11/18 steps 11801

Feels so good to be back to my pre-vacation weight! Will it last? Who knows. Next week is US Thanksgiving, so I highly doubt my food intake will be ideal (although I won't be indulging until Thursday night, so maybe my next weigh in will still be pretty).

Food - While I've had a few incidents with intrameal snacking, I've been pretty good about controlling myself beyond a small incident with crunchy chow mein noodles and some chocolate chips. Mmmmm... My issue now is that I'm quite low on most of my healthy staples, if not completely out. So, it's time to hit the grocery store or get creative with my meals. Or both.

Exercise - I'm about ten spin classes away from having taken 750. And I've been going back and forth about whether it's worth trying to cram all of them into November, or if I'm willing to wait until early December. With my current schedule, I'm expected to hit my 750th ride on Monday, December 7th. I don't anticipate it being that late, but at least I'm 100% positive I'll hit it this year (assuming the governor doesn't shut down gyms in the next two weeks).

Mindset - I normally don't write anything about this in my posts, but I'm trying to be more authentic with others, and I think it's important to remind everyone that no one truly is how they appear online (and sometimes even in person). I've been struggling quite a bit this week with feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Living alone during a pandemic has been both a blessing and a curse. And while I am most definitely introverted, I still require social validation - I just don't gain energy from social interactions. Some weeks, I've managed to gain enough socializing from my online networks and my small group of friends at the gym. But others... others I want to bake myself a million cookies and host a pity party for one.

The bloat from the past week and a half has not been helping me. While I understand why it was there and that it was temporary, seeing the numbers on the scale was still demoralizing. The disconnect between the scientific brain and the emotional brain will never fail to confound me. Why couldn't I just whoosh the whole bloat off in a day? Why couldn't my body just get right back to where it was when I hopped back into my routine?

Ooof, that turned out longer than I was planning - let's just move on, shall we?

Next Week - I'm going to do my darndest to be on my best food behavior in preparation for the holiday on Thursday. While I will not be having the typical Thanksgiving feast, I will still be with a small group of friends, and there will be all sorts of treats available. I won't bother lying to myself and say I'll be under control. Because I won't. Mashed potatoes are a weakness. Gravy is a weakness. Anything with cinnamon in it will be shoved into my unhinged jaw. Nothing will survive. I will both amaze and disgust my friends with my ability to eat everything my heart desires.

I'll also be exercising throughout the week in accordance with my standard schedule. But that's not as important as the food, so it's only getting two sentences.

Check in for Wednesday
Food-logged and under
Water-64 oz
Exercise-just PT

I have been so busy the past two days that my exercise slacked. Today, I am not sure what I am doing. I woke up not feeling that great and now 4 hours later, I feel worse. Nothing bad, just tired, headache and a cold. I think I am going to listen to my body and rest for now. Hopefully I will feel better later and at least do a walking video. Hope everyone has a nice day

@melaniedscott Nice loss! I am glad you got your quilt before the fire destroyed the rest. I love that you have something that your great grandmother spent time creating.
@Cafelelia I love the reading nook idea. I also like that it is considered to be hygge because I feel guilty when I am reading in front of the fire. I feel like I should be doing something else. Now I know it is important for my mental health! You hit it out of the ball park with the candles and fur throws! I also love how it adds to the fall decor and will easily transition to the winter and holiday decor!
@xX_PhoenixRising_Xx I know this is an answer from 2 days ago but after you refresh the page, there are little dots or something in the right hand corner of your post. You have to refresh the page and you only have 60 min to do it.
@jedaschultz The scale is moving in the right direction! Hopefully more good days then bad this coming week for you
@podperson1 Don't stress about your weight. No reason to beat yourself up, just move forward. I think sleep is a big deal when you are trying to lose weight and be healthy. I hope there is something you can do to get a better night's sleep. I hope you got to do your zoom class but if you didn't, try a walking video. I know Leslie Sansone has a walking video that is a mile in 15 min. It may not be as much as you were doing but if you just make yourself do 15 min a day, you can build from that. Just make little changes every day and you will be back into the 170s before you know it!
@lennoncpa Love the race bib! How exciting that your son and Sunny are coming! I can't wait to see pics!
@kandi3570 Oh no! I hope that you stay well. Hugs!
@Freeglerock Nice loss-you are almost out of the 170s! Whoo hoo!
@pacsnc6 It is nice to hear you have your appetite back. Yes, it would be better to have healthier things but after what you have been through I am glad that you are enjoying some treats. xo
@minstrelofsarcasm Sending hugs. These are hard times. I hope that your gym stays open at least so you can continue to go and get some social interaction there. Maybe you can also make a point to see the friends in your bubble? I am a little lazy and let my friends plan everything, going out, zoom calls etc. I am not sure if you are the same way but you may have to be the one to plan. You may have some friends like me who would love to socialize but never think to plan anything. Are you hosting Thanksgiving? If you aren't, just enjoy Thanksgiving and do not bring anything home. It is one day, it is not going to ruin your progress. If you are hosting, send the left overs home with everyone.

@minstrelofsarcasm wow could I relate to your MINDSET! Seriously I could have written that myself! Thank you for sharing and your honesty.

In addition to my isolation living alone, I seem to have developed this angry side of myself that pops out when I see someone without a mask or read something online about this not being a real epidemic. I’m normally a very happy person so I don’t like the angry feelings!!

So enough said about that! It does feel good to share that since I don’t talk to anyone about the anger issues. It probably would help if I had a foster dog right now because they are just so loving and grateful and non judgmental! There is still a shortage of foster dogs currently at my local dog rescue!! I’ve read that dogs are good for your health and I really believe that is true. I’ve had 2 different foster dogs during this pandemic and they both brought me such peace and love.

Anyways, just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone ❤️

Freeglerock wrote: »

Live from my 5k:

Wow! I love this pic from your 5k walk. It just shows how each one of us has our own landscape and you have a really good flash. I think you woke the cows up. Awesome!

Ljdanny
Week 3
Thursday
Pw 189
Cw 190

So I typed all of this out last night but evidently did not post it. 🙄 11100 steps 1400 calories yesterday. Thank you all for your concern. I am doing fine. I believe I probably do have covid. But I think I will be fine. I am not worrying unless I have a reason to. So far I have a runny nose, sneezing, occasional lightheadedness, occasional heart palpitations, a slight cough, and some body aches last night. But as you can see I’m staying active. I got my Christmas lights up. While t was 60 degrees and the sun was shining. Although I’m not completely happy with them and will work on them more today. I’m also going to rearrange my basement. I have so much construction material that I bought when I found a deal on it. It’s in my dining room right now and that makes me somewhat crazy and it has to go before my Christmas tree goes up. But don’t worry about me and covid. I only have the symptoms of a slight cold. But I was definitely exposed. I spent 5 hours planning a non profit event with a friend sitting next to her at the kitchen table. For her to find out she was covid positive 2 days later. I’m really rather angry at myself. Her son had been sick and cleared to go back to school so I assumed her cold what was what he had. Evidently not. And since I now have “symptoms” my daughter is also quarantined. I will have test results Monday. My drs office testing labs are slow and behind. So anyway I am 5 days post exposure and I think the worst of it has passed. I am taking my vitamins, drinking water, and I made chicken noodle soup for dinner yesterday. Which honestly I ate way too much of. I do know covid can be serious for some people. But for most of us, especially those of us that are in general pretty healthy, it won’t be that bad. But I’m doing my part to not spread it because honestly it does kill people. Typically older people and people with underlying health conditions. And as with any other virus there is always going to be that anomaly where it will just effect a young healthy person a lot more than we would expect. So I’m not down playing the severity of it. I also know that panicking will only stress out my body. Which is fighting it off. And I want to give it the best chance to do that. So if you do get it. Quarantine and take care of yourself. Eat healthy, take your vitamins, make sure your drinking enough water, and stay active if you can. 😁.

@sleepymom5 I hope you are feeling better.
@Cafelelia I’m sorry you feel like your world is shrinking. I really wish this whole pandemic was just over already.
@minstrelofsarcasm I’m sorry that you feel isolated. I think we all feel somewhat isolated. And it’s getting to everyone. Again I just want it to end.
I think we all feel rather isolated and lonely at this point. I have said from the beginning of this there is a mental health component that is not being addressed. I watched my daughter last year sink into a depression. She didn’t move around a lot. And I make her. I make her clean and I make her walk with me sometimes. Because she needs that. I think this is especially hard for teenagers. Because it is the time where they are seeking more validation from their friends than their family. But after 8 months it has taken a toll on all of us. And I don’t have an answer. But, maybe in those moments of isolation FaceTime or Skype a friend or a family member. You are not the only one feeling this way. Reach out to those you love. Especially those friends who can make you laugh. We all need that right now. Hugs ladies. Hang in there! This can’t last forever.

@Freeglerock I love you 5K picture!!! I get those cows were surprised at the flash. 😁.

Check in for Thursday
Food-logged and under
Water-over 64 oz
Exercise-none

I am feeling much better today. I actually ended up taking a 3 hour nap yesterday and resting the rest of the day. I also ate way too many carbs but I really didn't feel like anything else. I am planning to get right back on track and have a good exercise session today. I haven't been too active the past 3 days.

We officially canceled our Thanksgiving dinner. We were holding off because it was all people that we have had in our bubble. With the new restrictions we would be over with the amount of people and with the spike, it just doesn't seem safe. I also would never forgive myself if someone got sick. We are still cooking, even without my brother who is usually the one who cooks. We are going to divide it up and deliver it. I plan to get everything out of the house except what we are going to eat. I am going to enjoy Thanksgiving but get back on track right away. I am doing too well to screw it up.

I also wanted to add to the conversation about being authentic with our feelings. I really understand between the pandemic and the holidays it is a rough time for many people. I just want to let you all know, just like when you are struggling with weight loss, we are here for other struggles too. I know this is a weight loss challenge but I believe everything that is going on in our lives do effect our weight loss efforts. I like our team because it is a place that you can really put it all out there. We aren't connected in real life so it is a safe place to ask for support or to get something off your chest or to be accountable for something you aren't happy about. I notice when people start to struggle, they slowly start to comment less and then disappear. I think when you are struggling is the time you should be posting more. That is when you need the support the most. We aren't here just for the times you are successful and stay on plan, we are here for all the times you are struggling too, no matter what you are struggling with. I know you all have heard more than an ear full from me when I struggle Lol! I am not the best writer so with all of that, just know we are here for you xoxo

Ok, I have a lot to do since I had an off day yesterday (but I did start to watch Schitt's creek) Hope everyone has a great day and weekend. Stay well! xoxo


@Cafelelia I never thought of it but it is so true, we are certainly learning to improvise and live in the moment.
@lennoncpa This is such a tough time and even tougher on people who live alone. You are right and remember yourself, you are not alone xo. You are such a good foster mama, have you ever been tempted to adopt any of your foster dogs?
@Freeglerock Wow! How cool! I need to get started on my 5K route.
@1theresamcvean That was written beautifully. Hugs to you.
@ljdanny Hang in there, you have so many limitations right now from your surgery. It is good that you are keeping an eye on it so it doesn't start creeping up.
@kandi3570 I am sorry to hear that, sounds like you are taking good care of yourself. Hopefully you have a mild case but if you start getting short of breath get to a doctor. My husband had flu like symptoms for about 10 days but once he started getting short of breath he declined quickly and ended up on a ventilator for 13 days. His flu symptoms were worse than what you are experiencing so I don't think you will be fine. I just couldn't believe how quickly the respiratory symptoms spiraled downward. Sending hugs, hope you feel better soon.
@Zumba_Luvah Just take one day at a time. If you have been off track, don't try to jump back on where you were, just try to do a little better each day. You can do this. Don't worry about your weigh in, just start making changes and you will get back to where you were.

@melaniedscott thank you so much for the suggestion to walk through the cemetery. I actually live only a half mile from the village cemetery and have only been there for funerals.

I have had an accounting office in town for over 30 years and usually I don’t find out that my clients have passed away until the following tax season when their loved ones contact me to do a final tax return. So today as I was walking through the cemetery I saw grave stones for several clients and it was actually really nice. As soon as I would see the name I could picture their smiling face and remember the pleasant times we had talking while doing their tax returns over the years! I’ve followed their lives for many years and then one day they are just gone. It was nice to have a moment to say hello to them today!!!

Todays Friday weigh in
starting weight (Pryor to MFP) 8/21/20 232
MFP starting weight 10/8/20 216
Last week weight 11/13/20 209.4
Today’s weight 11/20/20 207.8
Lost 1.6

Saturday here so hubby and I did another 5km walk. Still on the beach because I never get sick of the scenery! I've attached a photo of our seagull friend who watched us intently today. And one of me with beach hair (don't care) 😝

In other news my work Xmas party is 80s themed so I've been looking for an outfit to wear. You can't try on costumes at most places here, and I had to toss up on the one I liked because the measurements were actually a bit small, but the bigger sizes were all ugly lol. Well, uglier. We are talking 80s theme 🤣

Tried it on at home and the dress fits, it's just too short! Like doesn't really cover my bum (so cheeky! 🍑) I'm going to fix that with some layering however, Cyndi Lauper style. 😹 Nobody gets a pic until party night, Dec 11. 👅 We're gonna party like it's 1985.