Archive for the ‘My fitQuest’ Category

Winter Boots

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

The snow will not stop me!

Today is a wonderful day for a walk/jog, don’t you think?

I got my boots! And, I must say, they are all I dreamed and more. They are made by Keen, and they caught my eye at DSW because they were cute, yet serious. ;) “Withstanding up to -25 degrees F” sealed the deal. Since they didn”t have my size at the store, I ordered online. 65 fair dollars and two days later the adventure began.

They displayed their glory as I stepped into the previously intimidating snow piles along the yard and streets.

I was giggling as I enjoyed trotting around the snowy yard… just for fun.

Walk/jogs are safer now with snow traction. My toes are toasty. I am so thankful.

On my walk this morning I was thinking about how easy it is to stay inside and not realize what we are missing – the sun, fresh crisp air, exercise, and a mental break all in one!  I believe these simple breaks outside can help keep a perspective of the big picture of life.

The Psalms are filled with poetic description of the beauty God has made just for us.

Psalm 96:11 in the Message Bible reads…

“Let’s hear it from Sky,

With Earth joining in,

And a huge round of applause from Sea…”

I have learned that when God speaks, he is usually quieter than me.

My fitQuest‘s real challenge, then, is not to do more, but to do what matters.  Keeping my focus on what matters is the foundation I have needed to make time for things like exercise and healthy meal planning…  keeping life in this perspective is a lifelong Quest and not a one-time accomplishment.

I pray you see your life as an adventure to live and not a standard to ‘maybe achieve’ if you work hard enough.

You are made to star in the adventure of life God has planned for you.  You matter to God.

What matters to you?

Posted in Fitness, My fitQuest, Uncategorized, winter | Add A Comment »

A Piece of Toast – My Short-Lived Low-Carb Days

Saturday, October 30th, 2010

I just ate a piece of toast and remembered the days I thought I may never eat bread again.

by "penguincakes" at Flickr

You see, in my fitQuest journey, I have encountered several “food predators.” One of them is the low carb theory.

I was exposed to low carb eating through magazines promoting Hollywood fitness secrets, by following “figure athletes” and bodybuilders on the web, and through regular conversations with people who had tried it.
I was looking for the magic silver bullet that would make me lean, strong and healthy.  If eliminating carbohydrates from my meals would make me shed the extra pounds from my thighs, then I would do it!

I tried it for about a month, and it was not fun…  in fact, it was miserable.
Any type of eating out or socializing was a challenge and a tease. I never felt satisfied after eating, and my experience with food cravings went to another level – you’ll understand what I mean if you’ve ever been there.

To make matters worse, at the end of that month, I wasn’t even any leaner, stronger, or healthier!

But here is why I am glad I tested this food “rule”:

  • As I learned to pay attention to carbohydrates, I found that I had been eating WAY more carbs than my body needed.  This helped me balance my nutrition after my low-carb experience.
  • I can now relate to those who have tried low-carb eating, whether it worked for them or not.
  • I learned that it is not a super-secret magic fat loss weapon, contrary to how I have seen it marketed.
  • I experienced a way of eating that did not feel natural or simple – which helped me recognize what did work for me once I found it.

I am so glad low-carb isn’t the magic cure – because if it was, I wouldn’t have just enjoyed my piece of toast (topped generously with almond butter and a drizzle of honey).
Oh the joy!  ;)

Now that I know that I can achieve and maintain a lean, strong body while still eating carbohydrates – even bread – I can add carbs to my fitQuest goodie bag!

How about you?

  • Have you lost weight while still eating carbs?
  • Have you lost weight while eliminating carbs?
  • What do you believe about carbs and fat loss?

Posted in Eating, My fitQuest | Add A Comment »