Category: Healthy Eating

Define “Succeeding”

Published on by Christine2 Comments

I just have to post this today!  So often I hear people get down on themselves in the area of weight loss because they aren’t seeing the results they were expecting.   Yes, I’ve been there, and still go there from time to time BUT one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you have to redefine what you class as “Succeeding”.

What if succeeding is defined as challenging yourself and taking positive steps towards a healthier you?  What if you felt like you were succeeding just by lacing up your running shoes and going for a walk or by choosing a healthier choice for lunch?

The problem with viewing being successful in relation to a goal as getting to the finish line (whatever that is for you) is that there is long journey to get there.  No wonder people feel like throwing in the towel before they start.  It’s too much!

Choosing to live a healthier lifestyle means living!  Be proud of yourself daily when you make positive choices.  The idea of  feeling pride only when you reach the end is depriving yourself of so many celebrations along the way.

Here’s what I know.

If you continue to make positive choices…you will see positive results.  Positive In, Positive Out.  It’s a fact. They may not happen in the time frame your mind wants them too, but they WILL happen.

If you want results a little faster, than move more..eat less.  It’s that simple.  Find out what works for you.  Pursue it with passion and drive.

Sometimes we just have to redefine success in our minds.  There is no “end”.  It’s a lifetime of taking better care of yourself  but guess what?! That’s exciting!  The moment you wrap your mind around that, is the moment you have succeeded.  Isn’t that powerful?!  I’m excited for you!

You will feel successful every day you treat yourself a little better…and that can come in all forms through: The mind, the body, and the soul.  Find those things that bring happiness and meaning into your life and enjoy them!

I will leave you with some music I love!  Mumford and Sons are so different and the lyrics within their music are so powerful!  Also give a listen to “Little Lion Man” by Mumford and Sons.  Love, love, love them 🙂

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Struggling

Published on by Christine7 Comments

Happy Monday!  How are you? 

I went to the gym this morning and it felt awesome to go.  I spent the entire hour thinking.  I’m struggling. 

I’m either in control of the food part, or I’m in control of the exercise part.  But both exercise and eating healthy combined, is my struggle.  I’m not sure why.

I need to figure this out!  I’m great in the morning and through out the day.  My resolve is strong.  I make healthy food choices, and most days have lots of energy to stay active. 

Then night comes, and after I put my kids to bed, I fight with the internal dialogue to say screw it, and eat.  It’s so frustrating because each morning I wake up wondering why I can’t just figure out my night-time eating struggles.  It’s so easy when I wake up to a fresh new day.  But, by the evening I don’t want to deal with anything.  I just want to turn my mind off.

I feel like a fraud most of the time.  I don’t have it all together.  But the truth be told, this blog is just like a journal and it’s important to get it out there. To stay positive, and remind myself what my goals are.

I have been thinking about starting a facebook group, where anyone can join that needs support.  We can share successes, and support one another during struggles.  We can post weight or fat loss (you wouldn’t have to post your weight…just weight or percentage of weight lost), workout times, what we are eating, etc.  Are you interested in joining?  I think it’s so important to join together and support one another.  A huge step in the right direction is to find a circle of support that will lift you up when you are down.  Another important part of finding a support network is finding like-minded people to be accountable to. 

If you’re interested, let me know! 

Have a fabulous Monday.

Christine

Finding YOU again

Published on by Christine4 Comments

As a busy Mom, I often lose who I am.  I know I’ve talked about his before, but it’s an issue that I struggle with on a daily basis.  When I don’t feel in control of my activity and what I chose to eat, it really does translate into all areas of my life.  I think the biggest blessing that has come from taking better care of myself, is the feeling of being in control and there is great pride that accompanies that.  That feeling transfers down into all areas of everyday life. 

I have chosen a different way to view life than what comes naturally to me.   For example, every day mundane tasks have to power to annoy the life out of me!  Making several trips walking the kids to school every day, having to park far away in a busy parking lot, getting groceries at night when I would rather be vegging on my couch, all annoy me if the truth be told.  All I have to do is tell myself that each of these little tasks, are just another way to stay active!  So I chose to park farther away in an empty parking lot, take the longest possible route to get bread at the grocery store, and walk instead of drive to the school.  Because every extra step matters.  It makes me want to do more!  It keeps me from the comfort of my couch.   It makes me want to break out into spontaneous dance when I’m down. I have no rhythm so it’s more awkward flailing than actual dancing.

When I think back to the most depressing part of being stuck at a weight I wasn’t happy with, it was that I felt so bad about myself. I felt trapped, lethargic, and every day tasks overwhelmed me. I felt like life was passing me by and I had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning knowing that those feelings were on the top of my mind. 

I wasn’t eating healthy. I was eating a lot of fried foods with no nutritional value.  I had no energy.  I remember coming home from work during the lunch hour and just wanting to sleep for the hour.  I had a hard time climbing the stairs at work. By the top, I was out of breath and ready to sit down!   Eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins not only keeps you healthy and gives you natural antibodies to fight off sickness, but it gives you so much energy.  It fills you up in a way that doesn’t weigh you down.

Making positive little choices in your day, leads to more positive choices.  The best part about it is YOU get to make those choices for yourself.  You are in control of what you chose to eat, and how much activity you add into your day.

If you feel lost or out of control, look inside and make that choices needed to treat yourself well.  Your body was designed to be fueled with natural foods.   There is a reason processed food doesn’t grow on trees. 

You will find YOU again if you’ve lost your way.   Positivity, pride and strength open the mind up and you can’t help but transfer those blessings into other areas of your life.  

I’m going to also put this out there.  I’m not always sure if what I share here are too broad of ideas! Are they tangible?  If you ever have any questions that you think I may help you with, please e-mail me at cjhop (at) telus (dot) net or leave me a comment.  If I can help in any way by lending advice on what to eat, exercising, or if you need someone to talk to I’m here for you.  

I remember a time when I was driving home from work, thinking I wish there was someone out there that understood how I was feeling and could help in some small way.  I felt so stuck and totally at a loss as to how to move forward.  I’m here for you if you are in that same space.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do know what has worked for me.  Most of it starts in your mind and heart, so any program such as weight watchers can work.  You are more powerful than you may know.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

The Power of the Mind

Published on by Christine5 Comments

I am guilty of wanting to be in a place other than where I am right now.  I fall into the trap both in my personal life and in my professional life.  Before a photography session, I will sometimes surf blogs for inspiration, but what often happens is I’m left feeling like my work is “crap” and I have so far to go.  This is also true when it comes to body image.  I can’t help but surf the magazines when waiting in line at Safeway (I manage to always find the slowest line in Safeway, even if I lane-hop…I always lose that game).  On the cover of most magazines is a perfectly airbrushed model with a million dollar smile, and promises of quick fixes if only you drink shakes for 2 out of 3 meals. 

When you are always looking ahead to where you wish you could be, it’s pretty hard to live in the moment.   At the beginning of this journey, the realization that I should probably lose around 100 pounds was daunting and totally overwhelming.  It was tough not to want to resign myself that being unhappy with my weight was something I would always be.  It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel before you’ve even started.  That’s where self-sabotage comes in. If you really don’t believe it’s a manageable goal, than you start putting obstacles in your way and convince yourself it just isn’t meant to be. 

 If you could look at it as a journey and enjoy the process without constantly wishing you were at the proverbial “end” you would begin to be proud of little changes.  Because it’s through a series of little changes that lead to big changes.  Set out manageable small goals, and be proud when you reach them.  I remember feeling so down on myself when I would only lose one little itty bitty pound.  Now, if I gained a pound, it was crushing.   Why is it that the feeling of pride isn’t matched to the feeling of defeat?  It’s the same pound we are talking about here, but this pound really only feels huge when it’s gained.

Here’s the difference:

I go to the running track and run 2 laps, walk 1 lap.  

Rather than: I wish I could run more than 2 laps.

I prefer to think of it like this: I ran 2 laps! There was a time when I couldn’t run 1/2 a lap.  Each time I challenge myself I can only get better.

I try on a pair of once-loose jeans that I now struggle to pour myself into.

Rather than:  Forget it! Where’s that bag of Doritos? It’s so depressing trying on clothes that don’t fit!

I prefer to think of it like this:  Dear too tight jeans, I am going to eat healthier & exercise and will try you on again in a month. You are merely a bench marker for the work I’m going to put in.

I often dream of where I want to go in my photography, and get lost in where I am right at this moment.  It’s always good to dream, but sometimes you have to step back and take a look if it’s something that is preventing you from moving forward because the end goal is too big.  Strip it back to little goals, and never forget to feel the sense of pride and accomplishment when you reach each little step along the journey.  

The greatest thing about chosing a healthier lifestyle is the feeling that comes along with it.  When you are treating yourself well, the feeling that comes along with it is so good.

You bring in what you give out.  Do you agree with this theory?  I believe this is true with your thoughts. 

Negative in, negative out. 

Positive in, positive out. 

It really does start a cycle of either positivity or negativity depending on what you are bringing in.  The GREAT part about it is that you have the power to create exactly who you want to be. One little itty bitty step at a time.  Do not give in to the feeling of defeat before you’ve even started!  Move forward and celebrate your successes, however small they may be. 

When you decide to start on your path, it should be exciting! There is so much to learn about yourself and life.  Live in that excitement.  Put out exactly what you wish to take in.  Sometimes we aren’t even aware of the negativity we are putting out there.  Sometimes it’s the mind that needs to be changed first.

Cookie Cutter Body

Published on by Christine20 Comments

Yesterday on my facebook status, I asked people if they were either happy or unhappy with their body image.  I wasn’t sure what the results would be.  Of the 38 women that responded, the results were this…

66% unhappy

18% happy

16% on their way to being happy

I didn’t count my vote, which would probably be with the 16% which are on their way to being happy with their body image.  Even after years of working on it, it’s an issue I continue to struggle with.  Progress…not perfection (as my friend Ginette used to tell me).

Why aren’t we happy with ourselves?

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Is it pressure from society to be a certain size and weight?  The elusive cookie cutter woman…

In my humble opinion, the only way we can move away from this is to worry less about what everyone else thinks we should be, and look within ourselves.  Which is funny, because as the results show, most people aren’t happy with their body image. So the girl beside you who looks like she has a body you would kill for probably isn’t happy with her body either.

What is your goal? One of my friends said she was happy with how she looks, but unhappy with her current fitness level.  So her goal is to run and bike easily.  I think that’s awesome!  That’s a goal that she is able to achieve.  It’s not about being a size ___.

I thought about what I don’t like about my own body yesterday.  I don’t like my tummy rolls, and although I can certainly work on that, I got this tummy from having three kids.  My tummy rolls are totally worth it.  Guess what? Most women that have children have the same tummy I do.

Life should be lived with pride.  Throughout my life, I have always looked ahead to the next stop rather than living in the moment. I can’t wait until I fit into that pair of jeans that have sat lonely on my closet shelf.  I can’t wait to tone my arms so I can wear a strapless dress that hangs in my closet.   Guess what, that strapless dress fits me now..toned arms or not.  I’m going to wear it.

The goal to be fit and healthy has nothing to do with being a certain size.   If you aren’t happy with your body image, I believe the solution is to be good to you.  If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of those who love us most, we would treat ourselves with the respect we deserve.  Really look within and ask yourself what part of it is something you can do something about, and what part of it is because you are looking to the outside world to dictate what you should be.  What parts of your behavior is destructive, and what parts will bring growth into your life.

I can switch my body image issue in one day.  One day I can feel horrible about myself because of the food choices I made, or because I’m a lump on the couch still in my pj’s sporting yesterday’s hair do.  The next day I can feel like a million bucks because I’ve taken great care of myself.   For me, this is what living a healthy lifestyle has brought to my life.  It’s given me my self-respect back and the willingness to keep going, to treat myself well.  To be proud of what I can do, and to stop living life on the side-lines.

I’m really curious what your take on this issue is.  Share your comments, stories, and thoughts here.

One thing that struck me from the results of the little poll, was how many of us deal with this issue…no matter what size you are.  So there are a lot of us in the same boat.  Don’t you just wish we could all just be honest with one another and let go of that cookie cutter mold many of us are striving for?  There is something so beautifully freeing in that.  It actually makes me feel giddy inside.

Share, talk, look within, and live your life with your head held high. You are beautiful, loved, and so worth it.

Christine

Starting Fresh

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I’m in a funk.  It happens sometimes, but this summer, I over indulged on over indulging.  We went camping a few times, and I had my fill of smokies and blender drinks.   

My pants are too tight.

That’s ridiculously discouraging.

The kids have started a fresh new year of school, so I’m getting back into my routine as well.  I can not believe how much better I feel drinking lots of water, eating healthy, exercising…it’s ridiculously encouraging.

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I was yet again reminded the power of routine and habits. I read somewhere it takes a month to establish a habit.  So I encourage you, along with me, to get back into a healthy routine.  Or, start fresh, everyday is a brand new day. 

  • Drinks lots of water daily
  • Exercise! Get that heart rate up for at least 10 minutes at some point in your day.  30 minutes of exercise would be even better. Continue to challenge yourself and do more and more as you build strength and endurance.
  • Eat your fruits and veggies!  Our society is built on convenience.  What’s more convenient than grabbing fruits or veggies for a snack.  If you don’t like fruits and veggies, keep eating them.  As your body adjusts to natural flavours and sugars, your tastes will change too. 
  • Limit your sugar intake. If you eat alot of sugar, you probably crave a lot of sugar. I was just thinking about this the other day. My son woke up early in the morning and while still wiping the sleep from his eyes, asked for McDonald’s for breakfast.   I told him No, and he told me he was “craving” it.  That really stuck with me. 

My 7 year old craves McDonald’s. 

Crap…on…a…stick.

It’s no wonder, McDonald’s food is loaded with sugar, fat, and salt.  All of those elements combined have your blood sugar on a sugary roller coaster.  Do you notice that those types of food have you hungry and craving more not long after you eat them?  They don’t fill you up the same way that natural healthy foods do. 

I’m not saying I’ll never let my kids eat McDonald’s, but I guess I better be watching how often I take them there.  It freaked me out that he craved McDonald’s.

That’s my thoughts for the day.   I’m decided to recommit to committing to one day making a commitment to healthy living.  Just joking.  That day is now!  Who’s with me?! 

If you hate exercising, crank up the music and dance it out for a song or two everyday.  It’s OK if your dancing happens to bring on blank stares and eye-rolling.  It’s all part of a day 🙂    

Have a great active day!  It’s so good for the soul ❤

Christine

Checking in!

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We are home from a week of holidays.  The week was exactly what I needed to recharge.  I spent my days sitting by a roaring fire, fishing, lounging with the kids, and taking pictures of whatever I wanted. 

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The eating department wasn’t so good for me…actually it was all too good.   After we got home, I was itching to go for a run.  I usually go on a 5 km route for my runs, but I stop for little walking breaks in between jogging.  This time I challenged myself to run the 5 km without stopping.  It felt so good.  It was a slow jog, but I didn’t walk.  I realized lately that I haven’t been challenging myself.  I stay within my comfort zone when I’m working out lately.  I believe that a person should continually push and challenge themselves with working out and eating healthy.  It’s allows me to never get bored or complacent. 

I read in a book by Bob Greene (I think!) that you should keep your work outs at a level that you cannot carry on a conversation with someone while working out.  On a scale of 1 to 10…1 being you are at rest, and 10 being you are at maximum exertion…you should try for around a level 7.  If you are going to put in the time for a workout, you might as well make it a good one.  You should definitely be sweating and out of breathe.  No looking pretty while you work out!

This morning I woke up feeling so down about my food and drink choices over the holidays, and then I realized that it’s a holiday, so as long as I get back on track, it’s all good.  Having said that, my next holiday I am going to practice some conscious eating and only eat when I’m hungry!  I do wish I could let go of the guilt when I do enjoy rich foods.  That is one thing I wish I could change, or at least find a healthy balance.  This healthy living stuff is a constant learning and growing experience.  I guess that’s a good thing.

When I got back and was able to check into facebook, I was so excited to see a friend post that she was down 30 pounds!  Congratulations Ang!  You are doing awesome.  I’m so proud of you.  Great things happen when you put your mind to it, and believe that a change within yourself is possible.  I remember when you sent me an e-mail awhile back and you were so on fire about your healthy changes.  I knew reading your e-mail that you tapped into that place within yourself that nothing was going to stop you and you would have a lot of success in reaching your goals.  It’s just so beautiful to see it happen in your life right in front of my eyes.  Much love to you Ang.

There is no stopping the amazing success that comes as a result of finding the strength and confidence within yourself to change.  The feeling that accompanies that success is unmatched and so addicting that it just keeps on going. 

Have a great day,

Christine

The Disconnect

Published on by Christine6 Comments

One of the main hurdles I find in the area of weightloss is the disconnect…between our mind and what we are eating.

Being aware that this is an issue, doesn’t make it any easier to control.  The key is to be conscious of what we eat, when we eat, and why we are eating at all times.   

Have you ever grabbed a big bag of chips and started eating only to realize that you are quickly reaching into the bottom of the bag?  What if you were to get a small bowl from the cupboard and fill it with a snack and only eat what is in that bowl, enjoying each bite?  Would you enjoy it any less?  I find with conscious eating, I enjoy food more because I’m not just mindlessly eating.

I would say my biggest struggle with keeping the weight off is this disconnect.  It’s tough because I’ve used food to fill a void for most of my life.   As I typed that last sentence, I realized how much shame is attached with it.   I think it’s because of this shame and the way we hide it, that people that have never had an issue with their weight have a hard time figuring out why someone can become overweight.   I was overweight not because I was lazy, and not because I had no self-control.  Quite the opposite.  It takes a lot of self-control to hide the pain I felt on the inside.  I happened to wear it on the outside in the form of unwanted pounds. 

So how do you avoid this disconnect with food?  You change the way you view food, and start eating consciously.  You become aware of what, when, and why you are eating. 

You allow yourself to feel.  You find a different outlet for it.  I guess that’s why Photography is so important to me.   Photography is my outlet for all the stuff I hold inside.   It’s a way to let it all out.   I always wondered why I connected with certain photographer’s photos.  And I finally realized that I connect with how they felt when they took the photo, or with the feeling that lies within a photo. 

Here’s a photo taken in 2004 that, for me, has a lot of emotion connected to it.

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I took this photo at a MS walk that we walked along side my sister (Jan is holding the red heart balloon, my sister Sharon and my Dad are beside her).  She walked an entire 10 K.  We all walked together as a family, and I was so amazed and so proud that Janice walked 10 K.

What is your outlet?  Sometimes we forget as Mom’s to remember who we are beyond the wife, mother,  employee, entrepreneur…whatever the case may be.  We lose ourselves in the midst of life.   Do not leave yourself last.  You are the best version of yourself when you are happy and whole.  If you’ve lost who you are, give yourself permission to find yourself again.

I do hope something within this blog helps someone move forward.  I have to tell you, I may not seem like a private person, but I really am.  Several times I’ve wanted to take down this blog, only because if I think about how much private stuff I’ve shared here it gives me hives.  The reason why I share, and why I will continue to share beyond my comfort zone, is because I will never, ever, ever forget the hopeless feeling that comes along with being stuck at a place in life that you do not know how to move forward out of.  So, I do hope these words touches someones heart and helps them move ahead.  I have appreciated everyone that has taken the time to comment or that has sent me an e-mail.  It takes the hives away 🙂

Take care my friends,

Christine

Tapping into your Potential

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How many times have you shot down a goal or dream because you thought you couldn’t do it?  What if you told yourself you could do it?  What if you truly believed it?!  So often we fail to tap into our true potential because we’ve trained ourselves to believe that we CAN’T do it, or we give a mediocre effort and then tell ourselves it’s all we’ve got.

This is especially true in the area of weight loss.  Sometimes looking at the big picture is so overwhelming we give up before we even start.  If I would have thought in my mind that I had almost 100 pounds to lose, I would have thrown in the towel and dove into a bag of Doritos (the cool ranch kind).

Could it be, that you have no idea what your true potential is?  Maybe just maybe you are strong enough to conquer your fears and go for it! 

Try this:  Strap on your running shoes and go for a walk/jog…even if you are not a jogger.  When I first started jogging, I couldn’t jog anymore than 30 seconds before I wanted to puke in my mouth a little (sorry, descriptive I know).   

Warm up 5 minutes walking, now start jogging; even if it’s barely a jog.  When your breathing gets laboured and your legs start to burn and your mind starts screaming “holy Hanna Montana you have got to STOP!!!”…Don’t do it! Keep going!  Tell yourself, you will jog another 15 seconds.   Go again the next day.  This time go for an extra 3o seconds, or an extra 5 minutes…depending on the level you are at.  The point is, you CAN push through it. 

Don’t let yourself believe that you aren’t strong.  You are only limited by your mind.

My sister Janice has MS.   Before she got sick, she was the most active & vivacious woman I have ever met.  She loved to go for speed walks and being active was just part of who she was.  She now walks short distances with the aide of a walker. When I first started exercising, my little sister and I went for a walk/jog while on our family vacation.  I could not for the life of me keep up to her!  It was like chasing Forest Gump.  I returned back to the cabin a good 10 minutes behind her so I was feel discouraged about my slow pace.  Janice was in the cabin when I returned and I told her how bummed I was because I couldn’t run very fast.  She looked at me and said “I wish I could run again.”  I had to duck into another room because I was so overwhelmed by her statement and realization of how spoiled I was complaining about how difficult exercising is when I CAN exercise. 

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My sisters and me Christmas 02 (my little sister is missing from this shot as she was basking in tropical son).  Me, Roxy, Sharon, Janice, and Darlene.

So I run because I CAN run.

This is the song I play on my Ipod when I don’t want to run anymore (I apologize for the crude Madonna photos that accompany this song.  It was the only one I could find on the net that I could embed.  Just listen to the words!).  The words of this song remind me of my sister and I refuse to quit when I hear it.

Push yourself and tap into your potential.  You won’t believe how strong you actually are.

Depression vs. Healthy You

Published on by Christine4 Comments

One of the main reasons I exercise and stay in control of my eating is in the mighty fight against depression.  I do realize that there are varying degrees of depression and that not all depression can be fought with a work out or a healthy meal plan…but it works for me.

I have a lot to be grateful for and thankful for in my life, but I fight with depression (which really has nothing to do with not realizing that I have a lot to be thankful for) 

It’s a darkness that at times sneaks in and envelopes me like a heavy blanket.  Sometimes I don’t even know I’m in a funk until I realize I don’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone.  It’s more than a feeling; it’s a state of being and it’s hard to explain.

You know when you hear a song that is connected with a memory and as soon as you hear that song you are taken back to that time, feelings and all?  It’s sort of the same way with depression, I hear the word depression and I can for a split second feel the darkness, the loneliness, the confused state as to why I feel that way.   I’m not going to lie: it’s hard to share this openly because there is also a lot of shame attached with depression.

When I feel it coming on, it’s all I can do to wait for my husband to get home so I can go for a jog by myself.  It’s not that I enjoy running all that much, but I LOVE how it makes me feel during and after.  I feel strong, in control, capable, proud, full of life…Yes, it’s uncomfortable; but in a good way. In a way that lets me know I’m alive.

In much of the same way, eating a healthy meal plan and staying in control and away from bingeing on the wrong foods also keeps depression at bay.  It’s a great feeling to know you are feeding your body what it needs.  Food is fuel and whatever you put in, that’s what you get out.  Put in good foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients, and you feel full of energy and life.  Put in crap, well…you feel like crap! It may be hard, or seem not all that fun to eat that way at first, but your body adapts quickly!  Before you know it, if you even try and go back to eating foods high in fat, they will most likely make you ill. 

If you tend to binge on foods to deal with depression, it’s important to change the way you view food.  More often than not, after you binge on your comfort food, you feel worse than before.  It’s a horrible feeling, and there is no way to lift yourself up if you continue to beat yourself down. 

If you deal with depression, to any degree, I encourage you to fight it by celebrating and taking care of YOU in a different way.  Life is a miracle and it’s a gift. 

Sorry if this tune is a bit on the “after school special” side, but hey…this song speaks so many truths about how precious life is and it’s a great reminder that life is gift and full of miracles.

Have a great active day!

Christine