Water

Water, something we all need.  Something we can't survive without.  How much do we really need?  That my friends, is something we all try to figure out.  Over the course of the last 10 years as I went on and off diets I still tried to drink enough water.  The Institution of Medicine (IOM) says that 15 plus cups a day for men ( thats 125 oz ) and 11 a day for women ( thats 91 oz) is recommened.  This is total fluid intake from all food and beverages.

80% comes from drinking water and other beverages and 20% from food we eat.  If these percentages are accurate for us based on our food intake that would make 9 cups for women and 12.5 for men.   I know 20% to get from food seems like a lot, but there are more foods than you think that have a high percentage of water.   Look it up you can find a huge list.  Eating these foods can help you increase the "fullness" factor.  Some experts say when asked who much do I need that you can purely judge by the "follow your thirst theory".  I think thats fine if you want to make sure you stay hydrated.  If your trying to loose weight and you follow this guideline you won't get enough water.  I always drink more when I am dieting.

I'm one of those people who never leave home without my water bottle.  I can't stand to be thirsty and not be able to have some water on hand.  If I'm shopping and have finished my water in the car, I'm very willing to pay that buck fifty to not have to wait until I'm home to drink some water.  But am I really getting enough water?  How much do you think is enough?  Enough to quench your thirst?  Enough to loose weight?  I always have on my mind, "Drink some water" dieting or not.  Not drink "more" water.  

A few years back I heard somewhere that you take your body weight divided in half and that is the amount of water in ounces you should drink in a day.  For me that would be 69 oz's.   So that would be 8.625 cups of water.  That's not a lot.  The problem was I never took the time to see what 6-8 glasses of water meant.  Meaning, when they say a glass it equals 8 oz's and that equals a cup readers.  Stay with me, I'm getting to a point.

I mentioned in an earlier post about leaving one app and changing to another for my food diary and tracking my calories.    In doing this I connected with an individual that had a weight loss victory and offered me an opportunity to hear his story from his FB page.  I let him know that I was not on FB so he gave his website address.  I was able to watch some T.V. interviews regarding his successful weight loss story.  He has written a book on how he was successful in doing this.  "Losing Weight is Easy"  by Blake Slyvia.  Webb address is bdadiet.com.  You can check it out for your self but I will tell you what I took just from listening to his testimony.  bda=before/during/after  Drink your water before during and after.  It's not just important to drink it.  It matters when you drink it.  

We've always heard  that drinking a glass of water before eating helps you to feel full and eat less.  Honestly, I never do it.  I'm always sipping on that big bottle I carry around so I don't feel the need to.  I do drink lemon water with my meal 80% of the time.  I've read many articles and seen on health shows that your food digests better with water.  Even more so with the lemon.   I even heard to not drink during the meal but after.  I can't tell you what the reasoning, I don't remember.  Blake talks about drinking the water before you eat, with your meal, and after your meal.   I really put some thought into this and took time to make sure of what equaled that glass.  8oz's  Remember?  The cup.....I poured a cup of water into my favorite cup to see how much it was visually.  Then I drank it all.  All at one time.  It wasn't hard and not overwhelming like looking at my "big mug" of water.  When I see that, I realized it overwhelmed me and I didn't think I could possibly drink more.   

After finishing that cup I refilled it to drink with my breakfast.  As soon as I finished it I made my ONE cup of coffee I love.  That's how I usually get my morning water done.  I don't allow myself the pleasure of a cup of coffee without drinking water first.  I finish breakfast and I'm so full and thinking how am I possibly going to drink more water?  Already forgetting it's just a cup!  An 8oz cup of water.  Why do they say a glass?  That sounds like so much more.  Turns out it went right down and I felt full.  Not "stomach ache" full but "good" full. 

 I decided to try something.  I took out a sharpie and wrote on my cup.  111  As I drank more cups between breakfast and lunch I started to see that 9 cups of water is really easy.  Just using the bda method gives you 9.  Anything in between is lagniappe.  Every cup I drank I made my mark on my cup and before you know it I had 9.  It just seemed so easy.   I tried this yesterday and today and I can tell a difference in the way I feel.  Do I believe it is going to drop my weight faster?  I don't believe it will.  I do believe without a doubt that I'm not feeling hungry and having to battle staring at a big thing of water and convincing myself I need to finish it and more.  Before by in between snack I drank the same way.  bda  Soon  I was thinking I need to write about this on my blog.  Some of my readers may look at water the same way I did.  

I have not read Blake's book nor am I trying to promote it.  You can check out his FB page or website to decide for yourself if your interested.  Obviously there is way more to his book than when to drink your water.  He seems very committed to helping people who need support to get started on their weight loss journey.  

On occasion I watch Dr. Oz depending on the subject.  Chris Powell was on there today so I decided to watch.  He is a personal trainer and host of Extreme Weight Loss.  I've never watched the program but my husband has.  He's been pretty amazed by some of the stories.  
He said something today that I said found useful.  Calculate the number of calories you should be eating by taking your weight and multiply by 12.   Doing this to quickly check it out I discover my goal is 200 calories over.  My weight loss has been slow but it's working so I'm going to leave things along.  I'd like to see what changes may happen with my new way of drinking water first.  It will probably just take longer to achieve my goal.  If I were not able to exercise I'd definitely adjust the goal.  

I hope this post gives someone some useful information or possibly some hope that you too can set some goals and achieve them if you put your mind to it.  If you have a computer or a smartphone you have plenty of tools right there to help you.  Good luck and happy dieting.  Drink up....water that is!

Living with H.O.P.E. (hold on pain ends)
Theresa


In memory of Olivia Grace Caston; born June 7, 2013    In the words of her MiMi
"Now in heaven as an Angel August 23, 2013 (her original due date)"
May God touch her parents hearts and ease their pain of losing this precious gift that was theirs for just a short time.   So many people are praying for you and your family.  God Bless

****Mimi is a friend of mind.  Being a grandmother and also "expecting another"  my heart simply aches for her very deeply.  

I need a break!

From what you might ask?  From this flare up that started the day after the 4th of July.  That particular week end was terrible.  We had the threat of rain or rain everyday until the week end passed.   The barometric pressure highly determines my day.   My husband was off from Thursday until Monday and all of this time with him home I felt like doing absolutely nothing.
I scared him at one point when I let it get to me and went on one of my "feel sorry for me" binges.  Why me?  Why can't I feel normal just one day?  Please...just one.   I want to remember what it feels like.  I told him I couldn't take it any more and he completely took it wrong.  I meant I couldn't take pretending like I'm fine and I've learned to deal with it.  

I have learned to deal with it.  A long time ago.  I also learned that if you can't just let go and stop pretending sometime you'll go nuts.  If you go nuts your doctor will put you on medication.  In my case, increase my medication.  I had a mad fit, a good cry, 2 pain pills and crawled in bed and found something funny to watch.  I tried not to feel guilty about being in bed or lashing out.  By the time the program was over, I felt the "edge" reduced and not so sad and angry any longer.

Why haven't I written?  I really have no excuse.  Well, maybe the one I use last time about the program I'm watching.  Now on season 6 episode 9 and I'm going to really be sad when I'm done.  I have one season left after this one.  Ok, so back to not writing,  A dear friend text last week wondering and I quote, "Ok enough already! I keep checking your blog everyday for an update :-(  I apologized and filled her in that I was having a rough time and figured I'd just complain.  She said that was what she was thinking.  Either I was doing really good or really bad.  None the less knowing she was thinking about me helped.   Then there was the text at the end of the week asking, "Is my page not reloading or have you not posted since June 27th?"  Your page is reloading fine.  I have no real excuse.  I will get past this flare up.  Then I have the friend who checked in and said, "Go ahead and complain, we're listening:-)"

You see my readers, I have the best friends in the world.  They all still want to hear from me good or bad.  That is one of the many things that give me strength to keep fighting and not giving up and crawl in bed to quit the fight.  Trust me, I want to do it on many days.  Especially these last 4.

4th of July Good food and great friends

I remember last summer at the hottest point, humidity high with chances of rain all the time making it tough.  I told myself it was worse than winter.  In the winter I always say its worse in the summer.  I've been riding my bike and swimming.  That's about it.  It's been a couple of weeks or longer since I've had a good walk.  Your going to be hearing from me regularly again because after this week end I will start the Weight Watchers program over.  Yes readers that 17 pounds you cheered me through last year is BACK ON.  All but 6 of them.  I don't know what I'm waiting for?   I guess to hit the 17 mark back so it can be even harder.  
Any one want to join me?

Along with the added pain on top of the chronic "failed back surgery syndrome" my hives are determined to make me miserable.  I know, give it up.  They aren't going away.  I'm not giving up hope that the will some day.  I guess they like showing up to visit when my back is flared up.  This isn't the best pictures but it gives you an idea starting in block one in the am
and how it gets larger and larger as the day goes on.  I can feel them before they even expose themself.

last week

Monday

I'm getting tired and falling a sleep while trying to finish this.  I haven't slept the last few nights with some particular nasty hives, no relief from this back flare up and kkkkkkkkka cut on my pinky that is healing so slowkkkkkkkkkkkk. ( That's what you get when your drifting off and won't give up.  I started @ 11:00 and it's now 2 am.  I wake up and my finger has typed its self!)   I'll be back to finish tomorrow after my therapy session.

I'm back.  It's Tuesday afternoon and I should be able to stay awake to finish lol.  I've returned from seeing my therapist and stopping at a few stores so I need a rest.  I'm not getting up until I'm done here!

This week end we have some friends coming from out of town for the week end.  I'm trying to slowly each day get a few things done around here that I've put off because of the way I've been feeling.  The gentleman is a longtime college friend of my husbands.  They go way back and he has been coming to stay for the week end to visit long before I was in the picture.  I started in the guest room.  I have a habit of putting things in there until I "feel like"
taking care of them if I'm having a bad day.  I finally got a new bed set and found a topper for the current curtains that match new comforter.  I love when things like that work out.  

My nephew is in town visiting his dad, stepmom and siblings this week.  He lives out of state and its a rare occasion if we get to see him when he is here. (my immediate family)  He is 16 now and I'm not sure he was a teenager last time we saw him.  My sister in law asked about them all coming Sunday so he could see us and of course us see him.  I'm really excited about it.  I'm anxious about the busy week end and how I will feel by Monday.  I'll make it but know it will take some recouping after.  

The last time they came (fathers day)  we had such a great time.  It was so hot outside but we didn't let it stop us.  My husband grilled and he put up a tent topper to provide some shade.  As of yesterday we now have a patio cover AND a fan under there so it will be much cooler this visit.  

My regret is that my granddaughter can't be here.  My son met with her mom last week and Thursday he will see his daughter for the first time since Christmas day.  I'm so excited for him and A.  I hope it all goes well for all three of them.  He has taken so many steps forward and this one will surely encourage more of them.  It will take some time before her mom is ready for A to spend alone time with her daddy so it is not an option to have both here on Sunday to see my nephew and family.   I'd really like my son to be here.  Being with family is so good for him and my brother and his wife were there for him during some of his "bad" days.  They really enjoyed seeing him doing so great last time they were here.  As well as my mom.  Unfortunately if one comes the other can't.  Not the end of the world, I know.  Every thing takes time.  

It just always seems when A is here nothing is going on.  My daughter always does her best to get here with P so she can see some of her family here.  It's just fell like that recently that when family is here she isn't .  A hasn't seen my mom or my brothers family in a very long time.  I'd love for her to be able to participate in the fun we will have.  She loves the pool now and is very comfortable.   Next month is her birthday.  She's so excited about that.  I can't believe her and P both will soon be 4 years old.  I also can't believe I'll have another grandchild soon and P will be a "big brother".

very involved with "Daniel" 

girl loves to pose :-)

I know I already promised to write more.  I definitely will.  I have so much to share but don't want to bore all in one post.  Honestly I can't sit and type that long anyway.  I'm starting my diet back on Monday too.  You guys are my inspiration and knowing I have to post my weight up there every Monday holds me accountable.  Some may be short but I'll be back.

I hope all my pain friends who stay in touch with me are feeling some relief right now.   Your emails, posts and comments always encourage me to stay strong.  

Filled with H.O.P.E. (hold on pain ends)
Theresa

Happy Mothers Day!

Me @ 17 and my mom @ 40

Along with the month of May comes the special day that is the biggest day in restaurant business every where.  A day we celebrate our moms.  Some of have moms to praise and are moms too!  I have friends who have lost their moms and a couple who are like me...lost their father first.  Regardless if their here are not this day is still theirs and they earned it.

As far as my Mothers Day it will be a little different this year.  With the surgery and a family member unexpectedly in the hospital, my husband was out at 6am to go where is family lives to be of some help.  Not without telling me of my "mothers day gift".  Yes, telling me.  It has to be made.  Go ahead and try to guess you never will.  Those of you who know my husband will agree.  Always expect the unexpected with him.  This is one unique gift though.  I will treasure it forever.  You'll see it as soon as I do ;-)

I had much improvement day yesterday.  I didn't give out until 4 in the afternoon.  Not that I did much, but it was a pretty typical day (for me).  As I tired out I started noticing that my arm was itching.  Ah, yes I remember what this familiar itch feels like. My never far away friend the hives.  Yes, hives with an "s"  Before I went to bed there were 3.  

I don't know why but some time there are just there and they itch and feel like stretched skin.  A tightness I can't explain but every so often one of the bunch just really hurts.  It kind of throbs and is warm to the touch.  They some how always seem to appear at the worst time or day.  I'm covered in cream, full of antihistamine and 3 wasn't enough.  I got up with a new one this morning.   I'm hoping they will calm down before my children come to visit me this afternoon.    

the one that hurts and the only one I can show you!

My mom is with my Uncle who I mentioned a few posts ago.  We've exchanged texts earlier this morning and plan to chat later.  She plans to cook him some homemade soup then return to her home and stay there for the night.  I'm sure her animals will be glad to see her.

As I said, I got around a good bit yesterday.  I brought on my back pain and turned on my stimulator.  I wasn't using it unless I had to because I still have to get the charger for it.  This battery requires recharging more often.  Mr. R and I exchanged texts yesterday to set up something to meet.  I need some reprogramming.  Stimulation needs to be moved but he accidentally made my programs 20 seconds on 10 seconds off instead of minutes.   "His bad" he said.  "I'll fix that"  Thank goodness!  Lets fix it sooner vs later.  lol

I've done it, passed the half way mark of my weight loss last year.  As soon as I get ok from Dr to exercise again I'll be all over it but I think it will take a little more than that.  Maybe 3 months of WW's?  We'll see.  I love my new clothes I rewarded myself with so I have to stay in them and that's what works for me.  With this latest flare up (pre surgery) I've for once understood the term "comfort food".

growing some seasonings outside love the smell of fresh parsley

Not helping me get the pounds off!  I love it!

I hope everyone one of my readers that is a mom feels special and loved today!  It's your day, enjoy it and let someone pamper you.  Even if you have to ask for it.  

my Mothers Day breakfast I fixed myself 

H.O.P.E. ( hold on pain ends )
Theresa

A New Year and New Hope

I can't believe it is 2013.  I was 18 when my first child was born. In 1983. Age 21 for the second in 1986. Not recommend, but after the infant/toddler years I started to feel less stress and more freedom.  By the time the second graduated high school I decided it wasn't so bad after all to have had my children at such a young age.  I was just starting my forties and I had friends my age who had preschoolers.  When we moved into 1990 it seemed like so long ago that I was in grade school and even high school. Then came the millennium. Now here we are in the teen years of the 19th century.

So what is my New Year resolution?  To work harder on bringing Joy into my life.  To worry less.
To take one day at a time and not worry about everything that is ahead.  Last but not least, to remain hopeful that there is still hope for improvement for my back.

Our Christmas: We went to visit my husbands family on the Sunday before Christmas.  My husbands parents live in an assisted living home so it was nice to have them there for the day with us. The following day, (Christmas Eve) A came to visit.  We went riding Christmas eve night to look at lights.  She really enjoyed that and so did we.  It's been awhile since we've done that.  A wanted to take some pictures so I took some for her and let her take some herself.  She did pretty good!

Mom & Pop 3 sisters and a brother 

Sister & Spouse

Sister & Spouse

That night was rough for A.  She came with her pulmo-aid for breathing treatments and several medications.  We didn't miss anything but she still had a terrible night.  Up a lot durning night and coughing keeping her awake.  Christmas morning we stayed home and enjoyed a quite Christmas morning.  After gifts D and I both did some cooking to bring to my daughters home for dinner.  A was so excited to be seeing Aunt B and Uncle M  cousin P and most of all her daddy.  She picked out some pictures Aunt B took of her to put in a frame for her daddy and did her best at wrapping it herself.  She was so proud to watch him open it.

We had a nice evening, enjoyed dinner and of course the babies loved opening all their gifts.

Can't tell you how much I love this boy and girl!

 We made it home at a decent hour and got all of A's med's and breathing treatment done.  Another rough night.  She didn't get much sleep and coughed up a lot of mucus.  Not enough though.  She didn't have an appetite and didn't seem herself.  After her nap she felt really warm to me and she had 103 fever.  Time to get right back to mommy.  We threw everything in the car and drove to Lottie to meet her mom so she could take her to doctor the next day. 

The following day her fever spiked to 104.  Doctor said bronchitis.  After a week of antibiotics, medications and nebulizer a follow up x ray still showed a lot of mucus still there so then a round of steroids and we're now waiting to see what the next x tay shows.  She has her appetite back and no longer choking at night.  Just some mild coughing durning the day.  She came back this previous week end and it was so good to see her feeling better.

She said her Aunt B taught her to put her hand her hip like this <3

Our New Years:  New Years Eve P came to spend the night with us.  My daughter and her husband went to the Chick fil A bowl. ( sorry to mention that sore subject ).  He entertained us as usual.  That boy says the funniest things.  The bad news was he did not like the loud noise of fire works.  Second bad news, he wasn't feeling well.  Stuffy nose that was driving him nuts.  After the game we tried to settle and watch the New Years show to ring in the New Year.  The fireworks and the stuffy nose = no sleeping for P.  It was well after midnight before he went to sleep and I snuck some vics under his nose.  He woke up several times durning the night.  The next day he slept 3 hours for his nap.  I had to wake him up to go and meet his maw maw.

The next day, New Years Day was my birthday.  Add on another year.  No big deal.

2 more to go to "pass and ugly" as my mamma says.

I'm glad to get back to a normal routine again.  As hard as you try November & December can be tiring and stressful for anyone.  For me, it means added pain.  We've had a lot of rain for several days.  When it hasn't been raining it's been wet and damp. Those conditions make every thing worse.  I promise not to be away so long now that things have settled now.  My next post I'll fill you in on where I am with my stimulator.

My weight: Don't know how I pulled this off but from Thanksgiving to New Years I only gained 2 pounds back of the weight I lost.  I do not enjoy shopping so I did a lot of treat making for the special people I wanted a little something for.  A few neighbors, mail lady, some of my doctors and of course family. Even sent a package of treats to my mom.  D's family loves the turtles I make so I made a batch to bring there.  I also brought treats to B's house Christmas day.  So.... a lot of sweets in my face.  So hard to not taste and lick the spoon and bowl when making!  D liked helping me with that also. The good news is the sweets are all gone, and so is my 2 pounds.  I've been riding my recumbent bike more than getting a walk.  Especially with the weather.

At the start of this post I mentioned bringing joy into my life.  How?  To start, here is my new mantra below to repeat everyday until I believe it.  That may not happen soon, but it's a start.  What's important is that I'm going to try.  Things are not any better with my son's situation.  It brings added stress and worry to my chronic condition.  I remember last year praying so hard that this would be the year for things to turn around for him.  It didn't happen, they are worse.  So I'll start praying again a new prayer for him in 2013.  I've done everything possible to help him.  Every time I think , this is it he wants things to be this way. it doesn't take long to start feeling guilt.  His daughter needs her daddy and he needs his daughter.

Joy is the settled

assurance that God

is in control of all the 

details of my life, the quiet confidence

that ultimately everything is going to be all right,

and the determined

choice to praise

God in all things.

Kay Warren

Good night....
Theresa