or just lurk, I'm happy that you are here and sharing this journey.

This is day 2 of my 46's and I'm aiming to be in a different health space by 47, I want my 50s to be healthy and lively.

On a totally separate note, does anyone have any good tips or ideas for building new social circle at this age, I've made some changes and really would like to be around people that enhance my choices but it's not exactly easy.

walkintofit

Mikey that is good you want to broaden your circle of friends. Some people find new friends by going to different places. For example, bowling, shooting range, a gym, church, at your job, a bar/tavern. If you have young kids take them to a park and let them play, can make friends with the kids parents. You are right it isn't easy making new friends as an adult. I started hiking with a co-worker. She has been lots of fun. So far exploring parts of the area she hasn't been too. Does your wife like to go for walks? dancing? gym? or do you want to do things with the guys? or a mix? Could get a couple of bikes and go for rides with her. Hubby and I would walk the neighborhood and people would talk to us. Didn't know any of the neighbors. Wouldn't have met any of them without the strolls.

Yesterday I took my measurements and weight. Going to do that every 2 weeks. I want to see progress. Any progress. Logging food into mfp.

mikeyrowlands

So, 193 (I think), I'm waiting on a decision from a job interview last week where I basically uphold myself into a higher bracket but may have priced myself out. Let's see.

Caught my biggest fish to date on Sunday Morning at 4am, in the rain with no headtorch, good times.🤣

Also messaged a good pal of mine, we haven't spoken since this time last year, my wife thinks we are both being stupid stubborn, I've sent him a happy birthday this Morning (I didn't get one from him).

Anyway, onto fitness, I'm going to commit to start tracking today so I can improve my diet. My plan is also to incorporate some body weight exercises and stretching, particularly my ankles as I really struggle with haglunds in both ankles.

walkintofit

I am with you there Mikey, hard to get the diet under control, such as lose some weight. still struggling in that department along with drinking too much. get the tracking started again and pinpoint the issues better.

mikeyrowlands

That salad sounds amazing.

I've tracked so far this week and will continue with the same, I do need an injection of more veggies during the day, I'll see where I can find these.

walkintofit

my weight is still creeping up. probably the drinking, and not eating enough veggies/fruits. Never weighed this in my life. at this point maybe should say "ell with it" and drop out of trying.

walkintofit

According to the numbers I am still gaining around 1 lb a month. Ya I lost a lot of stress, that was burning lots of calories. Now to dial the calories in/out thing.

walkintofit

Finally the scale is moving downward. Slowed up on the drinking.

mikeyrowlands

3 times I've typed this, the turning my phone seemed to reset the page for some reason

Anyway, well done walkintofit that's great progress, any positive change is good.

I'm so glad you and the others found a home here to check in with each other and find se accountability.

It's funny, I struggle to keep the routine and drop in/out. I put myself under a lot of stress and often it's good choices that get sacrificed first. I do struggle with ADHD, so habits and routine are difficult.

I'm back in my favourite hotel coffee spot after breakfast while travelling for work. I don't know why but I always feel most reflective when traveling, maybe it's being in my own head more, driving, plane, train, alone time in the evening, I don't seem to get this headspace at home, even when I create time for it.

Anyway I'm still here and I'm going to try and make good choices this week, just had eggs and avocado, hopefully a vegetarian healthier dinner and short walk, let's see.

Also, posted about friends last time, I had a pal that I hadn't spoken to for a year, we've be3n friends for 25 years but stubbornness took over and we haven't spoken. Anyway, he went into hospital and had his appendix out, so I reached out to him to check in, caught up and saw him. Let's see how it goes

mikeyrowlands

walkintofit

Good to hear from you Mikey, good for you to go c your friend. You need some guy friends for sure. It is easier to think when u don't have to drive or "do" stuff at home. I don't think the same either. I do more reflective thinking when going for a walk. No train or bus where I live. I get to drive or walk/bike. Beautiful pic Mikey.
I walk the canyon trail (its paved) or hike down a steep trail. It gets the muscles working and plus the fresh air at least 1 or 2 x a week. I do a half mile walk after supper. I think that is making the lard come off. need to release at least 10 lbs. I am so short it is making me look like a have a float tube around my middle.. funny sight! To bad I can't take a spatula an smooth it out and look better.
Lost a lb. so least that is moving in a downward fashion. I need to look good and feel better!

Interbeing

Returning to MFP after a number of years away. I can't seem to find the old discussion page and found this. The daily accountability with the old system really helped me in the past, so I would like to find something similar. My main goal this time around is to get my cholesterol levels down through diet as I cannot take statins. I hope you are okay with me tagging along in this group.

mikeyrowlands

All welcome 🤣 I started it after seeing something similar to count days and track progress. It's become more of a journaling home for people sharing their journey, love it either way.

Love the idea of that canyon walk, I need to find something similar where I can turn my brain off for a bit and reflect.

I also need to deal with my cholesterol and probably sugar levels. Yesterday's plan didn't go so well but did enjoy a nice chicken dinner on my expenses 🤣

If I can do a good lunch before leaving the office for the airport I should be able to avoid the burger king.

Only a short trip, Liverpool to N Ireland but it's a 90 min drive to to the airport, 40 min flight (probably 90 mins airport before) and then a 40 min drive home.

It's funny, I come here every 6 or so weeks for maybe 3 years now and the staff welcome me back at reception and the restaurant "Welcome back Mike, so nice to see you".

I honestly think, I need a new job, I've stuck a few applications out, but this one is causing me too much stress and trying to affect my health is like canoeing uphill while navigating 40 hours of my week that I generally hate. I've been Managing Contact Centres for over 20 years now and I think I'm spent. I just don't know what to do when I grow up. I was going to be a mechanic originally but that didn't work out.

Anyway,

I can see the Mourne mountains here as the sun is just coming up and giving the sky a splash of purple. There is a row of saplings along the canal and the leaves are bright red.

There is a breeze sneaking through the window next to me and it's a nice cool autumn chill which is waking me up.

Maybe I'll sit here drinking nice coffee, reflecting and sharing nonsense until I leave for the airport.

walkintofit

Mikey, take a pic of that view!!! That is cool they call you by name! I worked in a contact center for about a year. It had good perks but the person over me kept telling me I was doing things wrong. Funny thing was I was taking a lot of calls and if you met the numbers u would get bonus's. After I left I kept getting bonus every two weeks for several months. I ended back at retail jobs. This one I have been at 21 yrs and plan to retire in a couple years. I have been promoted here 3 times. I need to use my phone to post a pic of the canyon

walkintofit

The Perrine Bridge , people BASE jump from
it

walkintofit

There is paved trail up above on the left of the picture, on the right side of the canyon is dirt trails that are very steep to hike. This bridge is in Southern Idaho heading to Twin Falls. Town is aprox 65-70 k people.

walkintofit

Mikey, u have a lot to give so I would suggest adding a college class? getting a weekend gig to try out something else? Delegate some of the workload to an assistant? just tossing out ideas for you.

mikeyrowlands

Wow, love that view of the canyon and bridge. I did take a pic the day before but it was the city rather than the mountains, I couldn't catch it right through the window and with the light. Nice moment though.

Yeah the Contact Centre thing is always "people have to be working as hard as possible" everything is measured and counted.

It does have its perks though, after years of retail contact centres, my teams help people now join programmes to help with diabetes prevention, health checks, employment support and also for refugees. Rewarding to know we help so many people.

I want to find something that I am truly passionate about and enjoy getting up in the Morning for, if such a thing exists 🤣

walkintofit

Change can be good, what are your interests? college? want to get a degree? would picking up a couple classes help make the changes you want? Lots of questions/options to think about.
I have been thinking about the same things. I want a change. What do I want my next 20 years to look like.

walkintofit

U got this Mikey, you will make it happen.

Jamieleisa777

On day 18. Been frustrated as I’ve been working my butt off and still struggling to drop pounds, but. I learned today that a med I take when I can’t sleep - despite swimming and walking- is hurting the way my microbiome digests fat. So I’m going to stop using it except in dire emergencies.

Still motivated in both my diet and my fitness routine! Feeling so much better with the exercise!

Keep the faith!

Jamie

mikeyrowlands

That's interesting about the meds Jamie, I've always struggled with sleep medication, leaves me fuzzy headed the next day. You'll probably benefit more when you do use it as exception rather than the norm.

Some good questions there Walkintofit, that's what I need to figure out, what could I do some evening classes for. I'm tempted to do some electrician qualifications but I'm 46, not sure I can pivot that far and still pay the bills.