tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11437478818798419882024-03-20T18:04:07.583-04:00Ditching the Granny PantiesThe journey from Unhealthy to Healthy with a few laughs and some good sense along the way.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-19780513088894593072012-07-12T10:45:00.001-04:002012-07-12T10:45:15.987-04:00All's Quiet on the Panty-Less Front<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
I forgot what it was like to get up, get ready, drive to work and then work an eight hour day. I won't lie: At the end of most days, it takes all I can do to get home, scrounge some food together and make it to bed. And that's at 6 PM.<br />
<br />
Needless to say my diet and exercise regimens have totally been in the crapper. I forgot how hard all of this was, much less trying to do it and being remotely health at the same time. And since I don't have children, I can't imagine how all of you moms get it done, either.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband. He's patient and understanding, and doesn't get mad when I get in the bed- AT 7 PM. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow will signal the end of three weeks that I have been working. It's also the end of this marked siesta I have been taking as well. No doubt I feel bad, I have been eating nothing but crap!<br />
<br />
I am over the excuses, though. I have made every one of these decisions, and I am living with the consequences. The first step in reclaiming my health is to leave the excuses where they belong- in the past. Life is messy. It's stressful and it's always going to be, for the most part, anyway. I have learned that I have to be able to adapt, and if that means making a bad decision every now and again, then so be it. This doesn't mean that such things should be carte blanche, it simply means that you must position yourself in such a way as these decisions to be very unlikely or even applicable. And how can you do that?<br />
<br />
Devise a plan. Live the plan. Stick to the plan. Work the plan.<br />
<br />
So what's my plan, you ask?<br />
<br />
I am glad you asked!<br />
<br />
1. I am going to resume P90X. I have owned that program for over 3 years and I am going to get it done.<br />
2. The crap is done. (the husband and I are venturing to the beach this weekend to visit family. We'll be back in time to make a full shopping trip on Sunday to prep for Monday.<br />
3. Sleep. I am committing to at least 8 hours of sleep nightly. If I have to leave my husband on the couch watching Pawn Stars, then that's the way that proverbial cookie will go down.<br />
<br />
Sounds like a lot and a little all rolled into one. It is a lot, but it's doable. First steps are the hardest, but the end result will be worth all or the little bumps in the road.<br />
For now, grab those granny panties, hoist them up the flag pole and let them fly proudly. You are not what you wear, but somehow you will always be what you eat.<br />
Til next time,<br />
<br />
Brandi:)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-67834104795579699772012-06-12T16:28:00.001-04:002012-06-12T16:28:15.813-04:00Techno Tuesday: Yep, There's An App For That<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>(Disclaimer: The reviewer of this product was not compensated or provided with any products by the manufacturer of this product. All opinions are submitted as such and have not been swayed by any such provision.)</i></div>
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As most everyone is aware, this blog has a dedicated focus
of health and fitness. Henceforth, I am pronouncing Tuesdays as "Techno Tuesday"! This will feature an app or some type of gadget like wizardry that can enhance your journey. </div>
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I have found that I rely VERY heavily on my smart phone. If I were to lose it, I would be lost (seriously, it has GPS on it!!! lol). There are so many apps out there, so how do you tell what's what?</div>
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Ditching The Granny Panties (DTGP) to the rescue!</div>
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One of my most difficult struggles is most often the weekly
shopping trip. </div>
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I have adopted the “perimeter” strategy of grocery shopping,
as advocated by most health and fitness professionals. (This essentially gives
you the fruits & vegetables, meats, and dairy. )Let's be realistic. There are still staples and other items (if you have kids or a sweet tooth!) that you will have to breach the perimeter to secure. So what do ya do?</div>
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Enter the app Fooducate. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LrihvWxDEarnnUP8qFccKszuYCDzwYhwNf5s3dsRfX23Mm1w2CzfJDAglaWFizzr0ARcmjU1m_G2l-52ImBu8rJplgkg0jcdHgqjFdWROBuMgSBwS4As9N9AEH_UJlHBsz3-kRBi_Li9/s1600/679BBA28-17DB-48B4-80C7-88C55F554CD2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LrihvWxDEarnnUP8qFccKszuYCDzwYhwNf5s3dsRfX23Mm1w2CzfJDAglaWFizzr0ARcmjU1m_G2l-52ImBu8rJplgkg0jcdHgqjFdWROBuMgSBwS4As9N9AEH_UJlHBsz3-kRBi_Li9/s400/679BBA28-17DB-48B4-80C7-88C55F554CD2.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Images are from an Iphone. Sorry Android users, it's what I got!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyR5ue0h1LhoeNWPEuCJZafJ0dS80GphxTw_yGEsLObg5lkpyigGciUvYri_qAoE8cdlNgEELdC1K9iAqHNEYDcKhlD-sAqqoYPpo3DEyH53wKT6-86iPOUGTXSo-ItWMV3cOksPfQPpx/s1600/7BC6BD02-5E8C-41FA-A00D-0660DD83D99A.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyR5ue0h1LhoeNWPEuCJZafJ0dS80GphxTw_yGEsLObg5lkpyigGciUvYri_qAoE8cdlNgEELdC1K9iAqHNEYDcKhlD-sAqqoYPpo3DEyH53wKT6-86iPOUGTXSo-ItWMV3cOksPfQPpx/s400/7BC6BD02-5E8C-41FA-A00D-0660DD83D99A.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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By simply scanning the barcode of an item, you can gain a
wealth of knowledge about the particular item, including an actual letter
grade. You can also find out what's in the product (and what those pesky ingredients mean) and debunk or support those claims of health.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIniML5bj7wIKtQFxY4hO2nXapnWbdcIth81TGnvS9RGWP96luR4XK5kK_k1dRbQGkqlJ7MRfNrzmYxtqNOb5OjUX3q41-nvv8S9VzzWGrw71V3yHjJkG4CVPLEtuDFCBvn2Aza5XPi01r/s1600/16FD98E3-FE60-49A0-9480-17645132B7D1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIniML5bj7wIKtQFxY4hO2nXapnWbdcIth81TGnvS9RGWP96luR4XK5kK_k1dRbQGkqlJ7MRfNrzmYxtqNOb5OjUX3q41-nvv8S9VzzWGrw71V3yHjJkG4CVPLEtuDFCBvn2Aza5XPi01r/s320/16FD98E3-FE60-49A0-9480-17645132B7D1.png" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use Your Camera Phone to scan the Barcode of the product.<br />
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You can search by category or by scanning the particular
item with your cell phone camera. Some other features are that you can see the
product highlights and lowlights, compare this particular item with other items
and even select healthier alternatives (my favorite option!).</div>
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It is very enlightening. You think some things are super healthy because they are labelled "organic" or "low fat", but despite these claims there is sometimes worse stuff lurking within a product than you realize. For example, a few weeks ago, I went to Whole Foods
and I found some Organic pop tarts there. I was delighted to find them, until I
scanned them into Fooducate. Turns out that they were worse than the sugar laden, preservative riddled variety we
had bought prior to our move towards clean eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it turns out, it’s a pretty informative
tool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwxSK2nhGKwH70eEb0JdYt35raaU8Qnb52Skz4-BDu8dwXfvL_6eT4k8M85phFmXC7EkBt_Qh_ivm6JSZGvdgDCXoCvYgz9x0priAbKlBLa-9-FyuK5jaozqwyiE64zsLXYcG9hJ02-bY/s1600/DDB8DA4A-9B16-4744-997A-755FF0645FB9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwxSK2nhGKwH70eEb0JdYt35raaU8Qnb52Skz4-BDu8dwXfvL_6eT4k8M85phFmXC7EkBt_Qh_ivm6JSZGvdgDCXoCvYgz9x0priAbKlBLa-9-FyuK5jaozqwyiE64zsLXYcG9hJ02-bY/s320/DDB8DA4A-9B16-4744-997A-755FF0645FB9.png" width="213" /></a> </div>
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If you are slowly making changes (that's awesome), you can use this to find healthier alternatives for things you already eat. Now, some of the options may not be that much better, but better is better! This will definitely help you to make better choices and to be mindful of the food you are eating! </div>
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THINGS TO KNOW </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHERE</b>: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This can be found in both the
ITUNES and Android markets.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">COST:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>It’s free. There is a paid version available that does not have the ads, but as
far as functionality is concerned, it’s not worth the extra $$$.</div>
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<b>Ease of Use: </b>If you can take a picture, you can use this app (Even if you can't, you can manually enter in the barcode for the same results!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b>Other Features:</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Standard Facebook and Pinterest
sharing available.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THE BOTTOM LINE:</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Get it. Try it. See if it doesn’t make
a difference in your nutrition. It will only work if you heed its
recommendations. If you still opt to buy junk, this app won’t help you.</div>
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For More Information on this product, visit <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/">www.fooducate.com</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLdO03frHm9W8adu9XktUYymSwKJqSPFBg2iYe4N2LbgqW5bn69jSlV8JhVwVynSnAHjXgWNCR7zzyd2DRAfhAeesusyIN8RhtiXA-439XgI-D2EFUEltATySwa5oScTYidq7qnJpcSjc/s1600/01B078E7-6757-47EA-9595-B834CBDC49B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLdO03frHm9W8adu9XktUYymSwKJqSPFBg2iYe4N2LbgqW5bn69jSlV8JhVwVynSnAHjXgWNCR7zzyd2DRAfhAeesusyIN8RhtiXA-439XgI-D2EFUEltATySwa5oScTYidq7qnJpcSjc/s320/01B078E7-6757-47EA-9595-B834CBDC49B2.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1jLCyHMl11NQc_4keqO7Al9TMMRZjOBCJ9eE0M-UqALvxdnK91maTp9xK3dJ_v6-71ChXm8_9auaQf_Fyn-t5SaLF-17fPMKXoaHMoBadKNdA1MEcTMSZQJpLcTEIxBjsdSAwxg9h0wV/s1600/0FDF3B0D-27EA-4DFC-89B9-9F7BDFB01A23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1jLCyHMl11NQc_4keqO7Al9TMMRZjOBCJ9eE0M-UqALvxdnK91maTp9xK3dJ_v6-71ChXm8_9auaQf_Fyn-t5SaLF-17fPMKXoaHMoBadKNdA1MEcTMSZQJpLcTEIxBjsdSAwxg9h0wV/s320/0FDF3B0D-27EA-4DFC-89B9-9F7BDFB01A23.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Well, that's it for this first edition of Techno Tuesday. What would you like to see reviewed? Email me at <a href="mailto:ditchingthegrannypanties@gmail.com">ditchingthegrannypanties@gmail.com</a>, tweet me at @DTGPForever, or visit me at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nomorepants1978">www.facebook.com/nomorepants1978</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until Next Time, keep on keepin on!</span><br />
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<br /></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-75297595392576136602012-05-27T15:49:00.002-04:002012-05-27T15:49:15.545-04:00From Start to Finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPidS9nqgOp9svvkl7mtfdfaCpai7gyECV-tfnMmBQ6NQHcXjnXCeel4jzXitbG0LMmeNfmTQQTuywIWYKysxwGFH2ul8Siu_xllDPr-wEF5XGLtIMA-uTMDBg-6ZbIBpsnWUd7kkqn829/s1600/181391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPidS9nqgOp9svvkl7mtfdfaCpai7gyECV-tfnMmBQ6NQHcXjnXCeel4jzXitbG0LMmeNfmTQQTuywIWYKysxwGFH2ul8Siu_xllDPr-wEF5XGLtIMA-uTMDBg-6ZbIBpsnWUd7kkqn829/s320/181391.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, I entered my first official 5K. I didn't run the whole way, but I ran more than I have maybe ever.</div>
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For this race, I was totally unprepared. I am ashamed to admit, but I did not properly train or really workout for almost a month. I am not proud of that, but I am being honest.</div>
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My diet has also been trash as of late. We have been travelling a bit, and I have been using that as an excuse.</div>
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Had I been fueling my body properly and doing what I needed to do, I could have run even farther.</div>
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So how did I make it through?</div>
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I will be honest, every step I made yesterday morning from getting out of bed at 6 AM to crossing the starting line to finishing was nothing but sheer willpower. My body wasn't ready for that and it was a battle every literal step of the way. </div>
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I passed some churches and buildings and I even thought to myself, what if I could go and hide behind one, wait about and hour and call my husband to come and ger me. When I came across the EMS truck, it tool all I had not to throw myself on it and fake some injury (Please note, if you are truly injured, you should always seek medical attention). </div>
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Yes. These thoughts entered my mind. Yes. I entertained them, but there was something there driving me. You see, I made a commitment to myself to change my life, my health. And even though lately I have managed to fall off the wagon, there was still that goal there and it was more realistic than ever. If I could do as well as I did with the lack of training and improper body fuel, what could I do if I was doing what I needed to do?</div>
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The answer: the impossible.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that my friends is the journey. I am going to see where it takes me. Wanna come?</span><br />
<br />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-47641940885999239162012-05-14T09:20:00.001-04:002012-05-14T09:20:46.073-04:00Motivating Monday: May 14, 2012: Making Habits Stick<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Hi Everyone!</div>
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Happy Monday to ya!</div>
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I have decided to kick off each week with a motivational piece. I'd like to call it Motivating Monday, because if you are anything like me, you need a swift kick in the girdle right about now. Speaking of starting (and more importantly keeping up with) a new habit,today I want to talk about Habits. (Love the segue?) I'd like to focus on what happens once you make the change in habits, maintaining them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7Oq9gqsAF-SPYInoYsb3rS-nDsUmowaR7cBV-W-8h-zPzh_fLj2G6qV2GKL1saSaHS6UZveQVzmhhuoZhhX8Gf7Q_QshgW2R24RvQ1JJCCNL2B5ewV68PI9i5-A35jXNvLwG_OXc1dA2/s1600/dtgp_habits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7Oq9gqsAF-SPYInoYsb3rS-nDsUmowaR7cBV-W-8h-zPzh_fLj2G6qV2GKL1saSaHS6UZveQVzmhhuoZhhX8Gf7Q_QshgW2R24RvQ1JJCCNL2B5ewV68PI9i5-A35jXNvLwG_OXc1dA2/s1600/dtgp_habits.jpg" /></a></div>
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With any lifestyle change, there is always the fear in the back of one's mind (or at least I have felt this way) in which certain questions begin to surface. Questions like </div>
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<li>How long will this last?</li>
<li>How long can I keep this up?</li>
<li>Why should I even do this? It's never gonna last.</li>
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Changing your lifestyle to the improvement of your overall health and well-being is a very important step. It is too important to start this battle without the proper tools in this arsenal. And if you have ever tried to change anything in your life, you know that it is a battle.</div>
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So you have started working out, and/or you have started making changes to your diet, but you haven't committed fully, as you don't want to start anything that you won't see through. What can you do to make these newly formed changes stick?</div>
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Here are a couple of ideas. See how these hit you:</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Establish Importance</b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">: Why are you making this change? Are you doing this for yourself? Or are you doing this for someone else? If you are not doing this ultimately for yourself, chances are, you won't stick with it for the long haul. Ultimately, you must have your own conscious buy-in for any new changes to become a long-term way of life.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Do It For A Month</b>: Got 30 days? Experts say that 30 days of consistent behavior is all that is needed to see a real change in habits. Does 30 days seem too much to reach for? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1V4qWUDiBmEjd-FNQmh5bFuKibteaGI5794sK4zBu5KJBt8EbqDIgcqxsNaVb9cmob_21LTgTtSBScjzNpb71A8_9o24kws25Y_wqd8wCIg5uBbfLN85kV-lDWK07NtWfjT1TfW0c_d5/s1600/dtgp_calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1V4qWUDiBmEjd-FNQmh5bFuKibteaGI5794sK4zBu5KJBt8EbqDIgcqxsNaVb9cmob_21LTgTtSBScjzNpb71A8_9o24kws25Y_wqd8wCIg5uBbfLN85kV-lDWK07NtWfjT1TfW0c_d5/s320/dtgp_calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_100636050"><a name='more'></a></span><span id="goog_100636051"></span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Take It One Day At A Time</b>: I once saw the movie "28 Days" with Sandra Bullock. Her character sarcastically attacked the notion, saying " <i>You know, I mean, "one day at a time." What is that? I mean, like two, three days at a time is an option</i>?" We obviously know that it's not an option, but doesn't always stop us from acting as if it were. Focus on today and tomorrow will follow.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Start Simple</b>. We as humans, often tend to bite off a bigger piece than we can safely chew. This is why Mondays never work. How many times have you said to yourself, "On Monday, I'm going on a diet", or "On Monday, I'm going to the gym six days a week." That's unrealistic and ultimately, you are setting yourself up for failure. Take small steps. Park further from the store, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. I'm not saying not to be aggressive, but I am saying that you should start with manageable pieces. Rome wasn't built in a day, and chances are that this extra 20 or more pounds you carry didn't show up overnight.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Allow Yourself to Fail: Now, this may sound a bit counter productive,but it's an important step in making a change in your life. Accepting your own imperfections will ultimately help you to succeed in making a change. YOU ARE NOT PERFECT. YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES. It's how you move past these mistakes that will ultimately determine your success. No one will ever understand you like you do, so learn to live within your own skin.</li>
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These are just a few suggestion. We are each wired a bit differently, so how things work for you may or may not be the same for me. Trial and error is key in this process. Trying new things always has it's risks. but more often than not, the rewards are so worth it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you would like more tips on making new habits stick, then check out this </span><a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/18-tricks-to-make-new-habits-stick.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">article</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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Until next time, </div>
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Keep doing what you're doing, and if that doesn't work, try something ELSE!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brandi:)</span>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-84518004142490200342012-05-09T14:12:00.000-04:002012-05-09T14:12:30.159-04:00MWF Seeking Motivation...Ugh.<br />
That's the best thing I can say about the past few weeks. Ugh.<br />
There has been too much life in my life lately. Throw in some good old fashioned familial drama along with the depressing day-to-day job search, it's enough to make anyone want to crawl under a rock.<br />
And then today happens. I get up right after my husband leaves, seeking to get back at it and conquer the Dam. My hopes are dashed as quickly as I open the curtains and see the downpour. No dam today. Dam it! (I couldn't resist!)<br />
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So here I sit, just about to dive into a fresh Kale salad (got a recipe from my friend Meghan and I will post later), only to be back at the Blah.<br />
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I've spent a good part of the day looking at Facebook posts of other inspirational people that are out there getting it done. I am quite certain that they have had days or weeks or maybe even years of days like this, and yet they still went out there and they still did it.<br />
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Makes me feel a bit pathetic actually. I sit and think of every reason why I shouldn't:<br />
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<li>Not sure where to start. I want to slim down, but I want to develop lean muscle....</li>
<li>I need to stop flip flopping around on my routine. I need to pick something and stick with it...</li>
<li>I could go on and on, but I won't...</li>
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There are a million reasons why I can't, and they hold up about as good as a spaghetti noodle in a pasta dish- not very well.</div>
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It's in these moments that I have to stop myself... and the persistent whining... and say- GET UP OFF OF YOUR BUTT!!! YOU HAVE A GREAT LIFE AND YOU DESERVE TO BE HEALTHY AND FIT!</div>
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That's really all that seems to ever work for me. Just being honest and acknowledging for the umpteenth time that if I don't do this for me, no one else will. That's the truth.</div>
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So I am back on the wagon. I am gonna get something done today. And I will tell you all about it tomorrow.</div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-43725180360204250382012-04-24T22:56:00.002-04:002012-04-24T22:56:34.739-04:00If First You Fail...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Wow.</div>
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I amaze myself. I pledge that I am going to be a better and more consistent blogger, then I wait almost a whole year before I continue.</div>
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A lot has changed in my life since last I posted.</div>
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In November, I got married. Yes. You read that right. I married my best friend and we have been married for almost 6 months!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OCgWVQCExspAvNGiH2wgBEcTjtwExI4TlL7YTz3PsnkzroJu6mu766Pb_UdZ3-hhrFjM5ou4_WEw98gHDTXiyJq5TBlwWseTlOkpkmVJwflPiXDZ6rfmaR-fkjqR74mgCPhxo8LwfKZ6/s1600/wedding_pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OCgWVQCExspAvNGiH2wgBEcTjtwExI4TlL7YTz3PsnkzroJu6mu766Pb_UdZ3-hhrFjM5ou4_WEw98gHDTXiyJq5TBlwWseTlOkpkmVJwflPiXDZ6rfmaR-fkjqR74mgCPhxo8LwfKZ6/s320/wedding_pic.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Husband Tom & I on our Wedding Day 11/11/2011</td></tr>
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Things were moving along at a great pace and then March came. Just as the fiscal year end approached at my company, I was told that my position was no longer needed.</div>
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So where does that leave me? Unemployed and dealing.</div>
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Prior to this event, however, my husband and I had committed to ditching as much processed food as possible. I firmly subscribe to the ideology "GIGO" or "garbage in, garbage out". </div>
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We have been doing very well. Each week, I go to the local Flea market and buy fresh fruits and veggies. The amount of processed food we eat has gone down considerably.</div>
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My other focus has naturally shifted to getting more active. I really want to run. I have been walking about 10 miles a week on average. I have participated in my first walk. I feel like I am getting somewhere.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is ultimately an update, but also it is re-purposing of this blog. I still want to ditch the granny panties, but that is fast becoming more of a figurative notion, than literal. I am caring less about fitting into smaller panties, but more about pursuing the dreams that I have been short selling myself into not pursuing. And that is perhaps the most important lesson that I could learn.</span>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-50729525205583490022011-02-16T10:01:00.002-05:002011-02-16T10:09:22.829-05:00Keep on Keeping OnIt has been a while since I have updated this blog. There is a reason for that.<br /><br />I have recently decided that I want to go to law school, so between work, full-time school and studying for the LSAT (June 6, TYVM), there hasn't been time for much else.<br /><br />I started Weight Watchers in the beginning of January. I haven't been religious, but I have definitely made some changes to the way I eat. I figure I have lost 10-15 pounds. I haven't been exercising at all, but that too shall change shortly. I joined a gym yesterday, and tonight should be my first outing.<br /><br />I am taking this all one day at a time. I am approaching it very nonchalantly, but it is happening. And I will take it.<br /><br />I will try to be a better steward of the blogosphere and update this more often.<br /><br />Happy Travels :)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-33430249011163998752011-01-08T16:59:00.009-05:002011-01-08T17:29:48.637-05:00Where Am I?Wow.<br /><br />Looking at the blog, I have really fell down on my blogging duties. I don't think that many people read this blog, but that's no reason for me to not do my job.<br /><br />I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life (since the age of 6). It has been a long journey. Along the way I have only managed to pick up a few things: more weight and a slew of health problems.<br /><br />The one thing I have found along the way, is the way to get rid of the weight and ditch the issues associated with it: eat right and exercise. Sounds easy, right? Well if you are reading this blog, chances are you know that it's not.<br /><br />I have been guilty over the years of trying pretty much everything to quickly purge myself of these extra pounds. Needless to say, none of that has really worked.<br /><br />So if I know the answer, the magical secret, the absolute way to get rid of this weight and get healthy, why don't I weigh a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heck</span> of a lot less than I do?<br /><br />I have scratched my head over that one for quite some time. The answer that I have come to is that for something to change your life, it will be life changing. You have to commit to making those choices that are hard. You literally have to change the way you think about a lot of things. And this is a hard pill to swallow.<br /><br />I have learned that I have to change my relationship with food. I have to expect more from myself, but be able to accept less. I have to be willing to make small changes and I don't have to do them all at once. Small is better. Slow is best.<br /><br />I am rambling a bit I know, so let me tell you about a conversation I had with a very dear friend this week.<br /><br />This friend is doing this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hcg</span></span> diet with injections and very limited caloric intake. I read the instructions for this diet and God Bless her, because I know that I couldn't do it. She was telling me about it and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">asked</span> if I wanted to try it. Because of the myriad of things that are wrong with me, I don't even attempt to think about these things anymore. While she and I have a lot of things similar in our respective situation, this is not for me. The more dangerous thing about this plan for me, though, is that it does nothing to address the issues that have plagued me my whole life. This does nothing to address the cause for my "situation". I have to change the way I eat, move and breathe and more importantly, how I think about all of them. I will be right back here or worse if I don't deal with these causes and triggers.<br /><br />As my mom has told me most of my life, "You didn't wake up fat and you won't lose it in the same time frame either."<br /><br />I wish my friend the best of luck. I know that she will be very successful on this because she is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">very</span> dedicated. I hop that this works for her and gives here everything that she dreams of because she definitely deserves every last piece of happiness.<br /><br />For now, though, I will take where I am and see where I can get.<br /><br />Until next time.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-75649473289286559892010-09-15T09:16:00.005-04:002010-09-15T10:04:11.617-04:00Finding my strideI haven't written in a few weeks, but I have been on my "journey" so to speak.<br /><br />I am going to water aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday, led by my friend Robyn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dowling</span>. It's awesome and I love leaving work at 4:30 to go (I have been in that 8-5 rut for so long, that 4:30 feels like I am getting out early. I am not, just taking a shorter lunch).<br /><br />I also went this week and signed up at the <a href="http://www.jcc.org/">Jewish Center of Columbia</a>. Today will be the first day that I go to a water aerobics class there, but I am rather looking forward to it.<br /><br />I have also decided that I am going to start swimming. This is likely going to take some time to get going, but I am starting today.. after water aerobics. This is my <a href="http://www.ruthkazez.com/SwimWorkouts/ZeroTo1mile.html">plan</a>.<br /><br />I chose water aerobics because land exercise is just too much for me and my back... at least right now. I played tennis this weekend (or attempted to, rather) and I really think I aggravated my back. (I think a chiropractor is in my not too distant future) I digress. It's just working out in the water is just a better option for me right now.<br /><br />And I love the water! My grandmother had a pool when I was younger and I can't tell you how many hours I spent in it. My cousins and I did our own versions of surfing and gymnastics. Those were the best times. I think, though, that my love for the water stems from the fact that I never really felt out of place or uncomfortable in the pool. Outside, however, is another issue.<br /><br />So as I close out this post, I think that I am making steps. I am far away from where I will ultimately be, but I am not where I was three weeks ago, either. Like anything else in life, there is a certain amount of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">give</span> and take.<br /><br />Until next time.....<br /><br />B;)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-17848702386339315452010-09-02T10:04:00.004-04:002010-09-02T10:24:02.405-04:00ProgressWell, it has been over a week since I posted last.<br /><br />No huge changes, as yet. I am just trying to navigate through this with as much sanity as is possible. I have pretty much realized that until I move (and have a REAL kitchen), that I am going to have to slow step it.<br /><br />Tuesday, I went to my first water aerobics class. I haven't really exercised in a while and I wanted to start with something that would be as low-trauma as possible (and I am moving in the next two weeks, so I have to save my back).<br /><br />It was great! Robyn, my wonderful hair stylist, teaches water aerobics all over town. She has a class in the evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays and she told me I could come try it out.<br /><br />I did. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wonderful</span>. It was so laid back and I could feel the workout. I didn't feel judged by anyone else there and it was fun. An added bonus- ABBA music was playing :)<br /><br />Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all a walk in the park (or a swim). My heart rate got up there. Usually, when I workout, I am constantly glaring at the clock, waiting for it to be over. I really didn't pay attention to the clock in this class.<br /><br />We worked everything. Abs, legs. arms... It was truly a whole body workout.<br /><br />After it was over, we got to sit on the side of the pool and enjoy the water jets. It was so relaxing and a nice treat after the workout.<br /><br />I signed up officially yesterday. This is going to be my starting point. I have been approached by another friend about playing tennis some and I think I am going to do that too.<br /><br />I am trying a new approach with all this. I want to look forward to exercising and I think in order to do that, I need to take a new angle. Instead of exercising as a chore, I am going to come at this as if the exercise is more of an afterthought. The activity is my motivation.<br /><br />I have started to eat breakfast as well. For the last three days, I have ventured down to the cafeteria. All of my choices have probably not been the best, but I think that starting the day off with a more substantial meal (more so than a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nutri</span>-grain bar of fiber-one bar) is helping to keep my appetite in check.<br /><br />It's really been a low stress week, so I have been able to better listen to my body and eat when I am hungry, instead of eating for the sake of eating. Sadly, I am very much an emotional eater. I eat when I am happy and I eat when I am not happy. I am trying to maneuver within that middle ground in order to maximize my efforts.<br /><br />So far, it seems to be working. I am down to 240.8 lbs. (My weight does fluctuate somewhat, so we shall see). When I step on the scale, I like to think that that will be the last time that I weigh that much ever. It's the last time I will see those numbers when I step on the scale. I live in the real world and I know that especially when I start <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ramping</span> up my efforts, and introduce strength training, that this may not always be the case.<br /><br />Regardless, at least I know I am headed in the right direction.<br /><br />Until Later....<br /><br />B<strong> ;)</strong>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143747881879841988.post-28164940541890472152010-08-24T10:26:00.002-04:002010-08-24T10:40:49.231-04:00The Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxyorW1CnNubRfbTJBNIcfcRN7iE01CFGWD0kMvvQHvGcQm5oTVNi4g8qgUkptZC7Tzri-p4ax3kCxwQ2BI2cNvdjCtOQyTIwIhmD8mkAEtaiJKuu0jLR0T2r6Gh8Z-FkceOVlNy_7Zt5/s1600/meme.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508985348265453378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxyorW1CnNubRfbTJBNIcfcRN7iE01CFGWD0kMvvQHvGcQm5oTVNi4g8qgUkptZC7Tzri-p4ax3kCxwQ2BI2cNvdjCtOQyTIwIhmD8mkAEtaiJKuu0jLR0T2r6Gh8Z-FkceOVlNy_7Zt5/s320/meme.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Finnegan- begin-again....<br /><br />Today, I think, it finally dawned on me. I am never going to wake up and just be the person that I want to be, physically or emotionally, without taking some significant steps.<br /><br />I have been waiting for the day that I feel I am ready, the day that "it's gonna work", the day that I can fit 4 extra hours or some extra energy in somewhere, they day that I have realized, that will ultimately never come.<br /><br />I don't want to go on a diet. I don't want to exercise. I don't want to count calories or servings or have to think about the food that I eat, or the quantity. I don't want to weigh 245 pounds. (Never thought you would see a woman divulge her weight...lol)<br /><br />I do want to stop taking 10 medicines a day. I do want to wake up every morning and not feel like a bus has hit me. I do want to sleep through the night without snoring. I do want to be able to walk up to my apartment without being out of breath. I do want to enjoy life. I do want to stick around for a while and enjoy the wonderful people in my life.<br /><br />I guess the things I want to do outweigh the things I don't.<br /><br />And there it is. There is the small piece of truth that I will have to use as my "muse" to forge ahead in this quest, because honestly, there is not much else. I have enough energy to get to work, and work for eight hours. I go home and that's about it. And that's just not living.If you have known me for any length of time, you know that my weight has been an issue for almost all of my life. Many people have offered me wonderful tips and hints, but as one of the few lessons I have learned over the years, until someone is ready to deal with a problem, the best thing to do is to love them and pray for them.<br /><br />I hope you will do that for me. That's what I need the most right now. That's what it's gonna take.<br /><br />As for this blog, I am not sure what shape it will take. I don't know if it will become a "tips and tricks" forum, or a "this is where I am right now" place, or just a place where I can express myself. I imagine it will become something of a mix of that.<br /><br />Whatever it will be, I hope you will come along. I sure could use some company for the ride.<br /><br />B ;)</div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06044164386244345741noreply@blogger.com1