Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Q&A Wednesday: The Older I Get, the Less Motivated I Am!
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Weight Loss
Q: After hitting age 38 everything did not work the same as it did. So now my motivation is not as strong. YES...I want to lose weight but my motivation SUCKS!!!
The post Q&A Wednesday: The Older I Get, the Less Motivated I Am! appeared first on A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss.
Weight Loss
Catching Up
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Weight Loss
I was totally a lazy bum on Thanksgiving, I didn't cook a thing, I legit showed up at my Mom's and ate. I even tried to take a nap afterwards, but Oliver wanted to cuddle, then Aiden climbed on me, followed by both dogs who thought we were wrestling. For whatever reason I decided against any Black Friday shopping, I pretty much hate having to go to any store {except Home Goods}, I love the convince of ordering online.
My parents wanted to take the kids to the Homestead Fair in Waco, it's a local fair that has animals, crafts, and homemade foods. My oldest brother lives close by so he met them and Aunt Katie made the drive down smooshed between two car seats.
The kids had an absolute blast! Homemade donuts, pony rides, and crafts. Aiden sobbed on the way home, he really loved the pony rides.
I got a few text messages that has me concerned my parents were bringing home a baby goat or bunny. That's totally something they would do!
They made these wooden boats and weaved baskets, Madison now say's 'I can make that' every time we see a woven basket in Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Aiden cries every day to put that wooden boat in the bath tub with him, that's fun.
Sunday we went to pick out our first real Christmas tree, we decided to not cut our own - all the trees that grow in Texas are ugly. We had to buy a real import from North Carolina! I decided since I'd be vacuuming more anyways we might as well put that tinsel to good use, I have to say I kinda love it, it shimmers in person.
I debated getting all new ornaments, but that's a real investment so I think I'll wait for next year when we move into our new #whitehouse They did have the more gorgeous flocked tree at Pier One I was lusting over, maybe I can score a good deal after the holidays.
Weight Loss
Ashley lost 117 pounds
http://ift.tt/2fCSBHB
Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 117 pounds. After the loss of her father and grandfather to obesity related illnesses, this young lady decided that is was time to embrace healthy eating habits and consistent exercise. Check out how she did her research and took action to change her life. (PS: Today is her birthday!) What was […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 117 pounds. After the loss of her father and grandfather to obesity related illnesses, this young lady decided that is was time to embrace healthy eating habits and consistent exercise. Check out how she did her research and took action to change her life. (PS: Today is her birthday!) What was […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Trader Joe's haul
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Well, I'm still physically sick with a cold, but I feel a lot better about the vegan challenge, so I'm in a more positive place mentally (and not as crabby!).
Jerry was off work yesterday, and after we took the kids to school, we decided to go to Trader Joe's. I really wanted to get some of their black bean and corn enchiladas. I bought some the last time I went, and loved them! They also happen to be vegan. I had been feeling so frustrated about not having anything quick and easy to eat, so I just wanted to get some convenience items. I know that prepared foods aren't exactly the healthiest choices, but if I'm going to stick to this challenge through the end of December, I need the convenient option once in a while.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Well, I'm still physically sick with a cold, but I feel a lot better about the vegan challenge, so I'm in a more positive place mentally (and not as crabby!).
Jerry was off work yesterday, and after we took the kids to school, we decided to go to Trader Joe's. I really wanted to get some of their black bean and corn enchiladas. I bought some the last time I went, and loved them! They also happen to be vegan. I had been feeling so frustrated about not having anything quick and easy to eat, so I just wanted to get some convenience items. I know that prepared foods aren't exactly the healthiest choices, but if I'm going to stick to this challenge through the end of December, I need the convenient option once in a while.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Chub Rub: The Best Ways to Stop Chafing and Exercise Comfortably
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Weight Loss
It's bound to happen, sooner or later—chub rub, more 'officially' known as chafing, rears its ugly head and causes rash, irritation, or otherwise uncomfortable dry patches of skin in places it just doesn't belong.
The post Chub Rub: The Best Ways to Stop Chafing and Exercise Comfortably appeared first on A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss.
Weight Loss
LIAM 296 – One Tough Muther is Back!
Karen Finocchio, aka One Tough Muther, is empowering women all over the world! She was previously a guest on my show, episode 140, and was one of my guest speakers at ReStory YOU in Ft. Lauderdale. Her message of hope and empowerment is powerful. She and I took some time to catch up on the events of her life, talk about her life-changing work, and share with you an opportunity to meet and work with both of us in Los Angeles in January 2017. Listen to our conversation:
Listen on iTunes or Listen to/download this episode here:
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Mentioned in this show:
- Attend “ReStory YOU!”
- Join Bruce’s Mastermind Group
- Worry No More! book
- Download: Affirmations for Abundant Living
- LIAM Team Life Coaching Community
Subscription/Social Links:
- Subscribe on iTunes!
- Subscribe on Stitcher Radio!
- Watch on YouTube!
- LIAM on Twitter: @LifeIs262
- LIAM on Facebook / LifeIsAMarathon
- Subscribe to the LIAM Mailing List
- www.BruceVanHorn.com
- Bruce Van Horn on Twitter
- Bruce Van Horn on Facebook
The post LIAM 296 – One Tough Muther is Back! appeared first on Life Is A Marathon : Life Coaching | Self-Esteem | Personal Development | Personal Branding | Positive Thinking | Community.
Self Esteem Feeds
Twyler lost 182 pounds
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Transformation of the Day: Twyler lost 182 pounds. Over the course of 15 years she’s gone from a size 30 to a size 12. This mom’s heartfelt story reflects the real ups and downs of weight release. It took time and effort to figure out what worked for her, but ultimately she did not give up. […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Twyler lost 182 pounds. Over the course of 15 years she’s gone from a size 30 to a size 12. This mom’s heartfelt story reflects the real ups and downs of weight release. It took time and effort to figure out what worked for her, but ultimately she did not give up. […]
Weight Loss
Diabetes and obesity could be prevented with novel protein
http://ift.tt/2fH8eJn
Researchers may have found a way to stop diabetes and improve metabolism in mice, potentially leading to major advancement in treatment of human diabetes.
Weight Loss
Researchers may have found a way to stop diabetes and improve metabolism in mice, potentially leading to major advancement in treatment of human diabetes.
Weight Loss
Preventing heart failure risk factors in midlife substantially lowers risk
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Preventing the development of hypertension, obesity and diabetes by the age of 45 to 55 years may lead up to an 86 percent lower risk for heart failure through the remainder of life, according to...
Weight Loss
Preventing the development of hypertension, obesity and diabetes by the age of 45 to 55 years may lead up to an 86 percent lower risk for heart failure through the remainder of life, according to...
Weight Loss
Monday, November 28, 2016
Ranasha lost 52 pounds
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Weight Loss Story: Ranasha lost 52 pounds. This 5’2″ mom of four wanted to get off the weight release rollercoaster and start changing her life before she turned 40. She learned how to change her eating habits and she walks 3.5 to 4 miles a day for exercise. Check out what else she did to […]
Weight Loss
Weight Loss Story: Ranasha lost 52 pounds. This 5’2″ mom of four wanted to get off the weight release rollercoaster and start changing her life before she turned 40. She learned how to change her eating habits and she walks 3.5 to 4 miles a day for exercise. Check out what else she did to […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
Without the Sugar
http://ift.tt/2gpnlbK
This is my first week "restricting" sugar (for the reasons I shared in my last post, this is non-triggering and complements my disordered eating recovery plan). There is no rule and no diet plan; this is a welcomed change that makes me feel good about my eating. The goal here is pain reduction and better health. I am now avoiding sugar in a way that contributes to joint health. For me, that means I am not getting obsessive and avoiding every food that has any form of sugar in any amount; it means I am avoiding the amounts of sugar that I feel are harmful to me and cause me pain. Generally if it's processed and it tastes sweet, that's too much for me.
Small amounts of sugar and large amounts of most fruits have always been fine for me. I can eat a bowl of cantaloupe or a banana or a couple of peaches and feel just fine.... no pain. I do feel a little shaky and weird if I eat much dried fruit or a large helping of pineapple or mango, so I will restrict those things but not other fruit. I have also always been able to eat a square or two of dark chocolate without any joint pain or blood sugar weirdness, so that is still something I'll enjoy. I've been fine with a teaspoon of honey or real maple syrup here and there. It's the mega-doses of refined sugar and the small doses of corn syrup that bother me the most. So I am staying away from sweets such as cookies, cakes, and candy now in general. But it's *not* a hard and fast rule that can never be broken. Choosing to have those foods, if I do so, will not send me into some kind of guilt-ridden state of shame. This is not a diet, or a rule, or even a goal.
For example, if I am offered cake, I am turning that down. I have a calmness about this because I know that if I really want it and consciously decide that the pain and health risks are "worth it" for any specific food item, I can still eat it and *not* feel guilty. Thus I may decide that a piece of some special treat, like a birthday cake my family made for me, is "worth it" and enjoy a piece. That is just fine! And if there is a sweet food I am really curious to try, I will have a bite. If it's not amazing, one bite is enough to satisfy and not want the rest. I have been doing this already at times. I have been able to eat a bite or one serving of sweets and not be triggered into a spiral of crazy food obsessions and wanting to eat more and more until I am in a food coma. That part of the disorder appears to be healed, or in remission.
This is the first step out of the "eat anything anytime" stage I have been in while calming the anxiety around disordered eating, quieting the compulsion. I think it was very important for me to get to a truly calm, accepting, okay-with-everything state before moving into *any* kind of restriction, even for reasons of pain or health, because the goal is to recover from disordered eating. Now that I am there, this change is feeling very non-triggering for me! I am happy to stay in this stage for as long as need be. Over time any food that is negatively affecting my health will also go into this health-restricted category with the same idea... that I will avoid what harms me and leave the door open to *choosing* any foods I want to lift the restriction on.
I know this probably sounds pretty wishy-washy to anyone who has never dealt with an eating disorder, but it's working for me. There's a fine line *emotionally* between making a set rule that "I will never have that" and making a choice that "I don't want that food in my life harming me, so I'll avoid it with few exceptions." The door HAS to stay open for choices, for me, in order to not get triggered into stressing about food, weight, and diet... which leads right back into disordered food thoughts. This is a gentle, flexible restriction... not a hard one.
My other choice for this week is to make sure I get out and walk every day. with the weather getting colder I have started to slack off in the walking department. I have to do something with the dogs every day but when it is cold, I sometimes just exercise them in my yard (with lots of ball and Frisbee throwing!) That's great exercise for them, but not for me. I feel better when I go for a walk so I will make sure I don't get lazy about it over the winter.
Since people do ask me to share menus, I'll share here. I don't post my food every day like I used to, because food is not the focus. But occasional menus give you an idea how I am eating right now.
Breakfast: coffee with 1 tsp blackstrap molasses and half & half, hard boiled egg
mid-day: coffee with sugar free caramel creamer
Lunch: homemade turkey soup with lots of veggies (no rice or pasta) and a slice of beer bread (made from scratch)
afternoon snack will probably be a Clementine and a string cheese
Dinner is going to be turkey tertrazzini from this recipe with more turkey and vegetables added and no bread crumbs. Maybe some baked acorn squash with this, with butter, salt and pepper.
If I have something at bedtime it will be a mug of hot milk with cinnamon and blackstrap molasses.
Hope you all are doing great, had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday spirit!
Weight Loss
This is my first week "restricting" sugar (for the reasons I shared in my last post, this is non-triggering and complements my disordered eating recovery plan). There is no rule and no diet plan; this is a welcomed change that makes me feel good about my eating. The goal here is pain reduction and better health. I am now avoiding sugar in a way that contributes to joint health. For me, that means I am not getting obsessive and avoiding every food that has any form of sugar in any amount; it means I am avoiding the amounts of sugar that I feel are harmful to me and cause me pain. Generally if it's processed and it tastes sweet, that's too much for me.
Small amounts of sugar and large amounts of most fruits have always been fine for me. I can eat a bowl of cantaloupe or a banana or a couple of peaches and feel just fine.... no pain. I do feel a little shaky and weird if I eat much dried fruit or a large helping of pineapple or mango, so I will restrict those things but not other fruit. I have also always been able to eat a square or two of dark chocolate without any joint pain or blood sugar weirdness, so that is still something I'll enjoy. I've been fine with a teaspoon of honey or real maple syrup here and there. It's the mega-doses of refined sugar and the small doses of corn syrup that bother me the most. So I am staying away from sweets such as cookies, cakes, and candy now in general. But it's *not* a hard and fast rule that can never be broken. Choosing to have those foods, if I do so, will not send me into some kind of guilt-ridden state of shame. This is not a diet, or a rule, or even a goal.
For example, if I am offered cake, I am turning that down. I have a calmness about this because I know that if I really want it and consciously decide that the pain and health risks are "worth it" for any specific food item, I can still eat it and *not* feel guilty. Thus I may decide that a piece of some special treat, like a birthday cake my family made for me, is "worth it" and enjoy a piece. That is just fine! And if there is a sweet food I am really curious to try, I will have a bite. If it's not amazing, one bite is enough to satisfy and not want the rest. I have been doing this already at times. I have been able to eat a bite or one serving of sweets and not be triggered into a spiral of crazy food obsessions and wanting to eat more and more until I am in a food coma. That part of the disorder appears to be healed, or in remission.
This is the first step out of the "eat anything anytime" stage I have been in while calming the anxiety around disordered eating, quieting the compulsion. I think it was very important for me to get to a truly calm, accepting, okay-with-everything state before moving into *any* kind of restriction, even for reasons of pain or health, because the goal is to recover from disordered eating. Now that I am there, this change is feeling very non-triggering for me! I am happy to stay in this stage for as long as need be. Over time any food that is negatively affecting my health will also go into this health-restricted category with the same idea... that I will avoid what harms me and leave the door open to *choosing* any foods I want to lift the restriction on.
I know this probably sounds pretty wishy-washy to anyone who has never dealt with an eating disorder, but it's working for me. There's a fine line *emotionally* between making a set rule that "I will never have that" and making a choice that "I don't want that food in my life harming me, so I'll avoid it with few exceptions." The door HAS to stay open for choices, for me, in order to not get triggered into stressing about food, weight, and diet... which leads right back into disordered food thoughts. This is a gentle, flexible restriction... not a hard one.
My other choice for this week is to make sure I get out and walk every day. with the weather getting colder I have started to slack off in the walking department. I have to do something with the dogs every day but when it is cold, I sometimes just exercise them in my yard (with lots of ball and Frisbee throwing!) That's great exercise for them, but not for me. I feel better when I go for a walk so I will make sure I don't get lazy about it over the winter.
Since people do ask me to share menus, I'll share here. I don't post my food every day like I used to, because food is not the focus. But occasional menus give you an idea how I am eating right now.
Breakfast: coffee with 1 tsp blackstrap molasses and half & half, hard boiled egg
mid-day: coffee with sugar free caramel creamer
Lunch: homemade turkey soup with lots of veggies (no rice or pasta) and a slice of beer bread (made from scratch)
afternoon snack will probably be a Clementine and a string cheese
Dinner is going to be turkey tertrazzini from this recipe with more turkey and vegetables added and no bread crumbs. Maybe some baked acorn squash with this, with butter, salt and pepper.
If I have something at bedtime it will be a mug of hot milk with cinnamon and blackstrap molasses.
Hope you all are doing great, had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday spirit!
Weight Loss
December Challenge – 21 Days of HIIT
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Happy Holidays! We know that this time of the year can be very busy and you may have a lot on your plate to deal with. Our 21 Days of HIIT Challenge will help you stay on track with getting in some regular exercise this month. These workouts can be done at home or in […]
Weight Loss
Happy Holidays! We know that this time of the year can be very busy and you may have a lot on your plate to deal with. Our 21 Days of HIIT Challenge will help you stay on track with getting in some regular exercise this month. These workouts can be done at home or in […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
Richeel lost 92 pounds
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Transformation of the Day: Richeel lost 92.4 pounds. She weighed 300 pounds at 5’2″ and was dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Lupus. However, it was a diagnosis of pre-diabetes that served as the wake up call she needed. Exercise classes, accountability via social media and limiting carbs in a reasonable way were […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Richeel lost 92.4 pounds. She weighed 300 pounds at 5’2″ and was dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Lupus. However, it was a diagnosis of pre-diabetes that served as the wake up call she needed. Exercise classes, accountability via social media and limiting carbs in a reasonable way were […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
New target receptor discovered in the fight against obesity
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The team of scientists from King's College London and Imperial College London tested a high-fat diet, containing a fermentable carbohydrate, and a control diet on mice and looked at the effect on...
Weight Loss
The team of scientists from King's College London and Imperial College London tested a high-fat diet, containing a fermentable carbohydrate, and a control diet on mice and looked at the effect on...
Weight Loss
Sunday, November 27, 2016
First few days of the vegan challenge
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Today marks day three of the vegan challenge. Let's just say it's not going how I'd wished! ;)
If you missed it, I decided to try challenging myself to eat vegan from November 25th through December 31st. (In addition to not eating any animal products, I also chose to give up alcohol--that was an impulsive decision I'm kind of regretting, haha, but still sticking to it).
I'm hoping after a few more days, I'll find it easier to do; but right now, I'm basically just struggling through it in frustration.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Today marks day three of the vegan challenge. Let's just say it's not going how I'd wished! ;)
If you missed it, I decided to try challenging myself to eat vegan from November 25th through December 31st. (In addition to not eating any animal products, I also chose to give up alcohol--that was an impulsive decision I'm kind of regretting, haha, but still sticking to it).
I'm hoping after a few more days, I'll find it easier to do; but right now, I'm basically just struggling through it in frustration.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Jennifer lost 55 pounds
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Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 55 pounds. This UK mom of 3 saw her weight skyrocket after her 3rd pregnancy. After trying to lose the weight for 3 years, a friend suggested she try a detox plan. Check out how she transformed her body by changing her eating habits. I was always a dress size […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 55 pounds. This UK mom of 3 saw her weight skyrocket after her 3rd pregnancy. After trying to lose the weight for 3 years, a friend suggested she try a detox plan. Check out how she transformed her body by changing her eating habits. I was always a dress size […]
No related posts.
Weight Loss
Yo-yo dieting may be caused by altered gut microbes
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Millions of Americans diet, but few maintain their weight loss. A new study suggests this 'yo-yo' effect may be down to changes in the gut microbiome.
Weight Loss
Millions of Americans diet, but few maintain their weight loss. A new study suggests this 'yo-yo' effect may be down to changes in the gut microbiome.
Weight Loss
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Tricey lost 82 pounds
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Transformation of the Day: Tricey lost 82 pounds. This busy mom of 3 was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol and didn’t want to take medication. Instead, she opted to change her lifestyle and release the weight to improve her health. She found an online training program with the knowledge and accountability she was […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Tricey lost 82 pounds. This busy mom of 3 was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol and didn’t want to take medication. Instead, she opted to change her lifestyle and release the weight to improve her health. She found an online training program with the knowledge and accountability she was […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
Friday, November 25, 2016
Reasons Matter
http://ift.tt/2gro7ru
Over the last couple of months I have written a lot about what I am doing to recover from disordered eating... and it is definitely working! The calm and peace about food is something I have been missing for about two decades, and getting it back is a welcome relief. NOT having the "call of food" in my head all the time gives me much more freedom of thought. It also gives me more freedom of action! No more driving to the cupcake shop and sitting in the parking lot wrestling with whether or not to go in. No more wasting time fighting myself about some cake recipe I saw until I give in, run to the store, get all the ingredients, come home, bake the cake, and guiltily eat it. No more hours wasted trying to white knuckle through a craving for potato chips until finally eating them and then hours feeling guilty and trying to figure out how to compensate for the calories I'd eaten. Instead, food only occupies my brain for the time I am cooking and eating it. It's a great feeling!
I have been on this non-restricting kick for awhile now. It's something I needed to do to get rid of food obsession. I have found that, for me, "food addiction" is not handled the same was as, say, drug addiction or alcohol addiction. There's always been a difference, of course, because an alcoholic usually needs to avoid all alcohol to stay recovered but a food addict can't avoid all food. A lot of people feel like if they steer clear of their "trigger foods" that is the way they deal with their food addiction. For example, sugar seems pretty addictive in some ways. So does fast food. And fried, salty things. But what if you have a million "trigger" foods? Seriously, when I was binge eating, and even when I was eating compulsively, I could be "triggered" by pretty much anything that was not a plain vegetable. Or maybe plain, baked fish or chicken (no salt). I have definitely been triggered by the usual foods like junk, sweets, and fried foods... but I've also been triggered, and even binged, on things as simple as cheese, meats, creamy soups, roasted salted vegetables, any kind of bread or pasta, potatoes, sauces, salads with dressing, eggs, and pretty much anything that is flavor loaded or carby. If I restricted everything that has the potential to trigger me, I'd be eating a bland diet forever! I have found that even restricting the worst offenders just ends with me having anxiety about being "perfect" enough on my plan and feeling an overwhelming drive to eat the things I "can't", Yet I have said I don't want to restrict. What to do?
Over the past couple of weeks I've figured out something new... and that is: the reason for restricting matters. When I've said I would NEVER restrict ANYTHING again, I was focused on not awakening the disordered eating thoughts. But I was mistaken about something. It is not the restricting that triggers. It is restricting for the REASON of weight loss, dieting, being "good" and fitting into a certain "plan" someone else created. Here is how this slowly dawned on me:
I cannot eat shellfish like shrimp, crab, or lobster because I am allergic to it. I am allergic in the true sense and will go into anaphylactic shock if I take even one bite. Therefore, I restrict it, because I do not want to die. Do I feel deprived? No. Do I feel "triggered" when everyone else is eating crab and I can't? No! Not at all! I don't even want it! And I do know what I'm missing; I did not become allergic until I was a teenager. One of my favorite foods as a child was deep fried shrimp. I also ate plenty of lobster tails and crab legs, crab cakes, and the like as a kid. Loved the stuff! But restricting those foods now is very, very easy. I look at, or think of, shrimp, and I associate it with hospitals, Epipen injections, very unpleasant sensations, and threat of dying. So the association of a food with a very negative consequence can make restricting that food EASY.
To a smaller degree, I have started to feel the same way about sugar. Somehow I was not *able* to feel this way about sugar when I was restricting for weight loss. It was always the object of my desire, the food I loved most, the thing I couldn't have... therefore the object of my disordered longing (probably like fried shrimp would be if I was restricting it just to lose weight). But now that I have been letting myself TRULY eat whatever sweets I wanted, my mind is clear and my emotions are free and I can SEE that sugar is harmful to me. I always knew it, but couldn't see it... couldn't accept it somehow, emotionally. But because the reason for my restriction has changed (from weight loss to pain reduction) it is not at all triggering and does not awaken disordered eating. I am "restricting" sugar in a voluntary, calm way... a natural way. I did not wake up and declare, "starting next Monday I am NOT going to eat ANY more sugar!!" I just started turning it down more and more, and wanting it less and less, because it hurts me. Because it is unhealthy for me.The cravings are GONE and although I have still not made any kind of "rule" about never having sugar, I just don't eat it much anymore. I am restricting sugar naturally, for the reason of avoiding pain.
I think as time goes on, ALL foods that are harmful to me in some way will go the way of the shellfish and the sweets. They will just stop appealing to me, not because I want to lose weight, but because I choose to be healthy. Reasons DO matter, especially in healing from disordered eating.
Weight Loss
Over the last couple of months I have written a lot about what I am doing to recover from disordered eating... and it is definitely working! The calm and peace about food is something I have been missing for about two decades, and getting it back is a welcome relief. NOT having the "call of food" in my head all the time gives me much more freedom of thought. It also gives me more freedom of action! No more driving to the cupcake shop and sitting in the parking lot wrestling with whether or not to go in. No more wasting time fighting myself about some cake recipe I saw until I give in, run to the store, get all the ingredients, come home, bake the cake, and guiltily eat it. No more hours wasted trying to white knuckle through a craving for potato chips until finally eating them and then hours feeling guilty and trying to figure out how to compensate for the calories I'd eaten. Instead, food only occupies my brain for the time I am cooking and eating it. It's a great feeling!
I have been on this non-restricting kick for awhile now. It's something I needed to do to get rid of food obsession. I have found that, for me, "food addiction" is not handled the same was as, say, drug addiction or alcohol addiction. There's always been a difference, of course, because an alcoholic usually needs to avoid all alcohol to stay recovered but a food addict can't avoid all food. A lot of people feel like if they steer clear of their "trigger foods" that is the way they deal with their food addiction. For example, sugar seems pretty addictive in some ways. So does fast food. And fried, salty things. But what if you have a million "trigger" foods? Seriously, when I was binge eating, and even when I was eating compulsively, I could be "triggered" by pretty much anything that was not a plain vegetable. Or maybe plain, baked fish or chicken (no salt). I have definitely been triggered by the usual foods like junk, sweets, and fried foods... but I've also been triggered, and even binged, on things as simple as cheese, meats, creamy soups, roasted salted vegetables, any kind of bread or pasta, potatoes, sauces, salads with dressing, eggs, and pretty much anything that is flavor loaded or carby. If I restricted everything that has the potential to trigger me, I'd be eating a bland diet forever! I have found that even restricting the worst offenders just ends with me having anxiety about being "perfect" enough on my plan and feeling an overwhelming drive to eat the things I "can't", Yet I have said I don't want to restrict. What to do?
Over the past couple of weeks I've figured out something new... and that is: the reason for restricting matters. When I've said I would NEVER restrict ANYTHING again, I was focused on not awakening the disordered eating thoughts. But I was mistaken about something. It is not the restricting that triggers. It is restricting for the REASON of weight loss, dieting, being "good" and fitting into a certain "plan" someone else created. Here is how this slowly dawned on me:
I cannot eat shellfish like shrimp, crab, or lobster because I am allergic to it. I am allergic in the true sense and will go into anaphylactic shock if I take even one bite. Therefore, I restrict it, because I do not want to die. Do I feel deprived? No. Do I feel "triggered" when everyone else is eating crab and I can't? No! Not at all! I don't even want it! And I do know what I'm missing; I did not become allergic until I was a teenager. One of my favorite foods as a child was deep fried shrimp. I also ate plenty of lobster tails and crab legs, crab cakes, and the like as a kid. Loved the stuff! But restricting those foods now is very, very easy. I look at, or think of, shrimp, and I associate it with hospitals, Epipen injections, very unpleasant sensations, and threat of dying. So the association of a food with a very negative consequence can make restricting that food EASY.
To a smaller degree, I have started to feel the same way about sugar. Somehow I was not *able* to feel this way about sugar when I was restricting for weight loss. It was always the object of my desire, the food I loved most, the thing I couldn't have... therefore the object of my disordered longing (probably like fried shrimp would be if I was restricting it just to lose weight). But now that I have been letting myself TRULY eat whatever sweets I wanted, my mind is clear and my emotions are free and I can SEE that sugar is harmful to me. I always knew it, but couldn't see it... couldn't accept it somehow, emotionally. But because the reason for my restriction has changed (from weight loss to pain reduction) it is not at all triggering and does not awaken disordered eating. I am "restricting" sugar in a voluntary, calm way... a natural way. I did not wake up and declare, "starting next Monday I am NOT going to eat ANY more sugar!!" I just started turning it down more and more, and wanting it less and less, because it hurts me. Because it is unhealthy for me.The cravings are GONE and although I have still not made any kind of "rule" about never having sugar, I just don't eat it much anymore. I am restricting sugar naturally, for the reason of avoiding pain.
I think as time goes on, ALL foods that are harmful to me in some way will go the way of the shellfish and the sweets. They will just stop appealing to me, not because I want to lose weight, but because I choose to be healthy. Reasons DO matter, especially in healing from disordered eating.
Weight Loss
Ayegyesa lost 26 pounds
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Ayegyesa lost 26 pounds. She was inspired by transformation stories and now she’s sharing her progress. Regular exercise and changing her eating habits allowed her to slim down. Check out what she shared with us. My name is Ayegyesa Ruth and I am 26 years old. Sometime back, I was inspired by the pictures and stories you […]
Weight Loss
Ayegyesa lost 26 pounds. She was inspired by transformation stories and now she’s sharing her progress. Regular exercise and changing her eating habits allowed her to slim down. Check out what she shared with us. My name is Ayegyesa Ruth and I am 26 years old. Sometime back, I was inspired by the pictures and stories you […]
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Weight Loss
The Secret to a Great Fitting Bra!
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Weight Loss
We can all agree that a well-fitting bra is the absolute basis of any outfit! I know this, but finding the time to drive to a store and be fitted always ranks low on my to do list. I think the last time I tried I had Aiden with me and he kept trying to climb under the dressing room doors. After 15 minutes of trying to wrangle him, I gave up and decided to come another day - that was almost a year ago.
Over the course of my weightless journey I have been everything from a 40G to a 32C, hitting all the sizes in-between. Unfortunately for women when you lose body fat it usually comes from your breasts and not the hips, kinda seems unfair. With the RealFit® Kit by Jockey®, however, I’ve finally found the perfect fit. My bras are now so supportive I almost feel like I could workout in them! Be sure to see the bottom of this post for an exclusive deal of $10 off.
Did you know that you can have a RealFit® Kit sent right to your house? Talk about convenient! The kit comes with instructions {the easy kind - you know I hate reading directions!}, cups for sizing, and a measuring tape to find your band size. They send every possible size cup in your kit, you find the one that covers your entire breast best. I actually went through 3 different cups , you should be able to lean over without anything spilling out.
Next, wrap the measuring tape under your bust. Wherever your color block overlaps is your band size. I was pretty surprised that my band size was a 30, every bra I own is a 34, oops! Be sure to go up a size if you're in-between, you can also return or exchange if you're not happy - even if you've worn and washed it! Nothing better than a company who stands behind their product.
I ordered 2 different types of bras, a molded cup and a soft cup. I was surprised at my sizing - my cups have been too small and my bands too big. I tend to always wear nude or black bras, nothing fancy, I just want them to be comfortable and functional. I think a perfectly fitting bra can make you look slimmer too!
From pregnancy to weight gain to weight loss our bodies are put through a lot of changes, it's important to keep our sizing consistent to our current stage. I know I wish I hadn't waited so long to figure out my new size, pretty sure I complained daily about how my bras were ill fitting.
The RealFit® Kit by Jockey retails for $19.95, but you save $10 with code MEGAN10. PLUS, you'll get $20 off your first bra when you find your perfect size using the RealFit® Kit.
They pass the white t-shirt test - no lumps or bumps - no spillage when I bend over. LOVE. Too bad I now have to replace all my ill-fitting wrong size bras! All from the comfort of my own home, can't beat that. Find your perfect size - use promo code MEGAN10 to get $10 off RealFit® Kit!
*Offer expires 11/30/16 at 11:59 p.m. PST. $10 off only on RealFit® on Jockey.com with coupon code MEGAN10. Coupon code single use only. Discount applied at checkout before tax and shipping. Not valid on RealFit bra by Jockey style nos. 6701-6703, 6705, 6707, sale items, previous purchases, Jockey Being Family® items or in-store. Selection varies; available on in-stock items only while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. No rain checks/cash redemption. Void where prohibited.
Weight Loss
Diet soda sweetener may cause weight gain
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A new study may have found the reason why the sugar substitute aspartame does not help with weight loss, and may even cause weight gain.
Weight Loss
A new study may have found the reason why the sugar substitute aspartame does not help with weight loss, and may even cause weight gain.
Weight Loss
Can alcohol reduce calorie intake?
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How alcohol intake influences the amount of calories we consume is a hot topic for debate. New research using a rat model yields surprising results.
Weight Loss
How alcohol intake influences the amount of calories we consume is a hot topic for debate. New research using a rat model yields surprising results.
Weight Loss
LIAM 295 – The Law of Gratitude
If you can only do one thing to positively change your life, it should be this: feel and express gratitude! I believe gratitude is the most powerful force in the universe. Gratitude, however, is not just a good feeling that makes you a little happier. Gratitude is science, it is energy, and there is a “law of gratitude” that is operating at all times, whether you believe it or not. Listen as I explain:
Listen on iTunes or Listen to/download this episode here:
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Mentioned in this show:
- Join Bruce’s Mastermind Group
- Worry No More! book
- Download: Affirmations for Abundant Living
- LIAM Team Life Coaching Community
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- Bruce Van Horn on Twitter
- Bruce Van Horn on Facebook
The post LIAM 295 – The Law of Gratitude appeared first on Life Is A Marathon : Life Coaching | Self-Esteem | Personal Development | Personal Branding | Positive Thinking | Community.
Self Esteem Feeds
Whitney lost 63.8 pounds
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Transformation of the Day: Whitney lost 63.8 pounds. Over the course of a year and a half, this super busy mom of 2 has transformed herself by eating clean and working out at home. Now, she is inspiring and coaching others who want to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Check out how she did […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Whitney lost 63.8 pounds. Over the course of a year and a half, this super busy mom of 2 has transformed herself by eating clean and working out at home. Now, she is inspiring and coaching others who want to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Check out how she did […]
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Weight Loss
Diet quality low but steadily improving among US kids
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On the whole, the diet of U.S. children improved markedly between 1999 and 2012 but it remains poor, said the authors of a new study that examined diet quality data from more than 38,000 kids.
Weight Loss
On the whole, the diet of U.S. children improved markedly between 1999 and 2012 but it remains poor, said the authors of a new study that examined diet quality data from more than 38,000 kids.
Weight Loss
Study in rats finds low blood alcohol levels have no effect on total calories consumed
http://ift.tt/2fYF5wP
Laboratory rats will drink alcohol if it's available, and may even get a little tipsy, researchers report in a new study. But they won't voluntarily drink until they're drunk.
Weight Loss
Laboratory rats will drink alcohol if it's available, and may even get a little tipsy, researchers report in a new study. But they won't voluntarily drink until they're drunk.
Weight Loss
Thursday, November 24, 2016
A cozy Thanksgiving
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Today felt like such a nice, cozy day for Thanksgiving. The weather was perfect for fall--about 40 degrees and overcast. I got up early, at around 5:00, and went out in the living room to curl under my blanket and play solitaire on my iPad.
Recently, Jerry and I were looking for a new entertainment center (the one we had wasn't even an entertainment center--just cheap shelves). I looked at thrift stores for a long time, but just couldn't find what I had in mind. I would have loved to get one of the entertainment centers with an LED fireplace, but they were expensive, so I hadn't even been considering them.
When I mentioned it to my mom, she offered to give Jerry and me Christmas gift money early so that we could use it toward one of the fireplace entertainment centers. With her gift, we decided to go ahead and get one.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Today felt like such a nice, cozy day for Thanksgiving. The weather was perfect for fall--about 40 degrees and overcast. I got up early, at around 5:00, and went out in the living room to curl under my blanket and play solitaire on my iPad.
Recently, Jerry and I were looking for a new entertainment center (the one we had wasn't even an entertainment center--just cheap shelves). I looked at thrift stores for a long time, but just couldn't find what I had in mind. I would have loved to get one of the entertainment centers with an LED fireplace, but they were expensive, so I hadn't even been considering them.
When I mentioned it to my mom, she offered to give Jerry and me Christmas gift money early so that we could use it toward one of the fireplace entertainment centers. With her gift, we decided to go ahead and get one.
Read more »
Weight Loss
Diet and exercise can improve kidney function in patients with fatty liver disease
http://ift.tt/2fbAkkj
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a potentially serious liver condition characterized by excess fat in the liver associated with inflammation and scarring.
Weight Loss
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a potentially serious liver condition characterized by excess fat in the liver associated with inflammation and scarring.
Weight Loss
Jet lag and obesity share similar pathways to liver cancer
http://ift.tt/2fvd2ER
Since 1980, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, has nearly tripled, and obesity related liver disease is one of the driving forces behind the increasing...
Weight Loss
Since 1980, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, has nearly tripled, and obesity related liver disease is one of the driving forces behind the increasing...
Weight Loss
Jessica lost over 125 pounds
http://ift.tt/2fVzasz
Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost over 125 pounds. This mom of two used to weigh over 300 pounds. With the support of her husband she started on the path going vegetarian and eventually vegan. This baker did her research and figured out how she could have her cake and eat it too. My name is […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Jessica lost over 125 pounds. This mom of two used to weigh over 300 pounds. With the support of her husband she started on the path going vegetarian and eventually vegan. This baker did her research and figured out how she could have her cake and eat it too. My name is […]
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Weight Loss
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
A holiday challenge
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I've been thinking about this and thinking about this, having been totally unsure if I wanted to move forward with it. I know that if I make it public, then I'll be committed to finishing it, which is probably why I haven't mentioned it. I just wanted to be 100% sure I want to do it.
I used to do monthly challenges for myself, and somewhere along the way, I got out of the habit of doing them. Right now, I haven't really been focused on anything. Last year, I was hardcore into getting down to my racing weight and then training for my 10K; this year, I'm loosely counting calories, trying to lose the summer weight, but not really putting much effort into it.
Read more »
Weight Loss
I've been thinking about this and thinking about this, having been totally unsure if I wanted to move forward with it. I know that if I make it public, then I'll be committed to finishing it, which is probably why I haven't mentioned it. I just wanted to be 100% sure I want to do it.
I used to do monthly challenges for myself, and somewhere along the way, I got out of the habit of doing them. Right now, I haven't really been focused on anything. Last year, I was hardcore into getting down to my racing weight and then training for my 10K; this year, I'm loosely counting calories, trying to lose the summer weight, but not really putting much effort into it.
Read more »
Weight Loss
There Will Be Carbs
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The first year I started blogging (2007), I shared my usual Thanksgiving menu and all the recipes with adjustments to make them a bit healthier and weight-loss friendly. Most years since then, including tomorrow, we have done this same menu (traditional for our family) except in 2010, when I was on Medifast and opted not to make any stuffing or sweet potatoes as they were off plan. I basically measured out my turkey, made mashed cauliflower for myself instead of having any potatoes, and had a small portion of green bean casserole. In 2011 I was still trying to low carb and did the turkey, mashed cauliflower, green bean casserole, and salad. In 2012 I was trying again to do a really strict Medifast, so had measured turkey and a half plate of green beans and mushrooms steamed in chicken broth (nothing else). But from 2013 on, I went back to the traditional menu and just went with moderation. I'm doing that tomorrow and from now on. I am not going to go through any angst or stress anymore about what to eat on Thanksgiving, whether I am the one cooking or someone else is. I am just going to put what I want on my plate and eat it like a normal person. If there is one thing I've learned over the past 9 years of "dieting" through the holidays, it's that IT DOESN'T MATTER. It is *one day* and it is not at all worth worrying about. If you have a dietary restriction go with it, but if you can just relax and not make the food such a big deal, it won't be. What good is skipping your favorite foods if it just causes you anxiety, regret, and cravings? You have to go with what works for your emotions. That is more important that calories or fat or weight loss. There is really nothing good about stressing through a holiday.
Part of my recovery is letting go of the restrictions and the need for control over all the food. Of course I want to be healthy and choose to eat things that are good for my body *most* of the time. But those choices are based on what makes my body feel best and not on weight loss, calories, or any other factor. There will be pie. Will I have a piece? I doubt it... it doesn't appeal to me because eating a piece of pie makes my joints feel like crap. But the pie is there and if I want a piece I will eat it. If I want 2 pieces I will have them! There will be no angst or guilt. Emotional calmness about food is becoming my normal and I am very happy about that! The most likely scenario for me is that I won't want pie. But if I do, the next most likely scenario is that I will eat a bite or two and be satisfied with that, and have *no desire* to have more and cause myself joint pain. That is very different than not eating the pie because you don't want to ruin your diet, but then thinking about that pie and feeling deprived because you didn't get any. "Willpowering" through the holidays did not get me anywhere in the long term. It just irritated my eating disorder. Time to try something different.
I am so thankful for my recovery and peace of mind about food. I never thought it would happen. I thought I would always want the cookies and stress about wishing I could have what everyone else is having and obsess about some dessert I want to make. No more! I can have any of those things! The side effect of NO restriction is NO emotional reaction to food and NO obsessive food thoughts. It is worth every minute I have spent getting to this moment! I hope your Thanksgiving is joyful, blessed and full of true peace.
Weight Loss
The first year I started blogging (2007), I shared my usual Thanksgiving menu and all the recipes with adjustments to make them a bit healthier and weight-loss friendly. Most years since then, including tomorrow, we have done this same menu (traditional for our family) except in 2010, when I was on Medifast and opted not to make any stuffing or sweet potatoes as they were off plan. I basically measured out my turkey, made mashed cauliflower for myself instead of having any potatoes, and had a small portion of green bean casserole. In 2011 I was still trying to low carb and did the turkey, mashed cauliflower, green bean casserole, and salad. In 2012 I was trying again to do a really strict Medifast, so had measured turkey and a half plate of green beans and mushrooms steamed in chicken broth (nothing else). But from 2013 on, I went back to the traditional menu and just went with moderation. I'm doing that tomorrow and from now on. I am not going to go through any angst or stress anymore about what to eat on Thanksgiving, whether I am the one cooking or someone else is. I am just going to put what I want on my plate and eat it like a normal person. If there is one thing I've learned over the past 9 years of "dieting" through the holidays, it's that IT DOESN'T MATTER. It is *one day* and it is not at all worth worrying about. If you have a dietary restriction go with it, but if you can just relax and not make the food such a big deal, it won't be. What good is skipping your favorite foods if it just causes you anxiety, regret, and cravings? You have to go with what works for your emotions. That is more important that calories or fat or weight loss. There is really nothing good about stressing through a holiday.
Part of my recovery is letting go of the restrictions and the need for control over all the food. Of course I want to be healthy and choose to eat things that are good for my body *most* of the time. But those choices are based on what makes my body feel best and not on weight loss, calories, or any other factor. There will be pie. Will I have a piece? I doubt it... it doesn't appeal to me because eating a piece of pie makes my joints feel like crap. But the pie is there and if I want a piece I will eat it. If I want 2 pieces I will have them! There will be no angst or guilt. Emotional calmness about food is becoming my normal and I am very happy about that! The most likely scenario for me is that I won't want pie. But if I do, the next most likely scenario is that I will eat a bite or two and be satisfied with that, and have *no desire* to have more and cause myself joint pain. That is very different than not eating the pie because you don't want to ruin your diet, but then thinking about that pie and feeling deprived because you didn't get any. "Willpowering" through the holidays did not get me anywhere in the long term. It just irritated my eating disorder. Time to try something different.
I am so thankful for my recovery and peace of mind about food. I never thought it would happen. I thought I would always want the cookies and stress about wishing I could have what everyone else is having and obsess about some dessert I want to make. No more! I can have any of those things! The side effect of NO restriction is NO emotional reaction to food and NO obsessive food thoughts. It is worth every minute I have spent getting to this moment! I hope your Thanksgiving is joyful, blessed and full of true peace.
Weight Loss
Katleho lost 40 pounds
http://ift.tt/2fF40Ta
Transformation of the Day: Katleho lost 40 pounds. Our South African sista has been working hard on her weight release journey since 2014. She has transformed her body, found a love for fitness and now she is sharing her story with the world. Check out what she shared with us. What was your motivation to […]
Weight Loss
Transformation of the Day: Katleho lost 40 pounds. Our South African sista has been working hard on her weight release journey since 2014. She has transformed her body, found a love for fitness and now she is sharing her story with the world. Check out what she shared with us. What was your motivation to […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate brown adipose tissue metabolism
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Omega-3 fatty acids are able to stimulate the activation of brown and beige adipose tissues, a discovery that would promote the development of new therapies for obesity and other metabolism...
Weight Loss
Omega-3 fatty acids are able to stimulate the activation of brown and beige adipose tissues, a discovery that would promote the development of new therapies for obesity and other metabolism...
Weight Loss
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
The scariest moment of my life
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This is going to be a rather odd intro, but I promise I'm going somewhere with this little story...
When I was in the hospital after my jaw surgeries, I was moved to a private room where I finally got some sleep. Jerry was there next to the bed, watching TV, and I fell into a deep sleep. About an hour later, I woke up, and I knew NOTHING about what was going on. I didn't know where I was, why I was there, who Jerry was, or even who I was.
It was the scariest moment of my life, and that is not an exaggeration. I have many fears, but the fear of losing my memory again is at the top of the list. The memory loss only lasted about 30 seconds, but it was terrifying enough to have a lasting effect on me. It made me think about my grandmother (my mom's mom, who we called Gobby).
Gobby developed Alzheimer's disease when I was a teenager, and at the time, I didn't know much (if anything) about it. All I knew was that it caused her to call me "Sue" (my mom's name) and that she used to ask when "D" (her husband, who we referred to as Pippi) was coming home (he'd passed away decades earlier).
Telling a woman that the love of her life is dead is sad enough; but to have to do it over and over again is heartbreaking. Eventually, my mom and her siblings stopped telling Gobby that Pippi had died, and they just said he’d be home "soon". My grandma didn't know any better, and she would soon forget their responses anyway.
Until I had that brief amnesia in the hospital, it never occurred to me that Gobby must have been scared like that sometimes when she was very confused. As a teenager, I used to get kind of annoyed that she always asked the same questions over and over; now, I feel terrible for not being more sympathetic. She was scared, and she wanted to know what was going on.
Gobby lived with the disease for several years. Pippi had died when Gobby was just 55, but he had a good life insurance policy to take care of Gobby for the rest of her life, so money was not a problem.
It was because of his careful planning that Gobby was able to spend the last years of her life at home, rather than placed in a nursing home. My mom and her siblings made a schedule to have one of them with her around the clock. I didn't think about it when I was an immature teenager, but being a caretaker is challenging and time consuming. I give my aunts and uncles a lot of credit for what they did. Gobby lived into her 80’s before passing away peacefully in her own bed, with her children next to her.
Ever since that scary moment in the hospital when I forgot everything, I have lived with a fear that has settled down in my gut--a fear that I will get Alzheimer's one day as well. Alzheimer's disease has a genetic component to it, and there is even a test that I could take that will tell me if I have the gene marker. I haven't decided whether I will get the test yet, but it's something to think about.
There is also a good chance that my mom could get the disease, and I will end up being her caretaker.
Last year, when I wrote a blog post for Prudential about planning for the unexpected, Jerry and I finally got around to writing a living will, which sparked some discussions about health and finances. Since we're in our mid-30's, it's so easy to think that we'll just be healthy forever; but we realized that we actually have to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If I should get Alzheimer's, I really don't want to be a burden on Jerry. I've seen firsthand what a toll it can take on loved ones, and I want to do anything that I can to ease that burden. (Interestingly, on this infographic by Prudential, "Not being a burden to loved ones" is one of the top financial goals for women.)
I think planning for the future just takes the same sort of time and thought. For example, I know that the more Jerry and I earn, the more we spend; and the less we earn, the less we spend. We adapt to what we’re given. So, in planning for a long-term illness, we just need to be prepared to adapt for it.
Of course, we're still going to hope for the best (that we'll live healthy lives into our 90's); but it never hurts to be prepared if life doesn't go as planned. (If you are interested in planning with a financial advisor, Prudential has a locator tool here to help find one.) Have any of you experienced Alzheimer's (or other chronic illness) first hand with a loved one? I hope by planning ahead, I'll be prepared to accept if it happens!
Learn more on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SaveSave
Weight Loss
This is going to be a rather odd intro, but I promise I'm going somewhere with this little story...
When I was in the hospital after my jaw surgeries, I was moved to a private room where I finally got some sleep. Jerry was there next to the bed, watching TV, and I fell into a deep sleep. About an hour later, I woke up, and I knew NOTHING about what was going on. I didn't know where I was, why I was there, who Jerry was, or even who I was.
| Pre-surgery. This was me trying to smile. |
It was the scariest moment of my life, and that is not an exaggeration. I have many fears, but the fear of losing my memory again is at the top of the list. The memory loss only lasted about 30 seconds, but it was terrifying enough to have a lasting effect on me. It made me think about my grandmother (my mom's mom, who we called Gobby).
Gobby developed Alzheimer's disease when I was a teenager, and at the time, I didn't know much (if anything) about it. All I knew was that it caused her to call me "Sue" (my mom's name) and that she used to ask when "D" (her husband, who we referred to as Pippi) was coming home (he'd passed away decades earlier).
| Gobby and me on my 14th birthday |
Until I had that brief amnesia in the hospital, it never occurred to me that Gobby must have been scared like that sometimes when she was very confused. As a teenager, I used to get kind of annoyed that she always asked the same questions over and over; now, I feel terrible for not being more sympathetic. She was scared, and she wanted to know what was going on.
Gobby lived with the disease for several years. Pippi had died when Gobby was just 55, but he had a good life insurance policy to take care of Gobby for the rest of her life, so money was not a problem.
| My mom and Pippi, not too long before he died. |
Ever since that scary moment in the hospital when I forgot everything, I have lived with a fear that has settled down in my gut--a fear that I will get Alzheimer's one day as well. Alzheimer's disease has a genetic component to it, and there is even a test that I could take that will tell me if I have the gene marker. I haven't decided whether I will get the test yet, but it's something to think about.
There is also a good chance that my mom could get the disease, and I will end up being her caretaker.
Last year, when I wrote a blog post for Prudential about planning for the unexpected, Jerry and I finally got around to writing a living will, which sparked some discussions about health and finances. Since we're in our mid-30's, it's so easy to think that we'll just be healthy forever; but we realized that we actually have to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If I should get Alzheimer's, I really don't want to be a burden on Jerry. I've seen firsthand what a toll it can take on loved ones, and I want to do anything that I can to ease that burden. (Interestingly, on this infographic by Prudential, "Not being a burden to loved ones" is one of the top financial goals for women.)
I think planning for the future just takes the same sort of time and thought. For example, I know that the more Jerry and I earn, the more we spend; and the less we earn, the less we spend. We adapt to what we’re given. So, in planning for a long-term illness, we just need to be prepared to adapt for it.
Of course, we're still going to hope for the best (that we'll live healthy lives into our 90's); but it never hurts to be prepared if life doesn't go as planned. (If you are interested in planning with a financial advisor, Prudential has a locator tool here to help find one.) Have any of you experienced Alzheimer's (or other chronic illness) first hand with a loved one? I hope by planning ahead, I'll be prepared to accept if it happens!
Learn more on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Weight Loss
LaShaun lost 59 pounds
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LaShaun lost 59 pounds. She is over 40 and fabulous. Having to have emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder served as a serious wakeup call. In April 2013, she started her transformation journey and she hasn’t turned back. Check out how healthy eating and walking helped to change her life. I’m 46 years old and I have […]
Weight Loss
LaShaun lost 59 pounds. She is over 40 and fabulous. Having to have emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder served as a serious wakeup call. In April 2013, she started her transformation journey and she hasn’t turned back. Check out how healthy eating and walking helped to change her life. I’m 46 years old and I have […]
Related posts:
Weight Loss
The Truth About Using Exercise as a Tool Against Depression
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Weight Loss
One of the frustrating things that I've learned in reading about depression is that people rely heavily on the idea that you should just be able to work out, and boom—problem solved. And this is sort of true. Sort of.
The post The Truth About Using Exercise as a Tool Against Depression appeared first on A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss.
Weight Loss
Top Sports Bras for Ladies with Large Busts
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We took to social media to find out what sports bras the Black Women Losing Weight community would recommend for ladies with large busts. It can be very difficult and expensive to find the right sports bras via trial and error, especially with online shopping. The ladies who answered our call had some great info […]
Weight Loss
We took to social media to find out what sports bras the Black Women Losing Weight community would recommend for ladies with large busts. It can be very difficult and expensive to find the right sports bras via trial and error, especially with online shopping. The ladies who answered our call had some great info […]
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Weight Loss
3 MORE DAYS!
http://ift.tt/2gcVIlh
Weight Loss
I don't know what got into Oliver this weekend, but he worked out with me Saturday and Sunday! He's been a Monday to Friday guy, but he heard we were doing 'Death by Burpees' on Sunday and wanted in on the action. You do 1 burped the first minute, 2 the second, 3 the third, etc until you fail. I only got to 14 and I'm so mad at myself for not getting to 15 which was my mental goal, but I'm going to give it another go soon. {If you're in my challenge group, BE READY for this!}
Serious though, my traps can take a break anytime now. How about we work on growing my hammys or triceps instead? We did lots and lots of wall balls too and the next day my neck was sore, I told Oliver if my neck get's thick I'm out. hahahaha, JK as Madison would say!
No matter how old she is I have a hard time going into Target and NOT buying her an outfit, who can pass up gold glitter? She's been wanting to run a lot lately, so I took her for a short jog yesterday, that little turd can out sprint me! When did that happen?!?!
We have no plans for Thanksgiving break, both kids are out all week long. My parents are taking them to some Amish type farm near Austin, my Mom told me a million times what it was, but I can never remember. I'm not even sure I'm doing any Black Friday shopping this year, I usually really love going it puts me in the mood for Christmas. The fact that we will be moving next year means I don't want to bring home any more personal inventory - I'd rather start decluttering.
Last year I got rid of our white tree because I wanted something different, but now I don't want to purchase until we are in the new house, so I think we will be super domestic and go chop down a real one. Finger's crossed I can keep it alive.
| Sugar Plum Top |
Saturday my cousin came in town from Maryland, to go to the Cowboys game although he's a Ravens fan. I'm glad Oliver's not a huge football fan, those tickets are outrageous! Men have expensive habits, fishing and golfing alone is enough for us. Oliver had to have a new rod and reel for his 5 day fishing trip, alone. Then he came back and wanted to show me all his dead fish pictures.
Everyone's been asking about the thing on the back of my phone - it's a PopSocket
! They are only like 9 bucks and so handy, they stick to any phone case, you can pop out to help you hold your phone or prop it up on the sink to watch Hulu while you curl your hair. Still stuck on The Good Wife, so good! Only 3 more days until GILMORE GIRLS!!!!!
Weight Loss
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