2009 was a very difficult year for my family. It started off with yet another job layoff for my husband, it was the third one in less than four years. (He was in the recreational vehicle industry.) On the heals of that was finding out that my dad had lung cancer and had to have his upper left lobe and three ribs removed along with chemo and radiation. My mother-in-law fell and had to have surgery. She is in the end stages of Alzheimer's and is slowly wasting away at 79 pounds and is dying a very slow and tragic death. Add the financial stress of trying to keep our home and stay on top of the bills and many other things thrown into the stress mix. It was difficult to say the least.
I am very much a stress eater. Also due to the finances, eating cheap was more important than eating healthy, (at least that is what I told myself). Guess what happened? I put on quite a bit of weight on my already over-weight self! At the end of December I weighed more than I have ever weighed in my life, even pregnant! YIKES! Plus I just didn't feel well at all. My immune system was sluggish and I caught everything that was going around. My blood pressure kept getting higher and higher as did my blood sugar. I had no physical or mental energy. I felt absolutely lousy!
This picture was taken by my son in October 2009.
I knew I had to do something or I was headed for some very serious health issues. So, on January 1, I got serious about my diet and health. I'm happy to report that I have done very well with my New Year's goal so far! When I weighed in this morning, I had dropped 11.5 pounds during the month of January!
I have not eaten any sugar, (I use Stevia), nor have I had a single piece of chocolate during the whole month!
I have also given up my beloved coffee, (my only source of caffeine), and replaced it with green tea. I've given up all processed junk food and I'm eating only food that provides real nutrition for my body.
I am an all or nothing kind of person, so I dare not cheat. I am also a sugar and carb addict, a junk food junkie, so I absolutely have to go cold turkey when I do this. Each time I fall off the wagon it gets harder and harder to get back on. (Yes, I've done this several times already. You would think I'd learn!). For me it is all mental. All last year, for the first time in my life I had absolutely no will power and I didn't even care anymore. I thought about food and felt hungry all of the time. It feels so good to have will power and be in control of my appetite again, to do what I know is right for my health.
I am very glad that my blood pressure and blood sugar are normal again. My doctor had prescribed blood pressure medication because my blood pressure was getting as high as 179/111 and I was having pounding headaches. I don't need the medication now.
Constant stress is a killer. It definitely takes a toll on the body, mind and spirit. I am trying to eliminate the unnecessary stress in my life. It seems that some people will continually heap more and more on our plates if we let them. I don't need more on my plate right now, it is already full. I am learning to say no.
I have over 100 books in my personal library on diet, nutrition and health. For some reason, it is a subject that fascinates me. That knowledge is absolutely worthless unless it is applied.
I am spending time each day reading from some of my favorite books on the subject to stay motivated and keep this at the forefront of my mind. I am doing my best to apply that which will benefit me and lead me back to good health. I don't want to just lose weight, I need a complete lifestyle change. Something that I can stick with long term.
Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
I am trying to remember this simple lesson as I change my life one choice at a time.
58 comments:
I wish you the best of luck. I, too, am a stress eater and have fought my weight my whole life. Cravings had always been my downfall...until I was checked for food allergies. Once I eliminated the guilty parties, my cravings vanished. I can have ONE small piece of chocolate and not want more. Things I felt I couldn't live without (anything with gluten, milk, ice cream, cheese, salmon, beans...the list is 18 items long) were slowly destroying my body. Letting go was hard at first, but within days I was feeling better and the NEED for those things was gone. I don't need will power anymore because my body isn't fighting me. We're much happier together now.
Good for you! Reading this was quite inspirational. I need to lose some weight after quitting smoking. You naturally gain weight when you quit, but I also told myself it didn't matter what I ate as long as I put no cigarettes in my mouth -- yikes!
I love, love, love your bird photographs. Maybe you are telling yourself that you are on your way to feeling light as a bird. :)
Good luck to you, Robin. I hope 2010 is not only less-stressful for you and your husband but a happier year in general.
Sounds like you are off too a running start.Losing weight is the hardest thing for me to do.Good luck and by the way,the bird pictures are just delightful,as is the picture of you.
Blessings,Ruth
Good for you to take this action before it is too late. You've been through a lot, and it sounds like you have a lot to still go through. Feeling better and more in control of your own life must feel great right now. Congratulations!
(And as always, those are beautiful pictures!)
Congratulations on your progress; I know how hard it is to go off caffeine (I am now Pepsi free). I'll certainly keep your family in my thoughts as I head into the new week and month, and hope things start looking up.
I am in awe of your determination! It seems so simple....yet losing weight, getting healthy and changing bad habits is really hard...
You sound like you are definately taking the right steps....
Hugs,
Penny
I gotta give it to you, Robin. There's one thing we 'bama gals have and that's determination. We'd rather chew nails than give up :-)
I hope that this year will be much better for you than the last. These are trying times in which we live right now and many people are suffering.
Eleven pounds is a lot to lose-that's 35,000 calories ! Plus, after age 30 it becomes more difficult to lose weight even though you stick to a diet. The EAT TO LIVE diet book you have is great but the one that really worked for me was CRACK THE FAT-LOSS CODE by Wendy Chant.
You are thinking in the right direction - a lifestyle change and not just a quick fix. Eat healthy, move around and once Spring comes, get back outside in the garden. We are all rooting for you !
Good for you for doing this for yourself and your family, for sharing your journey. You're an inspiration. So are your beautiful photos. Chickadees, woodpeckers and blue jays are among my favourites.. and that tea looks so inviting. I hope 2010 reduces those outside stresses for you.
Hope that this year is better for you and your family. I think many of us struggle with weight issues. My 'method' is keeping clear of processed foods and trying to eat more colorful meals. Make each plate a rainbow.....a great way to pack in vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Once the holidays are over it gets a bit easier.
It does sound as if you have made great headway already.
Keep up the good work.
Robin, we are twins, separated at birth;-) I can say 'yes' to just about everything you said...and right now I am in the same boat. This month, I weigh more than I did when my son was born in '96. And in Dec. I started doing some serious planning, even starting back into exercising...treadmill, weights, etc...but then screwed up my knee a few weeks ago and it's all gone down the tubes! For me, it's been 2 knee accidents and 1 sprained ankle, within fairly close distance of each other, that have kept me stuck. And of course, when I'm 'stuck', I like to eat junk food! And sit with my laptop, and watch t.v. Believe, I plan to do what you are doing, as soon as my knee is healed. I would love to lose 11 lbs! It seems an impossibility right now. Thanks for writing this, it really does hit home for so many of us. I'm like you, an all or nothing type and though I know better, it's very hard to change. Even with my degree in mental health counseling! The photo I have for my FB profile has my winter coat and hat on, so noone can see what I look like underneath it all!!! I'm hoping that by spring, I can take the coat off the photo and there will be a new me;-)
Please check out my give away for earth day...I'd love to have you participate;-) Jan
Robin, I know exactly what you're going through and how hard it is. I was there a few years ago and now I've been on my way back there lately. Last year I dropped out of school, lost my job and then my father died in cancer. When I feel sad I eat and then I don'n eat what's good for, me I eat a lot of chocolate and fat food. I've also desided that it's time to do something about it by changing my lifestyle (again) back to more healthy eating. I wich you the best luck and do hope that this will be a better year in every way for us all / gittan
I am glad that you have decided to take control of your diet. You can't control all of the negative things going on in your life but you can take control of what goes into your mouth. This is a good thing. Best of luck on your journey. I sure need to be on that journey too. I have no excuses, no stresses. It is just poor choices. This is what it all boils down to.
You have had a very difficult year -- it's wonderful that you are taking control of your own health and well-being.
I'm so proud of you! I admire any body who has willpower, because I don't. Thank you for sharing your progress, as well as your trials. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
You have one thing going for you. You are very good at expressing yourself. It is like purging all the negative stuff you are carrying around. Think of your thoughts as marbles and you have two jars labeled positive and negative. Which one are you filling? From this post, I would say the negative one is way full. Think of getting a job. It will relieve some of the financial burden. You will be so busy and somewhat removed from eating temptations. You will be empowed by the change. I admire all your efforts to take care of yourself. Good luck.
Thank you all for your encouraging comments.
Anonymous: I think I have similar food allergies. Thanks for sharing your story!
Meredith: Glad you were inspired. Good to you for quitting smoking!
Pam: Thank you, I hope it is a happier year too.
Ruth: Thank you. Losing weight is hard for me to, especially as I've gotten older.
Carol: Thank you. Yes, we do. We know that Mom will not be with us much longer. It is very difficult to see her like she is.
TatteredSpinner: Thank you! I glad those caffeine withdrawal headaches are gone!
Penny: Yes, those bad habits are difficult to break. It is worth it though!
Carolyn Gail: I definitely have determination once I set my mind to something, getting there is the difficult part! I haven't read the book you suggested. I'll check in to it. I can't wait to get back in to the garden!
Janet: Thank you. I'm trying to eat a variety of frits and veggies too. I actually enjoy reading about the nutritional content of food.
Jan: I'm sorry about your knee, I know that is discouraging for you. I haven't started exercizing yet. The doctor said it would take about a month to get our energy back from having the H1N1. I still don't have enough energy for that. I hope to start this month. I'm a walker, so I look forward to spring weather to get outside and walk my dog!
gittan: I'm sorry for all that you've had going on, especially losing your dad. Just dealing with one of those things would be difficult but having them all happen definitely compounds the stress factor. I hope life is better to you in 2010.
Lisa: Thank you. That is the way I'm looking at it. This is one thing I can do to make life better right now. I miss your posts.
Sweet bay: Thank you!
Melody: Thank you, especially for the prayers!
Mothernaturesgarden: Thank you for your comment and suggestions. I am definitely working to change those negatives into positives. I had a part-time job but quit so I could take care of my mother-in-law, there are many times when she needs a sitter at the nursing home. I also home school. I've already graduated one and my son is a jr. so I am almost finished with my career as a homeschool mom. I am also studying photograpy and hope to be able to use that in some way soon to contribute to the income.
Obviously, with all these similar comments, we are all right there with you, Robin. This is my year for change as well, but I've not mapped it out quite yet as things are still evolving. I admire your bravery and wish for you every success in this healthy endeavor.
Good for you Robin, for making this decision. I wish you the very best with it. Several years ago I quit smoking, after having smoked for over 30 yrs. That really wasn't difficult for me, but within a few months I realized that I had replaced smoking with eating and had gone up to my highest weight ever. I made up my mind to do something about it and eventually managed to lose 50 pounds which I kept off for five years. Regrettably, over the past year 20 of those pounds have snuck back, so I'm trying to get motivated to take control again. You've given me great inspiration here! Thanks.
You've won half the battle by recognizing your stressors and taking control. You are to be commended and are a good example for me to get going too!
Hi Sweety,
Good for You! I'm happy to hear that you are taking care of yourself. I am also a stress eater and a lazy eater too (it's so much easier to grab a cookie instead of making lunch). My husband has been making life changes in his eating habits, so it's easier for me now also. Hope you have a good support system. Keep up the good work.
Cindee
I send you a hug. You are an inspiration. Gloria
You are truly an inspiration for us all, Robin. We are so proud of you for making the changes to bring yourself to healthiest you can be. We knew of your family problems this last year and thought of you often when the TV news would have stories about the recreational vehicle layoffs and plant closings. It became personal because we knew you and cared about you and your family. Having control over something so important as your health will help with the stress too. And learning to say no is very important. As always, your photos are without peer. :-)
Frances
Robin, what an inspiring post! Good, good for you! I'm so impressed with your will power. While I don't have a weight problem, my diet and lack of exercise are not good. I don't have a very healthy appetite and tend to NOT eat when stressed. I love my carbs and caffeine (diet pop) and have to say carbs probably make up 90% of my diet. This isn't good, I know, and it's probably good genes that have gotten me this far, but likely won't sustain me throughout my life. Sometimes I WISH I had a weight problem to motivate me to eat better. I've got no will power at all when it comes to food. I just want to eat what I want to eat.
You're doing so very well! Keep it up! And it's probably a good thing that you shared this with us. It makes you a little more accountable when the world knows what your goals are. It was like that with me when I was training for the half-marathon in 2008. That's the reason behind my running blog. If I wasn't posting much or when I did and was doing a lot of whining, then others helped me get back on track.
Keep it up, girl, and I hope 2010 brings you only GOOD things!
*hugs*
Way to go, Robin! I also have had a very difficult 1.5 years and also gained weight last winter. I am almost to the point you mention. Maybe seeing your success will spur me on to do something positive. I'll be praying that you can stay motivated and on the path to good health.
Congratulations Robin. I know we have crossed paths in the blogosphere, but it is interesting to read of your resolve and the path you have taken to reach it. Last year I went through much the same sort of epiphany, although it was for different reasons. Since that time I have lost right around 35 pounds and I have managed to keep it off even during Christmas. This may sound like shameless self promotion, but if you want to read about my process, just look through my archives for the last year. It isn't easy to let go of the addictions, and I can tell you that my addiction is coffee but I only allow myself one cup per day.
Anyway, the amazing change of energy I have experienced in the past year is more than enough reward. I can relate to that sluggish feeling and it is so nice to not have it any more.
If you have any money at the end of the month think about getting yourself a nice massage. After all the stress you have been through you owe it to yourself to provide your body with some healing touch from a professional.
Hi Robin.
I haven't been by in a while so I'm catching up on your blog. I admire you for having the courage to post about your personal battle and for posting the picture of yourself. Like many of your other blog readers, I fight the food demon too but I work hard to stay out of the camera viewfinder because I don't like what it shows. Facing the truth is usually the best first step, isn't it? I've read some of your posts about the hardships your family has been dealing with so I can absolutely empathize with why you've been stressed. It certainly seems like you've had a heavy burden for quite a while. I hope this year is the turning point and good luck keeping on your healthy journey.
PS I forgot to say how much I enjoyed your bird photos. They are just spectacular. I'm so glad the dove was okay too.
When I read your post today I wanted to weep. I am at my heaviest as well and joined the gym only to find out today that I'm not doing as well at weight loss as I had hoped. I decided a good cry on the way to the gym was in order. Then I got busy. I'm tired of the struggle as well and don't want to have to take blood pressure medicine anymore. I am inspired and know that God lead me to your post today for a reason. If by His grace I wake with the morning light, tomorrow will start a new me. Thank you.
Hello Robin,
I am so glad that you decided to share what is going on in your life. I do appreciate the glimpses we sometimes get into our fellow blogger's lives. After all, we are people who have complex lives with both ups and downs. I think it is great you are taking control of one part of your life when many other parts are out of your control. I love your attitude and you photos show that you are appreciating the simple things in life. I am trying to appreciate them as well :^)
Hi there Robin, you took a brave step by sharing here… I’m pretty sure you’re well on your way in taking control now… well done you :-D
Sincerely wishing you and your family a good year… from what personal stuff I have gathered through your postings you all deserve it :-D
I'm with you, Robin. You are an inspiration to all of us who have pounds to lose and want to live a healthier lifestyle. I, for one, will put this post in my favorites and read it again from time to time. Keep up the good work...
Balisha
I commend you for your bravery. Sharing your pain can be a good thing, it relieves you of some of the stress just by putting your feelings in print. Bravo for your willpower! Remember to nourish your soul along with your body :)
Well you have certainly been through stressful situations which always harms the body and mind. I think the fact that you have it under control now is a huge success. It is all about choices but it also has to do with the mindset. Once you have the positive and determined mindset, you are on your way. Good for you, keep it up.
Sounds like 2009 was full of lots of challenges for you and your family. Good for you for taking charge of your health. If we don't have our health ~ we have nothing.
Your natures photos are wonderful and your Libby and Lilly adorable!
So glad I found your blog ~ I'll be back! :)
Robin, I am so glad you decided to share with us. Just because we think of ourselves as garden or nature bloggers doesn't mean we don't have real lives. Confession is good for the soul as they say and now you have all of us on your side to cheer you on and give you love and support. :)
Bravo for taking that first step and for all the steps since. A stumble or two along the way is just a good excuse to get back up and keep going-don't beat yourself up if it happens.
Maybe if I keep reading your post, I will be motivated to follow your example. I wish you the best!
Your photos are amazing. :)
Hello: I hear you loud and clear. I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and find it a daily slog just to keep my weight under control. I have bounced up and down for years. Once you fall off the wagon as they say it is very difficult to find the momentum to get back on. It is really hard when you are stressed. Get out for a walk or some form of excercise each day. I thank you for sharing your story. I know that you are on the right track. Keep it up. Keep on taking those fabulous pictures of the birds. Valerie
Wonderful photos and words, Robin.
I stopped sugar too, right before Christmas and seem to be sleeking up. Everyone can relate to what you've written today. I bet you get many more comments than usual! We bloggers do care about each other. I put up a post recently called "Family Circus" that I felt perhaps shouldn't have been - it got me so much support!
I'm joining your blog. Ever been to Rocky Ripple? My friend Dan lives there...
Do come back to my beach anytime!!
Aloha, new Friend!
Comfort Spiral
I am so happy for you that you are finding your healthy self again after a very stressful 2009. We, too, had a tough year full of stress so I know how it feels. The body is an amazing thing, isn't it? I am always amazed at how handling stress correctly ends up benefiting me in so many other areas that don't seem related. Kudos to you!
Oh Robin, I am so very much like you. This past year has been so stressful with my mother being hosptialzed for 5 months and my Dad having heart issues. I've been to the hospital more times in 2009 than I had in all my 42 years prior! And I am very much a stress eater too. During the summer I was out walking a lot which helped, but that has changed with the bad weather. I am so glad you shared this with us. I really really need to get on this wagon too.
I am so very happy that you are doing well with it!
I am so sorry that your MIL is going thru these stages. I am VERY afraid that this is what my mother will go thru in the future.
Oh Robin, I am so very much like you. This past year has been so stressful with my mother being hosptialzed for 5 months and my Dad having heart issues. I've been to the hospital more times in 2009 than I had in all my 42 years prior! And I am very much a stress eater too. During the summer I was out walking a lot which helped, but that has changed with the bad weather. I am so glad you shared this with us. I really really need to get on this wagon too.
I am so very happy that you are doing well with it!
I am so sorry that your MIL is going thru these stages. I am VERY afraid that this is what my mother will go thru in the future.
What an inspirational post...I eat when stressed, bored, happy, sad. Just like to eat, never unhealthy food, just LOTS of good food. So I am going to post that text on the frig...thanks so much Robin!
Hi Robin,
I get you confused with Life in Robin's Nest.
Your post hit home with me, especially today. It sounds like you're making good choices and I wish you well going forward with your life changes.
From one emotional eater to another...
Robin, I remembered your Dad's health problems, but did not know about the rest. Ack! For me, being a hospital visitor leads to eating cookies--which is not good. The Ayurvedics say that when you're in balance you crave what keeps you in balance, and when you're out of balance you crave what keeps you out of balance. Congratulations to you for staying in balance. You're my role model for 2010!
Hi Robin,
Good for you - that is an impressive weight loss in such a short time.I feel so much better too when I limit my sugar intake.
I hope this will be a good year for you and your family.
Take care,
Carolyn
Robin, Wonderful news about taking charge of your health and having great success. The truth is that after awhile you don't miss the sugar, white flours and junk foods! You'll be feeling better and better each day! hugs, gail
I wish you lots of luck with your diet...I'm working on weight loss too! I hope things go better for you and your family this year:)
Blessings,
Linda
Good luck to you Robin! I am not an all-or-nothing person. When I diet, I still must have sweets or go crazy. So I allow myself a small York Peppermint patty, 43 calories each, and I eat it with tiny mouse bites to make it last. I know it sounds silly, but it's how I stay sane!
Thank you for sharing. I have also made the same decision as you this year, after being inspired by Melissa at Empress of Dirt. I am also a stress eater, and am determined to break the cycle to healthy eating and living.
Robin, I'm glad you shared because these things are something many of us share. Diva and I joined Weight Watchers, and it's been tough going, but we're still going. HH is doing Atkins. As for family, my mother is continually ill due to complications from a car wreck 20 years ago, so I understand about hospitals and even despair. I will keep your family in my prayers. Thank you for your kind words and visits to my blog and for your bird photos. Nobody can take pics of birds like you.~~Dee
Congratulations on a great start. I hope this year is far less stressful, and that your health is better for it.
God bless...
Robin, I admire your honesty. And it has been sort of that kind of year at our house, too, although not to the same degree. Keep the faith and keep on praising God through it all. At least that's what I tell myself, until I start feeling sorry for myself and whining instead...! ; ) Hope that 2010 turns around for you; it sounds like it's already off to a positive start. Re: diet issues, I had to start eating like a diabetic during pregnancy, and still have to. I was the only woman who, two weeks after giving birth (and losing TONS of water thanks to pre-eclampsia), I weighed less than I had before I got pregnant. Eating like a diabetic works for me, and for many others; the roots of many other successful diets are found in the low-glucose world. I have learned to make much smarter food choices, and as long as I do that most of the time, it works.
I wrote about how I changed my eating habits at length here:
http://melmoirs.blogspot.com/2008/02/must-read-mels-magic-foods.html
Maybe it would give you some more ideas? Although I'm not gluten free, you could probably do that too rather easily--just cut out most flours and try alternatives and pastes, soy, and keep good rice varieties in your meals sometimes.
Either way, I wish you all the best in 2010. I really enjoy your blog.
robin,
thanks for sharing such a personal matter...you do, do things all or nothing as evident in sharing this most personal story of your life. i am sorry your last year has been such a hard time in your life. some of the hardest times in our lives produce the most fruit and strengthen our characteir. i am glad for you, that you are getting a handle on some of these things that have been troubling you.
i read your previous post on the dove ghost...it is good to know the real truth of the matter.
happy for you in february.
Bravo to you dear Robin! I understand the need and desire to stay on the path of wellness through healthy choices.
You have triumphed with the attitude that you have!Great choices you've made and I'm sure you've inspired many who have read this heartfelt post.
Life can be stressfull at times particularly when we have aging parents in poor health. What you have realized is that it's important to take care of YOU.My latest cancer journey has taught me this life lesson.
You are a beautiful lady..loved to put a face to your name!
I wish you continued good health.
I celebrate both our triumphs!!
love and light aNNa
P.S. Your photos of birds contine to warm my heart! Thank you for sharing such beauty!
I needed to re-read your post and get some 'inner strength' and resolve. I'm still struggling with getting myself together here. I never feel comfortable writing anything personal on my blog...although I did it several times, re: lyme disease, cancer, etc. I just don't like to write about stuff I'm 'currently' going through. Probably 'cause that's when I'm struggling and feeling vulnerable with a particular thing. 'After the fact' is easier for me to talk about. Well, right now I'm having a hard time getting motivated to do much of anything. I get some inspiration from your honesty;-) Hope you're doing well with your goals and are feeling good;-)
Kudos to you! You are brave. You can go look at my Facebook picture. I'm a size 15 and that's good for me. So little is not in my vocab but I use to be much heavier and at times tip the scale in the direction before fears take hold. Posting your picture does help. Brutal honesty is the only way to gain control. I have to think about it every minute of every day. It's why I garden. I have to do something else besides eat--cause I'm such a good cook.
Me too!
Food can start to control your life if you let it. Life changes and especially menopause can wreck havoc on your body.
I was 135 lbs. when I delivered my last two babies (twins) and went right back down to 100 lbs. Then came menopause! I got up to 150 lbs. (I just posted about this on their 30th BD. Cute pictures, them... not me)
I never dieted in my life until I was 50. I am glad to say that I am down to 135 lbs. and hope to be 120by this summer.
I did it by NOT dieting. I changed my lifestyle. No white stuff. I also am mostly a vegetarian... just occasional eggs, milk, and butter. I didn't miss meat at all.
No sweets either! Once I start, I can't stop. That is a good thing because not only did I have elevated cholestoral but my blood sugar was just starting to show borderline diabetes.
Ladies... take care of you health, because no one else can do it for
you!
Talk to you soon ;)
Bunny Jean
p.s. I am now a new follower :)
I read your interesting post, interspersed with gorgeous photos of birds, with great interest. Good for you. I am also trying but not as hard as you , it would seem. My blood pressure is also creeping up and I know stress plays a big part. For me it is by degrees, having cut out sugar in my tea. Also trying to reduce fat. It seems that life does get more stressful as the years go by and it shouldn't be that way. I'm not surprised you are feeling better. Way to go.
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