Thursday, November 08, 2007

Health Progress Report , Week #1

Weight loss: 5 pounds
Amount of exercise: 2 days outdoor walks, one for 20 min, one for 35
Water intake: G- (good minus)
Soda: none
Sugar: none
Meat: none
Headaches: none
Pains: On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being best, and 10 the worst:
Foot pain: 5 (last week I would've said 8)
Back ache: 4
Stomach: 2

Energy: moderate (before Nov 1st it was very low)
Mental clarity : 7 (not that I'm more sane....)
Clothes fitting: can fit into the 3 prs of jeans I own, 1 comfortably; skirts still too tight
Hubby's attention: no more or less than usual

Praise: for five pounds lost; for self-control over sweet cravings especially around 9 pm; for nice weather to walk

Prayer requests: that I'll drink more water, that I'll exercise 4x/ wk; that I'll be able to (cheerfully) postpone my Nov 11th "day off" till Nov 14th because of a care group social. I don't want to be the obnoxious dieter at the feast when we have our Ebenezer dinner, especially since this one would have me saying no to chili, taco dip, and cake.

Thank you, if you've been praying. I can tell. This is a spiritual battle, not just physical! If anyone thinks they're humble, let them go on a diet. I daresay that'll show just how self-obsessed one can be. To remember it's about health and God's glory not just about looking and feeling better, is a challenge.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's awesome, Zoanna, that you've lost 5 lbs. already! I'm sure if you up the walking to 4x a week you'll even see a bigger change. Walking is supposed to be one of the best exercises. If you power walk and get that heart rate up, it just about as good for you as running, minus running's negative effects on your body like joint pain, knee problems, etc. Good for you!

Sacha said...

Go ZO!!
Quick question tho...what ARE you eating with no sugar and no meat? Are you still getting fruit? Are you including natural sugars and sugar?

Glad tha you are doing well though!! Love ya!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome! My results to be posted tomorrow.

Briana Almengor said...

Good job! You're right about the humbling part of denying oneself. We're doing some denying over here..not for diet purposes but other ones. It's not easy at all. And, keeping God's glory as the focus and motivation for doing so can be a struggle...but one worth fighting for. I am continuing to pray for you. Hope you feel increasingly better as you press on in this.

Amy said...

good for you! I, too, struggle to remember it's about God and not about looking better.

as for the water intake: I have discovered the magic bullet :) I have always struggled with that too, but not since I heard this tip! You're supposed to get drink ounce a day for every two pounds you weight...so first thing in the morning, fill up a pitcher with the amount of water you are supposed to drink. (Then mark a line on the pitcher so you only have to measure once.) I leave my pitcher on the counter all day because I prefer the water at room temp (and having it in sight helps remind me to drink it every time I walk by), though you could put it in the fridge, of course. Just refill your water glass from that pitcher all day and you know when you've gotten enough (and can also monitor by what time it is--like if it's noon and the pitcher's still half-full, you know to get a move on). Such a simple practice but it has helped me sooo much! I'm like, "why didn't I think of this before?!" (maybe you already have thought of it and I'm just slow!)

Vicki said...

I am so proud of you Zo! I was thinking of ditching Pilates tonight... maybe I will go now... maybe... you are an inspiration!
Good job!!!

Anonymous said...
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Zoanna said...

Wow! Thanks for support, everyone!

To answer your questions and comments:
Sacha--yes, I'm eating lots of fruit, including dried fruits (raisins, dates, figs, apricots) to sweeten my oatmeal and cream of wheat or to satisfy cravings.

Amy-I don't think I have a pitcher big enough:) but that's a great visual. Besides, I'd be in the bathroom 24/7. Maybe I'll start with a gallon pitcher. I also love to drink it out of a wine glass with a wedge of lemon or orange.

I really don't know if I can stand not taking the 11th day off. I am soooo craving filet mignon!

Leanne said...

Zo, look for an e-mail from me.

Anonymous said...

Zo - I am so proud of you! I myself also struggle with eating - I love to do it way too much! I am very addicted to sweets, literally will eat 5 full size candy bars back to back...and then polish off a box of Lady Fingers.....(every single day...)And then I feel emotionally lousy and drained, no energy.....I really admire you for doing this, and want you to know that you are an inspiration to me! I wil pray for you- with God by your side, you can win this battle!!!!
XOXOXO

Amy said...

As far as being in the bathroom 24/7...I feel ya on that one. however, someone told me that if you can stick it out for about two weeks, your body will adjust. you'll have to go like crazy at first but then you'll get used to what it's like being adequately hydrated and you won't have to go quite so often.

Listen to me, I can't believe I'M the water evangelist now. Oh the irony :) But yeah, start small if you need to, and drink it however you like it. I like lemon or lime wedges in it too--but I never think to buy lemons or limes so I'm just drinking it plain for now.

Anonymous said...

Amy, I have adjusted somewhat to more water, and from experience remember the adjustment you're talking about.

SAcha, you asked about what I'm eating sans meat. Beans, mostly. I eat bean paste on burritoes, had rainbow bean soup last night, and
ate bean curd (tofu) at the Chinese restaurant Sunday. Plus lots of veggies, cottage cheese w/ pineapple, nuts, pizza. I need to make a trip to Giant for Morningstar 'meat" --they have the best soy products, but not every grocer carries them. I'm gonna fix a delish veggie quiche next week. Oh, and I also fixed chicken noodle soup for the family, and before adding the cooked pieces back in, ladeled some meatless soup out for myself. Yummy.