Fighting Breast Cancer With Healthy Lifestyle Choices

[lkc Gumby]

Thanks Paula. I am heading into week 2 , sore as heck with my light exercise, but feeling better overall. Still having serious cravings!
PS thought about the tape measure thing, but I am doing the belt notch method! easier for me..

[Paula O]

Linda and Mel3, you are both taking excellent measures to get your metabolisms into high gear and your bodies into shape with those workouts and eating better. Nice going, ladies! Linda, let us know how your belt notch count-down goes.

Paula

[Paula O]

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[Paula O]

[Paula O]

I have not made the progress in my healthy lifestyle goals that I intended in the first two months of 2013. I am taking stock of where I'm at and where I want to go. Today is the first day of March: day one for me of getting back on track. How about you guys, how are you doing in the healthy habits you are working on?

This list of 50 habits of highly successful people applies nicely with making progress in acheiving goals, one of which for me is getting back to my ideal weight range and back to being physically fit. I hope this list is a help to others here too.
Paula

"50 habits of highly successful people

1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.

2. They find lessons while others only see problems.

3. They are solution focused.

4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.

5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.

6. They ask the right questions -- the ones which put them in a
positive mindset and emotional state.

7. They rarely complain.

8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions
and outcomes.

9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what
they have effectively.

10. They are busy, productive and proactive.

11. They align themselves with like-minded people.

12. They are ambitious.

13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.

14. They innovate instead of imitate.

15. They don’t procrastinate.

16. They are life-long learners.

17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and
down-to-earth.

18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how
they are feeling on a given day.

19. They take calculated risks.

20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.

21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.

22. They take action before they have to.

23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.

24. They are good communicators.

25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to
turn that plan into a reality.

26. They become exceptional by choice.

27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.

28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their
best to live a life which is reflective of those values.

29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately,
it’s just another resource.

30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.

31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.

32. They are generous and kind.

33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.

34. They are adaptable and embrace change.

35. They keep themselves in shape physically.

36. They work hard and are not lazy.

37. They are resilient.

38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.

39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.

40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable
things.

41. They are happy to swim against the tide.

42. They comfortable with their own company.

43. They set high standards for themselves.

44. They don’t rationalize failure.

45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and
to have fun.

46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.

47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.

48. They finish what they start.

49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological
beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.

50. They practice what they preach."

Source:
Lifehack May 12, 2008

[MJo]

Here is what I have done and it has worked for two weeks. My sugar cravings are gone. I hope it is not temporary, but I am thankful for every day I get.

1. I gave up wheat. I eat the many varieties of gluten free products available. They cost more, but I am free of cravings, and that is worth it.

2. I cut back on dairy. Only milk in coffee. No cheese. Needless to say, i take calcium supplements.

3. Cut back on sugar, which is easier when I dont' crave. I use agave, which is still a type of sugar, but lower on the glycemic index. I make my own baked goods with agave and gluten free flours. I am used to things not tasting as sweet, and they taste good to me.

I hope this lasts for a while. It is good to be free of an obsession with food/sugar. I am eating more fruit and veggies by default. At work someone brought in a box of chocolates. I ate one chocolate each day and I did it naturally and I was satisfied. I didn't have to run out and buy a bag of Hersheys bars for myself. I was amazed.

I eat well and when I'm hungry, and I don't worry about my weight. My doctor might disagree and want me to lose pounds, but she could be wrong. I am grateful for every day this lasts.

[Paula O]

MJo, good for you! You're on a roll now with a healthy plan that is working well for you. I'm glad. Keep going, keep going, you can do this.

Paula

[Paula O]

Experts say that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On Monday, June 17th I am going to challenge myself to my "Phase one": 21 days in a row of progress toward a healthier me. I wondered if perhaps others might like to join me and maybe share in some mutual encouraging support and accountability with healthy lifestyle goals. Anyone interested can pick one or more things they want to work on--big or little--all progress is a good thing.

Paula

[LoisLane]

Hi Paula. I'm in! Just decided this week I really have to get serious about
my weight and get more exercise. Going to cut down on my bread intake and try to do exercise in the gym at least three times per week. I do walk the dog every day for at least a mile but know that is not enough. Will try to make healthy choices and write down in a journal what I eat daily. Going on vacation next week with a girlfriend to Cape Cod but will still make healthy choices! Thanks for the encouraging post. Lois

[Paula O]

Dear Lois,

Hey, those changes sound great, good for you!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Cape Cod with your friend on vacation next week.

Paula

[Paula O]

[Paula O]

Lois, I hope you are having an awesome time with your friend at the Cape. I'd love to hear about your time there when you get back. What was your favorite part of your time away? It's extra challenging to eat well while on vacation.

Today is Day 2 of 21 of phase one of my plan. So far, so good. I regret the excess weight I put on, wish it wasn't such a struggle to take it off, and look forward to getting back to my ideal weight range.

Anybody else want to join us working together on some healthy lifestyle goals the next three weeks?

Paula