Weak and Backsliding (or, How Hurricane Ike Ruined My Diet)

Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks, to say the least.

Over in my personal space, I blogged a couple of days ago about how the hurricane and it's aftermath really interfered with our diets (for anyone who doesn't know, my husband and I are both on the NutriSystem plan). In spite of careful planning and knowing ahead of time that we'd probably be without power for a while, in the face of the tragedy and subsequent houseguest (my mother was without power for over a week and stayed with us), my best resolves were shattered and we ate 'off' the plan. Every day. All day long. The term 'comfort foods' barely begins to describe the emotions behind the eating we've been doing.

But, there is hope. Mom went home to an air-conditioned house yesterday (love you, Mom!) and hubby and I finished off the last of the taboo foods last night. Today we're back on NS full-steam.
Our bodies are mightily unhappy with the way we've treated them the last couple of weeks. I can't believe how bloated and lethargic I've felt. Our sleep has been fitful and we've even been kind of cranky towards each other (which is very rare for us). And I know it has lots to do with the fact that I've been eating junk and not exercising. Combine that with hurricane stress and the fact that we are currently in transition (living in a corporate apartment while we wait for our new residence to be ready) and I don't feel guilty, although I do feel icky.

Now, if we can just keep the hurricanes at bay, I can still see hitting my goals by Christmas.

Feeling Stronger... And Longer!

About a year or so ago, I was very active in hatha yoga classes at our local YMCA. Miranda, our yoga instructor, was an absolute doll and if not for her encouragement, I don't know that I would have had much success with it. But Miranda was in AMAZING shape, and I envied her a little bit --so I used that as my own personal motivation. Miranda could rock some yoga pants, let me tell you!

Initially, since it was a brand new facility and they were trying to get an idea as to the level of interest in this class (and others), our sessions were only 30 minutes long. I mistakenly assumed, since I barely broke a sweat in that half hour, that the hour-long sessions, once they were put in place, would be just as easy.

Boy, was I wrong! That first hour-long session involved enough sweat for me to be embarrassed by the damp condition of my yoga mat (until I took a furtive look around the room and discovered I was not alone in my humid humiliation). Two night later, much sorer than before, I hesitated to return to the class.

It's hard, my body complained.
It's supposed to be. It'll pass, replied my brain.
But American Idolis on tonight, body reminded brain.
You can DVR it for when you get home, came the logical reply.
Fine, I'll go, but you really piss me off, stormed my body as I grabbed my bag and headed out the door.
It's not the first time, yawned my brain.

So, against my body's better judgment, I returned to yoga. And not just on that second night, but over and over and over again. Before I knew it, I was going through the Sun Salutations without having to really listen to Miranda's reminders of the next posture. I found my body actually enjoying the stretches in the Cobra position, and LOVING the relaxation that can only be found in Child's Pose. I was getting stronger, and I was actually feeling longer, if you can imagine it.

There IS such thing as muscle memory, my body rejoiced.
I told you, quipped my brain.
No Body likes an 'I told you so', was the response as my hands drowned out my brain by cranking the music on my Ipod.

Unfortunately, life happened and after several months I had to give up my thrice-weekly yoga training. Shortly thereafter I suffered a severe back injury that had me laid up for weeks, and then moving tentatively for several months. Most of the progress I'd made during the classes was lost. Fortunately, the lessons were not.

Now, as I approach better health and wellness again, I have my own mat (that I can sweat on as much as I want, without shame!) and a great yoga DVD. And, every day, whether or not I also incorporate walking or weight trainingor any other form of activity, I never fail to stretch, stretch, and stretch again.

I'm feeling stronger than I have in over a year, and I'm actually feeling longer again. When I lay full-out in the corpse pose, I feel as if my yoga mat is barely containing the length of me these days. I love when my muscles are warm, and I love the flexibility I feel now, from first thing in the morning and all through my day. I actually look forward to hitting the mat at the end of my day and working out whatever kinks might have made it through.

Stretch? No problem, now says my body.
You've come a long way, comes the compliment from my brain.
I've still got a long way to go. It won't be easy, but I think I can do it, body says hopefully.
There's not a doubt in my mind...

Throwing My Weight Around

Yesterday, my husband and I were off from work. For those not aware, Scott and I work together, managing a large (8.5 acres) mini-storage property. We (typically) work 6 days a week, and Tuesday is our regular day off.

Yesterday we had a laundry list of errands to get accomplished. We were pleased that Hurricane Gustav (we live just south and west of Houston) passed us by and therefore kept us from being limited to staying home or driving in rainy, blustery weather. We started our day at Ikea where we bought some really cool stuff, then hit Walmart for some normal shopping.


While we were at Walmart I remembered 2 things that I'd failed to put on our list: pedometers and hand weights. We've both chosen (at least for now) walking as our main mode of exercise, but other than some manual calculations we'd done in a breathy (while walking) moment, we haven't been sure exactly how much ground we were covering. And, all I've had at home are 1 pound hand weights that really aren't accomplishing much, even for me. And, considering the fact that my upper arms are among my top 2 problem areas, I need all the help I can get.

After carefully reviewing all of the options that Walmart offered we settled on 2 sets of hand weights: 3 pound weights for me (with cool straps to help hold them to my hands while walking) and 8 pound weights for Scott. We also picked up 2 pedometers and a new set of tension bands.

When we got home, we were thrilled to see that our 2nd shipments of food had arrived while we were gone! So, after putting away our stuff from Ikea and Walmart we hefted the boxes of food into the kitchen and began to oooh and aaah over our new supply as we put it away.

Last month I'd ordered the 'favorites', figuring that was my best way to find out what I really liked and what I didn't; Scott had actually pre-selected his first order, wanting to avoid what he KNEW he didn't like, but then found himself getting bored with the same things over and over again. This time around we both pre-selected our meal items and are really looking forward to the menus we've each created.

One of the beauties of this plan for us is that we're not limited to both having to eat the same things. We do share vegetable selections, and our salads are basically identical, but our entrees and snacks are totally different, and we have suprisingly different tastes.

Included with my shipment was my 10 lb. bear (woohoo!!) and at this morning's weigh-in I've officially dropped another 5 pounds. I'm still inspired and highly motivated to keep it up. I haven't felt this good in years! And I'm looking better with each day that passes.

Had a minor cheat during the hurricane weekend when my cousin and her family had to evacuate their hometown and came to stay with us. They BBQ'd one afternoon and I gave in and ate 1 bratwurst w/bun and a couple of tablespoons of macaroni salad. I didn't feel too terrible (emotionally or physically) but I was proud of limiting myself to just that, and then getting right back on track. That's my first cheat in a month's time, so I refuse to beat myself up over it.

I hope everyone is feeling fit and fine today. Good luck on this week's goals, too!