Well Folks! Never give up...I am still at it...only today I am trying to bounce back from losing 120 lbs in 6 months and gaining 140 lbs in 7 months. And I now have hypothyroidism.
I am in constant pain and tired all the time. I am going on 47 years old and I have still not won this battle. I wonder will the day ever come?
So I know that food is my enemy and it and I have a love hate relationship. I know that exercise is important but I hate it with a passion.
I am going to try walking yet again. I am in so much pain even 10.000 steps seems like an impossibility.
I hope you will continue on this journey with me. One thing I can be thankful for is that I am here to continue on this journey. What a gift!
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Thursday, 13 September 2012
I am back!
Oh my goodness it has been a long time!
I have gotten myself into a real mess too! I am waiting to get an MRI done on my right knee which means I can hardly walk.
Work has been crazy busy and I was taking a night course 2 nights a week through the summer.
Now it is Septmeber and I have gained back most of the weight I lost doing the CBC pedometer challenge...I don't belly dance, I don't nordic stride, I barely walk and I don't do zumba.
Really, I don't do anything but work and sleep and read and knit and crochet...
And to top it all off, my blood sugar is creeping back up. Thanks to my sister Tracey for mentioning to me some of my issues could be because of my blood sugar.
So yesterday I made a CHOICE! We are all capable of making our own choices and dealing with the consequences of those choices.
I choose not to be diabetic. The consequence of that choice is that I have to do something to keep me from being diabetic.
I chose to go back to Weight Watchers! I did a little bit of walking...as much as I could handle with my very sore knee...and my blood sugar has already come down some.
My blog is called "My journey to improved health" for a reason. I remember telling Reg Sherren in an interview that, "I know myself and I know that I will find excuses". And I most certainly did but you know what? Every day is chance to start over and to make a CHOICE!
One choice can change your life, if you let it. Will it be a good choice?
For me, I am making the BEST choice for me and for my family and for my friends!
Stay tuned!
I have gotten myself into a real mess too! I am waiting to get an MRI done on my right knee which means I can hardly walk.
Work has been crazy busy and I was taking a night course 2 nights a week through the summer.
Now it is Septmeber and I have gained back most of the weight I lost doing the CBC pedometer challenge...I don't belly dance, I don't nordic stride, I barely walk and I don't do zumba.
Really, I don't do anything but work and sleep and read and knit and crochet...
And to top it all off, my blood sugar is creeping back up. Thanks to my sister Tracey for mentioning to me some of my issues could be because of my blood sugar.
So yesterday I made a CHOICE! We are all capable of making our own choices and dealing with the consequences of those choices.
I choose not to be diabetic. The consequence of that choice is that I have to do something to keep me from being diabetic.
I chose to go back to Weight Watchers! I did a little bit of walking...as much as I could handle with my very sore knee...and my blood sugar has already come down some.
My blog is called "My journey to improved health" for a reason. I remember telling Reg Sherren in an interview that, "I know myself and I know that I will find excuses". And I most certainly did but you know what? Every day is chance to start over and to make a CHOICE!
One choice can change your life, if you let it. Will it be a good choice?
For me, I am making the BEST choice for me and for my family and for my friends!
Stay tuned!
Monday, 14 May 2012
Proof!
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Winnipeg Manitoba Milk Board Nutrition Conference
Well friends, I actually went to Winnipeg to speak in front of dieticians and phys ed teachers about my experience on the CBC. Not only my experience on the CBC but what life has been like for me as an overweight person.
I had the audience laughing and crying...myself included! I had a great time and it amazed me how Stu Phillips, researcher at McMaster University in the Department of Kinesiology, Dale Hayes, Arlene Cristall and I all had the same message: STOP FOCUSING ON WEIGHT AS A MARKER OF HEALTH!
I feel very priviledged to have shared the stage with experts in the field. What was so wonderful was to be able to provide a "real life" example so that the conference attendees could hear that "it really does happen!"
I continue to wear my pedometer and get as many steps as I can and now it is a normal occurrence for me to get over 10,000 steps a day, 2 or more times a week!
When I have some pictures I will try to post them.
I want to thank the two Annas, the two Pats and Sara for welcoming me to Winnipeg! I want to thank Arlene Cristall for the difference she is making in families with children who are struggling with weight issues. And of course, I want to thank Stu for being my wing man! We sure did leave a lasting impression in Winnipeg!
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Ongoing Research Supporting my Real Life Experience
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Bollywood!!!!
Wow! I tried Bollywood today and it looks a lot easier than it is. But isn't that true about everything! Years of practicing any activity makes a person able to do it with ease.
I am enjoying the new activities I am continually trying. And my stepping is going great! Monday 11,500, Tuesday, oops 8,500, today already at 10,000. I recall days just getting 7,000 steps was a challenge!
Someone told me today I look like I have lost weight. That could very well be but what is even better is that I FEEL GREAT!!!
I wonder what adventures I will get into over the weekend! I know that I won't be posting until Sunday or Monday so you can be sure I will have lots to tell!
I am enjoying the new activities I am continually trying. And my stepping is going great! Monday 11,500, Tuesday, oops 8,500, today already at 10,000. I recall days just getting 7,000 steps was a challenge!
Someone told me today I look like I have lost weight. That could very well be but what is even better is that I FEEL GREAT!!!
I wonder what adventures I will get into over the weekend! I know that I won't be posting until Sunday or Monday so you can be sure I will have lots to tell!
Monday, 19 March 2012
Monday, Monday...how could it be?
The Beatles sure had that right? How could it be Monday already? What fantastic weather we are having for the middle of March!
And what a fantastic weekend I had. I got more than 20,000 steps on Saturday and spent time visiting with a great friend. But when you stay awake until 3am talking, it is hard to wake up before noon...as we discovered! So Sunday was a very non-stepping day at only 2,500 steps.
That's okay though because I made some great healthy eating choices!
This week is going to be another fantastic week of weather and I plan on getting outdoors to walk a lot! And I have to start preparing for the conference!
And what a fantastic weekend I had. I got more than 20,000 steps on Saturday and spent time visiting with a great friend. But when you stay awake until 3am talking, it is hard to wake up before noon...as we discovered! So Sunday was a very non-stepping day at only 2,500 steps.
That's okay though because I made some great healthy eating choices!
This week is going to be another fantastic week of weather and I plan on getting outdoors to walk a lot! And I have to start preparing for the conference!
Friday, 16 March 2012
Weekend Plans
Well I managed to get some exercise in this week even though the time change really affects me!
Yesterday I got up to 9,531 steps...and I just couldn't get that extra 500!
Today is going to be a 10,000 step day and tomorrow and Sunday are going to be over 10,000 steps. How can I not get those steps in when we are having an early, early spring? Yahoo!
So last time I wrote I left everyone hanging about some exciting news that I had. Today I will reveal the news.
I am Winnipeg bound on May 2 to take part in the Annual Nutrition Forum put on by the Manitoba Milk Board. One of my favourite researchers from McMaster is the keynote speaker and there are other speakers and the topic is:
Very exciting for me to be asked to speak at this conference about my journey! Research is important and it makes a difference in the life of Canadaians! I am very honoured to be living proof how a small change can make a HUGE difference! And I am so honoured to have been featured on the CBC! My joy has to be shared for those who have cheered me on, those I have met, those I haven't met, and those who have been inspired or touched by my story.
What's my message? Get a pedometer or ask me for one and I will send it to you. Take steps that count and in just 6 weeks you can improve your health just by walking!
Yesterday I got up to 9,531 steps...and I just couldn't get that extra 500!
Today is going to be a 10,000 step day and tomorrow and Sunday are going to be over 10,000 steps. How can I not get those steps in when we are having an early, early spring? Yahoo!
So last time I wrote I left everyone hanging about some exciting news that I had. Today I will reveal the news.
I am Winnipeg bound on May 2 to take part in the Annual Nutrition Forum put on by the Manitoba Milk Board. One of my favourite researchers from McMaster is the keynote speaker and there are other speakers and the topic is:
Losing the “weight”:Is our obsession with weight healthy?
Conventional wisdom says that weight is a good indicator of health and that if someone is overweight they are unhealthy. Furthermore the idea that people who are overweight should strive to achieve an ideal body weight is juxtaposed with the fact that diets don’t work.
Join Dr. Stuart Philips, Christal Levy, Dayle Hayes and Arlene Cristall for a provocative look at weight management and to explore alternative approaches to achieve and encourage healthier lifestyles at every age and stage.
Very exciting for me to be asked to speak at this conference about my journey! Research is important and it makes a difference in the life of Canadaians! I am very honoured to be living proof how a small change can make a HUGE difference! And I am so honoured to have been featured on the CBC! My joy has to be shared for those who have cheered me on, those I have met, those I haven't met, and those who have been inspired or touched by my story.
What's my message? Get a pedometer or ask me for one and I will send it to you. Take steps that count and in just 6 weeks you can improve your health just by walking!
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
10,000 steps a day?
Hello Blog friends!
I have neglected my blogging for too long now! It is amazing what a difference wearing a pedometer has made in my life.
I am still human though and even though we had a GREAT winter, I still managed to get "off track" exercising less than I would have liked. The good news is that more often than not I managed to get 10,000+ steps a day! Now, the thought of walking for an hour, 2 hours or even 3 hours does not scare me...I know I can do it! And even better, my doctor keeps confirming that my health is great. I no longer need to worry about being pre-diabetic! My doctor told me that whatever I am doing, I should keep on doing it...and what am doing?
Trying to watch what I eat but honestly not as successfully as I would hope to be. And I wear my pedometer every day with the goal of getting to 10,000 steps. At least 3 times a week I reach this goal! And I feel great!
I am not sure that the weight will continue to come off. If I lose 25 pounds a year over the next 5 years then that is okay with me and according to a Kinesiology researcher I just met with, the type of weight loss where I lose 25 pounds a year is definitely sustainable and realistic!
I have more exciting news to tell but that will have to wait until the next blog!
I have neglected my blogging for too long now! It is amazing what a difference wearing a pedometer has made in my life.
I am still human though and even though we had a GREAT winter, I still managed to get "off track" exercising less than I would have liked. The good news is that more often than not I managed to get 10,000+ steps a day! Now, the thought of walking for an hour, 2 hours or even 3 hours does not scare me...I know I can do it! And even better, my doctor keeps confirming that my health is great. I no longer need to worry about being pre-diabetic! My doctor told me that whatever I am doing, I should keep on doing it...and what am doing?
Trying to watch what I eat but honestly not as successfully as I would hope to be. And I wear my pedometer every day with the goal of getting to 10,000 steps. At least 3 times a week I reach this goal! And I feel great!
I am not sure that the weight will continue to come off. If I lose 25 pounds a year over the next 5 years then that is okay with me and according to a Kinesiology researcher I just met with, the type of weight loss where I lose 25 pounds a year is definitely sustainable and realistic!
I have more exciting news to tell but that will have to wait until the next blog!
Monday, 2 January 2012
Uh Oh
Hello my blog pals,
Well, let's just say that December 2011's step plan did not go well. However it is a New Year with new possibilities!
One year ago, I was featured on the CBC and it showed how difficult it was for me to walk and my health was not good. Thank you to McMaster's Kinesiology researchers and the CBC - you changed my life! On December 19th 2011 I was told by my doctor that I am healthier than I have been in a very long time! And I saw the reports with my own 2 eyes!
I found the strength in 2011 to make changes in my life that were not easy but I did it!
2012 - I am "stepping" it up! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that wearing a pedometer and walking can improve health - for anyone!
I plan to keep track of how many days I get to 10,000 steps and you can keep track with me as I become a regular blogger!
Happy, Healthier New Year my friends!
Well, let's just say that December 2011's step plan did not go well. However it is a New Year with new possibilities!
One year ago, I was featured on the CBC and it showed how difficult it was for me to walk and my health was not good. Thank you to McMaster's Kinesiology researchers and the CBC - you changed my life! On December 19th 2011 I was told by my doctor that I am healthier than I have been in a very long time! And I saw the reports with my own 2 eyes!
I found the strength in 2011 to make changes in my life that were not easy but I did it!
2012 - I am "stepping" it up! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that wearing a pedometer and walking can improve health - for anyone!
I plan to keep track of how many days I get to 10,000 steps and you can keep track with me as I become a regular blogger!
Happy, Healthier New Year my friends!
Thursday, 1 December 2011
WOW
You better believe it! 22,000 steps yesterday...over 15KM!
And I lost 1.8 lbs. I have had my struggles but I have managed to keep 10% of my body weight off. Still much healthier than I was last year at this time!
So I figure if I lose 10% of my body weight every year for the next 3 years, I will reach my goal! Time goes by anyway and life keeps happening so who says I have to get there in a year?
Oh and my goal for December? 10,000 steps a day for 31 days. Do you think I can do it? YOU BET I CAN!
Stay tuned for updates!
And I lost 1.8 lbs. I have had my struggles but I have managed to keep 10% of my body weight off. Still much healthier than I was last year at this time!
So I figure if I lose 10% of my body weight every year for the next 3 years, I will reach my goal! Time goes by anyway and life keeps happening so who says I have to get there in a year?
Oh and my goal for December? 10,000 steps a day for 31 days. Do you think I can do it? YOU BET I CAN!
Stay tuned for updates!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Honesty
It is so easy to get "lost" on a long journey. Life throws curve balls and before you know it, the old habits are back! Thankfully, new habits and friendships have been formed so that my slippery fall downhill did not last!
My WW leader made a good point last night...when we are driving somewhere we focus on certain things as indicators of where we are going. But when we are a passenger, we get to SEE EVERYTHING and enjoy much more! I wish my journey to improved health was a focused straight and narrow path to my goal but I AM GLAD I am a passenger on my journey. I have met wonderful people and continure to learn more about myself.
I know 2 things for sure, I CAN DO THIS! And I am very blessed to have the friends and family that I have - they are cheering me on!
My WW leader made a good point last night...when we are driving somewhere we focus on certain things as indicators of where we are going. But when we are a passenger, we get to SEE EVERYTHING and enjoy much more! I wish my journey to improved health was a focused straight and narrow path to my goal but I AM GLAD I am a passenger on my journey. I have met wonderful people and continure to learn more about myself.
I know 2 things for sure, I CAN DO THIS! And I am very blessed to have the friends and family that I have - they are cheering me on!
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Back on track
Okay, after a few weeks of putting Christal and her needs on the back burner, I am back to reminding myself what I really want from this life I have been given.
What is my MOTIVATION for losing weight and moving more? I don't want to be diabetic!!! I don't want to end up in a wheelchair!!!
What do I have do to prevent these 2 things from happening? Keep on going to WW meetings and keep on moving. I have decided to find out why runners, run!
Stay tuned!
What is my MOTIVATION for losing weight and moving more? I don't want to be diabetic!!! I don't want to end up in a wheelchair!!!
What do I have do to prevent these 2 things from happening? Keep on going to WW meetings and keep on moving. I have decided to find out why runners, run!
Stay tuned!
Thursday, 13 October 2011
A revelation!
I was talking with a friend today and I had an amazing revelation. If I am doing "stuff" and find I don't have the time to exercise, plan and eat proper meals or get enough sleep, then the "stuff" is a problem and I need to reevaluate what is important.
I always have tomorrow to do "stuff" but if I let the "stuff" get in the way of taking care of myself, I won't have any tomorrows to do the other "stuff"!
I always have tomorrow to do "stuff" but if I let the "stuff" get in the way of taking care of myself, I won't have any tomorrows to do the other "stuff"!
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Set backs happen!
I proved to myself today that if I am not being diligent in taking care of myself and my health, I can easily gain 5 lbs.
Taking care of oneself is very difficult to do when you are not accustomed to doing it. I have to remember my future health requires my diligence today. Getting off track, even for a week or two can cause a very serious backslide for me and I know I am not alone.
Exercising helps in my weightloss journey but it is not the only answer. Eating properly and saying, "no", are also necessary for me.
Thank goodness every morning is a new day with a new beginning and the opportunity to be successful!
Taking care of oneself is very difficult to do when you are not accustomed to doing it. I have to remember my future health requires my diligence today. Getting off track, even for a week or two can cause a very serious backslide for me and I know I am not alone.
Exercising helps in my weightloss journey but it is not the only answer. Eating properly and saying, "no", are also necessary for me.
Thank goodness every morning is a new day with a new beginning and the opportunity to be successful!
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Hard work pays off!
Okay, so I am getting all kinds of exercise but I am still having the same issues with food! This journey is never going to be an easy one!
I managed to lose 2.2lbs this week so I am VERY thankful. One day at a time, one step at a time, one meal at a time, one moment at a time!
Yesterday I managed to stay within my Weight Watchers points value for food and I didn't use up the extra 49 points all in one fell swoop! That is VICTORY! Over 14,000 steps counted on the pedometer too!
Today I am off to ZUMBA, and Zills and Drills in Belly Dancing!
I managed to lose 2.2lbs this week so I am VERY thankful. One day at a time, one step at a time, one meal at a time, one moment at a time!
Yesterday I managed to stay within my Weight Watchers points value for food and I didn't use up the extra 49 points all in one fell swoop! That is VICTORY! Over 14,000 steps counted on the pedometer too!
Today I am off to ZUMBA, and Zills and Drills in Belly Dancing!
Thursday, 22 September 2011
It is a struggle!
It is so wonderful that I continue to receive support from so many people. I am truly thankful for the support.
This journey is not easy. It is so easy to put expectations on myself to "do better". When I gain weight, I know there is a reason but it doesn't stop me from being frustrated. Some days, I just wish this could be easier!
I know one thing beyond a doubt, that if I give up, I will not live a healthy life. I have to keep reminding myself that setbacks are okay as long as I dust myself off, and get right back at it.
Today is a new day!
This journey is not easy. It is so easy to put expectations on myself to "do better". When I gain weight, I know there is a reason but it doesn't stop me from being frustrated. Some days, I just wish this could be easier!
I know one thing beyond a doubt, that if I give up, I will not live a healthy life. I have to keep reminding myself that setbacks are okay as long as I dust myself off, and get right back at it.
Today is a new day!
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
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