Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Fasting advice

Tomorrow, I plan to fast for the day or at least for a partial day.  I have no clue, to an extent, how to fast meals or for days.  What shall I do?  Where should I begin?  Lord, teach me and give me wisdom and direction when it comes to this issue.  I don't usually write out issues about religion, but I felt led to write about it.  How many meals should I fast?  How should I do so in a blog where I have created for the day?  Remember to Keep it Simple.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Keeping things simple

I realize that changing one's perspective one question at a time can lead to one solution at a time.  For instance, I make plans over and over.  The reason why is that I thought that it would help me to lose weight.  The truth is, I have lost weight, and these are great plans.  However, I have to change my perspective on how to formulate my plans.  The answer is to take an inventory of what I have and to leave behind as well what is not good for me.  I am at an age where I should know better.  However, I have been stuck. 

I complained all of the time when I realize that as a Christian, I have much to be thankful for.  First and foremost, Jesus, the Son of God, is my Lord and Savior.  As a believer in Christ, that is enough to be thankful for.  I am also thankful for my health and my ability to come to Him for not only in times of need, but in times of thanks and praise.  I write this because I don't have to remain where I am.  I can make changes.  For instance, I do consume way too much peanut butter and processed foods.  I see only the whys and the hows.  How do I change this and that?  How do I develop the taste for something healthy?  I don't wish to buy healthy foods only to not eat them, which is often what I do. 

The answer is to take things slow and keep things simple.  As I am writing this, I actually feel a sense of relief.  I am finally free from all of the guilt and all of the "pain" that comes with being overwhelmed.  I feel like everything that has overwhelmed me has finally been lifted off of me.  I am now none the wiser.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Meal and Exercise plan for 5/28/17

Breakfast
Toast
Strawberry Preserves
Apple

Snack 1
Boiled Egg

Lunch
Beef or chicken
3 Vegetables
2 Starch
1 Fruit

Snack 2
Oatmeal with raisin (small bowl)

Dinner
Beef or chicken
2 Vegetables

Snack 3
2 fruits

Total Calories
1490 (Approximate)

Exercise Plan:
Morning
10 minutes walking

Afternoon:
10 online core exercise

Evening
10 minutes weight and resistance training

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Copied from 5/23/17

Lessons and plans I need to follow

I surprise myself.  My goal is to continue logging in to myfitnesspal and consume no more or somewhat within the 1700 to 1900 calorie range.  While I often miss the mark at 1800, caloriewise, I do well.  On the other hand, I have a lot to learn when it comes to planning my meals.  Peanut butter is one of my weaknesses.  I do consume too much of it.  It is supposed to be healthy in small doses, for instance.  Sadly, there is a fact that I have no clue how to eat or follow a plan.  I need to learn how to follow a plan.

I also need to exercise.  I am motivated.  The truth is, I am not sure if I will ever get to exercise.  The issue with me is, I have struggled to move on from the past.  I have made mostly meal and diet plans for myself.  Unfortunately, I don't usually take the time to do the same thing as far as exercise.  The main issues are what time to begin exercising, how many times to exercise, and which exercise to do. Where should I begin?

Here is the plan that I have been given.  That plan seems easy, but sometimes it is hard to implement.  The first thing I realize that I need to do is to follow said plan.  However, I tend to plan according to calories and calories alone.  Maybe I should follow the plan that was given to me and that I have tried to follow.  Here is my 1800 calories plan, yet I need to keep in mind that I don't always (and should) follow this particular plan:
Breakfast
400 calories

Lunch
500 calories

Dinner
400 calories

Snack 1
200 calories

Snack 2
200 calories

Snack 3
100 calories

Total
1800 calories

The above plan is the plan that I try to follow.  However, this one plan is quite realistic and somewhat easy to follow.  I do realize, however, that the original  plan for me is 1/2 vegetables, 1/4  starches, and 1/4 meal and proteins.  This plan is based on the plate method, which is what the nutritionist has presented.  It has been hard to follow, no matter how easy it looks on paper and plate.  How do I follow this when my diet is so poor?  It is obvious, but it can be overwhelming.  In fact, following a plan can be quite overwhelming.  This would be because nothing comes easy for me because I have so many plans.  I love sweets and other trigger foods more so than fruits and vegetables at times, yet it is time that I need to change up my acquired tastes and add them to my diet.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Lessons and plans I need to follow

I surprise myself.  My goal is to continue logging in to myfitnesspal and consume no more or somewhat within the 1700 to 1900 calorie range.  While I often miss the mark at 1800, caloriewise, I do well.  On the other hand, I have a lot to learn when it comes to planning my meals.  Peanut butter is one of my weaknesses.  I do consume too much of it.  It is supposed to be healthy in small doses, for instance.  Sadly, there is a fact that I have no clue how to eat or follow a plan.  I need to learn how to follow a plan. 

I also need to exercise.  I am motivated.  The truth is, I am not sure if I will ever get to exercise.  The issue with me is, I have struggled to move on from the past.  I have made mostly meal and diet plans for myself.  Unfortunately, I don't usually take the time to do the same thing as far as exercise.  The main issues are what time to begin exercising, how many times to exercise, and which exercise to do. Where should I begin? 

Here is the plan that I have been given.  That plan seems easy, but sometimes it is hard to implement.  The first thing I realize that I need to do is to follow said plan.  However, I tend to plan according to calories and calories alone.  Maybe I should follow the plan that was given to me and that I have tried to follow.  Here is my 1800 calories plan, yet I need to keep in mind that I don't always (and should) follow this particular plan:
Breakfast
400 calories

Lunch
500 calories

Dinner
400 calories

Snack 1
200 calories

Snack 2
200 calories

Snack 3
100 calories

Total
1800 calories

The above plan is the plan that I try to follow.  However, this one plan is quite realistic and somewhat easy to follow.  I do realize, however, that the original  plan for me is 1/2 vegetables, 1/4  starches, and 1/4 meal and proteins.  This plan is based on the plate method, which is what the nutritionist has presented.  It has been hard to follow, no matter how easy it looks on paper and plate.  How do I follow this when my diet is so poor?  It is obvious, but it can be overwhelming.  In fact, following a plan can be quite overwhelming.  This would be because nothing comes easy for me because I have so many plans.  I love sweets and other trigger foods more so than fruits and vegetables at times, yet it is time that I need to change up my acquired tastes and add them to my diet.


Monday, May 22, 2017

I need help

Lord,

Help me.  This blog entry has been very difficult to write for me.  I have no clue what I wanted to express.  Help me.

In Jesus' name,


Amen

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Old blog, new URL, new title

It is as if much of  this blog have been nothing but reflections.  While this is true, much of my blog has often been about whatever plans I ever had.  I wonder if I should change everything.  I am confused and I am in need of guidance.  I realize that I have no clue what the difference between a diet plan and a meal plan.  Most of my plans are daily meal plans for others to follow.  My hope is that I have truly helped others or so it seem and for that, I thank You for your tweets.  I really appreciate it. 

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Meal plan for 5/18/17

Breakfast
372 Calories
1 bowl of oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup almond milk
1 cup coffee
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Snack 1
100 Calories
1 serving of prunes (6)

Lunch
458 Calories
2 Soft bean and beef  burritos with cheese
Lettuce and  Sliced avocado
Sour Cream
Salsa Verde

Snack 2
125 Calories
1 large banana

Dinner
598 Calories
Salad with ranch dressing
Sliced avocado
Salsa Verde
2 cheese, and bean burritos with cheese

Snack 3
120 Calories
8 oz. yogurt

Total
1773  Calories

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Meal and Exercise plans for 5/17/17

Breakfast
92 Calories
2 Rice Cakes
1 cup coffee

Snack 1
100 Calories
1 serving of prunes (6)

Lunch
600 Calories
2 Soft bean and beef (or turkey) burritos with cheese
Lettuce and 2 tomato slices
Sliced avocado
Sour Cream
Salsa Verde

Snack 2
105 Calories
1 large banana

Dinner
580 Calories
Cole Slaw (1/2 cup)
Sliced avocado
Salsa Verde
2 beef, cheese, and bean burritos

Snack 3
120 Calories
8 oz. yogurt

Total
1597 Calories


Here is my exercise plan for the next few days:
5/17
Stretch for 5 minutes
Online walking exercises 15 minutes

5/18
Stretch for 5 minutes
Online walking exercises for 10 minutes
Using weights for 5 minutes

5/19
Stretch for 5 minutes
Online walking exercises for 7.5 minutes
Using resistance bands and core exercises for 7.5 minutes

5/20
Stretch for 5 minutes
Online exercises (core) 15 minutes

Saturday, May 6, 2017

15 Tips for Better Weekly Meal Planning by Faith Durand

15 Tips for Better Weekly Meal Planning
by Faith Durand
9/18/12

Last week we asked our readers for their best tips for meal planning. How do you get dinner on the table, week in and week out, without getting bored? How do you stay energized and engaged with the act of cooking at home? Here are fifteen of our best and most universal tips for learning how to plan your meals.

What Is Meal Planning?
What is meal planning? It's whatever way you organize yourself to cook a meal, whether that's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is the plan you make before you shop. Some people plan a month in advance, freezing neatly-labeled packets of soup and stew. Others wing it, shopping for that evening's meal at the farmers' market and picking up whatever looks good to them. Meal planning is a really personal thing. What works for you may not work for me. The goal, I think, is to find a process that is both enjoyable and effective.

One of the things I sensed in our readers' comments is that many of them enjoyed reading through cookbooks, clipping recipes from blogs and websites, and taking some time to anticipate cooking. I think this is an important part of meal planning. Meals aren't just solutions to the problem of needing to eat; making a meal is also an expression of creativity — even if it's just cutting a PB&J sandwich into a new shape. Find ways to inspire yourself and to look forward to cooking. That's the spirit that animates this whole endeavor.

Secondly, I saw that readers were doing whatever worked for them. There's no right way to plan your meals; you should just do what is effective for you. I read over ten ways of gathering and organizing recipes. Your way may be messier and less elegant than you like, but if it works, why worry? Don't spend too much time looking for the most perfect and impeccably-maintained system. The system is just the tool. The point is the meal. Well, really, it's people, and enjoying good food with them and nourishing oneself.

This list of tips is all over the map — there are plenty of ideas here for getting more organized and helping yourself think ahead. Others are to just jog your memory and help you get inspired to dream up meals you'd love to eat.



15 Tips for Better Weekly Meal Planning

Friday, May 5, 2017

Fitness program: 5 steps to get started

Fitness program: 5 steps to get started
Are you thinking about starting a fitness program? Good for you! You're only five steps away from a healthier lifestyle.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your balance and coordination, help you lose weight — and even improve your sleep habits and self-esteem. And there's more good news. You can start a fitness program in only five steps.

1. Assess your fitness level

You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can give you benchmarks against which to measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition, consider recording:

Your pulse rate before and immediately after walking 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
How long it takes to walk 1 mile or 400 meters, or how long it takes to run 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers)
How many half situps, standard pushups or modified pushups you can do at a time
How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you
Your waist circumference, just above your hipbones
Your body mass index
2. Design your fitness program

It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day. But you'll need a plan. As you design your fitness program, keep these points in mind:

Consider your fitness goals. Are you starting a fitness program to help lose weight? Or do you have another motivation, such as preparing for a marathon? Having clear goals can help you gauge your progress and stay motivated.
Create a balanced routine.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.

For example, try to get about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week. Also aim to incorporate strength training of all the major muscle groups into a fitness routine at least two days a week.

Start low and progress slowly. If you're just beginning to exercise, start cautiously and progress slowly. If you have an injury or a medical condition, consult your doctor or an exercise therapist for help designing a fitness program that gradually improves your range of motion, strength and endurance.
Build activity into your daily routine. Finding time to exercise can be a challenge. To make it easier, schedule time to exercise as you would any other appointment. Plan to watch your favorite show while walking on the treadmill, read while riding a stationary bike, or take a break to go on a walk at work.
Plan to include different activities. Different activities (cross-training) can keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training using low-impact forms of activity, such as biking or water exercise, also reduces your chances of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. Plan to alternate among activities that emphasize different parts of your body, such as walking, swimming and strength training.
Allow time for recovery. Many people start exercising with frenzied zeal — working out too long or too intensely — and give up when their muscles and joints become sore or injured. Plan time between sessions for your body to rest and recover.
Put it on paper. A written plan may encourage you to stay on track.

Tips to Get Started

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Just leaving today's post because tomorrow will be just another day...

Diet plan or at least calorie plan for 5/4/17
Breakfast
305 Calories
1 slice of honey grain toast
1 oz. cream cheese
1 Tbsp. strawberry jam
1 medium banana

Snack 1
150 Calories
25  white cheddar baked cheese crackers

Lunch
695 Calories
1 Cheeseburger
1 Serving Tater Tots
1 Toss salad with mushrooms and 2 Tbsp. ranch dressing

Snack 2
180 Calories
1 peanut granola bar

Dinner
210 Calories
1 Tossed salad with mushrooms with 2 Tbsp. ranch dressing

Snack 3
90 Calories
2 white cheddar rice cheese cakes

Total
1630 Calories

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Diet plan or at least calorie plan for 5/4/17

Breakfast
305 Calories
1 slice of honey grain toast
1 oz. cream cheese
1 Tbsp. strawberry jam
1 medium banana

Snack 1
150 Calories
25  white cheddar baked cheese crackers

Lunch
695 Calories
1 Cheeseburger
1 Serving Tater Tots
1 Toss salad with mushrooms and 2 Tbsp. ranch dressing

Snack 2
180 Calories
1 peanut granola bar

Dinner
210 Calories
1 Tossed salad with mushrooms with 2 Tbsp. ranch dressing

Snack 3
90 Calories
2 white cheddar rice cheese cakes

Total
1630 Calories