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Year Four, Day 1: Vegetables for Life!



So, here I am in the library. Blogging on the first day of my fourth year of this blog! Time does fly! Whether you are paying attention or not!

I have been feeling a little frustrated with my lack of progress lately. But, looking at the stats, I feel pretty good!



May 26, 2015





Monday, June 1, 2015 STATS
Weight: 201 pounds
Neck: 15"
Chest: 47"
Waist: 41"
Hips: 48"
Thighs:   23"
Biceps:  14"
BP:  109/76 
Pulse: 78





May 14, 2018





























Monday, May 14, 2018 STATS
Weight: 187 pounds
Neck: 14"
Chest: 40"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 46"
Thighs: 22"
Biceps: 13"
BP:113/79
Pulse: 86





Progress!  Slowly, but surely.  Like a tortoise.

I am pleased with my blood pressure. I am not on any meds, except an inhaler for my asthma.  My pulse is a bit high, but I have been drinking a lot of caffeine lately. And worrying a bit.

I downloaded the "higi" app for my phone yesterday. I will keep checking into the higi station when I shop at Fred Meyers. It will log my blood pressure, pulse and weight.

I would like to lose 30 - 40 more pounds.  And I think I have the solution - more vegetables!

I am following my daughter's diet plan which consists of mostly vegetables, lean protein and a bit of yogurt and fruit. I can live with this way of eating. I actually REALLY love veggies, but don't always take the time to prep them. And fresh veggies and fruits go bad quickly, so you have to be on top of it.

I'm going to attempt to stay away from dairy, except for yogurt. I am especially going to nix carbs, fried foods, junk food, sugar, wheat. 

I can do this!

I am feeling very positive about life again.

A new plan helps. And time with my daughter and Gracie boosted me up higher!  We met this morning at Starbucks so I could watch Baby Gracie while she got some work done.

It was a gorgeous day. We met at the Cascade Station Starbucks. One of my favorites. Especially on a nice day. We sat outside with our iced tea. My daughter got out her computer. Gracie was asleep in her stroller. So I got out my snack.  A small container of Greek yogurt mixed with seasonings, and a bag of raw veggies: Carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. My daughter was rummaging in her bag. She looked up at me as she put her snack on the table.

Greek yogurt and veggies.

We busted out laughing.

The baby woke up.  But she was happy!

Aside from veggies, my focus this year is on God and family.  More of both.

Not a new concept, but I was inspired by the blog my daughter wrote for the newsletter for the teen suicide hotline she works for.  Her pastor, years ago ran into an elderly gentleman, "James". As they were reflecting on life, James turned to the pastor and told him he had two regrets in life:  One, that he did not spend enough time with his family, and second that he did not spend enough time with God.

My daughter's pastor never forgot these words and often weaves them into his sermons.

And now, I am put these words into my focus for Year 4 of my blog:

1. More time with God in prayer, studying scripture and attending church.
2. More time with family.
3. More veggies.
4. More water.
5. More exercise.
6. Less escapism activities, like television, internet, binge eating, lottery, worrying.
7.  More music.


I think that about says it!

Except, I just got a phone call from my son.  A positive call.  It's a good day!

Happy Monday!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Love,

Zita

p.s. I am still going strong with my daily hooping. Here is a video of  Day 317:


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