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Trying again

by on August 4, 2014
in Health

This morning I did something that I haven’t done since, oh, sometime in May: I dragged out and dusted off the Wii Fit Balance Board, replaced the long-dead batteries in the remote, and… gulp… weighed myself, prepared for the worst.

And the news was pretty terrible.

Actually, it wasn’t quite as bad as it could have been. I’d lost a bunch of weight before, and discovered at this morning’s weigh-in that I haven’t quite managed to find it all again – I’m still 18 pounds less than I was when I first started way, way, WAY back when. So there’s that.

Then I did another something that I haven’t done in any formal kind of way since LONG before May: I did five minutes of exercise. Five minutes = no big deal, right? But it’s a start. And it’s five minutes more than I did yesterday.

Then I drank a bunch of water, ate a healthy breakfast, and headed to the grocery store to stock up on good-for-me food.

I’m trying. Again.

falldownseven

I’m not making any grand announcements here – like, THIS IS IT. This is the LAST TIME I’m going to have to get up because THIS TIME I’m not going to fall. Honestly, it’s hard to be enthusiastic about success in the face of so very many failures. Plus, no matter how sincere I may be, grand announcements feel a little bit like crying wolf.

But I AM going to try – that I CAN promise.

Because being significantly, profoundly overweight is not even a little bit fun for me. It’s uncomfortable, it’s unhealthy, and it’s limiting. It makes me feel self-conscious and unhappy. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

So my goals for each new day, one day at a time, start now.

  • Exercise at least 5 minutes.
  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water.
  • Eat a balanced diet that falls within a healthy calorie limit.
  • Log my food/water intake and activity on MyFitnessPal (P.S. – feel free to “friend” me if you have an account there).

I’ll add more to that list… soon. For now, I just want to start by getting back to basics and build my healthy life from there.

So here I go.

Anyone else trying again?
Please share!

NaBloPoMo August 2014

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Laurel Regan, CZT – Certified Zentangle Teacher. Writer, reader, tangler, iPhoneographer, cat herder, learner of French and Italian, crocheter, needle felter, on-and-off politics junkie, 80s music trivia freak, ongoing work in progress.

{ 46 comments… add one }
  • ElaineLK August 4, 2014

    Good for you for recommitting yourself, and for managing to keep that 18 pounds off! Congratulate yourself for that. I’m still trying to keep up a regular running practice. Every time I think I can, something sidelines me–weather, too much work, assorted aches and pains. My husband just did a 10-mile race and I want to do it next year, so I’m hoping that will give me incentive! In the meantime, we do walk quite a bit in the summer, and I walk my dog every day for 30-40 minutes, so that’s something (although it’s a very slow walk, as she’s always stopping to sniff). We can do it!

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  • Carol Cassara
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Inspirational. Because it’s manageable. Thank you.
    Carol Cassara recently posted… Paging Marcus Welby, MD to our health care systemMy Profile

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  • Adela August 4, 2014

    Yup. I did the same thing this morning. Must be that mirror. I’m enough all right. Maybe a little more than enough. HaHa.
    I thought I was content to just be. But the scale said, I was climbing, so I better step it up.
    I’m using FitBit and LoseIt apps. Want to be my pal?

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  • Alana
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Good for you. You identified the need before all of your hard work was in the past. You’ve set realistic goals, and you will have a lot of support from your fellow bloggers, I hope. (I know well that weight management is a lifetime process.)
    Alana recently posted… What is Even Better than Pesto?My Profile

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  • Debra Jason
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    One step at a time and you’ve taken a few already. First one, making the decision. Next one, starting with an attainable goal of 5 minutes a day. Before you know it, you’ll be 10, 15 or 20.
    Good luck on your journey.
    🙂
    Debra Jason recently posted… A Solopreneur’s 8 Secrets for Staying in Business Happily and SuccessfullyMy Profile

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  • Penny Plautz
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Hi Laurel! Good for you. I love the fall down seven times, get up eight quote. It’s really the only way to keep moving forward. I’m two months into a no sugar, no flour, no pasta lifestyle change and it’s no picnic. However, I do feel like my system is running cleaner, my thoughts are clearer, and I have more energy. I’m also taking some serious supplements to support the hormonal tsunami that accompanies midlife. What you are doing takes courage and commitment and I applaud you for taking the first step in a series of several. I look forward to hearing how each one makes you stronger and more committed to your overall health.

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    • Laurel Regan
      Twitter:
      August 8, 2014

      Thank you so much, Penny! That’s one of my favourite sayings, I think – one that keeps me going when I get discouraged. All the best to you, too, as you adjust to your dietary changes.
      Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From NatureMy Profile

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  • Cyndi August 4, 2014

    One day at a time is always my motto. I’ve just gotten back to the gym myself after breaking my ankle. I started slow (yoga) and have introduced some weight classes into my weekly routine. I have found that it helps to have company while exercising – someone that will walk with you or take those classes at the gym along side you. I think being accountable to someone else is a key component. Good luck – keep on and you will be surprised with your progress.
    Cyndi recently posted… Firestorm 2014 – What a Weekend!My Profile

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  • Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Fingers crossed for you Laurel!
    Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver recently posted… AN ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER DAY FROM HELLMy Profile

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  • Cheryl Jones August 4, 2014

    I’m right here hoping you find your way back. I remember going on the earlier journey with you via the internet and cheering you on. I’ll cheer you on this time too. I’m also trying to keep the scale going down. It’s not easy and it’s particularly difficult when I have a husband who never seems to get enough to eat. And, you’ve met him. You KNOW he gets enough to eat. He’s a snacker so that makes me want to eat. I’ll think of you and your struggle when I want to eat and I know I’m not hungry. Maybe that can help me keep on track. 🙂

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  • Joy Weese Moll (
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Yep! I’ve had a bad week, but I put all the structures back in place to get back on track tomorrow. The single most important skill, I think, is to get back to it whether things went off track for a few hours, days, weeks, or months.
    Joy Weese Moll ( recently posted… Before / During / After the England trip #IMWAYRMy Profile

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    • Laurel Regan
      Twitter:
      August 8, 2014

      You’re so right, Joy – I think that’s why I like that quote so much. No matter how many times you fall down – or how long ago you fell – what’s important is the getting up again!
      Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From NatureMy Profile

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  • Krithika Rangarajan August 4, 2014

    Hey Laurel

    First off, congratulations on your initial triumph! It isn’t easy to commit to a healthy lifestyle. But you not only took on that challenge, you actually succeeded.
    And, knowing you from your posts, you are going to KICK BUTT AGAIN!

    Thank you for being so honest. I am just recovering from an eating disorder, and trying to commit to a healthy, happy lifestyle myself. I have vowed to stay away from frozen food in the month of August. I have done this in the past and know I can do it again, thanks to some wonderfully inspiring human beings like you who silently motivate me to stay on my track to success! #HUGSSS

    I am still very calorie-conscious though and workouts are an integral part of my existence. Unfortunately, I overdid my treadmill’ing’, which has led to two swollen knees and two months away (and counting) from the gym.

    I was feeling shitty 🙁

    Your POWERFUL reminder, however, just rejuvenated me. I don’t have to workout for an hour to feel better. 30 minute sessions on very low inclines still gets my body moving and is worth something, eh? 😀

    I am going to start from tomorrow – thank you, Laurel #HUGSSSSagain

    Finally, I shall cheer for you, darling. YOU ROCK!

    Much love and BEST wishes
    Kitto
    Krithika Rangarajan recently posted… What My Pup Taught Me in JulyMy Profile

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    • Laurel Regan
      Twitter:
      August 8, 2014

      Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, and right back at you! I wish you all the very best in your own lifestyle choices and changes, and am happy to offer whatever support I can. 🙂
      Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From NatureMy Profile

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  • Sanch
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014

    Good on you for giving it another go! By the way, there are some great apps with the 7 minute workout. It’s supposed to be high intensity and good for you. And everyone can fit in 7 minutes to exercise! For me personally, exercise is part of my life…it’s a habit/routine. When I don’t exercise I feel like crap and that’s motivation enough. 🙂
    Sanch recently posted… Should I stay or should I goMy Profile

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    • Laurel Regan
      Twitter:
      August 8, 2014

      Right now exercise is still another chore to be ticked off the list, but I am looking forward to the day when I really need and enjoy daily exercise as part of my daily routine. Here’s hoping!
      Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From NatureMy Profile

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  • Inderpreet Kaur Uppal
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    It is a great effort, just keep at it. Even I try to do little things that will make a difference. I am not able to do it 100% but i don’t give up. All the best.
    Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted… THANK YOU & PLEASEMy Profile

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  • Bhavya
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    That’s the spirit! Every small step counts in helping you reach the destination, so all the very best 🙂
    Bhavya recently posted… The Girl In The TrainMy Profile

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  • nabanita
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    Good on you Laurel..Keep up that spirit and I know you’ll be able to do everything that you plan for 🙂
    nabanita recently posted… Trivialize No More!My Profile

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  • Sulekha August 5, 2014

    Good for you, Laurel. I am also trying again 🙂 I have started with 30 mins of exercise daily and healthy eating. Fingers crossed, best of luck to you.

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  • Corinne Rodrigues
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    It all sounds familiar to me, Laurel. Your post and resolve inspire me – I must be more realistic too in my fitness goals! Thank you!
    Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Hear Me RoarMy Profile

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  • Debbie
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    Congratulations on trying again and not giving up, Laurel! I have new resolve every week, but there’s always something that sidetracks me. Threw my scale out years ago, but the clothes have gotten tight again, so, time to get serious. The water drinking habit is the most difficult and the exercising. Arthritis and asthma don’t help. Here’s to your success and thanks for the inspiration!
    Debbie recently posted… HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US! 41 YEARS ALREADY?!My Profile

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  • Shalini
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    Great effort, Laurel! It sounded like my routine these days..!!

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  • Sheethal August 5, 2014

    Way to go… all the best… :)…
    Sheethal recently posted… Love beyond Worlds.My Profile

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  • The Girl Who Cried Skinny August 5, 2014

    Good for you! No negative comments from me on grandiose statements! I am, after all the original Girl Who Cried Skinny 🙂

    Hugs and good luck, friend!
    The Girl Who Cried Skinny recently posted… This is not how anyone would describe me: super thinMy Profile

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  • Karen
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014

    If I might make a small suggestion, Laurel? Check out the book “The Diet Fix” by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff. It’s the most humane, compassionate, and ultimately useful book I’ve ever read on weight loss, and it might help you stay on track when things get rough. Because they always do…just ask how I know! 🙂

    Best of luck, in any case–I know where you’re coming from on this.
    Karen recently posted… Off to the Glengarry Highland Games!My Profile

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  • lux
    Twitter:
    August 6, 2014

    good for you, girl. hope you can religiously follow those goals. 🙂
    lux recently posted… St. Augustine’s QuotesMy Profile

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