Monthly Archives: September 2019

I REJOINED WW ONLINE( after two week break)

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Before I get into my post I wanted to address Tropical Storm Imelda. We are in Houston and we are safe. I pray for all of those around me affected by another devastating storm. I’m so grateful to the rescuers, the businesses and churches opening their doors for shelter.  Thinking about my friends at Henry’s Home and Horse Sanctuary. A big shout out to Mattress Mack. I would love to meet him someday. He always ways opens his door to those in need. 

I was doing so well with my food, I was down 13 lbs since joining WW online. Two weeks ago I believed I could go it without WW so I let go of my membership. In that two weeks life happened, it always does. One comfort food meal turned into another and all of a sudden I was out of control. I could feel my fear of food and my eating disorder issues creep back into my psyche. It took a pasta and vegan key lime pie binge, and the sickness I felt after to send me back to WW online. I rejoined at 2 am. 

I woke up with peace with food. I felt my support was there. I started tracking my day and I made healthy choices. I feel back in control despite the fact I went up 6 lbs in two weeks. Better to catch it now and begin the process of losing and getting fit before I gain even more weight. Healing in mind, body, and spirit and giving back. Those are my goals on this blog. I made a delicious tofu scramble with spinach and veggies, no oil. I split my whole grain Dave’s bagel with my husband. I ate, I’m satisfied and I have zero guilt. That’s worth every penny of my monthly WW fee if $19.99. Love and Light to all and  stay safe if you are in Houston. Rose

 

VEGGIE CHILI RECIPE

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It’s been raining non stop here. We are definitely on our clean eating lifestyle but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our favorite fall favorites. My hubby James requested Veggie Chili. Here’s my rainy day vegan veggie chili recipe. I had one bowl. It was absolutely delicious. We pair it with a big green salad. It’s high fiber, high protein and definitely comfort food. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Love and Light. Rose 

You will need:

2 tablespoons olive oil.

1 large onion, diced.

1 large green pepper, diced.

1 large red pepper, diced.

5 cloves garlic, diced.

2 large cans diced tomatoes, no salt.

1 large can tomato sauce (hunts)

3 large cans red kidney beans, low sodium.

1 can corn, no salt.

1 package faux grounds. I like gardein or lightlife.

2 packets chili spices

salt and pepper

Heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onions, peppers until caramelized. Add garlic and sauté a few minutes more. Add vegan grounds and mix with vegetables. Add 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can hunts tomato sauce, 3 cans kidney beans, corn, and stir. Fold in two packets of chili spices, and add a dash of salt and pepper. Mix and cook on medium/low for 45 minutes. Serve with avocado and vegan sour cream. It’s so yummy!🎃

 

My Fitness Challenge

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Today is my day one of fitness challenge to Halloween. My current weight is 170 lbs, down 23 lbs since last year. Yesterday I prepped by shopping. I bought Hemp Protein and a few very inexpensive workout shirts I found for $3.00 each. I just bought for comfort and my budget, and later when I feel like I’m advancing in my fitness challenge I will purchase better workout gear. Right now the goal is to just get moving. I also bought new running socks, but was so disappointed when they weren’t in my bag when I got home. I need new sneakers and now new socks too, but I will purchase those items at a later date. 

It’s raining cats and dogs here in Houston, and I have to go into work. I will be doing a lot of my workouts after work so I can utilize the energy built up from waiting tables. The gym is in my building so I don’t have any excuses. Tonight I will do 60 minutes plus ten sun salutations, and legs up a walk before bed to help with circulation.

My body doesn’t feel like eating much today, so I listen to my body and drink a lot of water. That always happens to me after a day of eating too much. I could say I never binge but that would be a lie, when I eat pasta I always end up overeating and getting sick. Note to self, no pasta for a very long time. I will make a hemp protein drink to take to work for evening fuel. 

If you are just starting a fitness journey I have simple advice for you. Start where you can if you are not familiar with fitness or it’s been a long time since you’ve worked out. If you can’t run, walk. If you can lift, do body weight exercises. If you cannot touch your toes, touch your knees. All you need to do is to begin, the rest will  follow and you will progress. Soon you will be doing things you never dreamed of but for now just move. I follow Melissa Benderfitness for workouts, yoga and running tips. Here’s her link. Love and Light Rose http://www.benderfitness.com/

44 Day Challenge

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Did you know it’s 44 days until Halloween arrives? This really begins the Autumn/Holiday season for many. My hubby James and I always have our little tradition. We eat burgers ( now vegan)  and carve pumpkins and drink cider, all watching scary movies. It’s a tradition we honored since our Pittsburgh days. This year we will not let that tradition slide by.

Today I’m starting a 44 day challenge. I’m going to try to show up here daily and share what I’m doing. I’m going to take it Day by day because I may change things up, but my plan is to focus on nutrition, fitness and goals. To show up daily despite my work schedule. I’ve lost 23 lbs but in my opinion I’ve been not working as hard as I can. I watched a video with Tao-Porchon Lynch and she really inspired me. So today begins my challenge. It’s 44 days until Halloween. Let’s do this!! 

No cheat days until Halloween. No pasta. Only whole grain foods in moderation. A little dark chocolate is ok. I’m really going to try to not eat my goodies at our bake sale, just the vegan healthy cookies but in moderation. No refined junk of any kind. I’m going to eat clean vegan. 

Daily Yoga Sun Salutations, and some other workouts. I’m using Melissa Bender Fitness, and my cardio will be walking, running etc. I plan to move 60 minutes a day plus ten sun salutations daily. Legs up a wall before bed. I don’t care if my workout before or after work, if I have time to sit and watch tv I have time to without. 1 hour plus ten sun salutations. Like that Pizza Guy on YouTube says, that’s the rules. Everybody knows the rules, everybody being me. 

The other things I will be adding will be addressed in future posts. What I’m reading, writing, who I’m watching for inspiration. Fun classes I may take, plus tools for self development. Products I use to help me heal and make me feel well again. I’m not sick but my body can be my temple again. Lots of personal goals I’m going to tackle. No procrastination. Today is the day. As I type this we found out an old friend in Pittsburgh PA lost his battle with Lung Cancer. He was only 38. Life is short. Do what you dream of doing today. RIP Chris Pierce. Thank you for your kindness.

RIP Chris

 

CHEAT DAYS

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Cheat days, how does your mind and body react to having a weekly cheat day? My hubby James thinks I’m weird about food. After a delicious meal most people will say they feel satiated and satisfied. I just feel disgust and guilt, especially if I happened to overeat. It happens now and then, and it just doesn’t make me feel good. I decided to go at it alone without the WW app to save money, and I don’t think that was a good idea. In the next week or so I’m reinstating my account. It keeps me sane by tracking. I’ve come this far, I’m down 23 lbs since one year ago and 13 since using the ww app. It’s a tool I think I need, for my sanities sake.

I don’t think I will ever be normal when it comes to food but I will say this, going vegan is the best thing I’ve ever done. Even with the haunting of past eating disorders at least I know I’m eating with compassion and kindness. The rest I will figure out as I continue on this journey of mine. One thing I do know, vegan cheesecake is ok, pasta is not. It’s a diet and eating disorder fiasco. No more pasta for me. Pasta is my trigger food, so I plan to avoid it for the time being. But the cheesecake is worth the calories, counted in portion control of course. Do you have foods that detail your willpower?

Love and Light to all. Rose 

Starting weight 193

Current Weight 170

mini goal 160’s

First goal 159

Goal Weight 135-140

MONDAY MUSINGS

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I couldn’t sleep last night, my mind could not shut off. I was thinking of all the things I need to do, and want to do. The things that worry me and the things that are out of my control.  As I tried unsuccessfully to sleep my good friend Brandy’s son Silas took his last breath. I woke up and my weight is holding steady at 170, but none of that matters today.

I first met Brandy when I was working in a restaurant in Palo Alto, and she was visiting so Silas her son could get treatment at Stanford University. We quickly hit it off, and I was honored to meet Silas as well. Their story of love inspired me through my many moves. Brandy-continued to really live life as she cared unselfishly for her terminally ill son. She was out doing fun runs with friends, seeing concerts, volunteering, and being the driving force for the wellness of her son. She was an optimist and an advocate. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for the care of her son. I admire her deeply and this blog post is dedicated to her. 

People have told me I’m strong and inspiring, and I’ve been through a few challenges in the last two years; but nothing like Brandy. I can fall apart at the thought of my cat being possibly ill. It was those thoughts, pet insurance etc that kept me from my beauty sleep last night. I woke to the news that Silas had passed away. All of a sudden losing a nights sleep to anxiety didn’t matter. My heart goes out to Brandy, my prayers for her and her son Jake as they navigate their new normal without Silas. They say when someone passes they earn their wings, I hope Silas is playing with the angels with abandon. In my heart Brandy has earned her wings too. There are angels who walk among us, and my friend Brandy is definitely one of them. So much love Brandy. 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE BAKE SALE

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Happy Thursday!! Today is day three, back to counting my points, I’m proud to say I’m getting my willpower back. Soon I will be volunteering at the Horse Sanctuary. I lost my first ten. I’m going to remember I’m accountable to the charities I pick every time I want to succumb to stress eating, it helps me stay the course. Giving back is a lot of what this blog was about in the past, and I’m trying to make it just as much so now. Lose weight, give back and get fit. 

On that note I’m helping plan a bake sale for a great cause. Save the date!! We are planning a bake sale for Saturday September 28, 2019 12:00-3:00. All funds are going to help my friends dog Oreo, who needs surgery. I’m making vegan goodies and there will be plenty of baked goods to choose from. All the information is on the flyer photo below. There is also a go-fund me page. I understand what it’s like to have astronomical vet bills. Our companion animals are family. Isn’t Oreo just the cutest? If you live in the Houston area or anywhere near The Woodlands you should stop by. There will be lots of goodies for a very good cause. Save the date!!

Love and Light to all! It’s coffee time!!

Rose💕

FINDING MY MOMENTUM

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My favorite robe isn’t a real robe, but I decided to make it one. It sparks joy!!

Good Morning lovely people. It’s September 4th, can you believe it’s almost autumn?  Here in Houston it will stay hot for some time, eventually cooling down in the 70’s and 60’s. That means I can do my cardio outside or at the gym. If you are stressed out there is nothing like moving your body to an upbeat playlist. This is my non-negotiable. I plan to exercise every single damn day, even if it’s after work. I love seeing the big birds when I’m out getting my move on. They really inspire me to take flight. Today is national wildlife day!! 

I stalk birds.

I have three weight goals. My first weight goal is to get in the 160’s by the end of September. That should be easy if I focus on my willpower and fitness. My second weight loss goal is 159 lbs.  That was my weight when we moved to Houston from Los Angeles. I’m currently 174 lbs, down 15 lbs since this time last year. I have to work on my consistency. Stress got in my way, I ate too much Nada Moo( vegan ice cream). I didn’t track, because I chose to overeat. Overeating is a choice, and I’m guilty of it.

Stepping on the scale is a reset for me. I’m back to counting points. I plan to eat more zero point foods, fruits, veggies, beans and tofu. Yesterday I stayed in ww blue point range, that means I stayed within my point balance. My third weight loss goal is around 140 lbs. I also really want to not just focus on the scale, but really focus on my fitness. I need to get strong, flexible and fast. It’s been way too long. I also want to try new activities, like kayaking this beautiful waterway where I live. 

Nature and exercise is the cure to anxiety and stress.

Goals, sometimes I get so mad at myself when I think where I would be now if I didn’t slip up then. I don’t believe in looking too far back, but I need to realize my mistakes now so I don’t make them again. So when a few months goes by I can say I am in a better place then I was in early September. The key is to think about this before every bite I take. Why is it so hard to get back your willpower after a slip up? Have you struggled with this in your weight loss journey? I just have to regain my momentum beginning this week.

Well, it’s coffee time. Love and Light to all and Happy Wednesday. Let’s do this, one meal at a time. 

Spanky, coffee and a Garden of Life Protein Bar.

Lots of water after I wake up, and fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGH IN WEIGHT GAIN

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I was reading Mantra Wellness Magazine, (photo from the pages of the magazine). I opened the magazine and this was the first page. It totally spoke to me. I messed up, again. I gained 3 of the 13 lbs I lost. Here I am, facing the music and starting over.

Weight loss is a series of ups and downs. You begin all gun go until a holiday or other food related event comes along. All of a sudden you stop tracking and you promise yourself just one bad day. Then there’s leftovers, so one cheat day becomes two. Soon you have lost your momentum. I’ve been there when I was successful in my weight loss the first time around, and I’m there now at the beginning of my second weight loss journey. The key is to catch it, to own your slip up and get back on that weight loss wagon. Get on the scale, face it and get moving. I gained three pounds. My weight is currently 174 lbs. I’m still down ten, and I’m catching this now before I gain the whole ten back. I’m making like a GPS,  I’m yelling recalculating. Here’s how I’m going to get back at it and stop the gain cycle and continue on my wellness/weight loss/fitness journey part two.

The first thing is to access the damage, weigh yourself. You need to know where you are.It’s easy to be in denial. Better to cry over a few pounds now. I weighed myself and tracked my weight. 

My next step is to track all my food, and as a ww member I’m going to try to be in blue dots. That means stay within my healthy range of points, period. I noticed my weight went up when I didn’t track.  When I did track I went over my points. My day begins with 24 oz of water with lemon, and a banana and an apple or whatever fruit I have. I let my body digest it before my daily one cup of coffee. Then my breakfast. Lately I’m eating a garden of life plant based protein bar with my coffee. Hey, I’m on the run and it’s only 5 pts. I’m going to make oat and peanut butter protein balls too. If you are vegan I would love to know some fast and healthy breakfasts that are your favorites. 

Being accountable here helps, so I plan to try to blog daily and try to get better sleep. I have two Siamese cats, and the minute our heads touch the pillow they decide it’s time to party. We have to get better sleep, that’s number one. 

Move daily. Non negotiable. That’s my only fitness rule right now. I’ve been spotty with my fitness so I’m making this one goal to start. Move my body vigorously for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. I will be more specific later, but that’s my rule. It could be running, walking fast, Melissa Bender Fitness workouts etc. I just have to move it for 45 minutes to 1 hour. I started this on Labor Day. Plus I’m going to also add sun salutations, stretching and legs up a wall pose for circulation. 

Eat clean 80/20. The majority of my vegan diet must be Whole Foods plant based with processed vegan food only occasionally. Tracking every bite. I stopped this and I gained three pounds. It’s ok, I’m painfully human. I may try to not eat past 8 pm, but this may be difficult with my work schedule. I’m going to try. Time to revisit vegan meal prepping. 

So this is my restart of my restart. We are still planning to go to Henry’s Home and Horse Sanctuary soon, definitely this month. Ive been asked by my husband James to go when he can go. I do plan to visit and volunteer regularly after our first visit. There’s a lot going on in our life but this is something I can’t wait to do. I’m also helping a friend with a bake sale for her dog that needs surgery. I will post more about that later. I’m baking vegan goodies!! I believe we are here to be of service to others. Sometimes stress gets in the way, I’m working on ways to destress naturally.

I’m off to get my daily exercise in. I want you to know the road to goal does have potholes, and an occasional thunderstorm or two that can throw you off track. The sun will shine again, just begin traveling your path as many times as need be. The destination will always be there. Love and Light. Rose