In yesterday’s post (which, after you’re done with this post, you can read here), I shared that I will be publicly walking my personal journey of health and fitness—in my desire to take care of myself so that I can better care for my aging parents—and that I will share tidbits of that journey on this blog on Mondays. So today is the first installment of “The Monday Morning Mirror.”
Reflections on the past week:
Exercise. This past week, I walked outside for thirty-five minutes, three days! I took short, normal steps the first day, and my goal on the third day was to extend my gait a little bit in order to “step it up” a notch. The weather here in Indiana has been whack this month, so the cold and lots of blowing snow ended up being good excuses to stay indoors. My goal was three days, and I did three. However, I used lame excuses for not doing something in the house on the other days, and that will end today.
Eating. My mom cooks fairly healthful meals; I just accessorize them with butter, and I need to pull back on that. As for my “snacks,” I need to figure that out this week. Do you have an easy, inexpensive, healthful snack you could recommend other than just fresh veggies (which I’m going to do this week)? I work from home, and for some reason, about 2:30 p.m., I’d pretty much trade all my earthly belongings for a piece of salted caramel fudge from the local fudge shop! Help! Ideas appreciated!
Reading that inspired me this past week:
I Corinthians 9:27, NLT “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
The part that hit me hardest and stuck with me was “training it to do what it should.” My body was designed by a meticulous Designer, and it is meant to be healthy; therefore, it can be, but I must train it properly!
Realistic goals for the week ahead:
I’m going to exercise five days this week—either outside, inside, or a combination of both. Since my parents have a treadmill and two exercise bikes, I have no excuses. I also have weights and exercise videos that are right at my fingertips, so there will be a full report next Monday on how I switched things up this week. I’m also going to write down every morsel of food that crosses between my lips, and I’m going to memorize I Corinthians 9:27 this week. Anyone else care to memorize this with me?
God is good, and I’m moving forward!
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Thanks for sharing your goals and progress with us! It’s a great challenge that helps motivate me too. One of my favorite snacks is a handful of almonds with a few dried cranberries. Also, we like to make Energy Bites. They freeze really well, and can even be wrapped in a square of waxed paper for insuring individual servings. =) Stir together 1 c old-fashioned oats, 2/3 c toasted coconut flakes, 1/4 c honey or maple syrup, ½ c peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla, ½ c ground flaxseed or wheat germ. You could add a few mini chocolate chips if needed. Put in the fridge for 1/2 hour, then roll into 1″ balls (or press into a square baking dish and cut into squares). Store refrigerated for 1 week or freeze.
Thanks for reading this week’s post about this, Diane, but more importantly, thank you for taking time to share the great ideas and delicious-sounding recipe! Ooooh, I’m going to try that soon! I’ll let you know how it works for me!
I will memorize with you. Some snacks that I like that are relatively healthy are string cheese and granola bars. I need a snack twice a day or I crash and the doctor recommended both of these. I also like an apple with peanut for lunch. It seems to stick with me for the day.
Thanks for memorizing with me, Dyan, and thanks also for the snack ideas. I’m a peanut butter gal—in part, because the protein sustains me (or at least I tell myself it does!)—so I’m going to look into the string cheese idea. That seems to keep popping up in some of the e-mails as well! We can and we will!