Body Image Tips

I am participating in a wonderful Bible study called Wisdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn. Each week we have a mothering skill that we have to practice. This week's skill is You and Your Body Image. I thought this one was wonderful - especially this time of the year when everyone is making (and breaking) New Year's resolutions. Here are some body image tips you may find helpful.
1. Be discerning about which magazines you read and which TV shows you watch. Anyone can look good once they are airbrushed. *Take your body issues to the cross.
2. Don't casually complain about your weight. It invites comparison and compliments.
3. Eat right and exercise. Quit looking for the perfect diet and go back to the basics. Our goal should be lifestyle changes for good health, not to drop a dress size before the next weekend.
4. Find clothes that fit you, no matter what size you are. Don't keep putting off buying clothes that fit your post-pregnancy body.
5. Don't make foods good or bad. Think more in terms of balance and quantity. Just as God gave us sex for enjoyment and procreation, God gave us food for enjoyment and nourishment.
6. Never go to the grocery store hungry.
7. Get going! Whether you walk or do aerobics, the key is to move each day, preferably for 30-45 minutes. Go outside when possible. Get away from media and into creation. Try to go places that are quiet and without crowds so you can avoid comparing yourself.
8. Keep lots of healthy snacks around, not just fruit so that you have options when you are hungry.
9. *Give to God your struggles with food, weight, clothes, body type, etc.
10. Meditate on scripture such as Ps. 45:11, John 4:34, Rom. 12:1-2, Gal. 2:20, Mark 12:29-31, and Col. 3:17.

The Weekend

Well, I did not exercise over the weekend as I would have liked to do. We had company so there was no time for exercise. I did get some info on The Adkins Diet...can't decide if it's for me or not. I'm not a big meat eater - I live on carbs - so I'm sure if I cut them down drastically, as you have to do, I know I'd see a drastic weight loss...just not sure if I'm ready for no carbs. I am counting calories today as a start. I weighed today and was somewhat discouraged. I exercised three times last week and did yoga three times last week and gained a pound! Guess we all have our ups and downs.

Thursday

Today was the day for many errands. I had MOPS this morning followed by lunch with my darling husband. Then, after nap time (which my daughter has shortened to maybe one hour, if I'm lucky) we went to our local library for come and go craft time. We had a wonderful day of activity but no yoga or exercise. Maybe tomorrow...

Wednesday

Well, I got up and going and forgot to weigh. I refuse to post a weight at night because I usually weigh a little more at night. I was unable to get AM Yoga in this morning because my daughter woke earlier than normal. We did make it to the gym and I had a great workout! I lasted longer on the treadmill and did more weights. Whew!

Tuesday

I did AM Yoga today but that's about it. We went to the gym but our daughter decided to show her two year old temper and we had to leave...

Monday's Accomplishments

Okay, I got off to a great start yesterday with the counting calories and all but bombed around early afternoon. I started making lunch and discovered we were out of bread, milk, etc. So I ran to the store and caved on the way home...it was around 2pm and I was starving so I ate 3 cookies on the way home...it was all downhill after that. I did drink water (not nearly enough - not even half the amount I should have - I didn't drink anything other than water except Diet A&W and some milk - I just don't drink enough period) and I did AM Yoga. When my husband came home we went to the gym and I got a nice workout on the treadmill and lifted a few weights. I'm so proud of myself! I look forward to accomplishing more today!

What Fruit Are You?

I'm Banana
You are a softie! Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is the banana lover. You often lack in self-confidence and are quite timid by nature. People often take advantage of your sweet temperedness, and sheer vulnerability to a situation. You adore your partner both for their mental and physical beauty! Your relationship is always in harmony!

Sewing

I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year, 2006...I've been wanting to sew for quite some time. I took a class in Home Ec. around the 8th grade and haven't seen a sewing machine since. It was since my daughter entered a few pageants that I really wanted to pick up the hobby. I saw several darling outfits that I knew I could make. Anyway, the sewing machine my mother-in-law gave me two Christmases ago saw the light of day last night. I purchased an inexpensive pattern and some Christmas material on sale and cut away. I got discouraged towards the end when some things didn't quite meet up. I will have to take the dress to my mother-in-law's house soon for her to help finish (couldn't figure out the sleeves and elastic), but all in all I'm proud of myself for attempting such a task in my first sitting. I would love to take a class on sewing but don't know where to look - and would gladly accept any suggestions.

January

I started out great this morning ~ I measured and weighed and even did my AM Yoga video. I feel wonderful and excited about what I've accomplished and what I've set forth to do. My husband and I chatted last night and we both have areas to work on as far as weight and getting in shape. We've agreed to cheer each other along. He wants to lose 20 pounds by the end of March and I'd like to lose 10 pounds by then.

Here are my goals:
Exercise three times a week.
Yoga three times a week.
Drink more water.
Watch what I eat and try to stick to 1500 calories a day.

I plan on weighing once a day (I know that's a little obsessive but it helps me) and measuring once a week. I will be perfectly happy if the scales don't budge but the body starts to tone. I honestly do not care what the scales say as long as the body looks fit and I feel better. So here's to a good new start towards a healthier lifestyle!

Whew!

I got back on the scales this morning and am back to where I was on my last weigh-in before the holidays (December 19th). Whew! I haven't been doing well (I've gotten on my elliptical machine once and only for a few minutes) with the exercising, eating better, or water. Got to get more motivated!

Weekly Weigh-In

I haven't weighed in a few weeks and decided I must do so today. I am up 1.5 pounds since December 19th. I guess that's not too bad considering all the junk I ate over the holidays. I plan on getting back on track - start exercising, more water, etc. My husband and I plan on staying home more for the new year so that should help with the eating. It's hard to watch what you eat while eating out so frequently. I wish everyone good luck with the last few weeks of Tales from the Scales. I intend on continuing weekly weigh-ins even once Tales from the Scales ends - it helps me be accountable for what I weigh. Good luck and may we all have positive things to post next week!