Motivation!

We all need motivation in making changes in our lives. I'm no different. I found this article posted on MSN.com and thought I'd share. 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/fitness/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail/ar-BBo0ZjW?li=BBnba9J&ocid=U356DHP

In this article, it discusses why New Year's resolutions fail (up to 80% by February) and offers some suggestions to make your resolution be successful. The author also says "....it's important to recognize that outside-in solutions such as dieting, joining gyms and so on are doomed to fail if, other than your well-intentioned resolve to change, you've done nothing to enhance your capacity to either sustain motivation or handle the inevitable stress and discomfort involved in change. Saying this differently: Unless you first change your mind, don't expect your health goals to materialize. As the saying goes, it's not the horse that draws the cart, it's the oats. It's not the gym, Pilates class or diet that will change you – it's your mind." -- Joseph J. Luciani, Ph.D

While we all say we need to be in the right frame of mind, I found this paragraph to be particularly profound. I'm not really sure why, but it seemed the light went off for me with this statement. 

Keeping the failure rate in mind- I'm more determined now to be one of the 20% that succeeds.  

If you are on Garmin Connect and wish to connect up- my screen name is Calista2015. Are you ready for a challenge?  

Movement

Yesterday was my first full day with the fitness tracker.

Before I go further, I want to say that while I'm using the Garmin Vivofit, any tracker that YOU want to use is the one you should.  This is the only experience I have with trackers and I'm very happy. But I am not advocating one over any others that may be out there.

That said, I'm finding this particular unit very user friendly. It's made me get off my butt and walk, move whatever way more then without it.

I've signed up for a weekly challenge-a day behind others but as of this morning I was now in 8th place. Without this little bracelet tracking my activity, I wouldn't even be that close. And there is still 4 days left in the challenge.

You can't tell I'm just a little bit excited, can you? This adventure is the first time I'm able to see the input/output of calories in real time as it were. Not just weighing in weekly but translating movement into units of energy that I burn v. units of energy that I consume. And how those work together, or against each other is an interesting way of looking at this particular journey in a completely other dimension.

So far I'm able to stick to this pretty well.

A New Era

It's been a few days so I thought I'd better make good on my promises and get to writing!

Over the weekend after Christmas I took a long drive to West Virginia.  I picked up a puppy for a friend of mine so I didn't do a whole heck a lot of activity but sitting and eating.  NOT good.

I checked with a local store and they had Garmin Vivofit in stock.  I heading out, during the beginnings of a blizzard (just to show you how committed I am.....perhaps in more ways than one..) and picked one up.

After getting home, getting the dog out for one more pee break before the storm really got going, I opened up my new toy.

First about the vivofit- this is not one with all the bells and whistles.  I did some research and found that for me, where I am and what I want to accomplish, I don't need all of those extra bells and whistles.

I wanted a device that would track my calories burned, steps taken and sleep patterns. I wanted simple functionality and a system I could chart my activities.  I did not  need a heart rate monitor, GPS tracking/run/jog path or a bunch of other things that a much more serious workout person would want.

Garmen's Vivofit suits me perfectly.  I got all that I was looking for and more for only $50 on sale.

What I found when I opened my new toy, were two bands. Large and small, to use to put the unit on my wrist- like a watch. OK, I know there are those of you out there that don't know what a wristwatch is since you all use your cell phones, but once upon a time we wore our timepieces on our wrists. But I digress......

You put a 'thing' (since I don't remember what it's called) into your USB port to activate/download all the cool things this little unit can do.  You can also download a free app for your smart phone. You can use up to 5 different pieces of equipment-laptops, ipads.....etc.

Once you create an account (free by the way) you can customize your dashboard to what ever widgets you want. There is a chart for activities, weight loss, steps taken, and so much more. You can invite friends to share your journey, challenges for your self or others, ways to earn 'badges' as you reach milestones.

AND you can link (also free) to another app for calorie counting, food journaling and more. I'm still playing with both apps to get it set up the way I'd like it to be for me.

The Vivofit also alerts you when you've been stationary too long....gotta go, time to do some more walking!

Day Two

Remembered my lunch today!  First time in about 30 years that I'm working Christmas. Feels a bit strange but not a big deal.

After I left my day job I went to my 'night' job for a bit last night then out to do some finally Christmas shopping.  I didn't find what I was looking for, but the good news is, I moved WAY more then I did the day before! Every little bit helps.

In perusing the headlines today I found another link I thought I'd share. This one was from MSN.com

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/6-healthy-eating-trends-you-should-skip-in-2016/ar-BBnMQzH?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=U356DHP

On the flip side, while that link talks about things to avoid, this link describes things that you should do:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/weightloss/11-tested-tips-to-fend-off-holiday-weight-gain/ar-BBnOLOo?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=U356DHP#page=1

This was also on the MSN.com site.

We all know there are no magic bullets or mystical mumbo jumbo when it comes loosing weight and getting into shape. It's hard work. Eating better, less calories. Moving more. The formula is easy, take in less calories than you burn. Putting that into practice is very difficult.

Day One

So, my first day with my new commitment to be healthier has not gotten off to the best start.

I diligently packed my lunch, (tuna salad, crackers, apple) and promptly forgot it on the kitchen counter. Along with my wallet so I can't even order in.  That might not be a bad thing as I'd probably order something like a chicken pasta from Domino's along with garlic bread bites.

But I am moving more! Don't know  how many steps yet as I haven't picked up a fitness tracker yet, but certainly more then yesterday.

Enough about my mediocre first day. I do have some thing to share that I came across:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/weightloss/holiday-food-swaps-that-will-slash-the-calories/ss-BBnP4hK?ocid=U356DHP

This is a link that I found on the MSN.com site. Basically substitutes for high calorie foods that we indulge in during the holidays.  I hope the link works for you.

Stay tuned- tomorrow WILL be a better day!

New Years Resolutions: Ready, Set, GO!

New Year resolutions can be great, if we stick to them.  I don't often make 'formal' resolutions but it's time for making changes so I thought I would, in fact, make a formal declaration.

1.  I resolve to loose a realistic amount of weight this year. While I have (gulp) 80 pounds to loose. (Yes folks, that is NOT a typo as much as I'd like it to be!) Realistically and safely I WILL loose 50 pounds this year.

2.  I will NOT use fad diets, expensive equipment or medications. In other words this WILL be accomplished 'au natural' with one exception.  (see #3)

3.  I will purchase AND use a tracking devise such as a Garmin Vivofit or FitBit or similar equipment.

4.  I WILL post a minimum of three times a week on this blog site. This will help keep me on track and may help others along a similar journey. (an exception will be for the 10 Days I will be on vacation in South and Central America  unless I can get to cheap/free WIFI)

5.  I WILL start to move more each and every day.

6.  I will log activity and food to help identify problems areas.

7. I will learn Latin American Spanish, using Rosetta Stone program advance through all 5 levels this year. Just because I think we should learn something new when we can!

So there you have it.  In black and white, posted on the net. No turning back now!

To keep things 'honest' for me. I will also post pictures along the way with weigh ins.  So, since I'm not waiting to start making a lifestyle change- my starting weight is 234 pounds (OUCH!) I'll have to get a pic and then figure out how to upload to a blog so that will be coming.

Stay tuned!

In the beginning- reflecting on the past and looking forward to 2016

With Christmas just around the corner, two days at the time of this writing, many people are looking to the end of the year and think about what resolutions they may make for the future. With that in mind, I thought I would share my own thoughts on those subjects.

The end of a year, or season, often prompts us to review what happened.  For me, the end of 2015 brought some notable changes. Some good, and some not so good.

Many of you know that my Mom lives with me.  She is my travel partner, or more accurately I'm her travel partner! We have traveled all of the lower 48 states, Canada and Mexico.  Mom has been to Alaska as well. Most of the continent traveling was done when my Father was alive.

Mom has a bucket list. One of the places she had not yet been too that she wanted to see was Savannah Georgia. Well, we went there the last week of October, spending Halloween in the United States most  haunted city.

So, we crossed another thing to see/do off her bucket list.

Those of you that know me, know that I show dogs.  I downsized from Great Danes to Basenjis a few years ago.  I was able to get my second Basenji in March of this year.  A beautiful brindle girl that I named Calista.

Tragically, Calista was stolen from my backyard only to be released on a very busy street where she was hit and killed by a car.  The person or persons who took her are still at large.

The outpouring of support has been nothing short of amazing. A person here in my hometown, has started a fund drive to help finance another puppy for me. So far we have managed to collect a third of the purchase price!

 I would like to take out time to again thank those of you that offered financial support. It means a great deal to me and I hope to have another puppy this Spring. I'll keep you posted.

Now to the heart of this new blog. Changes for the future.

New Year Resolutions.

We are all aware of these promises that we make for ourselves. Common ones are financial related, vows to spend less/save more.  Workout at the gym more often or just to loose weight.

Did you know that most resolutions are broke within the first month?

I'm hoping to change that (a resolution for me!) by this blog.  I've done some research and sharing resolutions with others helps to keep you on track- accountable for your promise to yourself.

SO, with that in mind, I'm sharing via this blog. As I go on along this journey, I hope to share things I learn, pictures of things anything that I think may help others along the same path. Comments and suggestions are always welcome as is sharing the blog to others that you feel may benefit.

Negative comments will not be tolerated!

AHHH, what exactly is my resolution for 2016?  Two fold actually.  Loose Weight! and I'm guessing you'll have figured out the second one.  Get into better shape!

So, here goes! Looking forward to 2016 and what it may bring!