Happy and Inspired by Setting and Achieving Smaller Goals

Hello:

I am very excited and inspired to share some of my progress this past 6 weeks:

After the 6 week session of the Fab Four Challenge group, I have lost 13.8 pounds. Love the challenges everyday, and making sure I am logging everything I eat and all the exercise I do, helps hold myself accountable. I think this has really helped me by setting smaller goals to work towards. I had set a goal of 10 lbs in six weeks and and exceded it by 3.8 lbs. The great thing I think that pushed me hard was the overall ranking every week. They post the top ten people that had great weight loss and results for that week. Then they post the overall ranking out of all the participants. I was very pleased to be in the #3 position. I guess my competitive side kicks in and this helps to push me further every week.

We just started another session. In the next four weeks I am wanting to lose at least 8 lbs, by Oct 2nd. I really want to excede that too. I try not to dwell on the larger amount of weight I know I need to lose, and by focusing on smaller goals, I have been more successful.

I decided to purchase a ultra fitbit so that I could get my count of steps I walk every day. 10,000 steps is my goal. It has a feature to clock off when you go to sleep and you wear it on your wrist to monitor your sleep pattern. This morning when I checked, I slept 7 hours and I woke up after 2 hours and then every hour on the hour. Which we had thunderstorms come through last night with very loud thunder so I am thinking this could have affected my sleep pattern. Tonight I will see how it goes.

The great thing about the fit bit it can be synced up with my MFP account to get a better accurate calorie burn.

Here is a tip I have done at work. I made a poster that I have put up on my wall at work showing my goal to lose for the session and I post every week how much weight loss I have made. (even the gains). Yess one week I gained a pound, which I am convinced it was probably water retention. Or my friends told me muscle weight gain. (Now my co-workers know I am working on losing weight so this is just another way to hold myself accountable.)

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The following was taken from Fitbie.com - 7 Tips for Lasting Weight Loss

Two decades ago, comedian Billy Crystal joked that it’s better to look good than to feel good. Celeb trainer Dolvett Quince—who joined The Biggest Loser’s training team last season—believes the two go hand in hand.

The 38-year-old Quince Dolvett —starring in two just-released Biggest Loser DVDs, At Home Challenge and Calorie Knockout—takes pride in guiding people through “complete mind-body-soul transformations.”

One of the keys, he says, is to “really fall in love with this thing called fitness. It’s really the kindest thing we can do is to take care of ourselves like it really matters, to live that feeling and that lifestyle.”

to read the complete article go to:

http://fitbie.msn.com/tips/7-tips-lasting-weight-loss/tip/5

I am a true believer that to be successful you need to push yourself, and have a great support system. I feel that MFP has given me the best support.

Remember the time you put into helping yourself during your journey will get you closer and closer to your ultimate goal.

Good bye my friend,

Thank you for reading my post.

Lovey

FIND SOMETHING TO GIVE YOU THAT EXTRA PUSH OR DRIVE TO GET YOU STARTED AGAIN

Well I don't know why but I have started Over and Over with so many diets and I am fed up.  It has to be a life changing event.  I decided Now is the Time to change and get  started again. 

 Then a couple of weeks ago my precious niece sent me a message asking me where I was, she had seen me on Myfitnesspal in awhile.  I told her I was just not in a good place right now.  I wanted to be, but just wasn't there.  She told me about a Challenge Group called "FAB FOUR" that operates similar to the Biggest Loser Show.  I thought wow, that sounds like fun, maybe just what I need to get this butt into gear.  I used to be very competitive and thought hmmm I think this is what I need to do.

 So I joined, started tracking my food diary, exercise journal and doing the challenges everyday and exercising.  One of the challenges last week was "Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed"  I thought to myself.  I can do this.  The first two nights were the hardest.  I did not realize how much I would snack before bedtime.  But I did it the whole week and I am going to continue this challenge here on out.  (Honestly I am sleeping better too)

Then this past Tuesday was weigh in day.  I was very nervous.  But you do not know how exciting it was to step on the scale and see I had lost 4.6 lbs in a week.  Then today they posted this weeks biggest losers.  I was #4.  I made the FAB FOUR this week.  How cool is that.  Now that has just made me want to do it again so  I am going to be working out very hard everyday.
  
I had set my goal at 10 lbs to lose by September 4th.  I am going to work so hard to go beyond 10 lbs.  I told my husband that, when I pass the 10 lb mark I am going to take myself shopping for a new pair of walking shoes.

I am very lucky to have such a wonderful niece "Lynsey"  who asked me to join a group with her to lose weight.  Very honored to be on a new Weight Loss Journey together. 

When this six weeks is over, we will set a new weight loss goal and start another 6/8 week challenge.

So here's to keep moving forward.,and keep losing weight.  We are all worth it!

What are you waiting for?  Just Start Now, find what drives you, or what helps you push harder.

Thanks for reading.

Lovey Howell

"We are all Accountable for Ourselves"

Well here's to writing from my heart.  (I know I have not been on in awhile, I will try to do better)

Inspirational Quote:  (THIS IS A MUST DO FOR EVERYONE!)
 "We are all accountable for ourselves. Think of yourself as a precious commodity, and then protect your investment each day." - Monica Brant

Yesterday was my Birthday.  Turned 48 years old.  I am so thankful God chose my Mom and Dad to be my parents and they chose to give me life.  I wish my parents were still here to celebrate with me.  But one day we will all celebrate together again.  Tomorrow my twins, Lindsey & Brandon will turn 23 years old.  Man where has all the time gone?  Time flies whether we want it to or not, there is no way to stop time.  So make your time count.

My Birthday was wonderful.  My office gave me a Strawberry Birthday Cake.  (Which is my favorite)  They gave me Vera Bradley Bag, which is really great present.  A group of us at work decided to support one another as we start following weight watchers program.  This should be great, because we have each other to support one another.

Today I followed the Weight Watchers Points Plus program.  I think I did pretty good.  I am still going to log into MyFitnessPal program as well.  It monitors calories, but it is a great Diary to log Food, Exercise, Water and general notes about food or exercise.  I use the Notes to log in my WW Food Log and Feelings I may have felt that day.  I have eliminated the soda drinks from my diet and have been drinking lots of WATER!  (My WW Food Log is at the bottom of my blog.)

A friend of mine posted this and I just love this photo, had to share:  I think this is great, because WE DO MATTER!

I know lately I have not been doing what I am suppose to do, as far as living healthy.  Trust me this has cost me quite a bit.  I have gained some of the weight I had lost.  I don't know why I have strayed off the good path, but it is time to get back on track.  Woot Woot!  No more jumping the track.  I have decided not to beat myself up over it, tomorrow is a new day and I will strive to do my very best.

Promises Kept
God never promised in whatever we do that we'd always be happy and healthy too.
He never said life would be free of pain but He said He'd be there time and time again
to bolster our spirits, to lighten our way, to give strength and courage day after day.
To make us feel worthy, to give inner peace and from life's tensions a loving release.
---Ruth Scarbrough (from Minutes of God Inspirational Book)

Everyday can not always go my way.  But I am still going to give Thanks for the great things in my life and the many challenges that I may encounter.

Lord tonight I prayer that you forgive me for not having self control and not making the right choices in my life.  I still need your help, so I can take one step at a time, one day at a time.  I hope you let my Angel help me along the way!  Thank you, Amen.

He will give His angels charge of you,

to guard you in all your ways.

--Psalm 91:11

Angels are speaking to all of us--

Some of us are only listening better.

---Anonymous

This is another good INSPIRING Poem!  (I love this poem so I put it in this blog too)

The wings I see

Are tinged with gold

Time is endless

Or so I'm told

Feathery white

I know you're there

In my heart

I know you care

Over your shoulder

here we are

Staying close

Never Far

Wrap me up

Envelope me

I need you Angel

Can't you see?

Shield me now

Within your wing

Songs of Joy

We'll always sing

Hold me tight

And take me high

You belong to me

In my sky

Protect

And Love

And Nurture Me

I need you Angel

Can't you see?

---John Cameron

 

I had to share this picture because It is so true.  Strive to do your best, that is all you can do.

Anything is possible, just have faith that God will see you through everything.  No matter what happened today, tomorrow is a new day and a new start.

God believes YOU ARE WORTH IT!  So should you!!!

Remember, Have Faith, Believe in Miracles and never give up Hope. 

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!

Well I must sign off here for now, until next time my friends.  Take Care & God Bless.

Lovey (Gina) Howell

WW Food Log for Today:

29 WW Points -   Total used 25

BF = 4
0 - Coffee
1 - Hazelnut Sugar Free Creamer (1 TBS)
3 - Cherry Nutrigrain Bar

Lunch = 8
6 - WW Potato Soup
2 - WW Pineapple Angelfood Cake

Snack = 5
3 - Kraft Cheddar Cheese Stick
0 - Banana
2 - 100 Cal Almonds

Dinner = 6
6 - Beef Fajita

snack - 2
2 - 100 Cal Almonds

Angels Everywhere!

Well here's to writing from the heart. 

Today being Valentines Day made it a very special day.  I prayed this morning for God's guidance and strength today and I had a terrific day.  My husband wrote a sweet poem to me on facebook.  Was very sweet and unique.  He is pretty amazing sometimes.

Tonight we went to a Valentine Banquet at our Church.  It was a pot luck dinner so everyone brought something.  The only drawback was I did not do very well on my diet.  Was not very disciplined.  UH OH!  I have decided not to beat myself up over it, because tomorrow is a new day and I will do better.

At the Banquet we had a group called the Strumdingers as entertainment.  They were very good.  They all played Ukulele's.  Really enjoyed their humor and energy. 

Although today didn't go quite the way I wanted it to as far as my self control over food, I am going to give Thanks for the great things in my life and the many challenges that I may encounter.

Lord tonight I prayer that you forgive me for not having self control and making the right food choices.  I did enjoy the food and entertainment provided at our Valentines Banquet and I know I could have done better.   I need my Angel to help me along the way!

"There is rejoicing in the presence of

the angels of God over one sinner who

repents."

---Luke 15:10 NIV

The thing is I should have asked for help before I went and I am sure I would have done better. 

He will give His angels charge of you,

to guard you in all your ways.

--Psalm 91:11

I read this poem when I get in a spot and need HELP.  Not listening caused me to STUMBLE.

 

Angels are speaking to all of us--

Some of us are only listening better.

---Anonymous

This is another good INSPIRING Poem! 

The wings I see

Are tinged with gold

Time is endless

Or so I'm told

Feathery white

I know you're there

In my heart

I know you care

Over your shoulder

here we are

Staying close

Never Far

Wrap me up

Envelope me

I need you Angel

Can't you see?

Shield me now

Within your wing

Songs of Joy

We'll always sing

Hold me tight

And take me high

You belong to me

In my sky

Protect

And Love

And Nurture Me

I need you Angel

Can't you see?

---John Cameron

 

I had to share this picture because I too often feel like crying when I step on a scale.

Anything is possible, just have faith that God will see you through everything.  No matter what happened today, tomorrow is a new day and a new start.

God believes YOU ARE WORTH IT!  So should you!!!

Remember, Have Faith, Believe in Miracles and never give up Hope. 

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!

Well I must sign off here for now, until next time my friends.  Take Care & God Bless.

Lovey (Gina) Howell



The Mayonnaise Jar Lesson

Ok I borrowed this from one of my friends.  Really great Lesson.  Enjoy.

 

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
important to you...” he told them.

“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
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Remember, Have Faith, Believe in Miracles and never give up Hope. 

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!

Enjoy your cup of Coffee!

Well I must sign off here for now, until next time my friends.  Take Care & God Bless.

Lovey (Gina) Howell

Have Faith and Be a WINNER

Hello, For now on I am writing my Blog from my heart.

I prayed this morning for God's guidance and strength today and I had a terrific day.  I felt stronger and able to resist a few food temptations.  I feel that my weight loss journey is finally on its way to success.  With God as my guide, Anything is Possible.

I pray that my friends that need a little support will get a few circle of friends for moral support and for their main support, Lean on God. 

I am finding strength too by reading something inspiring to help me through my day.  I am really loving this book I am currently reading  called "Angels Everywhere, Miracles & Messages" by Lynn Valentine.   If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it. 

I wish I had a Treadmill.  My old Treadmill finally broke down and is no longer working.  I want a Treadmill so I can build up to running a 5K.  That is one of my goals is to Run in a 5K.  First things first, I have to got to get my bills caught up and in order before splurging and making a new purchase of a Treadmill.  I have to make do with the equipment I have on hand.  I love my Elliptical Machine and Total Gym.  There are other issues in my life that are a little crazy right now, but with God's Strength I know I will be able to get these issue worked out.  I have FAITH and know everything I am going through is just to help me become a stronger person both physically and spiritually.  No more thinking I am a Failure, because I AM A WINNER and God Loves Me! 

Even when things don't go my way, I am going to give Thanks for the great things in my life  and the many challenges that I may encounter.

Lord tonight I prayer for your HELP!  Please send me an ANGEL to help me to stay strong and succeed and do your work.  Thank You.

an-gel  n.  An immortal being attendant
upon God; a very kind and
lovable person; a helping or
guiding spirit

If your trying to lose weight like me or even change a habit that you don't want to do anymore.  Remember, God is only a Prayer away.  I believe he will be the one to help us stay focused along our journey.  I know now that God is on this Weight Loss Journey with me, I will be successful.

Lean on God -- He wants us to want him to help us.  Just like a best friend, God will never let us down he will always be there for us.

So SMILE and BE HAPPY!

He will give His angels charge of you,

to guard you in all your ways.

--Psalm 91:11

Angels are speaking to all of us--

Some of us are only listening better.

---Anonymous

 

Print this poem off and carry it with you!  READ IT TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU STUMBLE.

WHISPER OF ANGELS WINGS!

Today, I stumbled and once again

Was lifted up by an unseen hand.

What comfort and joy that knowledge brings.

For I hear the whisper of angel wings.

The guardian angels God send to all

To bear us up when we stumble and fall.

Trust Him, my friend, and often you'll hear

The Whisper of angel wings hovering near.

--Author Unknown

WEIGHT CONTROL TIPS:  (taken from "The Calorie King - Calorie Fat & Carbohydrate Counter Book")  (There are 5 Tips)

 Tip #1 - Eat Sensibly
* Avoid fad diets.  Eat 3 sensible meals daily with adequate fruit and vegetables.
* Limit portion size.  Limit fats and high-fat foods, sugar soda and alcohol

Tip #2 - Exercise Daily
* Get active and exercise every day!
* Include muscle-strengthening exercises.  You'll lose more fat and keep it off.  You'll also feel and look better, and you can eat a little more!

Tip #3 - Reshape Eating Behaviors
* Be aware of eating habits and behaviours that lead to overeating.
*Also focus on social and emotional situations that lead you to snack compulsively.

Tip #4 - Keep a Food & Exercise Journal
* A journal helps you see exactly what you eat and drink, and how much you exercise. 
*An excellent motivator and proven weight loss aid and Keeps you honest!

(I have a Droid phone and use My Fitness Pal  App) (Look me up:  LoveyHowell1064)

Tip #5 - Arrange Moral Support
* Gain the support of family and friends.  Get extra professional help if required, from your doctor, dietitian, pychologists, exercise trainer or diet club.  BEWARE of family saboteurs who discourage from adopting a healthier lifestyle!   (I am using My Fitness Pal for extra moral support) 

KEEP MOVING:

Everyday, do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. (even if in 5 minute segments)

Before I sign off here I want to share this website I found in one of my SHAPE Magazines. http://abeforfitness.com/ Check this out. Has some really great 5 min exercise video routines you can do at your desk. I am going to try them when I take a ...break at work. I already started parking really far away from our Front Door so I get about a 5 min walk in. Everyday I have to go on our Post Office Run so I get to walk back and forth to my vehicle at least four times a day.

 

Anything is possible, just have faith that God will see you through everything.  No matter what happened today, tomorrow is a new day and a new start.

God believes YOU ARE WORTH IT!  So should you!!!

Remember, Have Faith, Believe in Miracles and never give up Hope. 

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!

Well I must sign off here for now, until next time my friends.  Take Care & God Bless.

Lovey (Gina) Howell

Whisper of Angel Wings

Hello, Today I feel compelled to write my Blog from my heart. 

Things have been hard lately, I have really been trying to find my Inner Self so I will feel better about myself, which will help me everyday to be the best that I can.  I started reading this book called "Angels Everywhere, Miracles & Messages" by Lynn Valentine.  It is such a wonderful book.  If you love to read, this would be a good one to put on your list.  Just recently when I received the "Money from Heaven" which I wrote about in one of my other Blogs.  It made me realize that there are truly still Angels Among Us.

I have had so many encounters throughout my life that some may think of as just Chance, Good Luck or  coincidence.  I know deep down that My God has always looked out for me and allowed his angels to protect me in many different ways. 

I know right now I need his help.  I am at a place in my life where I don't like what I physically look like.  My weight has become a problem, and I am embarrassed that I have let myself get to this point.  I try on my own to be strong, exercise, eat right do what is right and I will do great for awhile and then I FAIL.  I am so tired of being a failure.  I know if I fail, I just need to get up, brush myself off and start over, tomorrow is a NEW Day!  I am so very thankful that I have another day to start over.  But I just want to begin, keep it going and succeed at losing weight. 

I am making tonight a plea and prayer to MY God to please HELP ME!  Send me an ANGEL to help me to be strong and succeed.  I know Life is not easy, but with his assistance I know can do this.

Some don't believe in miracles.

They say, "What happens is by chance"

They rush through God's creation,

Without a passing glance.

But for those that look and listen

throughout each previous day

They will find the tracks of Angels,

as they move along their way!

--Andie Hellem

If your trying to lose weight like me or even change a habit that you don't want to do anymore.  Remember, God is only a Prayer away.  I believe he will be the one to help us stay focused along our journey.  I don't know why I started this weight loss journey without him.  But after tonight he is going to be my partner.

So SMILE and put on your Happy Face and Happy Feet.  Our duty is to work hard so OUR Dream will come true.  BE HAPPY!

God Always has an Angel of Help for those who are willing to do their duty.  --  T.L. Cuyler

Print this poem off and carry it with you!  READ IT TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU STUMBLE.

WHISPER OF ANGELS WINGS!

Today, I stumbled and once again

Was lifted up by an unseen hand.

What comfort and joy that knowledge brings.

For I hear the whisper of angel wings.

The guardian angels God send to all

To bear us up when we stumble and fall.

Trust Him, my friend, and often you'll hear

The Whisper of angel wings hovering near.

--Author Unknown

These week I got to move one marble from the "Pounds to Lose Jar" over to the "Pounds Lost Jar".  Yea Me!   Even one pound was an accomplishment.

WEIGHT CONTROL TIP:  (taken from "The Calorie King - Calorie Fat & Carbohydrate Counter Book")  (There are 5 Tips) (Will add another tomorrow)

 Tip #1 - Eat Sensibly
* Avoid fad diets.  Eat 3 sensible meals daily with adequate fruit and vegetables.
* Limit portion size.  Limit fats and high-fat foods, sugar soda and alcohol

Tip #2 - Exercise Daily
* Get active and exercise every day!
* Include muscle-strengthening exercises.  You'll lose more fat and keep it off.  You'll also feel and look better, and you can eat a little more!

JUST FOR YOU TIP:

Anything is possible, if you just put your mind to it and have faith.  No matter what happened today, tomorrow is a new day and a new start.

God believes YOU ARE WORTH IT!  So should you!!!

Some things are true, whether you believe them , or not.
-- Nathaniel Messenger "City of Angels"

Remember, Have Faith, Believe in Miracles and never give up Hope. 
Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see!

Well I must sign off here for now, until next time my friends.

Lovey (Gina) Howell