Weigh In Week 3 - Little Things Mean a Lot

Starting Weight: 242 lbs
Current Weight: 234 lbs
This week's results: - 1 lb
Total results: -8 lbs

For those of you who have been listening to The Joy FM Morning Cruise and/or reading my posts, I truly mean it when I say that for me, this weight loss journey is not about the number that pops up on the scale each week. Its about the little things, because enough little adds up to HUGE results! Speaking of which, be sure to send Carmen some new children's shoes for her trip to Peru. Every pair is significant. Check out The Morning Cruise at http://www.thejoyfm.com/ for details.

Firstly, thank you so much for your prayers for Mom. She was released from the hospital late Friday afternoon, with no heart damage or other heart-related problems. She is relating her pressure and chest pain to some peanuts she had eaten as a snack the evening before. Sister Carla and I are saying "miracle." Because of all the prayers and good thoughts, what could have been a terrible problem for Mom came out to be no more than a serious case of indigestion; or was it? The doctors found nothing; no damage, no heart attack, although nitroglycerin stopped her pain; they did not administer antacids. She went grocery shopping Saturday afternoon, and we went to church together Sunday.

I've started looking at my day-to-day life, and watching for God's Hand in it. For instance, have you ever been late for work and driven past a major vehicle accident on your normal route? I have; too many times for mere coincidence. Crisis averted! God's in control.

There are just too many instances in my life where I can see God was watching out for me, and guiding me to make the right decision. For example, a boy was confirmed (Lutheran thing) in Saginaw, Michigan in spring 1967, by a pastor who was subsequently transferred to a congregation in Temple Terrace, Florida. In 1975, that pastor confirmed a girl in the same manner as the boy 9 years before. In 1985, that very same pastor married the couple in Temple Terrace. The kids are Carl and me. How does that happen?! Carl and I both have previous marriages, and children from those relationships. I would've thought God was done with us in the "happily ever after" department. I know of only one way stuff like that happens - through the Lord's guidance and mercy! I can give you example after example of the miracles He has done in my life, but maybe later.

Back to the weight loss efforts! I'm noticing some other stuff, too. While stretching Monday night with Michelle at Shapes, I could reach behind me and grab the toe of my right shoe with a little struggle. The week before, I couldn't do that at all. I've rested my ankle on the arm of a chair and kind of hopped backwards, but that's not very safe (or attractive, let me tell you)! I have almost toppled over a couple of times. Clothes are getting a little looser, too, and I've had to take a few more tucks in my waistbands. "Tucks" is a sewing term; I've always had to sew my britches for a smaller waistband, even when thinner, because I have a (seriously) larger seating area in proportion to my waist. Last pair of slacks, I took in 4 tucks (for about 4 inches) instead of the usual 2. Go me!

Whatever your present bug-a-boo is, look at the larger picture, for some perspective. Then, look at little things that can add up to a major change for you too. Not exercising, eating right, or drinking enough water, and feel like its too overwhelming to start? Start writing down everything that you put into your mouth, including the amounts, and when you have it. Don't try to cut back, just write it down for about a week. Then, look back and see where you could make healthier choices. At Subway, have a turkey breast salad instead of the turkey sandwich with the mayo. Order dressings on the side, dip your fork with every bite instead of pouring the entire amount over your salad. Get marinara sauce instead of alfredo sauce on your pasta. Have clear soup instead of cream of whatever. Try the brown rice; its really not that bad at all! Cook with olive oil or cooking spray instead of butter. Get the dog and go for a walk. Take a 20-oz bottle of water with you and don't come home until its all gone. Never grocery-shop hungry!

You might not see anything right away... I didn't gain all this weight in a day, and I'm betting neither did you. Give it 2 weeks. Don't look at a scale, and stay off the grocery store ones forever - they're not accurate! With my limited knowledge and vast experience of failure at losing weight, I can help you by letting you know what works and doesn't work for me. You take it and use it (or not) for whatever it can do to help you. Most important: Don't give up!

Since starting this very public effort of mine, I feel better about myself, because I'm working on something. I'm nowhere near where I want to be health- and weight-wise, but I'm accomplishing some little things and that always feels good!

I pray that you will see God in some place this week, and recognize His hand in your life always!

Weigh-in Week 2... Life Happens!

Starting Weight: 242 lbs
Current Weight: 235 lbs
This week's results: -1 lb
Total results: 7 lbs

"We interrupt your life, Heidi, to bring you... more life"
This was my week:

Monday I got to meet my new friend and personal trainer, Michelle. She is wonderful! She's the type of person that inspires you to do well, because you want her approval. I work very well with her type of person. She's smart, really knows her stuff, and doesn't come at you like she can't understand your struggles. We went over meal plan stuff and then she showed me a strength training routine that I've been following the rest of the week.

Tuesday and Wednesday went pretty much according to plan, except that Wednesday night I prepared a post about all the stuff Michelle and I went over, but my server wasn't working. I lost the entire post, because I'm a goober. I thought it'd be a good idea to re-boot the system. Not a good idea. Apparently there's an "auto-save" backup, but only after I've saved the post once. Never did it. I did learn, though. I'm saving now as well as autosaving every couple words or so.

Thursday, I disappointed and saddened Carl, who just learned that I still have 10 Women of Faith tickets for the Tampa conference August 14 and 15 that I paid for in advance, but cannot find any takers willing to come up with the $99 fee for the event. So I have almost $1,000 out of our account that we had earmarked for medical stuff. Bad enough, but he discovered this when I posted the tickets' availability on Facebook. He's not happy, to say the least. Guys do not like surprises, as a general rule, and I've been surprising Carl for about 25 years now, and probably will for many more to come, as long as he's willing to put up with them. Poor guy! I guess he thought marrying "Lucy" was a good idea. He's the rock in our relationship. I'm the hammer.

Just as my drama was beginning to unfold about the Women of Faith Tickets Thursday morning, I got a call from my sister Kris, to let me know that our Mom had been complaining of chest pains, so she took her to the hospital at about 3:30 a.m. Nitroglycerin reduced her pain, and she's feeling much better, but the cardiologist wants to know why the pain in the first place. Sister Carla visited earlier in the day until she had to go to work, and I got to the hospital about 3:30 and stayed until visiting hours ended at 8:00. Mom's Pastor came and visited with us and we prayed together the 4 of us. Sister Amy called from Salt Lake, and brother Eric called as well. All the sibs are local except for Amy, so Mom has lots of support. Carla called from work and her husband Jeff from home. The doctor said they're going to do a nuclear stress test today (Friday), and Mom went downstairs for some heart pictures just after I left. Kris was going to stay until Mom left her room for the tests. She'd been up since the middle of the night, so I'll bet she slept like a noisy log last night... Kris, Mom and I are world-champion snorers.

So, in the midst of this, I've managed to stay on my program and lose a pound, so go me. The thing I've learned this week is that I have to stay the course. I SO wanted to stop last night and have a big ol' Chic-Fil-A sandwich and fries (I do so love their cole slaw too), but I knew that wouldn't help my long term goals, and that wouldn't do anything for Mom, so I went on home. Lindsay and Scott had gone grocery shopping with the babies, and were putting them to bed by the time I got home. Guess what was on the dining table? Empty Chic-Fil-A bags and boxes. Irony! My sarcastic nature loves it! I had letover spinach, mojo chicken, black beans and brown rice, laughing at myself the entire time. Delicioso!

I'm praying that your week was a little less eventful than mine, and I ask for prayers for Mom and her doctors, and for myself, 10 buyers of Women of Faith tickets. Have a wonderful weekend.

Getting Back on the Horse

Dear Ones:

I hope you had a terrific weekend!

Mine was busy with family and friends. Best of all, Carl was home for the weekend, and we were finally able to visit a church in our new home base. We moved from Lakeland to live with our daughter Lindsay, her husband Scott, and our grandbabies Phoebe (2 years) and Pierson (almost 6 months), about 3 months ago. I'd been trying to get back to our home church at first, but the distance (45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic) is just too prohibitive for me to participate in choir or any other activities during the week. It also made for some lazy Sunday mornings, since I can talk myself into (or out of) just about anything, like not attending worship... or having that slice of wedding cake!

I hated to leave my friends of 19 to 20 years behind in Lakeland, but there's a comfort in knowing that I've got another place of worship where I can go and be remembered, welcomed, and loved.

I got a huge helping (food reference!) of that on Saturday, as Carl and I were able to share in the joy of witnessing the Lakeland wedding of Frannie, the daughter of one of my closest gal-pals, Barbara, to Michael, the love of Frannie's young life. Pastor Carol's sermon to them touched and inspired me, as all her sermons have in the past, and I got to hear again the divinely inspired musical gifts of Bill, the church organist and choir director. I remembered our own wedding and the joy of that day, and all the days that have followed. I also got to hug and be hugged by Rusty and Arlene, Nate, Courtney, Barbara, Mark, Anthony, Pastor Carol, Brenda and Larry, Dean and Lynn, Shannon, David and Victoria, Bob, and best of all, Big Dave and Helen-Ann, among so many others. Its great to go home again!

I liked the new church and Pastors, and the congregation seems very friendly. The praise team was very good, and the contemporary music familiar. They are active in the community and with each other, and committed to being disciples of Christ. I am sure I will develop and gain friends and acquaintances in the new surroundings. How can I already know this? Because in the middle of the contemporary worship, the sermon was given by a man who recently lost his sister, and he talked about his nephew, a semi-truck driver, who felt the double sting of both loss of his mother and of believing he disappointed both his parents by becoming a truck driver, rather than succumb to the higher worldly hopes that they had for him.

My beloved Carl is a long-distance truck driver himself, so I knew God was saying to us, "Hey - this is a place you can call your worship home."

Carl is normally gone for 2 weeks before returning for a weekend home, so we do not get to see a lot of each other, to say the least. We are in constant daily communication with each other, thanks to the invention of the cell phone (yeah, we're older than those, too, obviously). Because of this, though, I believe we have gained a greater appreciation of each other when we are together, because of the physical distances that his work takes him.

In addition to the wedding, we also got to share family time this weekend. Son Jeremy turned 32 years old today, and we enjoyed ribs and loaded potato cassarole and all the trimmings. Our granddaughter Brianna was here also, so we had most everyone on our twig of the family tree at the house. Daughter Elizabeth is in Salt Lake City, and daughter Allison is in Pittsburgh, so it wasn't a complete family reunion without them, but they both called their brother to congratulate him on his accomplishment! Since Elizabeth lives in SLC, and Allie is living with family in Pittsburgh in between semesters at Thiel College, their home visits are few and far between.

Which brings me to my title, finally. What with the wedding and family get-together and all, I definitely wasn't true to my so-recent calling. I did get 5 workouts completed last week, so I didn't schedule anything for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in that vein. I won't make that mistake again! Exercise seems to be the cornerstone of my weight loss journey this time around, and I missed it keeping me centered. I had an Italian feast at Frannie's wedding, as well as wedding cake and a little wine. Today, I had a BBQ pig-out, literally, with pork ribs and my family-famous loaded potato casserole, and of course birthday cake.

What did I learn? I had a good time at both events, but the best of the weekend didn't have to do with food. The menus were delicious, but the nourishment they provided was fleeting. I have to eat again the next time around (oh, if I never had to eat again, my problems would be over!). Unfortunately, the obsession and lack of control over food belongs all to me. I didn't prepare most of the food this weekend, but I sampled pretty much all of it. I did prepare the casserole with all the full-calorie ingredients I always have, so as "not to disappoint the kids" - a/k/a me. I can take comfort in the fact that I didn't head back for seconds or thirds, but at the same time I could have been more diligent. My name is Heidi and I am addicted to food. I need to learn to keep food in its proper prospective and treat it like fire - its a good friend, but a destructive enemy.

Do you know the Sun-tzu quote? "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer"? This does not apply to food! Get those enemies out of there! Don't turn your back on your enemy (food). Its kind of like when I fail to keep Christ in the center of my life. When I keep Him in my uppermost thoughts, I am helpful, unselfish, generous, and kind. When I forget about Him and concentrate only on myself, I am lazy, selfish, gluttonous, and petty. I fuss with Carl and give him a difficult time when the very thing I want to do is make him happy to be home, not happy to leave.

I want to be different. Better. More in control of myself and how I handle others and food. I can't control anyone else, now can I?! I'll pray for you for the same things that I am praying for myself. More self control and better treatment of those I love.

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13

Got Any Goals?

Dear friends in Christ:





I've been thinking about goals, especially since I'll be meeting personal trainer Michelle soon, and I remembered some that I've had in past years, and thought they might provoke some of your own. Few have to do with the numbers on a scale, and they are not in any particular order.

Just visualize:

1. I want my "friendly arms" to become unfriendly. Do you know what I mean? Guys, probably not. Ladies, lift your arm so your elbow is parallel to your shoulder and turn your wrist back and forth in a princess wave. Look at the skin under your upper arm. Does it wave back? That's "friendly arm". My arms are very friendly! I'm voting for Nicole C. Mullen or Michelle Obama upper limbs.

2. I want to cross my legs like a lady. Currently, I look like a burly linebacker when I try it. My knee has to go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup over the other one. Then I have to struggle to keep them that way. Not a pretty sight. I kind of look like a Radio City Music Hall Rockette (oklay, like I ate one for breakfast), only in a chair.

3. I want to be able to remove my wedding band without cutting it or my finger off. Carl: Don't get me wrong, there's no marital changes coming; I just would like to lose enough weight to be ABLE to remove it; not get rid of it forever! Currently, it is imbedded in my ring finger, and even if I could take it off, there'd be absolutely no doubt that I once had a ring there.

4. I want to be able to take a shower without throwing my back out. Umm, let's just say when I twist and turn, sometimes I get a stitch in my side.

5. I want to be able to wear a one-hook bra. I haven't seen one of those around my body since I was about 17 years old.

6. I want to have my picture taken without wanting to hide behind anything. I've used (grand)children, Carl, towels, unfolded newspapers, trees, chairs, tables, and small vehicles. I've also hidden behind my hand. Demonstration: Hold your hand up in the princess wave as above. Then bring it down about 90 degrees with your palm out. Then push your palm toward an invisible camera.

7. I want to be able to get into a rollercoaster seat without praying first. I don't want to RIDE a rollercoaster; I just want to not pray that I fit first!

8. I want to bend over without feeling like the sun was just blocked out. I'm not explaining this one.

9. I want to have just one chin. Does this really need anything else? Maybe one with no hairs growing from it.

Finally,

10. I want to look like a piece of nude artwork. However, not like the one above.

I'm still praying for you; if any of the above disturb you in any way, please pray for me.

God's great peace and love!

Weigh-In Week 1... Now what?

Starting Weight: 242 pounds
Current Weight: 236 pounds
This week's results: -6 pounds
Total results: -6 pounds

Whoo! First week is already over, and I did pretty well for myself, I think. I worked out 4 days last week, and 4 days this week so far, including Sunday afternoon. I'm making going to the gym as much a regular part of my day as brushing my teeth. If I can keep up the routine, after about a month it should be a habit. Right? I'm really enthusiastic and optimistic. I'm so perky I'm sure my family is ready to slap me silly.

Has the following ever happened to you?

When I'm first working on getting fit, I'm all gung-ho; get out the workout tapes or DVDs, maybe buy a new workout outfit or sneakers, clean out the kitchen cupboards and only stock healthy food in the fridge, that kind of stuff. As I lose weight, I get rid of my fat girl clothes, and smile at everyone each time I leave the house. I have a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and all the cartoon birds and little animals from Snow White accompany me everywhere I go.

A little while down the road, I get more relaxed about everything. I know what my portion sizes should be without measuring (um-hmmm). I don't drink as much water as I should to flush my body of toxins. I don't work out quite so often (okay, truth: I never worked out before!), I end up at Campbell's Dairy Land and order a tin roof sundae instead of the fat-free Dole whip, and I just generally relax my standards all around. 'Cause I KNOW what I'm doing. Then I snap at friends I'm having dinner with when they ask, "Are you gonna order THAT?" I get mad at my husband Carl when he offers suggestions on how I can get back on track. I'm surprised that the losses each week either become a lot less, or I start to gain again. Ultimately, I just give up. I get upset with myself, and then finally I just don't care anymore, and the weight comes back, plus 10 or 15 (okay 50!) pounds for good measure.

I was a member of Weight Watchers at least 7 times, maybe more, and have been very successful. I even earned a 75 pounds lost magnet once, but never reached the coveted lifetime membership, which would have meant I had reached my goal weight. I've been on Physicians Weightloss, I've taken Hoodia, Dexatrim, Alli, and tried all kinds of popular short-term diets (the grapefruit diet, the cabbage soup diet, to name 2).

I've always initially done great. I've always done all the things a good dieter/Weight Watcher is supposed to do. I've been encouraging and inspiring to other people in my group. But, I've always failed. I've always felt bad about myself. I've always quit. I've always regained the weight plus several pounds, and felt even worse than I did before. Sound familiar?

Why is this time going to be different? Well, for several reasons. First, I've made a very public confession of my past sins when it comes to being overweight. I came about a mile out of my comfort zone and proclaimed to anyone who cares to listen that I weigh 242 pounds! ON THE RADIO! I don't DO things like this! I might fail again! I might succeed, and that's just as scary!

The main reason this time is already different, though, is because of Christ. Because of Him, if I do falter and swill that sundae, He's going to whisper in my ear that its okay, that I will do better next time. If I don't go to the gym, He's going to remind me that there's a treadmill on my back porch and I have just enough time left in my day to use it for 30 minutes. When I remember that He never gives up on me, I'm not going to give up on myself either. Well, let's be realistic! I might forget for a time, but I'm sure He's going to put someone in my path that will bring me back to my senses and straighten me back up. If He loves me, then there must be something lovable about me, right?

I want lots of things. I want to reach my goal weight and I want to keep the weight off. I want my doctor to tell me that she's taking me off some of the 7 or 8 prescription drugs I'm currently taking for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low thyroid (something's low!?), acid reflux, and anxiety/depression. I want to believe, REALLY believe, Carl when he tells me that I'm beautiful. Heck, I want to believe ANYONE who tells me I'm cute, or attractive, or that I've inspired them to get healthy! I've never believed a physical compliment made to me; can't they see what I do? I want to really look in the mirror at myself as I am and have the mental image of myself and the real one match. For once, I don't want to be disappointed in what I see.

I have a lot to work on, obviously. But I can really see that this time, because of Christ and what He means to me in my life, we're gonna get through it. I even have a person to look to in my own household who has shown me what it takes to do this weight loss thing and be successful. My daughter, Lindsay, lost almost 100 pounds IN BETWEEN BABIES that are 20 months apart in age. She has literally worked her butt off. She is currently training herself for a 5-k race. No one was watching her or encouraging her apart from immediate family, she just did it. In that, I have a distinct advantage. I have a whole boatload of community and A RADIO STATION who are all rooting for me. I'm not worthy, but I'm definitely blessed!

I'm praying for you, dear friend, for whatever struggle it is that you're currently going through, whether its weight, addiction, finances, loneliness, or anything else that is dimming your light at this time, that you will feel Christ's presence in your life and know that He is your support and mainstay even when everything else isn't.

Its time for me to get to the gym. If you see me at the Campo Family YMCA in Brandon, say hi!

Stay posted! My next blog: "Got Any Goals?"

Welcome!

Heidi Schultz auditioned for NBC's hit show, The Biggest Loser, when they did a casting call in Tampa, June 27, 2009. Realizing she wouldn't make the cut, Heidi had a decision to make: was her journey to a healthy lifestyle going to depend on the show, or was she ready to take personal responsibility to set a goal and pursue it?

That's when she called The Morning Cruise.

This blog is a record of her story and an encouragement for you to consider what one of the producers of the NBC show told contestants: "If you have four hours to stand in line today, you have at least an hour, three times a week, to hit the gym!" Heidi took his challenge to heart and decided not only to help herself, but also to inspire others. Please visit often to see how she's doing.

Most of the time, Heidi will be doing her own posts, but The Morning Cruise will also update this blog with resources, video and audio from our show.

Listen to these mp3 audio files from our first meeting with Heidi, learn her background and her story, and hear the surprises we had in store for her:

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three
• Part Four

Meet Michelle, the fitness instructor who felt called to help: Click here to listen to her call.