Top 10 tips of how to combat boredom eating

After 2 weeks of dealing with post- elbow surgery recovery.... boredom eating is an all too recent and frustrating struggle.  For me, it's harder for me to handle than emotional eating at times.

I managed to get myself to a weight watchers meeting on Wednesday (yes driving by myself with my cast.  I was desperate...and very careful) and I brought up boredom eating as a challenge and asked for their help on some different ways to combat boredom eating.  They had some great ideas that I incorporated into my own.

1.  Exercise!  This is my favorite go-to boredom buster, as I'm sure you all can attend to.  With my foot issues the past 2 months, it's been tough not having this release for me.  One thing I have been able to do: abs! Y'all know I am a big P90X fan, so I've been pulling out Ab ripper X and also doing crunch variations on a balance ball.  Just find something you like that will get your heart pumping and you won't want to eat junk afterwards!

my favorite- P90X Ab Ripper

2. Get creative! Whatever this looks like for you that will put your brain to creative thoughts.   I like writing, crocheting, and years ago I played the flute (crazy, huh?).  I would actually love to pick up the flute again, I was quite good and enjoyed it. :)  Somebody at weight watchers suggested painting or drawing, which I thought was a fantastic idea for those who have more drawing talents than myself (zero in case you were wondering).  Basically, do something to stimulate your mind, and your hands ;)

Cute penguin! And no, I'm not this good

3. Read a book! Right now I'm reading through The Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R. R. Martin.  I gotta admit that the series can be slow at times, but when it picks up, I love it!  Reading is a great mental distraction and I just love getting lost in a good book for a couple hours. You forget about food, it's fantastic.

Current read- awesome book!

4. Call a loved one.  Call a friend or family member and catch up!  Not only an opportunity to distract yourself and get your mouth working in other ways, but also an opportunity to connect. :)  After all, who doesn't like to talk? ;)

5.  Play with your pet!  There is no greater food inhibitor than having an adorable fur-ball sprawled across your lap fast asleep or purring.  Or if you have a dog take them for a walk or play with them.  Instant gratitude!

You would never dare to disturb me!!

6. Have a snack if you are hungry- just make it a healthy one!  Carrots, either plain or with a little hummus are an awesome crunchy and filling snack.  Another great one is grapes- cold or frozen (takes longer to eat) are great poppable and also never fail to fill me up quickly.   Grapes to the rescue

grapes! yummy!

7. Listen to music. Fire up your favorite album or itunes playlist and enjoy!  You could even get a little crazy and dance around ;)

8.  Do chores.  This isn't always fun, but when you put on some good music and start moving around your house will soon look better, you were active which is always good, and all of a sudden it's been 2 hours and you didn't even get a food craving.  Impressive, huh?

There may even be some fringe benefits ;) cute cartoon!

9. Join a recreational sports league!  I'll give full credit to my darling husband, Adrian, with this one.  This is a fun and active way to meet new friends and have some outdoor fun.  He has done softball and now kickball leagues and has met some fun and friendly people while exercising- great combination!

10. Volunteer in your community.  This was a great idea from a weight watcher member, thanks!  Perhaps you have an elderly neighbor you could help around the house or a soup kitchen you can volunteer your time at.  Plus giving back to others has fringe benefits- you feel good, too!

United Way is one of many great ways to get connected :)

What is your boredom eating bust?

Hello from Long Island!

Hello again from another airport! This entry is from ISP, the Long Island, NY airport.  I'm trying to kill some time while I wait for my flight, which was delayed an hour this morning for some reason- probably weather related at a different airport.

The weather was really crazy this morning....wild wind and lots of rain.  Made the roads dangerous and us get started a bit late waiting for everyone to arrive.  But, the EXCEED session today in West Babylon went off without a hitch today, and even ended a few minutes early! I love when I can wrap it up early and still get the full impact.  It's nice for the associates attending but also me!

There has been lots of continued stress over the past 3 days....continued delays at each airport which involved waiting on the tarmac, some issues at each conference room, and a TON of driving.  I drove over 500 miles total between Wednesday and this moment.  Yeah, that's exhausting in case you weren't sure.

I can PROUDLY say that I did NOT turn to food to help cope with my stress.  I had tons of opportunities with all the trail mix and M&Ms that were abundant in my sessions.  But I left them in the trunk after I left each one and munched on fruits and veggies instead on my LONG drives.  My "dessert splurge" last night was a fiber one 90 bar, a little individual packet of peanut butter (less than 1 Tablespoon) and a 100 calorie pack of pistachios.  Delicious treat and healthy.  I had more opportunity to go crazy at each of my hotel breakfast lineups because they both had my Achilles heel when it comes to bread....biscuits....

Tasty devils

Biscuits aren't quite the same as stuffing for me....but I LOVE biscuits and they really provide little nutritional value and pack a lot of points in, so I try to stay away.  Like those yummy cheddar and garlic biscuits that a few restaurants serve....very tempting and hard to pass up. Yummm

Instead, for breakfast yesterday I had a couple tablespoons of oatmeal (it was kinda blah, I had to mix some walnuts in just to make it tolerable), a small scoop of scrambled eggs, and a banana.  Then today I had an egg white omelet with lots of veggies and no cheese (eek gad, crazy I know!) with salsa on top.  I love when hotel's have omelet stations- so awesome! I also went to town on some melon and pineapple.  Y'all know I love melons of all kinds! ;)

I also tried out the recumbent bike with my darn foot on Thursday morning.  Although it's still quite painful to walk in any type of sneaker, I was able to get through a 30 minute workout on the recumbent bike- thanks to a good book to keep me company.  I repeated that again for a 35 minute random hill workout this morning on the recumbent   Also did my progressive clamshell sets (make glute work) and some nice, hard ab work.  I always feel better after a good sweat.  It's vital for my sanity.

My foot this morning. Ouch!

Since the world has officially not ended....we are celebrating tonight with a formal party at a friend's house- I can't wait!  Now I just have to get my butt home and figure out which dress to wear....

Trip to Portland

This past week I have been in Portland, which is why I haven't posted in a while, so let me catch y'all up...

I was in Portland all week for work and LOVED the weather (never got above 80 degrees and no humidity), and got to work with great people, as per usual.  Of course, as during all these trips, there was a lot of work related stress that fed my need to exercise.  Unfortunately, I wasn't really able to workout as much as I wanted to, which is another norm during work events. 

The hardest part of these long trips is the food, no questions.  There is always too much everywhere and very few good choices.  So I overloaded with fruit (apples, oranges, and bananas, how boring!) to keep me from eating non-stop M&Ms.  There was so much trail mix and M&Ms, it was overwhelming.  Mars candy is always plentiful at work events because they are our parent company, so this is not going to change, I just have to learn to deal with chocolate everywhere! lol
 

Who doesn't love M&Ms?

So, Tuesday I arrived at the hotel and did a hard core snoopy dance when I found out they had a FOAM ROLLER and MASSAGE STICK!!!  When I saw those in the little hotel gym, my left hamstring was literally tied up in knots and I was limping.  Darn sitting on a plane all day will do that to you.  So I walked, stretched and foam rolled/massaged for almost half an hour and was able to walk it out enough to get a 2 mile run in.  In beautiful 65 degree weather.  It was awesome!  There is proof in the pudding on foam rollers and why I will continue to roll every day.  Also realized when rolling that my IT band was where the majority of my tension was.  If you have never rolled this area or any area that you are tight before...hold onto your britches cause it HURTS. If you are a baby like me there might be tears, groaning, and cursing at the foam roller.  Then you will kiss and make up because you will feel better.  This was nowhere near as bad as that one time my calves were so tight that foam rolling made me actually yell and cry.  Adrian seemed quite worried as I rolled around on the floor of our living room in agony.

So freaking true....and that is one hard core roller!

So in preparation for a long run the next day, I went back to the gym after dinner and walked, stretched, and foam rolled for another half an hour at least.  Wednesday morning I woke up feeling like a freaking rock star, no joke!

So I went out and ran 5.5 glorious, pain free miles. Temperature when I left the hotel: 47 degrees F.  On June 20.  HELL YES!!!  I ran on this beautiful bike/running paved trail right on the riverfront. Literally.  The river was actually just a pile of rocks away, down a little bank.  It was no doubt one of the most beautiful runs I have ever had the joy to experience.  Not only was the temperature PERFECT for a nice run, but the sun was just starting to peak over the horizon and there were birds were chirping and playing in the water.  Seriously picturesque, people.

For dinner that night, we took the scenic route to Multnomah Falls in Bridal Veil, Oregon.  It took us through the mountains and gorge and it was completely worth it, even though it added about 30 minutes to the drive when we were all starving and exhausted.  Supposedly it's the tallest year-round waterfall in the country.  I REALLY wanted to hike up to that bridge in the picture but nobody else in my group did so alas, we headed into the lodge in front of the falls for dinner.  And dinner was DELICIOUS!  I got the petite filet with double veggies and a side salad.  The bread was also to die for and we demolished it as a group quickly because we were all starving.  I had the running munchies and bad, but I am glad I made the right choice instead of the pecan crusted salmon that I really wanted. Just too much fat with the salmon and pecan crusting!

beautiful Multnomah falls in OR

So the smartest thing I did during the 3 days spent sitting basically the whole day- I wore my compression socks all day, every day.  I washed them each night in the sink and they made SUCH a difference- no hamstring tightness even with all the sitting, including the TERRIBLE plane ride home.

Thursday I warmed up on the elliptical and then powered through an awesome full body strength training workout and a long stretch and foam roll/massage stick afterwards.  I might just need to pick myself up a massage stick, it was a nice addition to rolling.  Thursday night's dinner was a disaster of epic proportions, particular the portions of the food I ate.  We were all mega stressed after a bad day and we went out as a huge group.  With about 8 appetizers ordered, it was overwhelming and we were all so hungry, so we feasted.  I ordered the most delicious veggie burger ever with a side salad so my dinner was very smart- just not what I ate before hand.  I tried to count everything but I am quite annoyed at myself for this dinner.  And the trail mix I had earlier in the day, too.  If I gain this week on the scale- it will be because of this day, no doubt about it.

Friday I took a very purposeful rest day since I knew I would A- be up until 2am the next day traveling home and walking a lot in the airport. B- then would be running the Spirit of Gettysburg 5k on very little sleep.(Race recap to come soon)  C- desperately needed the extra sleep after a late and stressful day.

Friday night's trip home was a nightmare.  Friday morning I got a call from the airline that my flight from Chicago, Midway to BWI was delayed 2 hours (REALLY ALREADY?!), what a terrible way to start your day.  In the end it ended up being delayed about an hour, which wasn't too terrible because I got to have a nice sit-down dinner (fish and veggies) with a work friend and I walked around the airport for 30 minutes to make up for the rest day. The sucky part came once we landed in Baltimore.  First, we circled the airport for 15 minutes before landing.  Then we had to sit on the tarmac for 20 minutes more before getting to our gate. THEN we waited for 45 MINUTES for the luggage to come through the carousel.  SERIOUSLY?!?!  Of course, my luggage was last to come out, and then I had to wait another 15 minutes for a shuttle to my car.  I actually almost broke down in tears while waiting for the luggage, I was so exhausted and frustrated and knew I had an hour+ drive home.

And then.....about 30 minutes from home, I got pulled over and got a ticket for speeding.  SERIOUSLY?!  I had been so careful up to that point.  I kept setting my cruise control so I wouldn't let my lead foot take over and the one time I didn't, I got nailed. GARRRRHHHH.

So I finally got home at 3:30 AM.  My darling husband was so happy to see me, even though I couldn't have been grumpier and just wanted to head straight to bed since I was waking up in a little over 3 hours.

More to come about my weekend, which was FANTASTIC!!

Summer goals

 Do you set goals for yourself?  What are your summer goals?

Today's topic in weight watchers really hit me for some reason.  We talked about the summer and the challenges that can be put in our way because of it.  Joni asked if anyone struggled to lose weight during the summer, and I was quick to say I loved the summer. More activity, being outside, summer fruit, etc.  Then we pulled out our weeklies and there was a calendar where we could put any potential struggles like vacations, parties, etc.

This summer is going to be CHALLENGING for my weight loss.  In two weeks I will be in Portland for a week.  In a different hotel that I have no clue if there is a decent gym or a good area to run. GARRH.  Then there is...dun dun dun...the move.  The before mentioned scary move to White Marsh.  I'm not going to get more into it than that....

July is pretty mild with no big trips and then BAM a week long vacation during the first week of August.  Of all the trips, I will have the most control here which is good. I just need to make sure to get workouts in amongst all the fun we have planned.  I would LOVE to take a run in Central Park.  Ever since taking up running it is on my running bucket list.

Then 3 weeks later, I will be in Ft. Lauderdale for a week (don't feel too sorry for me) for work.  These long work trips are the worst because the only food control I have is portion size.  I am making educated guesses as to how many points things are and it's incredibly frustrating to have so little control and constant temptations everywhere I look. Imagine unlimited MARS candy everywhere as well as nearly unlimited salty snacks and food.   O and don't forget the expectation that you go out and mingle with coworkers over a glass of wine.  It's seriously tough, no joke.

So having said all that....the activity today was to set goals for labor day.  I had already been thinking that I wanted to get to goal by September so that I could make lifetime by my 3 year mark which is October 21, 2012.  I have 15 lbs left to reach goal and when I said this was my goal Joni gently prodded how realistic this goal would be and what it would do for my confidence and mental game if I don't reach it.  Realizing she was 100% right as always, I wrote down my goal as 10 lbs, which is just under 1 lb a week.  But, my stretch "ideal" goal is still 15 lbs.

I don't want to put too much pressure on myself but I WANT this.  Goal is so close I can taste it.  And you know the saying, nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. SO TRUE.  The taste I am imagining in my mouth is a Reece's pb cup. mmmmm.  I want to taste it, and I will! :)

so true...

Those stats are mine?!

I went to see my doctor Monday for my first "well visit" in at least 4-5 years. It went well that's for sure!!

I've been to him for injury issues around my tennis elbow, but never just for a well check up. It was the most amazing doctor's appointment I have ever had! One of the biggest reasons why it was so great= I have a consistent resting heart rate around 50 bpm which made him bust out into a grin.   A normal resting heart rate is 60+, with heart rates coming in below 60 showing great conditioning, aka an ATHLETE.  My blood pressure was 110/70 or something close to that, which is what I've been running at routinely for the past year, again a sign that I am healthy.   He proclaimed that the BMI scale is crap and I am the healthiest person he has seen in weeks. :D

So according to my heart, I am an ATHLETE.  Let me just pause so I can let that sink in to my brain.  And just to remind me....Tony Horton says I'm a goddess!  It's ok, you can be jealous, my husband is awesome.

We had a long discussion about why my doctor doesn't like using the BMI scale as the only measure for health which stemmed from the main reason I came to see him- what should my goal weight be?

He really had me thinking and asked me what I would do differently if my goal weight was 160 vs. 170 vs. 180 for example.  He wrote out the official BMI numbers for each of the weights and pointed out the small difference between them, especially compared to the big, SCARY, morbidly obese number that I was 3 short years ago.  But when it comes right down to it, I am NOT on a diet, I have changed my lifestyle.  I immediately answered "nothing" when he asked me what would change for me if the goal weight was 160 vs. 180 which I really hope will prove true.  After replying that I consider my body type to be muscular vs. slender he narrowed in on a target that is higher than the BMI scale.  He point blank told me that if I wanted to be a muscular athlete the BMI scale would hold me back and leave me frustrated because it doesn't take into account body types. I need to let my body find it's happy medium through healthy eating and exercise, which is what I'm doing now.

What a great feeling to have your doctor say he is impressed and thrilled with you! So much so that he ended up hanging and talking with me for almost an HOUR. He told me afterwards that his schedule had cleared a little before I came in and he wanted to really pick my brain about how and why I have been so successful and make sure I knew how proud he was of me. He said he so rarely gets to witness a miraculous success story





 Thanks Doc for being an awesome support for me and making me feel truly special.

::big grin::

Do you have a plan?

"A goal without a plan is just a wish"

Wow, what a powerful statement from this week's weight watcher weekly bulletin. So, have you set your new years resolutions yet? I know some people have given the increased numbers at the Y and weight watchers in the past couple weeks. Today it was packed at weight watchers, which I love seeing- I just hope people can stick with it.

And that's what is so hard for so many, and was so difficult for me until I gave up all my excuses, looked myself in the mirror and admitted that I needed help. Thank God for weight watchers and support I have received from it and my loved ones. But the reality is...I AM DOING THIS. Not weight watchers, or my friends and family, but ME. Just as the all wonderful Jennifer Hudson says- you have to Believe.

So, do you Believe? After my weigh in today... with a whopping 3.6 lb loss- I have to believe! I'm in shock that I had such a good week with so much other stress going on. On New Years day we lost a great man, my grandfather- Joe Mulrooney. So Adrian and I packed up and drove down to Louisville, KY to mourn his loss with my family. It was very difficult because not only was Joe a great man, but it seemed like I couldn't help but re-open the wound that my father's death has left on my heart. My uncle Rob and his wife Debbie were there which was comforting. Seeing uncle Rob always seems to transport me back in time to Christmases in Kentucky where I would be on Papa's knee and Rob would play with us and my cousins in the basement while the "boring adults" socialized upstairs. In my eyes he was always such a cool uncle because of the silly things that kids care about when they are 5- barbies and toys.

And of course, it was great to spend time with the Crush family (my Aunt Brigid and her family), they are always so warm, fun and loving. It was wonderful spending time with them last time we were in Kentucky to see my dad when his health was failing...it's just a shame that we usually spend time together during difficult times because they are so full of life and love. With family far away, sometimes that's just the reality of life. I love that I never feel pressured to eat extra around them like I often feel around other family members and even some friends, in fact I feel just the opposite. Their healthy life style makes me feel at ease and like I am in my own house- which showed on the scale this week despite fewer total workout days and some of the most delicious desert I have ever tasted (but in moderation). If you have never had Derby Pie you obviously haven't lived. Also, chocolate chip pumpkin bread is so delicious it might have been created by the devil himself- it was the only thing I really "splurged" on and enjoyed two slices with no guilt because it was 100% worth it.

But fate stepped in again to throw us a curve ball...after the funeral on Thursday and a relaxing afternoon with the Crushes and uncle Rob, Adrian got the hard news that his grandmother died.....just 4 days after we lost Papa. Talk about a bad start to 2012...

Sometimes life is just hard. But all you can do is pick up and keep going.