When weighing in, I suggest doing it first thing in the morning. Try not to obsess over your weight. But measure your thighs, upper arms, waist, bust, and hips. Many times if you didn't lose weight for the week, you might have lost inches. It can get really easy to get hung up on the weight on the scale. While, yes, it is important, but try to limit your weighing to once a week... if you are feeling like you need to weigh, I suggest you only weigh in once a week!
Good luck!
Evelyn Curtis
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Adversity Thursday: Wal-Mart World
Instant gratification. That's what a "Wal-Mart World" is. I am just as plagued by the next person with the "need it now" mentality.
I want to read a book? Sure, I'll go buy it so I can read it now.
I have a craft idea... Oh boy, I need to start it now.
I want to lose weight? Let's take it off now!
How many crash diets are out there, because someone wants to see instant results? But the question that we need to ask ourselves is this: Will these results be lasting? Will they benefit our lives for good (question2)
I could take a pill, stop eating carbs all-together, or I could join something like LA Weight-loss, and I could lose weight. I've known lots of people who have lost weight by doing all of these things. But let's talk about natural, healthy weight-loss. I don't pretend to be an expert. But one thing that I have learned from observation and common sense, is that those things will only temporarily take the weight off. I have to change my whole lifestyle. I have to change the way I eat. I can't be going to restaurants everyday to eat, with the consumption of soda and expect a pill to help me lose weight. Just like the dishes won't do themselves, and the laundry won't fold itself. SOMEONE has to do it. I have to do it (technically, I have to do all of those things).
So, last October, I started my life changing quest. I started out great! I lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks, I felt good, but then my knee started swelling up (due to a previous surgery). I got discouraged, and I stopped writing on the blog. I gained back the weight I had lost, and I became disappointed in myself, and gave up... well, I didn't really give up. Losing weight is something I know I need to do, and it is something that I really WANT to do. But it isn't easy, and it doesn't come off all that fast. Add into the equation of frustration, the fact that my knee was not performing healthily. I could hardly walk without there being severe swelling. I had no other means of exercise!
At the end of January, I made myself an appointment to go to an orthopedic surgeon. I was very worried that I'd need another surgery. Since we are still paying off the old surgery, I knew another would not be very good on our bank account. So, after an MRI, x-rays, and a few consultations, the doctor diagnosed me with arthritis in my knee (to be expected with someone who has had half of their lateral meniscus removed). After that diagnosis, I asked the question that I had been wondering for months... "Is this going to prevent me from running?"
The doctor's response? "Yes." He did not believe that I would have a healthy running experience without inflammation and pain (believe me, if you have not experienced severe knee swelling pain...it makes life very hard). But before I left, he gave me a steroid shot in my knee to help with the swelling.So I went home with a heavy heart...since my goal is to be a runner!
I have to say, that shot did wonders for me! It took it a few weeks, but the swelling went down. When I do a lot of walking, it will swell up a little bit, but the swelling always decreases. Before, I had a grapefruit sized knot of swelling on my knee from October to January! It helped me out quite a bit.
My next conclusion was, "if every person took the doctor's diagnosis as "bible" health for themselves, then many people would not have lived as long as they could have, or many would never recover from their own struggles." I have decided that I will be able to run...after I drop some weight. Why not? If a paraplegic can defy all odds and wiggle his or her toes...by golly, I can work hard and get to a point where I can run! I am too hard headed of a person to take that as defeat. It never would have stopped me before (just ask my parents and my husband).
So, no. I won't be able to run today, or tomorrow for that matter. But I do have hope to be able to run...maybe next year...it all depends on how willing I am to put in the work.
How about you? Are you willing to let go of your bad habits to change what needs to be changed? Today I am. Today I did. Let's see what tomorrow brings shall we?
Today's goal: Drink at least 8-16.9 oz bottles of water throughout the day. And not one soda (which we have in the house...so that will be the challenge).
What's your goal today?
Happy Losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
I have a craft idea... Oh boy, I need to start it now.
I want to lose weight? Let's take it off now!
How many crash diets are out there, because someone wants to see instant results? But the question that we need to ask ourselves is this: Will these results be lasting? Will they benefit our lives for good (question2)
I could take a pill, stop eating carbs all-together, or I could join something like LA Weight-loss, and I could lose weight. I've known lots of people who have lost weight by doing all of these things. But let's talk about natural, healthy weight-loss. I don't pretend to be an expert. But one thing that I have learned from observation and common sense, is that those things will only temporarily take the weight off. I have to change my whole lifestyle. I have to change the way I eat. I can't be going to restaurants everyday to eat, with the consumption of soda and expect a pill to help me lose weight. Just like the dishes won't do themselves, and the laundry won't fold itself. SOMEONE has to do it. I have to do it (technically, I have to do all of those things).
So, last October, I started my life changing quest. I started out great! I lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks, I felt good, but then my knee started swelling up (due to a previous surgery). I got discouraged, and I stopped writing on the blog. I gained back the weight I had lost, and I became disappointed in myself, and gave up... well, I didn't really give up. Losing weight is something I know I need to do, and it is something that I really WANT to do. But it isn't easy, and it doesn't come off all that fast. Add into the equation of frustration, the fact that my knee was not performing healthily. I could hardly walk without there being severe swelling. I had no other means of exercise!
At the end of January, I made myself an appointment to go to an orthopedic surgeon. I was very worried that I'd need another surgery. Since we are still paying off the old surgery, I knew another would not be very good on our bank account. So, after an MRI, x-rays, and a few consultations, the doctor diagnosed me with arthritis in my knee (to be expected with someone who has had half of their lateral meniscus removed). After that diagnosis, I asked the question that I had been wondering for months... "Is this going to prevent me from running?"
The doctor's response? "Yes." He did not believe that I would have a healthy running experience without inflammation and pain (believe me, if you have not experienced severe knee swelling pain...it makes life very hard). But before I left, he gave me a steroid shot in my knee to help with the swelling.So I went home with a heavy heart...since my goal is to be a runner!
I have to say, that shot did wonders for me! It took it a few weeks, but the swelling went down. When I do a lot of walking, it will swell up a little bit, but the swelling always decreases. Before, I had a grapefruit sized knot of swelling on my knee from October to January! It helped me out quite a bit.
My next conclusion was, "if every person took the doctor's diagnosis as "bible" health for themselves, then many people would not have lived as long as they could have, or many would never recover from their own struggles." I have decided that I will be able to run...after I drop some weight. Why not? If a paraplegic can defy all odds and wiggle his or her toes...by golly, I can work hard and get to a point where I can run! I am too hard headed of a person to take that as defeat. It never would have stopped me before (just ask my parents and my husband).
So, no. I won't be able to run today, or tomorrow for that matter. But I do have hope to be able to run...maybe next year...it all depends on how willing I am to put in the work.How about you? Are you willing to let go of your bad habits to change what needs to be changed? Today I am. Today I did. Let's see what tomorrow brings shall we?
Today's goal: Drink at least 8-16.9 oz bottles of water throughout the day. And not one soda (which we have in the house...so that will be the challenge).
What's your goal today?
Happy Losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Wednesday Foods: Pumpkin Soup with Roast-
As a kid, I grew up eating pumpkin soup. My mom made it in the fall. I have since come across some other versions of pumpkin soup (no offense mom), but I like them better. So even though we are still pushing into the 110's, my body and mind can feel fall coming up! I love fall! I think it is the best time of the year... but I say that about every part of the year. But really, fall is the time of year where I get an excitement to start decorating my house, and fill it with wonderful fall-ish scents. I'm not sure how fall will be here in our new town, but I'm sure it can't be too different from Roswell...as we moved only 2 hours away.
Here is a recipe that I made up as I cooked it. A good friend of mine has a husband who is an amazing cook, and after tasting his pumpkin soup, I was inspired to come up with my own. Let's see if I can remember it!
Pumpkin Soup with Roast
3-4 Cups Left over roast cubed (I just use what I have left over from another meal).
1-2 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 red onion diced
1-2 TBS minced garlic
3 full carrots sliced (medium sided)
1 Cup zucchini squash diced to bite size
1/2 bag of frozen corn (not sure..probably a smaller size)
2 cups pumpkin puree (about 16 ounces..I'm not sure how much comes in a can)
2 potatoes cut to bite sided pieces
3-5 cups of water (depends on how thick you want the soup)
1 cube beef bullion
Seasonings
salt
pepper
cloves
cinnamon
thyme
Directions
Heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, saute onions and garlic. After those are sweating, put in the carrots, zucchini, corn and let them saute (you may add or omit any other veggies that you wish.. ie celery, peppers). After a few minutes, add the diced up roast, make sure to stir-fry the ingredients until they begin to tenderize. Add the seasonings (season to taste. I use a pinch of each of the seasonings listed--but you might like more), then add the pureed pumpkin, potatoes, water, and bullion. Bring to a slow boil, and let simmer until the veggies are tender and a fork pierces the potatoes easily.
*Notes:
-You might need to add more beef bullion depending on how much water you add, and how much of the beef flavor you would like in you soup.
-Usually when I fix something like this, I do not follow a recipe. So, feel free to omit anything that you wish. If you were seeking a vegan meal, just omit the beef and the bullion!
-I puree my own pumpkin. So mine will be slightly more runny than a store bought or canned version. You'll have to make your own adjustments.
This is a very tasty dinner that everyone enjoyed! Serve with whole wheat toast (homemade is best). I look forward to making it again this fall! Maybe sooner than later!
Happy losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
PS I'll post a picture once I've made some!
Here is a recipe that I made up as I cooked it. A good friend of mine has a husband who is an amazing cook, and after tasting his pumpkin soup, I was inspired to come up with my own. Let's see if I can remember it!
Pumpkin Soup with Roast
3-4 Cups Left over roast cubed (I just use what I have left over from another meal).
1-2 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 red onion diced
1-2 TBS minced garlic
3 full carrots sliced (medium sided)
1 Cup zucchini squash diced to bite size
1/2 bag of frozen corn (not sure..probably a smaller size)
2 cups pumpkin puree (about 16 ounces..I'm not sure how much comes in a can)
2 potatoes cut to bite sided pieces
3-5 cups of water (depends on how thick you want the soup)
1 cube beef bullion
Seasonings
salt
pepper
cloves
cinnamon
thyme
Directions
Heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, saute onions and garlic. After those are sweating, put in the carrots, zucchini, corn and let them saute (you may add or omit any other veggies that you wish.. ie celery, peppers). After a few minutes, add the diced up roast, make sure to stir-fry the ingredients until they begin to tenderize. Add the seasonings (season to taste. I use a pinch of each of the seasonings listed--but you might like more), then add the pureed pumpkin, potatoes, water, and bullion. Bring to a slow boil, and let simmer until the veggies are tender and a fork pierces the potatoes easily.
*Notes:
-You might need to add more beef bullion depending on how much water you add, and how much of the beef flavor you would like in you soup.
-Usually when I fix something like this, I do not follow a recipe. So, feel free to omit anything that you wish. If you were seeking a vegan meal, just omit the beef and the bullion!
-I puree my own pumpkin. So mine will be slightly more runny than a store bought or canned version. You'll have to make your own adjustments.
This is a very tasty dinner that everyone enjoyed! Serve with whole wheat toast (homemade is best). I look forward to making it again this fall! Maybe sooner than later!
Happy losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
PS I'll post a picture once I've made some!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tuesday Fitness: Starting Small
 |
| This was just after my Baby K turned 1 in February |
Sometime in February, I got a bike! I may have posted that before...but its been great!
We also recently moved (just over 1 1/2 months ago). So my bike tires were deflated from lack of use and up-keep, and it was covered with cobwebs. It took me two weeks (that is how long we have been settled in to our house) to get my bike tires filled up and take it out on the road. I did that last night, and this morning? I took it on its first cruise in our new town!
I was originally thinking of biking 10 miles. I have the distance figured, and it would take me just under 30 minutes I believe. But as I got out on the road, the 4 months of not biking hit me hard! I am out of shape... so I didn't feel bad at all to cut my ride down drastically!
My workout today:
4 mile bike ride
Random Abs workout of the day
=Approximately 30 minutes
I didn't overdo it. So I am more than able to continue with my busy day of homeschooling my three children! Off to the races!
 |
| He really enjoys his ride in the trailer! |
What was your workout?
Happy losing!
Evelyn Curtis
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Fitness Tuesday: Strengthening the Right Muscles
So if you follow along on facebook and twitter, then you will know that I went to see an orthopedic surgeon about my knee. I decided it was high time to get in there and find out if it is serious, or if it just needs the proper care.
As of right now, the results are not yet in. I am waiting on insurance confirmation to have an MRI. Yippee, right?
The doc told me that I could just be having issues with my patella, aka, knee cap. I guess it is quite common to have it slide around when you walk and run, resulting in painful popping. According to the specialist, the patella bone grinds on the femur bone at the joint. This is what we are hoping is wrong...significantly reducing my need for future surgery. I like this option, for my hopefully healing time, and for my pocket book.
So, in the mean time, the doctor gave me a simple exercise that would help. He mentioned how the quadriceps muscle is just that, four different muscles that connect to the knee cap. What happens is that one muscle becomes stronger than the others, pulling at the knee cap... because there is nothing holding the knee cap down.
The solution? To strengthen the other muscles in the quad. The very simple exercise is as follows:
Leg lifts, every day! You lie flat on your back, and lift one leg half way (not all of the way, as this is not necessarily a core exercise). Be sure to leave the other leg flat on the ground. Do equal amounts of reps with both legs. The doctor encouraged me to do 100 reps a day if I can. He also said that if it was too easy, to add weight, and to continue to add weight as needed. You can do that with ankle weights, homemade or bought.
Here is the kicker (no pun intended... ok, well maybe a little), he said that I won't notice a huge difference for even 3 or 4 weeks, but that with continued strengthening, I would have less and less pain!
So, are you having knee pain and popping when you walk and run? Maybe you need to strengthen the other muscles in your quad!
Happy losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
PS DO NOT take my word as a professional opinion. I am merely sharing my experience for tailored therapy for me personally. If you have concerns, please contact your local professional!
As of right now, the results are not yet in. I am waiting on insurance confirmation to have an MRI. Yippee, right?
The doc told me that I could just be having issues with my patella, aka, knee cap. I guess it is quite common to have it slide around when you walk and run, resulting in painful popping. According to the specialist, the patella bone grinds on the femur bone at the joint. This is what we are hoping is wrong...significantly reducing my need for future surgery. I like this option, for my hopefully healing time, and for my pocket book.
So, in the mean time, the doctor gave me a simple exercise that would help. He mentioned how the quadriceps muscle is just that, four different muscles that connect to the knee cap. What happens is that one muscle becomes stronger than the others, pulling at the knee cap... because there is nothing holding the knee cap down.
The solution? To strengthen the other muscles in the quad. The very simple exercise is as follows:
Leg lifts, every day! You lie flat on your back, and lift one leg half way (not all of the way, as this is not necessarily a core exercise). Be sure to leave the other leg flat on the ground. Do equal amounts of reps with both legs. The doctor encouraged me to do 100 reps a day if I can. He also said that if it was too easy, to add weight, and to continue to add weight as needed. You can do that with ankle weights, homemade or bought.
This is the best picture I could find online.
I don't know if it matters if you other leg is straight or not,
I only know that is what my doctor told me to do.
 |
| Info taken via |
So, are you having knee pain and popping when you walk and run? Maybe you need to strengthen the other muscles in your quad!
Happy losing!
Evelyn Campbell Curtis
PS DO NOT take my word as a professional opinion. I am merely sharing my experience for tailored therapy for me personally. If you have concerns, please contact your local professional!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Adversity Thursday: Starting Over
Show me someone who has gone through the weigh loss program who was perfect, and I'll give you a million bucks!
Starting over. After all, it is a life change, not just losing weight, and hoping that it won't find us again. It is about changing our thinking, our way of life, and the way we feel about ourselves.
Honestly, part of my extended absence was due to the shame I felt for falling off of the wagon. Shoot, its my wagon! Why I didn't just stop it, dust myself off, and get back on, I do not know.
Here is the point where, in the past, I have felt the urge to give up. I'm really good at losing 20lbs, but the rest isn't easy! In fact, it is down right hard to change the way you have been thinking for any number of years. So how do I put my train back on the track and begin again? One wheel at a time (I just made that one up). :)
I've started integrating healthier options back into my diet. That is a great place to start. I have not been exercising, so my next step is to do so. Then along with that, my next step is to start drinking my 3 liters of water. You might be at a different place, but start where you know that you can succeed. Once you have succeeded in that, then add on another mini challenge and goal.
Starting over is a good chance to apply what you have learned about yourself from the previous go around, to be more successful than before! For me, I cannot pressure myself to post everyday like I did before. If I miss, I miss. I cannot stress out and lose weight... Worst Enemy shows that is impossible for me.
Good luck on your restart, if you are restarting! If not, I commend you for having more will power than I over the holidays.
Happy losing!
Evelyn
Starting over. After all, it is a life change, not just losing weight, and hoping that it won't find us again. It is about changing our thinking, our way of life, and the way we feel about ourselves.
Here is the point where, in the past, I have felt the urge to give up. I'm really good at losing 20lbs, but the rest isn't easy! In fact, it is down right hard to change the way you have been thinking for any number of years. So how do I put my train back on the track and begin again? One wheel at a time (I just made that one up). :)
I've started integrating healthier options back into my diet. That is a great place to start. I have not been exercising, so my next step is to do so. Then along with that, my next step is to start drinking my 3 liters of water. You might be at a different place, but start where you know that you can succeed. Once you have succeeded in that, then add on another mini challenge and goal.
Starting over is a good chance to apply what you have learned about yourself from the previous go around, to be more successful than before! For me, I cannot pressure myself to post everyday like I did before. If I miss, I miss. I cannot stress out and lose weight... Worst Enemy shows that is impossible for me.
Good luck on your restart, if you are restarting! If not, I commend you for having more will power than I over the holidays.
Happy losing!
Evelyn
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Green Smoothie
I had been wanting to try this for quite some time now. I just never got around to making it. I have a friend who showed, a group of women and I, how to make it. It is super easy, and I have been making it since. The whole family loves it! Even Baby K! I'm going to have to make one just for him, because he always wants to drink mine... and he gets mad when I take it from him.
Green Smoothie
Ingredients
Spinach or Kale
1 cup filtered water
Banana
Grapes
Strawberries
Peaches
Apples
Blueberries
Raspberries
Any fruit really...
Ice if you like it cold.
I listed a lot of ingredients here, but you don't need all of these fruits. Just a few. Fill a blender with spinach to the top. Pour in water, and blend on high. Once all of the leaves are blended, add the fruits that you want! So far, I have love strawberries, bananas, and grapes. I have also put an apple into it, and I thought it turned out great! The funny thing is, that it looks like it won't be that great. However it does taste super good!
The particular smoothie pictured above contains, spinach, an unpeeled apple, banana, strawberries, and 1/2 cup orange juice. I could see putting mango, and pomegranate seeds could be tasty too!
Drinking these foods is a great way to ensure that our bodies get all of the nutrients that it needs. Our body will absorb more of it than when we eat it. Start with your green smoothie for breakfast. My friend suggests drinking a serving for breakfast, and then drinking the rest throughout the day. Then eat your other meal/s. Be sure to watch your portions on the later meals.
Be sure to alternate kale and spinach or other greens in order to prevent the building a tolerance for any one. Yum yum!
Try it out, and let me know how you like it!
Happy losing!
Evelyn
Green Smoothie
IngredientsSpinach or Kale
1 cup filtered water
Banana
Grapes
Strawberries
Peaches
Apples
Blueberries
Raspberries
Any fruit really...
Ice if you like it cold.
I listed a lot of ingredients here, but you don't need all of these fruits. Just a few. Fill a blender with spinach to the top. Pour in water, and blend on high. Once all of the leaves are blended, add the fruits that you want! So far, I have love strawberries, bananas, and grapes. I have also put an apple into it, and I thought it turned out great! The funny thing is, that it looks like it won't be that great. However it does taste super good!
The particular smoothie pictured above contains, spinach, an unpeeled apple, banana, strawberries, and 1/2 cup orange juice. I could see putting mango, and pomegranate seeds could be tasty too!
Drinking these foods is a great way to ensure that our bodies get all of the nutrients that it needs. Our body will absorb more of it than when we eat it. Start with your green smoothie for breakfast. My friend suggests drinking a serving for breakfast, and then drinking the rest throughout the day. Then eat your other meal/s. Be sure to watch your portions on the later meals.
Be sure to alternate kale and spinach or other greens in order to prevent the building a tolerance for any one. Yum yum!
Try it out, and let me know how you like it!
Happy losing!
Evelyn
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