Trying to get a grip on a healthier me!

No, I am not on a health freak trip. No I am not fanatically racing off to the gym every day and NO I am not suffering from any eating disorder. I am approaching the mid 60-ties and notice that my body and my health are not quite lined up.

I am overweight. Not by more than 10 kg but then - 10 kg is 10 kg too much.

So that means I need to get a grip om myself before things get out of hand. "It slowly creeps up on you". I have heard that said often and really do understand. Yes, I have 'caused' this excess to settle around my waist and YES I am responsible - but it still did just slowly creep up on me and I have decided that SOMETHING needed to be done to avoid a further slide 'up' the scales so to speak.

And I am not alone in my plight. Many many women ( and men but let them tell their own story) who have passed their menopause notice changes to their body that for some are cause for distress. Some just can't seem to get the pounds on - and others just have to look at a piece of apple pie and gain weight. Our shape also seems to change even though some of our weight stays the same. each body reacts differently to this 'stage' we are going through.

My sleeping pattern is also out of balance. From the 7-9 hours recommended I manage half or slightly more. That appears to also have an effect on ones body weight.

And I am going to grab this 'stage' and do something about changing course. But not alone- as that hasn't worked till now. Two friends have joined me. We are our own little 'groupies' and stand tall and strong. Supporting one and other without prejudice or envy. As we each have different 'problems' and our levels of weight excess are varied.

Plan of attack:

• Believe we/I can do this.
• Vow solidarity without judgement
• Be honest especially to yourself
• Don't crash diet - starving isn't dieting
• Be realistic- one step at a time
• Take your time - every day is one step closer to our goal
• Exercise - just step this up gradually
• Celebrate each day - every day is a gift
• Time plan - 12 months
• Invest in yourself - you are worth it

Once a month we get together- and weigh in either at home or together ( personal option)

Keep diary - in provided exercise book. The highs and lows and if preferred the daily intake- it reduces when you realise what you are eating and when ( believe me)

Goal set - 1 kg per month off - it arrived slowly, so let it go to stay away. Crash dieting only causes a ping pong effect.

Deposit €2,00 every Monday morning into piggy bank - for a special 'girlie day' at the end of the 12 months.

Reward:  Girlie day= a treat like a facial, make over, buy a new dress or whatever and yes, a yummy lunch would be nice.

I started this adventure at a time when we had 5 dinners out in one week- and a weekend away to be followed by a birthday visit.

Before leaving, and after 2 dinners, I weighed myself- and when I came home - I was sooooo proud. I stayed the same weight. So it can be done. Believe me I had a lovely time, ate my 3 course meals and enjoyed hotel breakfasts - I just didn't go for all the extras. So silly at my age to be so actively immersed in this 'programme of own design'. But it feels good and I am going to stay focussed. 

Looking forward to July 2017 and my meeting with the scales and mirror image.

Thank you 2013 - for all the experiences I have had this past year

It is nearly 2014. In less than 24 hours we will turn the page on our calendars.

What a date - 2014. 

How different the world now looks, 100 years on 1914. A time of war and poverty, hunger and unrest. I am convinced people wished each other Happy New year on the 31-12-1913. It took 4 years for that to happen.

Now here we are again- on the brink of another year, another chapter in our lives. And once again millions will be wishing each other a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Joyful New Year.

My wish for your 2014 year is for,

Happy -  by being thankful for what you have - not what you want. Count your blessings in thanks and gratitude. It makes the world smile at you. So smile back and enjoy.

Healthy - by making the right choices for your physical and emotional well being. Smoking, drinking, eating, exercising- all part of our responsibility- not the National Health Service! We were given a body- so we need to take care of it.

Prosperous - that you are able to take care of the needs of your family and hopefully also share and contribute to those less fortunate. This being in many forms like sharing skills, giving practical help, a listening ear, a supporting shoulder, gifts of love and compassion and where necessary monetary donations. Help others have a prosperous year too.

Joyful - that each day brings challenges and opportunities that give pleasure and satisfaction. Learn from experiences and look before you leap, take advice, weigh up pros' and cons' wisely. Life is a learning process and adventure, a gift to use well.

I am grateful for all that 2013 brought me. Yes, the sad and happy moments alike. Life isn't always a smooth ride, and it needn't be. I am grateful for those around me who walk along side me, for my faith which carries me and lifts me up when I am down, for those who laugh with me when I laugh and share with me when they need to share. With joyful anticipation I look forward to 2014 and all it's challenges and opportunities.

That the lessons I learnt in the past are strongholds and acts as a beacon for my future.

A VERY HAPPY, BLESSED AND JOYOUS 2014 

TO YOU ALL