Week 41, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Well, I've been absent from posting for the last few days. Sorry. I was really busy and didn't take the time to post. Now, I'm ready to hop on the saddle and ride again!

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The If Only Syndrome

The Bible says that our real problem is that every one of us is building our identity on something besides Jesus. Whether it's to succeed in our chosen field or to have a certain relationship-or even to get up and walk-we're saying, "If I have that, if I get my deepest wish, then everything will be okay. [King's Cross by Timothy Keller]

"If only I could lose ten pounds...If only I had this car...If only I had this job...If only my children were...If only my health was...If only my bills were...If only my husband did...If only my parents would...If only..."


Do you find yourself living in the "if only" syndrome? For quite some time I have been living in the "if only syndrome". My focus has shifted from a longing for God to a longing for circumstances and things? When did my life become a constant longing for the things I don't have? When did I take my eyes off of God, my source, my provider, my protector, my manna! My daily thoughts have been, "If I lost seventy-five more pounds I'll be great!...If I had my own house I'd be happy...If I had my own car I'd be happy." Instead of focusing on ALL the blessings I do have. I have become stagnant in the 'if only syndrome'. 


Satan wants us to see the things we don't have and have us believe the lie that God has turned his back on us. He wants us to think that God has forgotten us. That God wants us to suffer and be in poverty, sickness, disease, lack, and sadness. What parent wants it's child to suffer and be sad? NOT our Heavenly Father! God isn't that way! 


God wants me, and all of us who trust and believe in Him, to have the desires of our hearts. He wants us to have the best jobs, the best children, the best health, the best financial security, the best houses, the best cars; He wants us to have it all! But first He wants us to desire HIM, trust Him, Love Him! Everything else is a side benefit of our longing for God. If I would spend more time in the Word, gaining knowledge of my Lord, I would see that He has revealed all of His promises to me. God has already given me HIS power to have all of his glorious promises and blessings; for my future in Heaven and my temporary time here on earth. See what the Bible says in 2 Peter, chapter 1, verses 2-11 [New Living Translation]

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When I take my focus off of the things I don't have, replace them with thankfulness for what I do have, AND put my eyes in the Word and on my Lord and Savior, all of His promises come and fill me with peace, fulfillment, knowledge, love, and a desire for more if His presence in my life!


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I am holding at 211 pounds. I did not exercise on Friday or Saturday. 
However, I did a 3.2 mile walk/run.
I also did muscle strengthening exercises with weights and floor exercises.


Sunday's Menu:
One pan fried egg (in a non-stick skillet with just a 1/2 teaspoon of butter). Turkey Sausage and whole wheat toast.


Homemade French Onion Soup, two small slices of French bread - toasted with Swiss cheese, and a small sweet potato. Water


Some corn chips and salsa.




GREAT DAY!

Week 39, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Matthew 19:26. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Small Steps equal Huge Victories!

Sometimes when you start a diet the end goal seems overwhelming, huge, daunting, unimaginable, unrealistic, and way out of reach. It only takes one good choice. Then you can build by setting small sub-goals, stepping stones so to speak, on your journey to the final main goal.


Sure, each of us stumble and fall off the stepping stones, but we don't have to go back to the beginning and you certainly don't have to give up. You are not a failure by making one or two mistakes. When you have small set backs, you refocus, forgive yourself, get back up, and move forward. As you have small victories, they will motivate you to continued success. Build upon the small successes. Now your final goal is really possible.


Often, it's good to look back at your progress and see how far you've come. Measure your success by small victories and not your final goal. Use your mistakes in a positive way and don't make the same mistakes over and over. Learn, change, and move forward. Remind yourself of your final goal, but work toward the small and closest one and use it as a catalyst for forward momentum.


As you learn and adjust to your new healthy lifestyle, you will grow to like it and form new good habits, leaving the old bad habits behind! One good choice will start a chain reaction that will snowball to a lifestyle change of healthy habits. Take one step at a time, one day at a time, and before you know it, you will be standing on your final platform of Victory!
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Exercise:
I walk/jogged 3 miles.

Week 39, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Revelation 2:17 "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. "I will give some of the hidden manna [Spiritual food] to everyone who is victorious [overcomer]. I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it. No one knows this new name except the one who receives it.

Beneficial: [Conducive to personal well-being].  Before you eat any food, ask yourself, “Is this food that I’m about to eat full of good healthy nutrients and vitamins? It this food BENEFICIAL to my new healthy lifestyle and my body’s well-being?”  If the answer is yes, EAT UP! If it is no, put it down…walk away! Portion Control First, get your daily portion of manna [Spiritual food] from the Word! Spend time with God. Let Him minister to you and charge you with His strength to guide you in healthy choices. WebMD says: “Portion control is a critical part of successful weight loss and weight management. The WebMD Portion Size Plate gives you easy-to-understand guidelines to help you avoid some common portion-size pitfalls.” Click here to see a very visual interactive portion control plate. This is an EXCELLENT source for portion control. Click on the words, ‘FRIDGE SIZE PORTION GUIDE’ to have access to a FREE to print; 8.5” x11” size sign for your refrigerator. Printable wallet size portion control reference guide. Journal what you eat! It's been clinically proven that keeping track of what you eat is the #1 most effective method for controlling and reducing your daily caloric intake. WebMD has a FREE Printable Journal. Now you have NO EXCUSES to eat healthier. Happy journaling & Healthy eating! FREE JOURNAL  from WebMD.

Week 39, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Romans 5:3-5. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Today was a great day. I was really hungry after my walk/jog and yard mowing. (Yes, I know it is February, but Yards in Texas still have to be mowed, nearly all year long. Not as often in the winter, though. I ate a salad and OH BOY! was it good.

My parents brought in pizza and it smelled delicious. I really wanted to eat about four slices, but I didn't. I ate my salad and afterward I felt so happy that I didn't give in to my cravings. I kept repeating the verse in the Bible that says, "And endurance develops strength of character...And this hope will not lead to disappointment...The Holy Spirit (God) fills my heart with Love."

I will succeed! God wants me to succeed and I draw on the Holy Spirit for my strength and endurance. I can rejoice because I didn't eat the plate of brownies that appeared in the afternoon. They smelled Heavenly, but I shook my head and left the room. There were so many temptations screaming at me today.

My brilliant husband sent me this quote the other day! He is so supportive and I am going to put this on my Blog Heading!

Temptations are always around but with God's power and grace, they become minor distractions rather than major attractions!

See? Isn't he just the smartest? This is so awesome. I no longer feel these temptations are major attractions. Because I have practiced successfully resisting for so long it has become second nature to refuse to give in. The foods that used to trip me up are now minor distractions. I can walk past them without pausing; I just keep going. I hardly give them any notice at all. I merely wave them off with my hand. This is only possible because I chose to do so!  I draw on God's strength to correct my thinking and change my focus. MY CHOICE! MY DECISION!

Also, for the last week and until Easter, I have given up carbonated beverages. I haven't really missed them at all. I have been drinking more water and teas. Now, last night I went to eat dinner with my husband. We ordered our drinks and ate supper. I didn't even realize that I had ordered a diet coke with a lime wedge. I just ate and drank it up and got a refill and drank that up too! Now, this is my favorite Mexican food restaurant and it was just out of habit that I ordered the diet soda. It wasn't until today that I realized what I had done. Oops & DUH! I won't make that mistake again! Forgiveness and mercy to me! Thank you Lord.

EXERCISE:

Walk/Jog for 40 minutes: 3 miles. Yeah me!

Weight Loss: I am down another pound! FINALLY!

Week 39, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

John 15: 9 - 11 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.."

To remain means: to stay in the same state or condition. How do you remain in God's love? I believe, as the scriptures say, by constantly studying the Word (to know his will for us and know his commands). We read and study the Bible to store it in our memory. Then when temptations come, we will feel his strength to endure through the trial, His love to shield fill us with contentment and His power to overcome. 


Maybe you look to food to fill the sadness or empty, hollow feelings of your despair, hurt, or sadness. If you are not remaining in the Word, then it is easy to reach out for a quick fix of food to fill the missing love, comfort and joy. Some people will turn to drugs and alcohol for escape or fill the hurt, but these are mere band aids. The don't have any healing qualities, they only cover up what the pain but eventually you have to pull it off. Pulling off a sticky bandage causes more pain and reveals a wound that can easily become an open hurt, again.


Complete: the absolute total; to make whole, with all the necessary parts and components.


Only the Love of our Heavenly Father can completely heal and fill up our wounds and hurts with His amazing, miraculous, overflowing, unconditional love and joy!  God is the only way to long lasting, true, satisfying and complete happiness.


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Yikes! My legs are sore! Every step I took this afternoon and evening after I walked/jogged 3.2 miles today, HURTS! (I put the 'point' and the two-tenths of a mile in my distance because I want every tenth to count. I am not rounding down or up. I want the full benefit of the distance I exercised!!!! I am feeling every step in my muscles and I don't want to forget this pain...because I am not going back to unhealthy! I want this memory of my sore muscles to serve as a reminder...Don't eat unhealthy! Unhealthy hurts!


Menu:
Egg, turkey sausage, whole wheat toast, coffee


50 calorie strawberry yogurt with a few nuts and raisins. Life Water Zero - Lemonade flavor


Beef Taco and corn chips and salsa...Diet Coke with Lime.


Snack: FRESH out of the oven, one heavenly hot slice of homemade whole wheat bread with melted butter and a touch of honey!  Sugar free Peach flavored tea.

Week 39, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Psalm 119: 174 & 175 LORD, I want you to save me.    Your teachings make me happy. Let me live to praise you.    Let me find the help I need in your laws

Today was a great day. I did have the munchies this evening and I really wanted to eat a container of Pringles. I got up and exercised with the dumbbells, instead. After a few minutes the urge was gone and I was focusing on counting reps and not chips. WHEW!


Exercise:
3.2 miles Walk/jog
Upper body workout with the dumbbells. My legs are very, very sore!!!!
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Commitment: The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action

Are you committed to your new healthy eating lifestyle? The definition of commitment says that it is a state of being emotionally or intellectually bound to a course of action. Which are  you committed to? Bad food choices or Good food choices? 


Successful Healthy Eating Lifestyle Tips: 

• Keep a food journal. I cannot express the importance of this action. It is easy to forget the small things you eat. Each little tidbit of food counts! Don't dismiss the "just one bite" or "a small taste" of any food. You'll be surprised at how the calories will mount up.  It doesn't have to be a HUGE journal. They even have a app for your phone to help you with your journaling.  iphone or android
• Select a program that meets your lifestyle and one that you like. You will have more success if you like the program. Don't just join Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig just to join. Check out the program first before you purchase. There are a lot of FREE sites out there that are excellent and you won't have to pay any membership dues. They have support and encouragement.
• Perimeter Grocery Shopping: Limit your food purchases at the grocery store to the perimeter only. Avoid going to the center of the grocery store for your food purchases. If you will notice, only the fresh ingredients are at the edges of the store. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, and bakery (which the bakery should really be avoided). The center aisles are filled with all the processed foods.
• You have to commit (make the mental and emotional decision) to eat healthier. If you only halfway try...then you will fail at the first sign of temptation or struggle.
• Clean out your pantry. Don't purchase foods that will tempt you to cheat. Clean out your refrigerator and pantry to rid your house of unhealthy foods. (Sometimes this is not an option if you have a family that is not eating your plan.)
• Get an accountability partner. Someone that you trust and respect to help you stay on track and encourage you to make the right choices.
• Focus on God and not food. I believe that you have to put GOD into your diet. Read and study the Bible, every day, so that you can draw on the power of the Word to help be successful. This will also give you strength as you focus on God and not food. A temptation only last about 15 seconds so you can easily quote a scripture verse from memory in that amount of time, and before you know it, the temptation is over.
• You have to exercise. Diet without exercise will not work. Sure you will cut calories but you will also lose muscle without strength training. You also need to get out and walk to increase your metabolism and burn off stored fat. It is also a great heart exercise, too.
• Weigh yourself only once a week. The scales don't give you an accurate picture. They cannot tell you if you had too much salt or if you are holding water due to your menstrual cycle. It cannot tell you if you are gaining because you added muscle from strength training.  Really, you will be able to see the difference in so many different ways. In the fit of your clothes, in renewed energy, in your flexibility, in your skin color and much, much more.

Week 38, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Haggai 1:10 It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. [NLT]  There are consequences of failing to care for the Lord’s temple [my body]. People who don’t care for their bodies now will suffer because of their poor choices later on down the road. Be it gaining weight and experiencing less energy, later down the road there might be serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, back problems, high blood pressure..., It is the choices we make today that matter both in the physical and the spiritual sense, both now and in our future. In my spiritual sense, when I neglect my body by making poor food choices and not exercising, I feel weighed down by stress and problems. I have less energy to give to God and more emotions to wade through in my daily life. By giving my food cravings over to God and focusing more on Him, I find my sense of purpose. I am energized and motivated to shine, not only in my spiritual walk, but also in my physical body. ******************************************************************************* Today I walked/ran for nearly 4.5 miles total; 3 miles this afternoon and 1.5 miles tonight. WHEW! That's a lot of cardio. My legs and back are tired. Tomorrow I am only doing strength exercises and taking a slower walk with my dog! Excuses – Excuses – Excuses  I am not trying to cast fault or guilt. I merely want each person to look at why they are not exercising and how they can change for the healthier. Are you making excuses not to exercise? There really isn't any good reason why exercise of some kind is not included in your weekly schedule!(Except for justifiably recovering from illness, surgery or injury.) ·         “You don’t know how hectic my schedule is! There is no way I can add one more thing to my daily activities. ·         I work all day and I don’t have time or energy to exercise. ·         I have to have time to relax and watch my TV programs. ·         The children have homework. ·         I have to take my kids to soccer.”   ·         When I get home I am too tired to exercise. I just need to sit and unwind. ·         I have too many physical limitations that don’t allow me to exercise. ·         I don’t have any exercise equipment. ·         My family is unsupportive. ·         I enjoy surfing the internet and chatting with my friends on Facebook. Do you feel that your a justified by your excuses not to exercise?  Do you think you are setting a good example to your children? Why do you think that it is so hard to exercise on a consistent basis? What motivation do you need to stick to a daily exercise routine?

Dear Lord, I want to care for my body in the ways I eat and the ways I move. I want to see that my ability to exercise is a gift. I dedicate my temple to you and commit to rebuilding it today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Week 26, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Everyone have a safe, blessed and healthy Thanksgiving tomorrow!


Oh what a day! Busy, busy, busy on the day before the two day holiday.
I started my day by going to church and volunteering in their offices. I had a great, peaceful time. There are so many happy, friendly, peaceful, loving people there. I had an awesome time. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help. Each person that I meet goes out of their way to express their gratitude for the help. Truly, I haven't met an unfriendly person, yet. I look forward to each time.

After working, I dashed over to the local warehouse club to get some items for the next couple of weeks of dinners and lunches.  Tomorrow, is Thanksgiving so that means lots of preparations for many people. I am not cooking this year, but my mom and sisters have been at it all day. I came home from a long day and jumped right in cleaning up and helping them finish whatever needed to be done.
Here I am at 1:41 a.m. and I am still up finishing up my day. I am ready for a HUGE couple of days off! That is one of the many things I am thankful for!

Today's menu was not the best...but I didn't have a choice, this time.

One egg, oats with blueberries, one slice of bacon

half a hamburger and a few fries, diet coke

2 small piece of pizza and diet coke.

No snacks...couldn't afford the calories.

I did drink about 1/4 cup of red Moscato  to settle my stomach...too much bread, I think.


Exercise: I did a brisk walk and run about 1/4 mile with my nephew...he needed to get his wiggles out. Pixyl, my son's dog, was really enjoying the running, too.

Week 24, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Wednesday ~ Again, I post early because I know my day is going to be extremely full. Tuesday, I didn't get to walk twice. However, my hubby and I walked for 3 miles after dinner...actually, we did some jogging mixed in with the walking...at my suggestion. Since I've lost so much weight, I feel like I could fly. I have so much more energy and walking is a breeze. I ran about a 1/4 mile before my shins begin to burn and I returned to a brisk walk. Later during the walk I jogged again. I hardly got winded. Mind you, it was not an all out sprint but more like a trot. Still, it was more than I have ever done before. I was so surprised that I could jog and talk without gasping for air. Not even a slight stitch in my side. It was such a bizarre feeling to jog.  Now the Girls in BRAzil where out of control. I had to run with my forearms just south of the Brazilian region to keep the girls from going wild)!  Truly hilarious.

Revelation Knowledge:
Generosity -- It is easy to be generous when you have plenty. It's during the drought that it becomes a labor of love to give. Give from the heart and joyously!

Mark 12.43-44 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Exercise:
I plan to walk 3 miles
Kettlebell and Resistance band

Food:
Breakfast: Egg, Turkey sausage, coffee

Lunch: (to be updated)

Dinner: (to be updated)