Beautiful Behaviors - April 2017

+1 for online romance successes here. We met online through friends, did the long distance thing for a while, and then moved together to give it a shot about 3 years ago. There's pluses and minuses to meeting people that way, but it can work out alright. Good luck.

@ParanormaLauren what an awesome article. I can tell you are a writer. That is a great story!!

I did have one long term relationship about 5 years ago through a guy I met on match. During the relationship I got dx'd with MS. I thought this was going somewhere and then I realized that I was unhappy more than I was happy with this guy. Our parenting styles were so different and I cut it off for my own sanity. That was my last relationship. Now, I don't date much. There aren't many good guys out there. When I go online, it seems like I see the same guys over and over again. Men seem intimidated by a smart woman that doesn't need someone to take care of her.

@jessiquoi I am glad that you found someone online as well and I am glad that you might be finding a new way to eat to help your diabetes
I don't have diabetes, but I hardly ever eat carbs without eating protein. When I eat dinner, I typically have a veggie and a lean protein and a fat. I only have fruit once a day with my smoothie (usually after swim practice) and I have peanut butter powder (protein) with it so I don't crash.
Have you ever met with a dietitian? I have and it has really helped me. One of our grocery super stores (Hyvee) has a registered dietitian on staff and it is free to meet with her. I also met with one through my doctor's office.
I would recommend always having some protein with your carbs.

Lauren - I am impressed with your writing skills. I am an Instructional Designer and eLearning Developer, but I don't write as well as you do. Nice job!

rdevol wrote: »

Doesn't anyone meet their mate the old-fashioned way anymore like I did - in a bar??? lol

I met mine at my first job

Awwwww. I loved your story @ParanormaLauren !

@jessiquoia - Good luck! You can do it!

Hi everyone! This group looks amazing! May I join?
I had anorexia for many years, was hospitalized for it, and now I am slightly overweight (my doctors shared that I should lose a little bit of weight). I am determined to do this in a way that is loving and healthy, and would love to do it with you.

@littlemeesy106 - I've been back and forth with my weight, healthy eating and exercise but feel I have a better grasp on it the past couple of years. Glad you are on MFP trying and getting back into it.
@purebredpolly - Hey there. Good for you, my therapist once told me that sometimes even family can be toxic. Foot massage?! -Yes, please. lol
@jessiquoi - Even though low carb sucks, I will agree with you there (love carbs). I find it exciting when I add challenges or new programs for myself, it's kind of exciting to see what I can do. Although, I'm glad you are using 'moderation' with the ice cream (I love ice cream)
@ParanormaLauren - You're so pretty Aw, I love love
@alaskandelight - Sorry about your dad. How did your water consumption go? Way to burn those calories at the gym!!!
@tabletop_joe - Hey, how you doing?!!!
@CT0526 - Yes, tracking calories is hard, but glad you are still trying. Last night I was so tired and thought I just won't add in the rest of my day but I did and it actually didn't take too long. Keep it up
@nickiphillips1 - I love that you are a confident woman! I agree, it's hard for a man to step into that spot. In my experience - it does seem that all the good men are already married. There are a few left lol I know you will find someone great because you seem like a wonderful "catch" (not sure if that's politically correct haha)
@fangcat623 - Great work! I sometimes lack on my cardio and just lift for a week or so and when I get back into cardio, at first I'm out of breath and can't complete long sessions. Keep going
@aleahurst - Nice Selfie!!! Picking actual ingredients from outside is inspiring. That salad looks fabtastic!

Update: The bf was able to go to the gym with me last night, love it! We completed 90 minutes of Chest and Treadmill Inclines. Tonight may be a rest day, only time will tell - because I'M TIRED! You know you've been working hard when all of your workout clothes are dirty (and I have a bazillion). I had to wear short little spandex shorts from last year and surprisingly I didn't feel too uncomfortable with the length. Oh well, Imma do laundry! lol

Thought for the day: Progress - You may not be where you want to be, but you're not where you used to be. ***Recognize the work you put into yourself. I have grown mentally and physically. I used to have depression and not be able to manage all my feelings and thoughts, it was awful. Now without medication, I am strong and know how to let go of feelings and move forward. Physically, I am more aware of muscles I am using and how beneficial different activities are for my body. Be your own cheerleader and learn positive self talk, also know when to give yourself a swift kick in the behind. Support is great and others will help us along, but the best supporter is You!

@jessiquoi - great attitude with the ice cream party - dairy does have protein - it also has a lot of sugar though - take it easy - find some protein you like: nuts, eggs, cheese, milk, beans, quinoa has carbs and protein, peanut butter powder in a smoothie
@happysherri - you have those cute little skinny legs to wear those short shorts - I bet your boyfriend was happy
@aleahurst - nice salad and selfie - very natural - good job - get those nuts in as well for protein - walnuts are one of the super foods

My swim practice was somewhat inspiring today. I slept an extra hour and went to late practice. I went second, then caught up to the lead guy and wasn't as slow as I have been. I may be starting to feel better. I may have a sinus infection. I am hoping the allergist can tell me today when I get my asthma checked.

Slow steps. Next week I want to swim one day at the other pool in the slower lane and do some Individual Medley and get some butterfly in. It will definitely help my distance free and make me faster. I have just been waiting to feel better. Also, I need more room (fewer swimmers). I will have to swim earlier.

It's almost Friday!

Hang in there and move your bodies!

Awe, you all are rockstars!

@happysherri I made my water limit with many, many trips to the bathroom. My dad is slowly waking up from the induced coma. Kinda a difficult processes since he's a bit confused, but we are hoping for the best! I love your thoughts of the day! I like playing a game of "what would the me of 10 years ago think of me know?" The answer is always..."She would be amazed and inspired." :-)

@aleahurst I didn't know you could make salad out of chick weed!! You kinda just changed my life. I have thrown away or burned sooooo much chickweed! I'm currently planning and getting ready to put my garden in within the next two weeks. The ground is juuuust starting to thaw up here. @sabinki I saw you gardening it up yesterday! Way to go!

@fitzmonkey13 way to go to make a action plan for your knee. I have some injuries that I have to be mindful of too. I really screwed up my ankle after not letting it recover or changing my workout routine. (Like you, I just didn't want to lose momentum.) I severely regret that and wish I listened to my body at that time.

Way to go on skipping ice creaming @jessiquoi and picking up steam in the pool @nickiphillips1.

I got a set of Core de Force in this morning and I'm a quarter of the way to my water goal! Today's beautiful behavior is to "power walk" my pup this afternoon and get my laundry under control. The dirty gym clothing struggle is real! Keep up the good fight everyone! You're totally worth it!

Ok i have to confess to you all. Yesterday I ate 4 mini cupcakes and some baklava. I also had some chicken strips. Ugh but im not going to beat myself up over it. What's done is done right!?!? Back to good eating and lots of water now! I did gardening yesterday and today is cleaning because my parents are coming to visit for the weekend. Hope you all have a lovely day

Thanks everyone for the glasses and article love. Writing is something I love and I'm really lucky to have gotten some great opportunities.

@CT0526 I know a couple from my really small, private high school who started dating really young and are now married with three boys. I feel so emotionally invested in their relationship! Where love is involved, I no longer think anything is impossible.

@fangcat623 and @mbam89 Zumba! I always seem to miss that class but I love dancing so it's a perfect exercise. Gotta get back into it.

@aleahurst Great looking salad! I'm so impressed when anyone can manage to grow their own food. I killed a succulent once, so I don't think a vegetable garden is in my future.

@jessiquoi The will power! Ice cream is so delicious, so I know it's tough to not partake. I bet your coworkers understand though. Mine are really supportive of my new self-imposed diet "restrictions". As far as going low-carb...maybe try seeing what the Paleo peeps are eating? They have that stuff down to a science.

@angelailnsf Welcome! Yes to a loving and healthy commitment to yourself.

@fitzmonkey13 Totally get where you're coming from. My knee caps are in a strange position so they randomly pop out of place and it's pretty painful. Probably one of the number one reasons I signed up with a trainer. Building the muscle to support wonky knees is challenging but I've seen some significant improvement. A good arm day is great for when you need to give the legs a little rest though. And swimming!

@happysherri and @alaskandelight I wish there were laundry elves that could come help me clean my clothes. The situation is getting pretty dire over here. That's something for Saturday Lauren to figure out.

@nickiphillips1 You make me want to swim every time you talk about your workouts! Way to kick butt.

Today's beautiful behavior will be to rest and enjoy a healthy dinner with my husband which I haven't done in a while because I keep going to the gym after work.

Ha! I just used a weed eater on my weed lot yard for 2 hours! I feel dirty, sweaty, and indestructible! Ha! 700 calories burned!

@CT0526 - you CAN stay on track. It CAN be done. I've done it for two days in a row now. I'll stand up and do a cheer for you.

@nickiphillips1 - I was thinking while I read what you said about dating. If it's the right match, none of the differences will matter to either of you.

Yess @alaskandelight , you are totally worth it! Chickweed grows under the snow here. You can eat it like a salad. Now Foods sells chickweed in capsules for dieters. Really? Oh well.

@sabinki - back to healthy eating! We all have our weaknesses. If you can't be strong enough to say no, then you may as well enjoy the cupcake.

@jessiquoi - you passed by ice cream? Wooooo. Good for you.

Hello to all! I'm suddenly exhausted. I'm grabbing the oxygen tank, the fat cat, and my tablet. I'm done for today!

Love to all.

Lea

aleahurst wrote: »

I would post a picture, but, ummm it's too late.

Ba ha ha ha ha!!! I love it!!!

Good morning beautiful ladies! After a week of going back to strength training, I am sore but feel amazing. I really missed it. I am loving all the yummy food pics. Does anyone have some yummy recipes that are low fat?