This is my concern.
My morning blood glucose (BG) reading.
Two years ago it was around 110 normally.....
and that was alarming enough.
Now it tends to range from 130-146.
Grrrrr.
One of the things I've noticed is that my liver tends to dump glucose into my system when my stomach is empty. So now that I am watching what I eat more my stomach will be empty more often; however, that causes my BG to go up. Where is the logic in these complex systems which make up our bodies?
We went out to lunch yesterday with Camo-Man's family. I ordered the Greekish salad with salmon which was delicious. The salad had olives, red onions, with a raspberry vinaigrette. However, back at the ranch I decided to have an ice cream cupcake to celebrate the July birthdays. Hmmmm. And no I didn't monitor my BG then. (shame shame)
After a day spent with the family, I intended to go for a run, but my co-worker is trying to complete her Body Pump video assessment before leaving on vacation Wednesday. So I did a light BP since I was teaching the class myself in the morning.
Speaking of which - it's time to be off on my run to wake up to teach. I'm hoping to take another video today and really knock their socks off! Wish me luck!
A healthy, active lifestyle means putting yourself first every single day.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Myth of the Plateau
I hear from people all of the time that they've hit a plateau in their weight loss. While that may be the case with some people, I can certainly say for me that I have not hit a plateau. Nope. Not me. I've been lazy. And unfortunately, I believe that is the probably with 90% of the people who claim to have hit a plateau.
The mythical plateau can come from many things. Not journaling your food. Not paying attention to the little nibbles throughout the day. Not working out enough - or hard enough. All of these things can lead to little or no weight loss.
Weight loss comes from a simple equation:
Calories In minus Calories burned
Plain and simple. So if you are stuck at a "weight loss plateau", start to re-evaluate where you are at and move forward from there. Here's an article from Spark People which might help jump start your metabolism once agin.
The Bubble Burst
There comes a time in your life when you set a goal and you know you are going to achieve it.
This is it.
All of the starts are aligned and my motivation is high. It's been two years since I was diagnosed as PWD (person with diabetes). Two years since I lost 15 pounds. Two years.....of saying I will lose that final 10 pounds...next week.
Why are the stars aligned?

This is it.
All of the starts are aligned and my motivation is high. It's been two years since I was diagnosed as PWD (person with diabetes). Two years since I lost 15 pounds. Two years.....of saying I will lose that final 10 pounds...next week.
Why are the stars aligned?
- Baseball is over. I know this seems strange, but in my job as Director of Programs at our local park district this fun, kid friendly activity takes a lot of time. Let's say it again: Baseball is over!!!! I will no longer receive phone calls every evening or on weekends. I won't have parents screaming at me because the field wasn't ready or their kid didn't get to play.
- The evening activities for my kids have come to a halt. No softball games (see #1). No swim meets. I can actually plan and MAKE a dinner for my family for the first time since April. Ugh. Has it been that long?
- I'm teaching Group Fitness 5-6 days a week. At least 3 days of Body Pump. 2 days of Body Flow. My job does have some benefits! At least, the calorie burn is already somewhat built into my day.
- Because of teaching group fitness, I have a built in group of women who will support me in my goals. I've discussed the idea of all of us working together and motivating each other toward our individual goals. I think this is going to be a great thing!
- I'll told the park district board that I am reducing my hours. In May & June, I worked close to 50 hours per week at my office job and then taught group fitness on top of that. Over the past few months, I've noticed my blood sugars slowly starting to rise. I don't know if that is because I've been eating out more and therefore eating more carbs? Or it it's the stress of working so much? Or if the disease is simply progressing in my body? I'm not sure why the change is happening, but I will do my best to reverse it.
- I am going to Cancun in October. Whoot whoot! I like to put it this way. I am 42 years old and wearing a bikini is highly unlikely; however, I would like to at least feel like I could wear a bikini. Add the health benefits in and you'll see why I am so highly motivated.
While I may be doing great at group fitness, I haven't been exercising and doing what I want to do. I haven't run since the Tremont Triathlon. I haven't been on my bike either.....and I certainly haven't swam. I oversee the managers at the pool, but I've only been in the water 3 times this summer to do lap swims before the triathlon. So pretty soon I'll be signing up for some fall races to get me going again.

I started my mission yesterday. I started out the morning by meeting up with a friend at the fitness center and going for a light 2 mile run. Following a quick Redneck Bath, I joined another group of friends who went to the Farmer's Market on the riverfront. I've lived in this area for 15 years and this is the first time I've been there. It was fantastic!!!! Lots of fresh yummy vegetables, locally grown. It was all incredibly awesome and refreshing.
I've also been working on motivating Sunshine. I had a God moment not too long ago where one of my class participants gave Sunshine a wonderful opportunity. I'll post more about that later. Part of her motivation is to ride her bike. So yesterday afternoon we took a ride...only to have her tire burst. Unbelievable!!! As you can see, Sunshine was quite upset about having to give up her ride with me. Actually, she was disappointed because she knows if she gets comfortable with the route she has a reward coming at the end. Note: The correct motivation is key!After her tire burst and Camo-Man picked her and the bike up, I finished my ride going about 12 miles. Not bad for a lady who hasn't done cardio since June 25th!
I've started an online journal using Spark People. OK - re-activiated, but I am serious this time. I'm highly motivated. I leave for Cancun on October 2nd. I want to lose 10 pounds by then. That's 77 days. If I can't lose 10 pounds in 77 days, maybe I really should hang up all of my health & fitness knowledge and try to pack on the pounds to qualify for The Biggest Loser.
OK, maybe not.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
12 Reasons You Should Lift Weights | Active.com
I really get tired of hearing women say they don't want to bulk up so they don't lift weights. We don't have the testosterone required to truly bulk up - unless you start popping some major pills. Life some weights, tone your body and you'll feel great.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Healthy Eating Tips From Around the World - Balanced Living Center - Everyday Health
I love flavorful food. I want to eat healthy, but that doesn't mean it needs to be bland and boring. I love spicy food. I love food that makes your mouth go WOW!
I posted today on FACEBOOK that I love to watch the Cooking Channel, but I hate to cook. Sadly, it is very true. Half the time I make an awesome menu plan, purchase groceries and then half the produce rots because we on the run during the week and I didn't allow myself enough time to prepare and cook everything. Is it my fault? YES, but what can a mom of 3 busy daughters do? Here is my rationale for hating to cook:
1) I don't know how to cook. Any directions with more depth than turn the oven to 350 & throw in chicken nuggets is a problem.
2) My mom was a fantastic cook (albeit her cooking was full of fat) and I was always in some after school sport. So why did I have to learn?
3) I refuse to cook unhealthy meals...so I just don't cook?
4) The family dinner table....excuse me, what is that? Rarely see that any more.
I found this article about healthy eating tips from around world. Hopefully, it will help me and you get back on track for the summer.
Healthy Eating Tips From Around the World - Balanced Living Center - Everyday Health
I posted today on FACEBOOK that I love to watch the Cooking Channel, but I hate to cook. Sadly, it is very true. Half the time I make an awesome menu plan, purchase groceries and then half the produce rots because we on the run during the week and I didn't allow myself enough time to prepare and cook everything. Is it my fault? YES, but what can a mom of 3 busy daughters do? Here is my rationale for hating to cook:
1) I don't know how to cook. Any directions with more depth than turn the oven to 350 & throw in chicken nuggets is a problem.
2) My mom was a fantastic cook (albeit her cooking was full of fat) and I was always in some after school sport. So why did I have to learn?
3) I refuse to cook unhealthy meals...so I just don't cook?
4) The family dinner table....excuse me, what is that? Rarely see that any more.
I found this article about healthy eating tips from around world. Hopefully, it will help me and you get back on track for the summer.
Healthy Eating Tips From Around the World - Balanced Living Center - Everyday Health
Thursday, May 19, 2011
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