Doing...

Humans learn by doing. As a teacher, especially in music, this is concept and process which is unavoidable. The only way for my students to learn how to play their instrument is to spend time doing it. No matter how much I can TELL them how to do something, they need to experience it in order to learn it.

They also need to learn what it feels like to play it INCORRECT. Unfortunately, some students do that every time they see me, because they don't spend time outside the lesson with the instrument.

Life is like that. If we don't do, whether right wrong, we will never learn at all. We often have to learn what something isn't before we can learn what it IS.

How many times did you do something the wrong way first, and then immediately know what to do to fix it? I'm sure you can think of some. But I'm also sure you can think of more where you erred multiple times before hitting the money!

No big revelations today. Just food for thought, I guess!

My last post...

Had some spelling errors. Sorry. Auto-text on the iPhone...

But u hit tie jist, rite?

The problem with goals...

Is that once you reach one, you have to set another one!

I hate equating my life to sports sometimes, because I have almost no experience, but here it goes...

One of the other band directors here in Albion is a varsity coach. Even in the off-season he makes sure his players are staying in shape. They work, and train, all basically to score a goal. Yay! But once the get one, they try to get another. Life is like that.

I achieved my weight goal Saturday. 157 pounds. Now what?

Maintenance? Yes. Muscle and skin tone? Definitely.

But perhaps there are some other areas I can improve...

Spiritual life. Organization. Financial health. Musical aptitude. I'm sure u can come up with many more.

My point is this - training is a king process, and there is always another level. God gives me the strength to do that, and Jesus is my coach.

No revelations today, please...

Resistant to change. That's what most of us are. We get in our comfort zone and are afraid to leave it. We think other people are going to judge us. News flash - they will!

Lisa and do our best to offer support and help to people interested on our healthier lifestyle, but we often meet passive resistance:

"I don't think my husband would try that."
"yeah, I have a treadmill, I should use it."
"you know that Wii Fit thing is a crock right?"
"Overweight is just an opinion."

God has given us lordship over certain things in our life - only what we should be able to handle, mind you - that we shouldn't be afraid to make decisions about. I guess staying unhealthy and overweight is a decision, no matter what I think.

So, no revelations today. Just some harsh words.

My wife once said to me (well, more than once...), "If you don't like it, do something about it."

So - do something, people. Give your self, your kids, and your community a better life.

Just do SOMETHING.

Natural foods

One of the coolest things about my new lifestyle is the number of fresh, natural, and organic foods I have gotten into, as well as fresh cooking. I have no facts or research to back it up, but I've gotta believe that those things are better for you.

There really isn't any way for me to get rid of prepackaged/non-organic completely, but we do a lot to try. If we can, we buy organic, especially fruits/veggies, milk, chicken, and snacks. We use a lot of "fresh" meat, and I cook fresh for bfast and dinner most days. The only thing I eat out of a box is ingredients for fresh meals, or frozen Lean Cuisine/WW meals for lunch at school.

I have even been making my own nut butters - sunflower, almond, hazelnut, and soy. Very cool.

There aren't a lot of whole food or natural food stores in our area. The best is either the organic/vegan section in Wegman's, or Lori's natural foods in Henrietta (Roch). We went there yesterday, and it was awesome!

Try some organic this week!

Ready for this one?

So - I got a new mac. Yay!

Except my browser wasn't working. I had copied everything from the old one to the new one, and the old one had been doing the same thing. A new computer didn't solve the issue...

Funny how life can be the same way. We do something to kind of reboot into a new life, but something still isn't right. We try to find the issue, but it's not always an easy fix.

I looked the problem online, and it turns out that a piece of software I had recently installed was the problem. A website gave VERY simple directions on how to fix it. Delete such and such from you-know-where and restart.

Bam, as Emeril would say! Problem solved. If only life were that easy.

God tells us to cast off our old selves, and get a new life. Unfortunately sometimes troublesome things get copied into the new life, and we need a little outside help to figure out how to delete it. Jesus can do that if we request his help and be willing to follow his prescriptions and reboot.

How to get started...

When I first started my new life this summer, my goal was not to lose 130 pounds. My goal wasn't to lose 50, or even 10. My goal was to not be out of breath after bending over to tie my shoes! A small goal, especially when you consider that most of the time I wore slip on shoes.

But that starts me on today's topic. How to get started on a new fit life. These suggestions are what I did - they may not work for you, but they may be a good start.

Cut out soda pop, even diet.
Eat more often, in smaller portions.
Don't eat out, if possible.
Start exercising.
Cut some carbs.
Set short term goals.
Don't eat after 7pm.
Find other thngs to do.
Drink lots of water - flavored if need be.
Increase your exercise TIME.
Compliment yourself.
Increase exercise INTENSITY.
Cut more carbs.
Research diet and exercise - learn something.
Use what works for you.
Don't let other's opinions get in.
Pray.

Holiday weekends...

Uugghh...

Ate too much this weekend. Thankfully I have learned enough to know that eating like that can NOT be an everday occasion.

When some aspect of our lives becomes common, we take it for granted. The COMMON cold, for instance - we just kind of expect it, and live with it. But did you know that they have now DNA mapped 99 strains of the rhino virus, the most common cause for the common cold?

A group of people don't accept the common-ness of the common cold, so they are working on a cure.

For so long I told myself that I was better off than most, not as good as some. I thought I was common. This past spring started my trek towards being an uncommon, and it took me NOT ACCEPTING how I was living.

One of my favorite lines is "Good health is just the slowest way to die." it's also the best way I know to set an example, and be a good steward of the great things given to me by Jesus.

Are you uncommon?

Commercials

Aha! The key has been found! This may seem like common sense to some of you, but it's moderation!

I think I will always see myself as overweight - not in an anorexic way, but more like an alcoholic will always be an alcoholic. I don't see that as an insult. Recovering alcoholics know that it's one day, one step at a time. They know that they will always have to be on the vigil. I pray everyone recovering from an addiction.

So as for eating, it's not like I can stop altogether! Moderation! I have to take each day as it comes, making decisions to keep myself on the right path.

Thank you already for your prayers!

Where do I go from here?

So I'll admit - I don't know what my own next step is. I have lost all this weight, and don't need to lose much more. I'm not sure how to maintain the current weight while still exercising and eating healthy. I don't want to bounce back up. I'm sure that I will fluctuate - I have all along. I think being informed is the key. As I started really losing weight I did a lot of research, and perhaps it is time to do more. I will probably have to do a lot of monitoring and adjusting, and not lose control. I think stating active also needs to be a big thing. I was so sedentary before. I just sat around. So many things to watch out for. Please pray for me - for strength, for wisdom, and for continued good health. I will keep you updated.

Recent roses and revelations.

In college, in my fraternity, we used to do something called Roses and Bit**we at the end of our meetings. It was our way, I guess, for giving thanks for all of the good, and bad, things that happened to us recently. This post is a little like that.

A rose to the fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

A rose to the families of the plane accident victims in Clarence - your strength and faith is being tested.

A rose to my wife, for always being there with me on this journey called life.

A rose to my son Adam, who gives me hope, and makes me smile.

A b***h to everyone who tried to tell me how to be healthy after downing 6 donuts, chocolate milk, and a big honkin slice of hash brown casserole for breakfast, and then complain to me about my weight loss.

A rose to the people who respect my decision.

A rose to my students, who work hard.

A rose to becky and emily!!!

A rose to my God and savior, Jesus Christ.

More later - out of space on iPhone App!

Making a difference...

It's funny what comes back when you put yourself in a position to do something.

As I replied to a friend's message tonight, I realized that every experience I have had up until now was preparing me for the days ahead, and everything I do from here is based on that. First day of the rest of my life sort of thing.

I think I was overweight so thatvi had experiences to share with others about learning how to make hard choices, how to live fit, and how to be role model. God has led me here...now...to this very place. I want to help you. What can I do?

Tomorrow is Valentine's day...

Who do you love? Believe it or not, my kindergarten music class is full of kids who can love the way we are suppsoed to. I can reprimand them for picking noses, not following directions, or using "bad" words, and I can still be sure to receive hugs on the way out. That's pretty special.

When someone gets on your case, what do you do? Do you "bite back" or do you take it and try to improve it?

For so long I have been the kind to either ignore it and move on, or bite back. But lately I have been more willing to be what my kindergartners are - givers of unconditional love.

Jesus was like that. How many insults, injuries, and inhuman acts did he endure in our stead? The least I can do is take a little feedback and turn it into love.

So - who will you love this Valentine's day?

The last 10...

have been the hardest. I have 4 to go to my "ideal BMI." I am working harder than I have since I started. I sometimes get discouraged. I get "snacky" as we say in my house. My MIL makes cookies and muffins with Adam when she baby sits - cool for Adam, bad for me. There is a packet of sugary frosting calling my name from the fridge.

And Valentine's day is Saturday. Hopefully chocolate doesn't find it's way into the house that day!

Really, though, I know I am being tested. God likes to do that sometimes, to see if we are ready for the next step. I don't know if I am yet. What if I fail the test? I know there are retakes, but I want to do it right. Where do I go from here? Will I take that next step, down the righteous path? Or will I be tempted down the path of despair?

I think just knowing that I have the strength of Jesus in my feet will help me walk the right road. With him in my heart, my spirit can make the good choice.

Are you being tested? How will you choose?

By products of weight loss...

Bad: New wardrobe. Good: new wardrobe!
Bad: cravings. Good: creativity.
Bad: exercise at 4:15am. Good: day starts right.
Bad: spend more on fresh/organic food. Good: less junk in body.
Bad: looking at pictures of old self. Good: learning humility.
Bad: seeing people make irresposible diet choices. Good: having some experience so I can help.
Bad: spending less time watching favorite shows. Good: more family time.
Bad: less down time. Good: more focus.

Don't let anyone tell you...

So - other people around Me seem to think that I need to stop losing weight. They think I am being unhealthy for some reason. Yes, the change in a year has been amazing to me, and I understand concern. But I feel the best I ever have, and I do eat. I just have a lot of discipline in this area right now. I understand that for some people telling me I can stop losing weight is complimenting me. But seriously - let me worry about when to stop! I actually had someone tell me that the WiiFit was a crock! I felt like saying "oh, then the 130 pounds is a figment of my imagination?"

So - don't let someone tell you that you need to make a decision to STOP living healthy. For me it's not just about the weight any more; it's about being healthy and being a role model to my son and students, and being a good steward of the resources and gifts and blessings God has seen fit to give me. God wants me to be healthy, and has set me on a path to helping others do the same.

Food and Family

Admittedly since I started really living fit, I have not had time for some things. However, I feel like I have given up the things weighing (no pun intended) down my life.

I used to watch 3-4 hours of tv a day. Now I'm lucky if it's 1. I do watch a lot of news on my iPhone through podcasts. But my tv watching is pretty trim.

I work from 7 - 3 officially, but extra rehearsals, staying late, and other meetings, lengthen that.

I am actively involved in my church, and want to do more.

So where do I find family time? It's hard, but that's life! I do my best to MAKE time for them. Thankfully, as a teacher, I have summers to dedicate to them.

Plus, I'd like to think that I am being a good role model for my son.

My mantra right now is: "What CHOICE will you make?"

Conscious decisions, people...

Cravings...

Plan for them. They will happen. When they do, don't use it as an excuse to give up. One day won't hurt in the long run. But don't let it happen a lot!

Most of my cravings are fruit, bread, and chocolate. Find low-sugar chocolate or protein bars with lots of fiber. For fruit, I usually have unsweetened dates or raisins if possible, or apple slices covered in splenda and cinnamon.

Some of my best snack foods on a lower carb diet are almonds, dry roasted edamame, and light cheeses.

Chewing gum works well - get sugar free in your favorite flavors, and it'll help.

Other favorites: turkey pepperoni, atkins bars, homemade Nutella (sugar-free!), and vegetables.

Keeping track - mixing plans and theories.

A big tool when I started improving my health was journaling everything I ate. Most "brand name" diets do this, and set a range of something for you to stay within. Weight watchers uses points, based on the calories, fat, and fiber content of the food you eat. It is basically a simplified way of counting calories. Carb-based plans allot you a certain range of USABLE carbs (carb minus fiber, which gets complicated when you take sugar alcohol into account).

But they all advocate journaling. I created my own low-fat carb based plan. I stay AROUND 22 WW points and 20-30 usable carbs a day. I use a program on my iPhone to keep track, but you can do the same using the Internet and a notebook. The WW formula is public, and there are many sites offering info on how to count points or carbs.

It's amazing once you start journaling - you realize what you've been eating. Plus it can help you plan out your day's meals, especially if you are craving something "big."

Next - cravings...

What I eat, for those interested.

My normal day consists of:

Breakfast@6:30: egg beater omelette (2 "egg"), with ¹chicken breakfast sausage, 3 slices of bacon, a slice of pepper and onion. I change this up by interchanging/adding feta cheese, soy "sausage", or spinach. I also drink a lot of coffee.

Snack@11: 3 mini Babybel light, or ¹ounce of almonds, or 30g of dry roasted edamame (immature soybeans). I also drink lots of coffee.

Lunch@1: a prepackaged frozen healthy entrée. I try to avoid ones with pasta or breads. I am also trying this week some frozen veggie packs with cheese instead of the entrée. I also drink...lots of coffee, sometimes hot tea.

Dinner@5 - the most varied. Usually a protein and vegetable. I favor spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli for the veggies, but not always. We eat tilapia once a week, and some beef and some pork, more chicken or turkey than anything.

Lately, we use low carb tortillas to make thin crust personal pizzas.

Snack: pre-7pm, most nights - nuts, fruit or cheese.

So, now, you may want to know what my life is like "living fit." I get up by 4:15 (yes, AM), sync my iPhone, stretch, then walk 3 miles on the treadmill while watching podcasts, blogging, and entering my menu into my food journal (more on this ESSENTIAL part of my life another time). I then do yoga and strength training on the Wii for 30 minutes. Shower and breakfast (usually a 2-egg beater omelette with sausage, cheese, bacon, pepper and onion) and coffee, then go to work. At work I eat either a salad or a healthy microwave frozen entrée. After work, I come home and make dinner, and, depending on rehearsals, walk another 3 miles some where between 5 and 7:30 PM. I keep this schedule every day, even on weekends, unless I am away, injured, or sick. And even then I try to find some way to do something. Once the weather warms enough, my bicycle will return to the road, taking me to school and back in addition to this routine. Bed by 9PM. That's a typical day!

Oops - the entire body is in the subject!!! I guess that means I have more room.

I made exercise a habit. Conscious decisions, people! Don't make excuses, and get up away from the TV and computer, and do something to make your life better.

I hate going to Burger King (where I get the TenderGRILL salad BTW) when we are out, and seeing people order a double cheeseburger meal with fries and a large drink...for their 10 year old! It may seem cheap now, but their kids will pay more for it in the long run through medical bills and health care die to obesity, clogged arteries, and overall poor health, because mom and dad took the easy, cheap route.

So my mission is to educate, somehow, even if it is in my own little sphere of influence, people on how to save money, live longer, and more importantly, build a better future for themselves and their children, by "Living Fit."

Weight loss - the past year.

Since Adam started walking, I felt like I couldn't keep up with him. I made a conscious decision to do something about it. So last April or so I started following Weight Watchers again. I was, at my heaviest, 292 pounds. I lost 20 pounds by June, but stagnated a little. I bought a wii system, wii fit, and started working on that in August. In July I had started using a treadmill given to me by a friend. By September I had lost another 40 pounds, by doing lots of exercise, and LOWERING my portion sizes and carb intake. By Christmas I was down to 190 or so, and since then have gotten down to 162.

I owe it to making a conscious decision to improve myself, and made healthy living a habit. Along with lots of prayer on my part for strength to accomplish this goal, Jesus told me that I can only witness to others if I improve myself first. Life is about being a good steward of what God has given you.

So now it begins...what choices are you going to make?

Weight loss - the first 5 years of marriage.

Where do I start this one? We were happy together (still are!) but we were new at everything and it was just the 2 of us. We ate out a lo the first yeart - out of a box, out at a restaurant, out of necessity (we thought) because our commute made us pretty busy, especially during concert season. So I kept putting on weight. That was easy!

Then we bought a house in Albion, where Lisa taught. About 2 years after that, we both started doing weight watchers. I was at about 260 by now, and WW helped me drop down 30 pounds. But, I slipped up, got busy (excuse) and started gaining again. I kept gaining, a little more after my dad died in July 2006, and more when my son Adam was born in November 2006. That continued until summer 2007. And that's where I will leave you for now.

Next time- the past year and a half, and beyond!!! Yes...

Check out the price on the left.

Seen at a local wholesale club at Christmas time.

Weight loss story number 1...

A broken toilet seat. That's kind of what started it all. I sat down on our toilet seat, and it split in half. A sign? As I walk on the treadmill right now, i can say probably not - but let's look at it that way.

I grew up active, in a way. "farm" type work and stuff. Marching band in high school. That's pretty much it. I never learned how to be fit. Health class talked about drugs, alcoho, sex, and my changing body, but not really how to take care of it. Gym class was about wasting a period until the teacher had to coach something.

Next time - the college years!!!!

The aftermath of the New Years Day massacre...

Me + mandolin slicer - guard = fainting and small missing piece of flesh...