Getting Unstuck

Hello, all! It's that time of year when people have long abandoned their new year's resolutions, the goal of a spring break bod has passed, and if you're not ready for your bridesmaid dress by now, I'm not sure if you will be! Consequently, many people find themselves stuck and ready to give up this time of year. My simple advice: DO NOT QUIT. However, it is much easier said than done. What can you do when you feel "stuck" in your weight loss efforts?

Sometimes it feels like the same 5 pounds are a prison! Lose a few one week, gain them back the next. All this fluctuating can make it super difficult to stay on plan. I know there have been times in my own weight loss journey when I felt like I could just not pull myself together! If this is you, take a second to think about the following question: What would a "good" weight loss week look like?

Got your idea? You see, in many cases, you probably already know what is holding you back. Sometimes, the key is to face that obstacle with open eyes and go at it full speed ahead. Perhaps identifying what trips you up is the first step to getting past it.

My second suggestion for shaking things up is kicking your workout routine into high gear! As I have said here before, a good body is really made in the kitchen, but nonetheless, you would be surprised how changing things up can lead to other good choices. I recently cut out most sugar and most white flour because I did not like how slow it made me when I run. Will I always eat this way? Absolutely not. But with the half marathon just a week and a half away, there is little margin for error. I have also noticed that since I'm used to this, "cheating" makes me feel (physically) terrible!

So what can you do to get unstuck?

He cares for you

Today I found myself in the center ring. There I was at a place I have been several times before, of juggling pins, keeping them all in the air gracefully, and keeping my eyes on this juggling act. And I can keep this going effectively for awhile. Even as pins bobble and nearly hit the ground, smiling so it looks easy, looking at God and saying, "I'm doing it. I'm doing it all. This is what You want, right?" These metaphorical pins can be anything-- a clean house, fulfilling relationships, a high level of health and fitness, being pleasant and useful in the workplace, and being an upright member of the church-- but we all have the pins we juggle hoping God will like them, and we will gain some kind of approval.

And that is when I drop one. When I start referring to it as MY life. When I forget step one: die to myself. Every day, I need to die to myself to live for God, but over and over I forget.

Today I let one of my pins drop. Nothing major happened in my life today, but even sometimes the small things can remind me that I don't have it all together. I was not meant to. One area of this is my work. If you know me or have read this blog even one time, you know weight loss and health are big in my life, and I want to do everything I can to help people achieve their goals. It's a major passion in my life; however, the minute my own health or someone else's becomes about what I can do, I've lost it. I've dropped the pin I'm juggling. So to pick it up, I lose sleep. I resolve to try harder. I shed tears. I think and worry about it constantly.

And then I seek the Lord's face, and He lovingly says, "what took you so long?" And I set my pins down. No more juggling. My arms are free to embrace the Lord that way, and suddenly it's not about me at all.

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

He is enough. He is sufficient. And it's not about me.

So what pins do you need to lay down so you can embrace the Lord today?

Power Hour Workout

Hey, everyone!

I cannot believe April is upon us! This week, I want to pose a challenge..  For the month of April, can you do my power hour workout 4 or 5 times a week? It only takes 20 minutes, but it will wear you out!

How do you do this? Well, it's simple. You do not need any exercise equipment.... but some hand weights (or cans of soup :) ) would not hurt.

1. Turn on one of those TERRIBLE power hour websites that we might remember from college. You can google them, and there are many, depending on what kind of music you like.
2. For one minute (in other words, every time the song changes) do the following cycle of moves:

• Jumping Jacks
• Push-ups
• Crunches
• Burpees
• Bicep curls
• Lunges
• Overhead presses
• Squats
• Tricep dips
• Mountain climbers
• REPEAT CYCLE

3. Then stretch! Sounds easy, but this will take a lot out of you! 

So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge?

sarah

Enjoying Activity!

Yesterday was a completely beautiful day. I woke up before my alarm (that never happens!) and I was craving exercise. I've been running (and walking) quite a lot lately, so I'm back to the cravings. I'm back to "just a few blocks more"... and then immediately saying, "Who am I?" Never did I think I would crave exercise.

Yesterday, however, I decided to have a different focus. I've been working so hard lately, I decided to quickly walk the entire time. No running. Today would not be about achievement. It would be about enjoyment. A change of setting was just the ticket. I went to the park. Mount Pleasant has a fantastic parks system. As I walked the trails, I breathed the early morning air and really took time to notice the sights that normally escape me in my hurried life. As I listened to praise music in my headphones, my thoughts were consumed with, "Thank you, Lord, for all this."

Isn't that how activity should be? An outpouring of thankfulness. Each step we take, imagine the engineering it took to create us to do so. For me, walking was so enjoyable yesterday.

So all this to say, my challenge to you is to find activity you ENJOY. Whatever that may be. Trick yourself into exercising by really enjoying it, even at its most difficult.

Mad Abs March

This week's blog is kind of a blatant rip off. You see, this week I have had a death in the family, so I'm afraid my blogging time has been limited.

I don't know about you, but I'm happy to see February go and for March to be here! I got the following little gem off pinterest, and I would like to share it with you all. Mad Abs March. I'm committed to it, several of my facebook friends are, and I hope you are too!

Not so fat Tuesday...

Did you survive Fat Tuesday? I did, and I barely went over my points plus. Hard to believe!

I am not Catholic, but I appreciate (and often observe Lent) because I believe it is important to practice self discipline intentionally to grow closer to the Lord. It's also a good character trait in anyone. Self discipline is very important, especially when thinking about living a healthy lifestyle.

In light of this, I really thought of Ash Wednesday this year as a chance to have a fresh start and practice some self discipline in my nutrition and wellness. It was a good chance for me to resolve to track and be diligent about monitoring what I am putting in my body. [My Lenten promise is something different, but that's just for God and me to share :) ]

If you could have a fresh start right now, what habits would you like to change in your life? And what is holding you back from making those changes? The answer to those questions will likely be very empowering as you move forward in living a healthier lifestyle.

In all honesty, I wrote a completely different blog post, but it was entirely too heavy to post today; somehow the timing wasn't right... I know, that's a teaser.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Valentine's Day!

Hello, everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day! This is one of my favorite holidays-- maybe a surprising fact coming from a single lady like myself; please allow me to tell you some reasons I love today.

On this day we celebrate love, and I have more love in my life than I know what to do with! I am so incredibly blessed with wonderful family and friends! I cannot even explain how fortunate I am to have people in my corner who believe in me. It's truly humbling! Today is the one day of year when you can go around telling people you care about them, and it's not totally weird. I kind of wish every day was that way, that you can go around declaring love and people just say, "Thank you" and not be weirded out by it.

Additionally, hearts are everywhere today! So I am taking this week to do some extra hard cardio workouts! Gotta show that heart that it's valued and appreciated, right?

Most importantly, I have the kind of love in my life that leads to true completion: my relationship with the Lord! God (the creator of Heaven and earth, people!) sent His own Son to die on the cross so that we can know Him! Not only that, but there is nothing we can ever do to EARN His love; it's a gift to accept! That's true love. If you'd like to know more about a relationship with the Lord (or my own relationship with the Lord) please feel free to ask me!

So, happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Be well, and know that you are loved!

Motivation?

One of my favorite people and constant supporters (and blog followers) requested a blog about motivation. I was not entirely sure how to do that because I think we each have individual things that motivate us. So (somewhat inspired by another blogger), I just decided to make a list of all the things I could go back to if I just gave up my healthy lifestyle. Let's think about it: You're always either eating right or not. Whether you are on WW program or not, you're feeding your body something! So, without further ado, the things I gave up by going on Weight Watchers:

• I gave up being carefree about what I was eating. I think about my choices before I make them now.
• I gave up eating because I was sad or scared or worried. I gave up attaching food to those emotions. I gave up feeling empty afterward because food didn't help the real problem.
• I gave up the ease of knowing there were only a couple stores at the mall that had clothes I liked that would fit me. I gave up having limited choices. I gave up sleeves and pant legs that were always too long because someone my size was obviously super tall and large in general- not just fat.
• I gave up always sitting in the aisle at restaurants, movies, church, because I was really stressed about how I was going to fit on the inside. I sit on the inside sometimes now, but there is still that moment when I forget the new body I live in and I think, "How am I going to get in there?"
• I gave up believing that my health didn't matter that much. I stopped thinking, "Who cares? We're all going to die anyway." Now I think, I have one body and one life; I want to take care of it.
• I gave up feeling like I'm less than a person anyway. I gave up feeling substandard. I gave up presenting myself as subordinate. 
• I gave up waiting for close parking spots everywhere I went. I gave up being so winded I didn't know if I would make it up to my office and sit down.
• And the biggest thing I gave up: I gave up the belief that I was not strong enough to do it. I gave up the idea that I couldn't make a change, and that I didn't deserve to feel good. We all deserve to take care of ourselves. We all deserve to eat right. We all deserve to feel good.

So in a way, it's true. The old me didn't have the strength to go to the gym, and eat right, and feel good, but the line between the old and new me is that change in belief. The difference was the girl who looked in the mirror one morning and said, "I want better for you." That's the difference between being on plan and being off: how much do you care about yourself? How much do you want better?

"It's not who you are that holds you back; it's who you think you're not." --Anon

A Challenge for my friends...

Hi, everyone! Remember back in December when I challenged you to finish 2011 strong?? Well I have a new challenge for "Funuary"......

I joined some of the WW online community challenges, and let me tell you, they are awesome! Totally helping me meet goals. I guess having to check in is really motivating! Also goes to show that there are always new challenges to good health.

So this particular challenge I joined is to run/walk 50 miles in February. Yikes bikes, I'm nervous, but I need to get on my (half) marathon training anyway, so I think it is attainable.

So, my question to you is this: What goal would you like to reach in Funuary? What can we leap for joy about on February 29? (ok, that one was too corny)....

Comment me or hit me up on some other social media! I'd love to know what you are working toward. Now you know mine, so I guess I need to actually do it, huh? :)

(these are the pumped up kicks bout to take me there...)

Beating Winter Blues

Hello, friends!

Before I even knew it, another week has come and gone, and in a matter of days, January will have gone as well. Time is certainly flying.

I don't know about you, but I get the blues this time of year. I don't know what it is about the cold, the grey, and maybe the post holiday slump (?) that makes me feel both lethargic and melancholy; this is a bad combination! I'm not depressed, just feeling a little like I have the blues.

Here are some suggestions I have for beating the blues. I have already started them, and it seems to be helping!

• Eat lots of fruits. I like to eat oranges and imagine I'm on a tropical vacation. Something about fresh fruit makes you feel like you are eating the sun. Weird, I know. But don't tell me you didn't smile when you read that.
• Try a new exercise class. I started going to yoga at Ombodies here in Mount Pleasant with my good friend Shelly. It's a really great studio (especially for varying skill levels). Heather (the teacher) is very patient, which is wonderful because although I imagine myself looking like Hilary Swank in the Karate Kid III while I do these poses, I'm pretty certain I actually look like the love child of Gumby and the Incredible Hulk. In spite of this, it makes me feel good to try something different. Quite a refreshing break from my normal running routine.
• Spend time in prayer and the Bible. I am absolutely guilty of putting my quiet time on the back burner when things get busy-- horrible excuse! However, I noticed I was feeling edgy, impatient, and sad. Taking time to connect with the Lord really has helped me feel better, and more peaceful. After all Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Call your close friend. Most of us have at least one friend we have had for a long time and can count on through thick and thin. If we are extremely blessed, we have more than one. I am blessed and humbled by my friends that have become more like family. Sometimes, I need to stop the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with my friends. I just spoke with two of my closest (a married couple) on the phone last night. It's amazing how friends that feel like family can lift your spirit with just a phone call, even when they are all the way across the country!

These are a few of my tips for beating the winter blues! While these things all help, it seems the best thing to do is wait it out. I'm also resolved to make this month extra special. I shall change the name from "February" to "Funuary" and attempt to have lots of fun both at work and play. We shall see, I suppose!

Stay warm and keep your chin up!

Sarah

p.s. below is a pic from the ice sculpting festival in Frankenmuth last weekend! It was totally neat!

I care about you too much...

Hello, everyone,

I hope you have had a pleasant week. I've been feeling under the weather, so I have been sleeping most of the time I have not been at work, hence the delay in this week's post. This week I want to share one of my tips for beating cravings. You see, quite awhile back, I heard something from my Weight Watchers pals from back in Muncie...

If you are craving something to the point you would go off plan to eat it, take a second and say to yourself, "I care about you too much to let you have that."

Think about that for a minute. Making good choices is a way of showing yourself that you care. Give yourself the gift of good health.

This probably means before I take a spoon to the peanut butter jar (and now you know my dirty secret), I will say to myself, "Sarah, I care about you too much to let you have that."

You'll be surprised how much you don't want that after all.

Kitchen vs. Gym

So, where do you "build" a good and healthy body? Can you work out like crazy to erase poor eating choices?

You probably could. If you had all day to do nothing else.

The point: a healthy body is 70% kitchen and 30% gym! The goa

l is to be healthy! If you build muscle but you eat terribly, you are opening yourself up to a world of trouble! So keep your focus on nutrition first and foremost! Exercise is very important, but it won't do it by itself!

And if you lack some motivation, check out my pic below from when I played with the intramural flag football team this fall. Now that is pure intimidation. So picture me saying, "Get in that kitchen and make some vegetables!!!!!!"

Intimidated??? Good.

Now have an excellent and nutritious week!!!!

A New Year!!!

Happy New Year, my friends!!!

I don't know about you, but the new year makes me feel fantastic and excited to see what God has in store for me and for my loved ones in the coming year!

That having been said, how did you all navigate the holidays??? You heard my tale of whoa and my holiday eating hangover, but I am happy to say that after Christmas, I was able to stop the madness and get on track again! It's amazing how much tracking (writing down or in some way recording) what I was eating really helps me keep it under control!

I use the eTools app by Weight Watchers (and I absolutely recommend it to everyone!!) But don't feel like you HAVE to be computer savvy to track your progress! Just keeping tabs on what you are eating can really help!

I can't help but think of my New Year's Resolution in 2010: to lose weight. I joined Weight Watchers, and 80 lbs. later, the rest is history!

What is your new year's resolution? What would you like to see happen in 2012?

God bless you all in this coming year.