So much for resolutions...... I reviewed my last post on New Year's Day and I have to laugh! Did I do any of those for even a week? I can't remember. Speaking of resolutions, my sister who blogs daily has been writing a lot of eating, dieting, exercising, etc. I'm sure she weighs a at least 120 pounds less than I do and yet she is more concerned about her weight than I am. I am seventeen years older than her and I don't want to see her fretting over weight until she's my age. Life's too short to worry about some things. Granted, life will possibly be a lot shorter if a person continues to carry excess weight around. But part of me doesn't care anymore! Or do I?
In response (comment) to my sister's recent blog I wrote.... "Girl! What you need to "give up" is worrying about being fat! Let it go, like me. I rather enjoy the heavy breathing I do when I move around. My hubby rather "enjoys" my skin-tight clothes and the "love handles." My employer enjoys the money I spend on lunches and breakfasts in the cafeteria. My druggist enjoys the money I spend on high blood pressure medicine. Life being fat and NOT fretting over it is really quite enjoyable. You ought to try it, you might like it!"
My intent was to really tell my sister that I was concerned about her thinking about her weight and what she eats all the time. It can become an obsession (an addiction) and believe me, our family genes carry plenty of addictive behaviors. I have periodically obsessed (called diets) for years about what I'm eating, what I weigh and I continue to gain weight. I don't want her to end up like me, weighing 120 pounds more than now. However, I think my sarcastic sub-conscious mind took over in my message and before I knew it, I was writing very flippantly about some serious stuff (heavy breathing & high blood pressure). I do realize that there has to be a balance here.... concern about weight and what I eat, but not an obsession that takes over my life, day & night. I wonder how and when I will get that balance??
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Plan to Balance
Here's a quote from Guideposts magazine that Robin Miller, from the Food Network, wrote:
"In my career, writing cookbooks and eventually appearing on television, I was determined to help people develop healthy relationships with food. There are no 'taboo' foods - unless you have a medical condition that requires a special diet, like diabetes. Otherwise, it's all about balance. And balance isn't the same as control. I eat lots of vegetables and fruit. I believe it's essential to exercise and eat healthy. But it's impossible to do that if you feel anxiety about food. You should love your food! People often ask me what they should cut out of their diet. 'Nothing,' I say. 'Take longer walks instead.'"
I think that there is a lot of wisdom in this message. I have been expressing basically the same concept for weeks now. I have not called my lifestyle change a "diet" because that word/concept gets me feeling anxious about my food. The thought of "diet" brings on feeling of deprivation, then despair - "I want that, why can't I have that?"
BUT I am beginning to realize that in my "balancing" of food, I need to eat less of certain foods or cut them out of my food plan entirely in order to LOSE weight. Yes, food is not "taboo," however, some foods may be "triggers." Triggers to our system and psyche to eat more. For some people it may be sweets, others it's flour, others it's meat..... the list can go on and on! Some of us may know right off the bat what our trigger food is, others of us discover as we go forward. I gave up my nightly snack of ice cream as soon as I started this lifestyle change. I thought it would be a struggle, however after the first week, I have hardly missed it. However, the "nightly snack" habit is still a thorn in my side. Lately, I have been having mixed nuts. Now, I know that nuts are a healthy snack for fiber, they are not "taboo." However, one nut equals twenty nuts for me. I can't have just one. Nuts are a trigger for me.... to want more. Even if I measure out the nuts for recording fat grams and calories, I will still go and get more. It's a food that I need to avoid or cut out of my diet.
DIET Die-it That food needs to die (go away) from it - my food plan!
Another thing I have realized in my own life and now in reading emails from others is how much an effect the lack of planning has on our lifestyle, our eating habits, and our ability to make changes in our life - such as lose weight. Before I know it, I have chowed-down this or that, then the remorse comes later or the insight comes later. Remorse may be a strong word, but it seems appropriate many times. Remorse may be the the basis of bulimia. The insight becomes a questioning of myself. Why can't I THINK before I act (eat)? Why can't I PLAN instead of being compulsive?
Compulsiveness is the basis for the need of groups such as Overeaters Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Yes, I have tried Overeaters Anonymous, but I did not recognize my own compulsiveness as I was rejecting their concept of "obsessiveness." I don't eat a whole bag of chips, cookies, pasta, etc, etc.... in one setting.
Getting back to my original thought, PLANNING takes work. It takes effort. It's sometimes much easier to fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants and EAT whatever we want (i.e. compulsiveness). Planning is the basis of balance ... which is what I think the author, Robin Miller, was promoting in the quote above. By planning my food, I can determine and decide to have a balance of foods. This plan or balance may include more of one type of foods and less of another. Each person is different so I can't determine any one's food plan other than my own. It has been trial and error for me and I'm still learning.
Peace!
"In my career, writing cookbooks and eventually appearing on television, I was determined to help people develop healthy relationships with food. There are no 'taboo' foods - unless you have a medical condition that requires a special diet, like diabetes. Otherwise, it's all about balance. And balance isn't the same as control. I eat lots of vegetables and fruit. I believe it's essential to exercise and eat healthy. But it's impossible to do that if you feel anxiety about food. You should love your food! People often ask me what they should cut out of their diet. 'Nothing,' I say. 'Take longer walks instead.'"
I think that there is a lot of wisdom in this message. I have been expressing basically the same concept for weeks now. I have not called my lifestyle change a "diet" because that word/concept gets me feeling anxious about my food. The thought of "diet" brings on feeling of deprivation, then despair - "I want that, why can't I have that?"
BUT I am beginning to realize that in my "balancing" of food, I need to eat less of certain foods or cut them out of my food plan entirely in order to LOSE weight. Yes, food is not "taboo," however, some foods may be "triggers." Triggers to our system and psyche to eat more. For some people it may be sweets, others it's flour, others it's meat..... the list can go on and on! Some of us may know right off the bat what our trigger food is, others of us discover as we go forward. I gave up my nightly snack of ice cream as soon as I started this lifestyle change. I thought it would be a struggle, however after the first week, I have hardly missed it. However, the "nightly snack" habit is still a thorn in my side. Lately, I have been having mixed nuts. Now, I know that nuts are a healthy snack for fiber, they are not "taboo." However, one nut equals twenty nuts for me. I can't have just one. Nuts are a trigger for me.... to want more. Even if I measure out the nuts for recording fat grams and calories, I will still go and get more. It's a food that I need to avoid or cut out of my diet.
DIET Die-it That food needs to die (go away) from it - my food plan!
Another thing I have realized in my own life and now in reading emails from others is how much an effect the lack of planning has on our lifestyle, our eating habits, and our ability to make changes in our life - such as lose weight. Before I know it, I have chowed-down this or that, then the remorse comes later or the insight comes later. Remorse may be a strong word, but it seems appropriate many times. Remorse may be the the basis of bulimia. The insight becomes a questioning of myself. Why can't I THINK before I act (eat)? Why can't I PLAN instead of being compulsive?
Compulsiveness is the basis for the need of groups such as Overeaters Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Yes, I have tried Overeaters Anonymous, but I did not recognize my own compulsiveness as I was rejecting their concept of "obsessiveness." I don't eat a whole bag of chips, cookies, pasta, etc, etc.... in one setting.
Getting back to my original thought, PLANNING takes work. It takes effort. It's sometimes much easier to fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants and EAT whatever we want (i.e. compulsiveness). Planning is the basis of balance ... which is what I think the author, Robin Miller, was promoting in the quote above. By planning my food, I can determine and decide to have a balance of foods. This plan or balance may include more of one type of foods and less of another. Each person is different so I can't determine any one's food plan other than my own. It has been trial and error for me and I'm still learning.
Peace!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Wealthy Woman
More quotes from reading.... Adapted from Suze Orman's book, Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny.
"Besides money, a wealthy woman has some qualities that serve as guideposts to make sure she's always walking toward wealth rather than away from it.
Harmony and Balance: Harmony is the agreement between what you think, say, and do. Balance is the state of stability in which you're able to make sound judgments that will enhance your financial security. Aligning you thoughts, words, and actions will put you on a path to balance - and emotional and financial well-being.
Wisdom and Courage: The ability to make (not just think about) sensible decisions that respect your needs takes wisdom, the voice of experience that's inside each woman. Courage, the catalyst that creates harmony by uniting our thoughts with our actions, is what lets us assert our opinions confidently.
Generosity and Happiness: True generosity must benefit both parties. No woman can control her destiny if she doesn't give to herself as much as she gives of herself. Happiness manifests itself through generosity.
Cleanliness and Beauty: Removing clutter and chaos from our lives brings clarity, which makes it easier to achieve what we want. From emptying closets of unused stuff to streamlining your wallet, cleanliness is a sign that you're in control. And by bringing the first seven qualities into your life, you feel beautiful.
When you commit to finding harmony and balance, you have the courage to make decisions that are as generous to you as they are to others. This leads to deep, unwavering happiness and brings beauty into your life."
Good principles to live by and live for! I think of harmony and balance when I think of this peace project, balancing the physical, emotional and spiritual so that one or another is not less than the other. If I were to put each of these into a box and then put them on a teeter-totter, I may find that the Emotional box is very heavy and makes my teeter-totter out of balance. My thoughts are that when the three are quite equal, my teeter-totter will balance and I will feel harmony in my life. It's quite a goal.
"Besides money, a wealthy woman has some qualities that serve as guideposts to make sure she's always walking toward wealth rather than away from it.
Harmony and Balance: Harmony is the agreement between what you think, say, and do. Balance is the state of stability in which you're able to make sound judgments that will enhance your financial security. Aligning you thoughts, words, and actions will put you on a path to balance - and emotional and financial well-being.
Wisdom and Courage: The ability to make (not just think about) sensible decisions that respect your needs takes wisdom, the voice of experience that's inside each woman. Courage, the catalyst that creates harmony by uniting our thoughts with our actions, is what lets us assert our opinions confidently.
Generosity and Happiness: True generosity must benefit both parties. No woman can control her destiny if she doesn't give to herself as much as she gives of herself. Happiness manifests itself through generosity.
Cleanliness and Beauty: Removing clutter and chaos from our lives brings clarity, which makes it easier to achieve what we want. From emptying closets of unused stuff to streamlining your wallet, cleanliness is a sign that you're in control. And by bringing the first seven qualities into your life, you feel beautiful.
When you commit to finding harmony and balance, you have the courage to make decisions that are as generous to you as they are to others. This leads to deep, unwavering happiness and brings beauty into your life."
Good principles to live by and live for! I think of harmony and balance when I think of this peace project, balancing the physical, emotional and spiritual so that one or another is not less than the other. If I were to put each of these into a box and then put them on a teeter-totter, I may find that the Emotional box is very heavy and makes my teeter-totter out of balance. My thoughts are that when the three are quite equal, my teeter-totter will balance and I will feel harmony in my life. It's quite a goal.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Inspiration
"Inspiration" has always been a word that I've liked, it sounds so fulfilling and calming to me. Upon looking up the word in trusty, dusty 10 pound dictionary, I find that first listed meaning of inspiration is "stimulation of the faculties to a high level of feeling or activity." I guess when I feel "fulfilled" that fits in, but "calming"? Oh well, the "high level of feeling or activity" fits in with changing and balancing my lifestyle.
I made the decision to change my lifestyle about a week ago and on Saturday when I started my food plan, my husband asked. "What's different this time? What's motivating you to do this?" My initial response was, "I don't know, it's just time." But his questions have hovered in my mind all week... What is different? What is motivating me?
If you look up the word "motivate" the meaning is "to stimulate to action." Gee, seems I've seen those words before! Another meaning for inspiration is "an agency, such as a person or work of art that moves the intellect or emotions."
SIDE NOTE: You will find if you read this blog long enough that I'm a "word" junkie, I love looking in the dictionary for words and their meanings.
Who or what is inspiring me? Who or what is motivating me? Let me tell you.
Last night I was talking with my husband about this subject and when he questioned me, I told him I didn't think he inspired me. Then I saw a slightly dejected look on his face and I realized that he HAS truly inspired me by accepting me as I am, overweight and under-shaped. To be accepted by your loved-ones is a source of inspiration, maybe not the kind that moves a person to action, but truly moves the emotions. Thank God for those people in our lives!
I live in a neighborhood that every day from early morning hours to late evening hours, you will see a neighbor out walking. These people inspire me, especially the 90 year-old lady out there walking at a good pace! I was beginning to think that I would never live to 90, much less walk like she does unless I changed.
Victor is a weekly columnist in our local paper and his article are so inspiring and thought-provoking. He is a wheel-chair bound college freshman that was not expected to live beyond his tenth birthday. He must be fed & bathed by care-givers, yet he is bound only physically as his mind knows no boundaries. He is free to dream and encourage us all. After reading his articles, I am truly inspired by the choices that I have.... to walk when I want and to put food into my own mouth. Here's his website if interested www.victoralvarezweb.com
I love photography! My photos are my own work-of-art and they inspire me. I enjoy being outside and trying to improve my pictures and techniques. The challenge of "improving" can be transferred to other areas of my life. I think that my photography helps balance me in the areas of emotions and spiritual.
Diana H. is a long-time friend of mine and such a wholesome person! Wholesome.... "sound health and well-being." She exercises, eats wholesome, healthy foods, and has spiritual feelings deeper than most professional theologians that I know. To me, she is the epitome of balance, physical, emotional and spiritual. Thanks Diana & keep on truckin'! Now if she could only find a job! :)
Robyn is my long-time (39 years today) sister. She makes me proud and humble that I'm her sister. She's creative and she inspired me to start this blog. She is, day-by-day, finding and holding on to balance in her life. Way to go!
Last, but not least, is you, the reader of this blog. You keep me inspired to walk, eat appropriately and share my feelings and thoughts. You keep me honest! You are my "accountant," without you I would not have accountability and probably give up!
What is inspiring you? What is motivating you? Ponder on those questions, you may be surprised at what will be your answer.
I made the decision to change my lifestyle about a week ago and on Saturday when I started my food plan, my husband asked. "What's different this time? What's motivating you to do this?" My initial response was, "I don't know, it's just time." But his questions have hovered in my mind all week... What is different? What is motivating me?
If you look up the word "motivate" the meaning is "to stimulate to action." Gee, seems I've seen those words before! Another meaning for inspiration is "an agency, such as a person or work of art that moves the intellect or emotions."
SIDE NOTE: You will find if you read this blog long enough that I'm a "word" junkie, I love looking in the dictionary for words and their meanings.
Who or what is inspiring me? Who or what is motivating me? Let me tell you.
Last night I was talking with my husband about this subject and when he questioned me, I told him I didn't think he inspired me. Then I saw a slightly dejected look on his face and I realized that he HAS truly inspired me by accepting me as I am, overweight and under-shaped. To be accepted by your loved-ones is a source of inspiration, maybe not the kind that moves a person to action, but truly moves the emotions. Thank God for those people in our lives!
I live in a neighborhood that every day from early morning hours to late evening hours, you will see a neighbor out walking. These people inspire me, especially the 90 year-old lady out there walking at a good pace! I was beginning to think that I would never live to 90, much less walk like she does unless I changed.
Victor is a weekly columnist in our local paper and his article are so inspiring and thought-provoking. He is a wheel-chair bound college freshman that was not expected to live beyond his tenth birthday. He must be fed & bathed by care-givers, yet he is bound only physically as his mind knows no boundaries. He is free to dream and encourage us all. After reading his articles, I am truly inspired by the choices that I have.... to walk when I want and to put food into my own mouth. Here's his website if interested www.victoralvarezweb.com
I love photography! My photos are my own work-of-art and they inspire me. I enjoy being outside and trying to improve my pictures and techniques. The challenge of "improving" can be transferred to other areas of my life. I think that my photography helps balance me in the areas of emotions and spiritual.
Diana H. is a long-time friend of mine and such a wholesome person! Wholesome.... "sound health and well-being." She exercises, eats wholesome, healthy foods, and has spiritual feelings deeper than most professional theologians that I know. To me, she is the epitome of balance, physical, emotional and spiritual. Thanks Diana & keep on truckin'! Now if she could only find a job! :)
Robyn is my long-time (39 years today) sister. She makes me proud and humble that I'm her sister. She's creative and she inspired me to start this blog. She is, day-by-day, finding and holding on to balance in her life. Way to go!
Last, but not least, is you, the reader of this blog. You keep me inspired to walk, eat appropriately and share my feelings and thoughts. You keep me honest! You are my "accountant," without you I would not have accountability and probably give up!
What is inspiring you? What is motivating you? Ponder on those questions, you may be surprised at what will be your answer.
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