Happy New Year!!!

It’s a brand new year!!! Instead of reflecting on last year, I want to look forward to this year and all that it brings.

I want this year to be different than the last two years. Of course I have the same initial goals that most people have but this year, I want to approach them in a different way. Instead of doing things just to check them off of the to-do list, I want to do things with a purpose in mind.

You may be wondering what purpose I have that could encompass all aspects of my life. Well, my purpose is to improve my health. The end goal is to gradually adapt a way of doing things that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. At least that is my primary goal. Most of which can, or at least should be, easily achieved with diet and exercise. Of course this will all happen in baby steps, but it will happen. Feel free to blame my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or the years of smoked before quitting in December, 2015.

Like other people, I too want to clean and organize every room in my house. This will take a lot of time and I will only be able to do so much a day. I do not want to do any home improvements like painting and rearranging furniture, but definitely very deep cleaning to begin with.

It is possible that I may decide to relocate my craffice to a different room in my house. But that is a different decision for another day and time. Craffice is the name my husband made up for the room that is used for my work office and craft room. It is very cramped at the moment but that is okay by me.

Before my mother moved to an assisted living facility, she lived independently. We would have a pot luck lunch at her house every Sunday and it was a lot of fun. But now, things are different, mainly because of COVID. I am hoping we can reestablish our weekly lunch with my mom by doing pot lucks at either my daughter’s house or my son’s house. I know how much she like to get out and an outing to my house is too close to count as an outing!

I know that I will be booking a cruise on the Carnival Jubilee when the itineraries open up. Other than that expense, the only other thing I would like to purchase would be a new camera. I have been wanting one for a few years but I’m hoping this year is the year it will happen!

But one of the most important things I want to accomplish this year it to be more mindful of everything in my life and everything/everyone I come in contact with.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper yo and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

One More Time #2… Food and Fitness

Today has felt like a very strange day, but I do not know why. I just feel like something is off.

I started my morning off with my normal coffee with sugar and creamer (same as yesterday. But today, I decided on making me something for breakfast. I was not real sure what I wanted but I knew I wanted toast and I knew I wanted eggs. I ended up making myself an open face sandwich and it was real good. All it contained was one piece of white bread toasted, no butter, no jelly, no nothing, two eggs fried with butter and onions, and topped with salsa. It was actually pretty good. The bad girl in me washed it down with 2% milk that I added some Hershey’s syrup to.

I had a late afternoon snack of 1 ounce of honey roasted almonds. Those things are addictive and filling!!!!

This evening, I went to heat up the remainder of the leftover citrus chicken and rice but it was gone. My son ate it. If I start to make something now, it will be even later before I can eat and risk major reflux. So my choices are, cook the remainder of the citrus chicken we didn’t cook on Sunday or I can have an Strawberry Pop-Tart. The Pop-Tart is not the type that has the frosting on it. I really do not like those. Right now, I’m just not sure at this point what I’m going to do. But I will fill you in when I post tomorrows blog.

Today’s exercises:

25 crunches

25 squate

25 side lunges

25 arm circles

My arms are not happy with me. I. Will. Power. On.

Please feel free to leave any suggestions for things I should eat or try. The only thing I cannot have is any and all artificial sweetener including the natural ones like steevia. Everything that isn’t sugar triggers migraines that knock me out for a couple of days.

Diet and Exercise. Starting fresh… again. One more time #1

I know this is a cycle that I have been on. Start a diet, then stop. Start 30-day challenges, then stop half way thru. But this time, I am not putting any pressure on myself to do any more than my body and complicated gastric system can handle. I truly believe low carb will work, but my plan is to incorporate some fruit into the mix. And I will not shy away from sugar. I have learned that the 6 30-day challenges I tried and failed last month were entirely too much for me to handle. I knew there would be pain because you know that they say, no pain, no gain. But the pain I was feeling was beyond sore muscles. I was experiencing cramping to the point that I would double over. So, I stopped.

This time, things will be different. I’m going to limit my carbs. I’m going to drink more water. I’m going to have fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m going to do crunches, squats, lunges, and arm circles every day. And the number I do will increase by 5 every 5 days. I’m not doing this to lose weight although that would be nice. I’m doing this because I know I can and because I WANT TO.

With that being said (or written) let’s get started with today and my new series (???) One More Time #1.

Today, like every day began with coffee. My coffee always has a little sugar and creamer or some sort. This weeks creamer of choice is Nestle Coffeemate in the flavor Creamy Chocolate. I have had this before and I really love the flavor. I will be taking some of this with me when we go on our cruise later this summer. I did not eat anything for breakfast.

Lunch consisted of leftover citrus chicken and rice (about 1 cup) and a glass of sweet ice tea. Leftovers are good as long as I am able to get to it before my husband or son do!!!

Late afternoon I snacked on 4 deviled eggs (2 hard boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper) and 1 ounce of honey roasted almonds. According to the label, 1 ounce of the almonds totaled 160 calories. This really filled me up so I did not have anything for dinner.

The night ended with some popcorn. Nothing special. Just some microwave popcorn. I miss the days of making popcorn on the stove. But convenience is good.

Now for today’s exercises. I have selected these exercises as they were some that I did in the challenges I tried last month. I’m starting at a level I feel comfortable with but I will watch myself and adjust accordingly. The first 5 days the number of each will be 25. In 5 days, that number will increase by 5.

25 crunches

25 squats

25 side lunges

25 arm circles

And now I’m calling it a night. If you have any suggestions on recipes I can try or exercises I can do, please send me a message. I welcome your suggestions and feedback.

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 13, 14, and 15!

I haven’t been feeling my best, but I have been doing challenges. I just wish I knew where these stomach cramps are coming from.

On with the challenges!

Day 13:

Abs: 60 sit ups, 75 crunches, 40 leg raises, and 50 secs planks.

Squat: 75 regular squats.

Arms: 15 wall push ups, 15 floor tricep dips, 15 opposite arm & leg raises, 11 box push ups, and 5 arm circles.

Butt: 15 donkey kicks, 15 goblet squats, 15 sumo squats, 11 back extensions, and 5 side lunges.

Thigh: 15 sumo squats, 15 forward lunges, 11 clock lunges, and 5 side lunges.

Cardio: 1 min running in place, 1 min butt kicks, 1 min high knees, 1 min bear crawls, and 1 min plyo jacks.

Day 14:

Abs: 65 sit ups, 85 crunches, 42 leg raises, 55 secs planks.

Squat: 50 regular squats.

Arms: 15 box push ups, 15 arm circles, 15 floor tricep dips, 12 opposite arm & leg raises, and 6 wall push ups.

Butt: 15 goblet squats, 15 donkey kicks, 15 side lunges, 12 sumo squats, and 6 back extensions.

Thigh: 15 lunge jumps, 15 sumo squats, 12 forward lunges, and 6 side lunges.

Cardio: 1 min 10 secs running in place, 1 min 10 secs butt kicks, 1 min 10 secs high knees, 1 min 10 secs bear crawls, and 1 min 10 secs plyo jacks.

Day 15:

Abs: 70 sit ups, 90 crunches, 42 leg raises, 60 secs planks.

Squat: rest day!!!

Arms: 15 opposite arm & leg raises, 15 floor tricep dips, 15 arm circles, 13 wall push ups, and 7 box push ups.

Butt: 15 side lunges, 15 donkey kicks, 15 back extensions, 13 sumo squats, and 7 goblet squats.

Thighs: 15 lunge jumps, 15 forward lunges, 15 side lunges, 13 sumo squats, and 7 clock lunges.

Cardio: 1 min 15 secs running in place, 1 min 15 secs butt kicks, 1 min 15 secs high knees, 1 min 15 secs bear crawls, 1 min 15 secs plyo jacks.

I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day!!!

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 12

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there!!! I hope you have had a wonderful day. I know I did!!! I love spending time with my family, especially when my grandson is willing to take a picture with me!

Today’s challenges were extremely easy and consisted of:

Abs: rest day

Squat: 40 regular squats

Arms: rest day

Butt: rest day

Thighs: rest day

Cardio: rest day

Like I said, very easy!!!

My morning started with my youngest son bringing me coffee in bed. Followed by my husband making breakfast for me and serving it to me in bed. The breakfast consisted of Migas and potatoes with onions. Unfortunately I was only able to eat a couple of bites, but it was good. No pictures of breakfast.

Every Sunday we have lunch at my mom’s. Today, my husband made instant pot creamy chicken (so very good and probably Keto friendly) served over egg noodles (not Keto appropriate). And I was not able to eat the full serving I made for myself. Hubby also made a homemade chocolate cake and it was so good. Nice and warm served with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. My mother does not have much to pick from where drinks are concerned so we all drank Coke. I didn’t take pictures of our lunch but I do have pictures of the leftovers!!!

And here I am home alone while my youngest son and hubby have gone to the laundromat to wash clothes. One day we will either get a new washing machine or the one we have will get fixed. But for now, we will make do with the laundromat!!!! And while they are gone, I’m going to have some of the left over instant pot creamy chicken over one piece of bread.

Please come back for tomorrow for the next installment.

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 11

I confess. I did have the last ice cream sandwich last night.

Today has been a very long work day. I work a double shift on Saturdays. And even thought I work from home, while I’m working, I stay in my craffice (craft room/office) just as if I was going to an office to work. And even though the hours are sometimes long, there are benefits.

It was late today before I did my challenges. My back hurts and legs are still not happy with me. But I think I might be finding my groove. Maybe. I’m hoping. Today’s challenges consisted of:

Abs: 55 sit ups, 65 crunches, 33 leg raises, and 42 secs planks.

Squat: 120 regular squats.

Arms: 15 opposite arm and leg raises, 15 arm circles, 15 floor tricep dips, and 9 wall push ups.

Butt: 15 goblet squats, 15 donkey kicks, 15 sumo squats, and 9 side lunges.

Thighs: 15 lunge jumps, 15 forward lunges, 15 side lunges, and 9 sumo squats.

Cardio: 1 min 45 secs butt kicks, 1 min 45 secs high knees, and 1 min 45 secs bear crawls.

I often wonder who came up with this torture… I mean exercises. I am sure there is a reason. I am thankful that I do my exercises alone in my home. I never know what sounds will be made (and from where) when I do leg raises. But I’m doing these challenges because I want to. I made a decision that I would do them and I am going to do my best to stick with it. Now if I could just be a little bit more motivated with my diet!!!

Today I had hopes of eating better. And it started out okay I guess. Today’s intake was:

morning coffee, because I am human, no breakfast, turkey sandwich with mayo and some veggies chips for lunch and for dinner I had 1 chicken tender, some fries, ranch dressing, 1 corn nugget (my husband gave it to me), and an apple.

While my hubby and I were watching Big Texas Fix tonight, my youngest son brought me a coffee mug full of mint chocolate ice cream. He said it was for Mother’s Day. I ate it. It was good. But I refuse to over-indulge. Everything in moderation, at least that would be a good start.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s challenges, especially since it is a rest day for everything except the squats.

Please come back tomorrow for day 12.

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 10

I have made it 1/3 of the way!!! I really feel that this is an accomplishment in itself! But sometimes, it would be nice to find some outside motivation. This morning I was distracted with the normal daily struggles and did not get to my challenges until 6 this evening. Luckily, I work from home, work was slow, and I was able to get the challenges in!

Today’s challenges consisted of:

Abs: 50 sit ups, 50 crunches, 30 leg raises, and 30 secs planks.

Squat: rest day!!!!

Arms: 15 box push ups, 15 opposite arm and leg raises, 15 arm circles, and 8 floor tricep dips.

Butt: 15 goblet squats, 15 donkey kicks, 15 sumo squats, 8 back extensions.

Thighs: 15 lunge jumps, 15 sumo squats, 15 clock lunges, and 8 forward lunges.

Cardio: 1 min 40 secs high knee, 1 min 40 secs butt kicks, and 1 min 40 secs Plyo jacks.

My legs still hurt and my lower back still aches. Please, someone, anyone, tell me what I can do for this discomfort. Tylenol doesn’t seem to want to work.

Today I had my usual coffee in the morning. And it was good! I drank the last of my Ginger Ale then switched to water. As for as what I ate, I had 1 chicken tender (those things are HUGE), french fries, corn nuggets and hush puppies. I would have loved having gravy with my chicken tender, but since Dan’s Seafood and Chicken do not offer it, I used ketchup. And that is all I have had today! There is a very good chance that I will have an ice cream sandwich tonight as well. Might as well finish those off too!!!

Tomorrow I have to pick up groceries for my mother and I have also added some lemons, apples, and turkey slices. My water will taste so much better tomorrow!!!!

Please return tomorrow for day 11.

6, YES 6, 3-day challenges: Day 9

I must start this issue with a bit of honesty. Last night after I published Day 8, I was hungry so I had a hamburger. The gross kind made with some frozen meat that claims to be hamburger but no one really knows what it is. I had visions of a grand hamburger with some melted cheddar cheese, a little onion, some lettuce, and my favorite condiment for my burgers, mayonaise. Instead, I was barely able to eat half of it. Even the frozen air fried fries covered with ketchup couldn’t get rid of the taste. YUCK. I compensated myself for the bad decision by allowing myself to have an ice cream sandwich. Obviously, this week is not exactly on the healthy eating track. Hopefully things will improve soon!!!

Day 9 challenges completed this morning and included:

Abs: 45 sit ups, 30 crunches, 30 leg raises, and 35 seconds plank.

Squat: 45 regular squats.

Arms: 15 wall push ups, 15 box push ups, 15 floor tricep dips, and 7 opposite arm & leg raises.

Butt: 15 donkey kicks, 15 sumo squats, 15 goblet squats, and 7 side lunges.

Thighs: 15 lunge jumps, 15 side lunges, 15 forward lunges, and 7 clock lunges.

Cardio: 1 min 15 secs high knees, 1 min 15 secs bear crawls, 1 min 15 secs butt kicks.

I’m hoping the pain in my legs and lower back will subside. I’m also hoping the challenges will eventually get easier as time goes on. It does get easier, right???

Today’s daily consumption of non-health eating consisted of my normal morning coffee, chicken noodle soup, popcorn, Ginger Ale, air fried fries, and another ice cream sandwich. There is a possibility I might have another one before I go to bed!!! I know tomorrow will be a full on fried lunch!!! Taking my youngest son to get his favorite shrimp, chicken for my husband and myself. I might even splurge and get myself a Dr. Pepper to drink!!!

Sorry no pictures today. Maybe tomorrow I will share pictures of the yummy lunch!!!

Please come back for day 10!

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 8

Today has been better than yesterday. Stomach is definitely better! And today was a FANTASTIC challenge day!!!!

Abs: rest day

Squat: 50 regular squats

Arms: rest day

Butt: rest day

Thighs: rest day

Cardio: rest day.

My legs do not hate me today!!!!

As far as my meals go, of course I had my morning coffee. And I have been drinking Ginger Ale all day. It truly does help an upset stomach. Around lunch time, I had a bowl of potato soup with onions and bell peppers and some Ritz crackers.

I had an afternoon snack of unsalted top crackers with peanut butter. It wasn’t bad and it definitely met an immediate need!!!!

It is a little late, but I have not had anything to eat for a while and I am definitely hungry. I will likely have a hamburger patty with some cheese and maybe a side salad. I’m just not sure yet. Who knows what I will have, but I will definitely find something to nibble on.

I hope to have more to share tomorrow. I know there will be more exercises to add!!!

6, YES 6, 30-day challenges: Day 7

Today did not start of great and it really hasn’t improved much. I was not able to exercise first thing this morning like I have been doing everyday since I started this. Such is life… and an upset stomach. So instead of knocking the challenges out all at one time, I paced myself over a couple of hours this afternoon. And there was definitely no diet in any way shape or form today.

So, this morning, in an attempt to calm my stomach, I had a few powdered donuts. And yes it worked. Or maybe it worked because I was also drinking Ginger Ale. Before I started exercising this afternoon, I had a banana.

Today’s exercises seemed more difficult, but I think that is because I wasn’t feeling 100%.

Abs: 40 sit ups, 20 crunches, 20 leg raises, and 30 secs planks.

Squat: 90 regular squats.

Arms: 15 arm circles, 15 floor tricep dips, 15 wall push ups, and 5 opposite arm & leg raises.

Butt: 15 goblet squats, 15 sumo squats, 15 donkey kicks, and 5 back extensions.

Thighs: 15 side lunges, 15 sumo squats, 15 clock lunges, and 5 forward lunges.

Cardio: 1 min 10 secs bear crawls, 1 min 10 secs high knees, and 1 min 10 secs butt kicks.

I ended by day with a bowl of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup and Nabisco unsalted top crackers. And, of course, Ginger Ale.

Now I’m tired. I think it just might be time to go to bed.

Good night! Please come back tomorrow to see how day 8 goes. I know it will be much better than today!