We Admitted...

Nobody likes to admit defeat. Nobody likes to admit life has become unmanageable.
I didn't really consider - until today - that I have used food to medicate myself in much the same way I used to use alcohol. Bummer.

Here's an excerpt from page 48 of The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom:

"If you are chronically overweight, I know that your manner of living can be characterized as inert, harried and chaotic. You do not exercise; you are not a member of a gym; or if you are, you haven't actually graced the door of one in ages, and quite predictably, your main leisure time activity is watching television. Even your internal and emotional reactions are keeping your weight-sustaining lifestyle alive. Yes, you have set up your world and chosen your lifestyle in a way that supports staying overweight. You have chosen to live in a way in which no other result could occur."

Ouch, ouch, ouch. Yes, that was me until 12 days ago. But with the help of folks like Bob Greene and Phil McGraw, I'm learning to structure a different lifestyle - one day at a time.

And if I could describe this place of renewed hope, it would
sound like this.

Leslie Sansone's 3-Minute Mini-Walk

Q. What do you call a mother who wears a pedometer?

A. A pe-DOM-mom. (Smile.)

A few days ago, my new pedometer arrived. The big surprise was that using it didn't discourage me. Instead, it helped me see how many steps I already take in a normal day. Merely walking an extra "lap" from my office chair to the coffee pot nearly doubled my daily steps. (That should also give you an idea how much coffee I drink!)

Still, that's not enough steps to get me to the Phase I exercise level.

On one of the Best Life discussion threads, somebody suggested
Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home DVDsas a good way to get started.

Need a free preview? Watch
Leslie's desk-side three-minute mini-walk twice a day as a way to rev up your energy and be more active. Remember, it's not good to sit for long periods without moving.

Get Moving!

Okay, I have no idea how many steps a day I walk, which seems to be a requirement for logging daily progress on Phase I of Bob Greene's BestLife program.

Solution: a pedometer. Yep, I looked at the one on the Bestlife site, but as an Amazon Prime member, I get two-day shipping free, or overnight shipping for only $3.99.

I also decided I need a
food scale, since I obviously have no idea what a four-ounce portion of chicken looks like.

Two items, two days,
plus free shipping.
Deal of the day.

Now get moving!

Be More Active

Corporate wellness gurus know it's important to prevent tension-induced ailments caused from sitting at a computer for long periods at a time: tight muscles, stiff joints, carpel tunnel syndrome and even potentially deadly blot clots.

At DH's office, desktop reminders signal employees when they have been "on task" too long. Time to take a break, stand up and stretch, work the willies out.

In Phase I of the BestLife program, "deskercise" is an good way to ease tension, increase flexibility and get your circulation going.

Stop Eating Two Hours Before Bedtime

Well, Darling Husband (DH) actually pulled through with flying colors yesterday! My late afternoon reply to a reader's comment joyfully announced that DH called just before 1 p.m., declaring he had "eaten a healthy lunch at the hospital cafeteria." What's more, he called after work to say that he could break away in time to squeeze in a 30-minute evening walk if I didn't mind getting out in cold, rainy weather. (Um, pass. I substituted my 45-minute walk through the grocery store! By the way, here are some great ways to save on your grocery bill. Login required.)

Quietly reveling in having hit all other Phase I goals for the day, we settled down to watch the Texas American Idol and the last episode of Comanche Moon. Around 9 p.m., however, we hit the wall. Eyebrows raised and heads tilted toward the kitchen, we sighed,"Can't do it. We're past the cutoff time to stop eating."

For the first time in a long while, DH came to bed before 11 p.m. - the end of Golf Central. Whether to keep from eating or to prepare for a 5:30 a.m. drive to Texas this morning, I'm not sure. All I know is we made it through yesterday victoriously...together.

WAHOO!!

Ho-Ho Hubby

Oprah and Bob's Best Life Challenge 2008 offers participants the opportunity to "make a contract with yourself."

Last night, during a commercial break in Comanche Moon, I presented a copy of the contract to my husband and asked for feedback.

After a quick read, he responded, "That is so nice." Click. Click. "Just remember, you're the cook around here. If you fix it, I'll eat it."

The weekend weather is predicted to be in the 20s, which should prevent his usual golf outings. Should be a good time to talk again.

In the meantime, I'll remain our household's Lonesome Dove.

P.S. I know why they tell you not to weigh in Phase I. I ate only 864 calories yesterday, but still gained a pound by this morning.