Who knew?

Who knew that the simple act of putting on a sock would make me so happy? Last year at this time, I was struggling to put on my own socks. I couldn’t bend to reach my feet and I couldn’t lift my leg up high enough to put them on. It was so bad that I was using my Dad’s sock tool.

Fast forward to today when I realized that I was not struggling to put my sock on. I am adding that to my NSV list. Woo hoo!

My next NSV happened when I visited the doctor recently. I was able to hop up on the examination table with no problems. I didn’t need assistance. I didn’t need to pause to figure out how I was going to do it. I just did it. I was pretty happy with myself but I didn’t say anything to the doctor. He actually brought it up and said he was impressed how easily I hopped up. I love non-scale victories!!

Today I was looking at clothing in the regular sized section of Walmart. I held up a dress and a skirt in a size I haven’t worn in a long time and, while it wouldn’t fit me yet, I’m getting closer. I can’t wait until I can my my first non-plus sized item. That will be a gigantic NSV.

I have three stubborn pounds to go to get under 300 lbs. I’m being extremely open and honest in my journey. I know how easily that weight came on and I am determined to get it off. I have to start doing more strength training, so that is what I will be investigating next.

Do you have any NSV’s you are excited about? How about some tips/tricks for getting more protein? I’d love to have some interaction and exchanges of ideas here.

Thanks for reading!

I should have said no.

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

During the past three months, I have been really good at saying no to food and drink that I know I should eat sparingly or not at all. Yesterday I didn’t and boy did I suffer. A coworker brought in some garlic focaccia that his wife made. It looked and smelled delicious. Bread of any kind has always been my favorite weakness. I had a 1.5 x 1.5 inch square of warm, fragrant, delicious focaccia. I thoroughly enjoyed it for about half an hour. Then the stomach issues started. Needless to say, today I am sticking to foods that I know won’t bother me. But boy-oh-boy was that little piece of focaccia DELICIOUS!!!

Day 57 – down 13.4

I started my GLP-1 health journey 57 days ago.

This week, my weight loss stalled with me being down 13.4 pounds. I actually gained 5 pounds recently, but when I started being more strict and I re-lost that 5 plus two more – stalling out at 307.5. (That is very stressful for me to admit) I know I’m still losing, but gaining muscle, which is good. I can tell that I’m losing from the body scans I do using the ZOZOfit app. The app lets you create a video showing the changes in your scans. It is very, VERY motivating when the scale hasn’t moved. I’m trying to hit my first “mini goal” of 300 pounds. I know I can do it!

The doctor upped my dose from .25 to .50. After my first new dose shot….NO APPETITE! I have to make myself eat enough. It is so weird to not be hungry — AT ALL.

My body feels 95% better than it had been feeling. Most of my joint pain has gone.

I am so glad that I decided to do this for myself.

Thanks for reading.

GLP-1 progress report

I took my first dose of GLP-1 meds on 1/9/26. I have phone coaching from a nurse, a dietitian, and an exercise coach. I see the doctor every 4 weeks. I have lost 11.2 pounds since my first shot. In total, I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating better and moving more, which was 12/17/25.

Today was the first day that I really just didn’t want to eat – ANYTHING! It was a rough day.

I go to the doctor after work on Thursday. It will be interesting to see what their scale says.

And so, the journey continues….

The harpooned whale

So, my Lingo CGM (continuous glucose monitor) arrived. I prepped my arm and placed the sensor. It did not hurt at all. I did, however, bleed like a harpooned whale.

So far, my levels have been between 76 and 110. I can’t wait to see how it goes tomorrow. Here is a photo of the sensor showing the needle.

I am ready for change!

I’ve been working on eating healthy and moving more. I am currently having physical therapy once a week to help with my lower back arthritis.

I have been so frustrated with my goal of getting healthier and moving better. I often feel like the rusty tin man. My joints don’t want to unlock. I’m tired of feeling this way and I am working on a plan for change.

Besides physical therapy, I have been getting massages again. Not the nice, relaxing massages. These massages have improved my flexibility so much. My therapist, Wendy, has found a way to unlock my knees. It hurts like hell while she is doing it and for two days after, but it is working.

I will be meeting with a nutritionist tomorrow after work to get some assistance. I will share what I learn and give updates on my progress.

Thanks for reading.

Motivation Monday – What is motivation?

Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey into the Heart of Motivation

Motivation – it’s that elusive force that propels us forward, that inner drive which pushes us beyond our limits, and the beacon that illuminates our path to success. Whether we’re striving towards personal goals, professional aspirations, or simply trying to navigate the complexities of daily life, motivation is often the key ingredient that determines our level of achievement and fulfillment.

But what exactly is motivation? Is it a fleeting burst of enthusiasm, or a sustained flame that burns bright through adversity? As I delve into this topic, I find myself reflecting on both the universal and deeply personal nature of motivation.

At its core, motivation is the spark that ignites action. It’s the catalyst that transforms dreams into reality and transforms obstacles into opportunities. For some, it’s the promise of a better future or the desire to make a difference in the world. For others, it’s the pursuit of personal growth and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.

Psychologists have long studied the intricacies of motivation, exploring its various forms and the factors that influence it. From intrinsic motivations driven by personal passion and interest, to extrinsic motivations fueled by external rewards and recognition, the landscape of motivation is as diverse as the individuals who experience it.

Yet, despite its importance, motivation can be a fickle companion. We’ve all experienced moments of wavering commitment and self-doubt, where our once-clear objectives seem obscured by obstacles or distractions. During these times, nurturing and sustaining motivation becomes paramount.

So, how do we harness the power of motivation and keep it burning brightly? Here are a few strategies that can help:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Clearly defining what you want to achieve provides a roadmap for your motivation. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum and track progress.

2. Find Your Why: Understanding the reasons behind your goals strengthens your motivation. Whether it’s personal fulfillment, financial security, or a desire to help others, connecting emotionally to your objectives keeps you driven.

3. Cultivate Positive Habits: Consistent habits create a supportive environment for motivation to thrive. Whether it’s a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day or regular exercise to boost energy levels, nurturing your physical and mental well-being enhances your overall motivation.

4. Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration – whether it’s through books, podcasts, mentors, or supportive communities. Learning from others’ successes and challenges can fuel your own determination.

5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Setbacks are an inevitable part of any journey. Instead of letting them derail your motivation, view them as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and resilience.

6. Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone along the way. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces your motivation and reinforces your commitment to your goals.

Ultimately, motivation is a deeply personal and dynamic force that evolves as we grow and change. It requires self-awareness, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to challenges. By nurturing and harnessing our motivation, we unlock our true potential and pave the way for a more fulfilling and successful life.

As I conclude this exploration into motivation, I am reminded of its transformative power – how it empowers us to overcome adversity, pursue our passions, and create meaningful change. So, whatever your aspirations may be, remember: the journey begins with a single step fueled by the unwavering belief in your ability to achieve greatness.

My Monday blogs will be about motivation – book reviews, memes, and personal stories. I hope you will join me.

March 20, 2023 – Practicing Mindful Eating

As I continue with my journey to get healthier and lose weight, I have been trying different food and different strategies and sharing them here. My newest strategy is practicing mindful eating.

What is mindful eating? Mindful eating is paying attention to the food you eat and using all of your senses when doing so. The opposite of mindful eating is mindless eating. We’ve all done that, right? Rough day at work. Start cooking dinner and sit down to watch TV…with a bag of chips or box of cookies. The next thing you know, you have eaten the entire box or bag. You don’t even remember tasting the food. Yeah, that’s really mindless.

So, how do you practice mindful eating? Here’s what I’ve been doing. I choose one meal a day to practice this. Today I chose to practice at lunch. The steps I followed:

  • No distractions – turn off the phone, tv, radio and computer. I eat in silence if I can.
  • Today I am having a ham salad sandwich. I will incorporate all my senses while I eat the sandwich:
    • Touch: The sandwich is cold because it was in the refrigerator. The bread is whole grain with seeds so it had texture.
    • Sight: I can see the seeds and the air bubbles in the bread. I can see the creaminess of the ham salad. There are pimentos in the salad that are red and make the salad look pretty.
    • Hearing: The crust of the bread is crunchy when I bite into it.
    • Smell: The bread smells so fresh and there is a tangy smell to the ham salad.
    • Taste: As I bite into the crunchy crust and feel the soft and creamy ham salad, the nutty flavor of the bread and the tangy ham salad hit my tastebuds. Delicious.
  • I take my time eating my sandwich, savoring every bite.
  • The sandwich fills me up and once I finish it, I am full.
  • I feel satisfied and thoroughly enjoyed my meal.

That is how I practiced today. Have you tried anything similar? If you have, how has mindful eating helped you to eat healthier, enjoy your food more, and helped you lose weight? Do you have any tips or tricks you would like to share regarding mindful eating? Please comment below.

Thanks for reading.

January 3, 2023 – Two good days in a row

Today was a “rest” day. I did not go to the fitness center. Instead, I did several short cardio and strength exercise videos from the Wakeout app.

Wakeout helps me to work out the stiffness that occurs when you work a desk job. It gives stretches and exercises to get you moving during the work day. It will even let you schedule reminders to move.

My food choices today were excellent. Special K cinnamon pecan cereal with blueberries for breakfast. No sugar in my coffee and i even measured my sugar free creamer!

For my morning snack I had a cup of unsweetened tea and a Sargento balanced break. For my afternoon snack, I had a clementine. Delicious.

Lunch was shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, Kalamata olives over orzo with a squeeze of lemon. Yum!!

Dinner was two tacos loaded with lettuce and tomato with 2 oz of lean taco meat. Just a sprinkling of cheese to top them off. Yum.

I drank lots of water and had no sugary drinks.

It was a good day and I am proud of myself.

Have any good healthy recipes or tips you would like to share? What is your go to trick to keep yourself on track?