WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN 2/24/18
WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN 2/24/18
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME TO OUR "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN!.... This is our LAST CHECK IN FOR FEBRUARY!!!! Whoa.. did this month go fast or what?!
**Don't forget to drop on by and check out & participate in our FEBRUARY HEART DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH EVENT** Its our Cardio Event to get those "Hearts pumping" and to do something good for your "Heart Health". This will end WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28TH!
How has everyone been doing this past week?
This is our last check-in for February!..What things do you feel good about this past month?
What have been your highlights of the past week? Or the Past Month?
What goals do you feel you have reached this month, or want to continue to work on for the next month?
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates @PhoenixAsh @Erato @Elle22 @BenscupofTea @Keion @rebecca947 @tinugeorge @Alia2 @Riggers @HeyItsRoo @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @TakeAStandAgainstBullying @Moj @RoseRael @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @Sadme70 @Gardenlady @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @Essdee @Windflowers @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @Kevan @inventiveWheel @softFern50 @intuitiveWest8187 @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @Iris22 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @Keola @DrDonut @AlluraRae @Rebekahwriter13 @politeTangerine7243 @Dancersoul @MoreThanAConqueror18
**Ok.. so, the past week has gone fairly well...I kept up all my appointments, did not cancel any of them, Still staying on track with all my exercises, eating well, and water goals!... Still working on that "sleep" though! lol.. I'm getting better though. I've cut it back by at least 30 minutes or more each night, so thats better than nothing. 
** I started off the week on Sunday obtaining another Dance Fitness License in MIXXED-FIT... Which was an all day training, that gave me 30,000 steps for the day which is a rediculous amount. But, When I saw how close I was, I made it my own personal goal to keep going and make it!.... The rest of the week, I was a little sore from Sunday, but I managed to continue on teaching my regular Two Zumba Classes. And the weather has been SOOOO nice here and un-seasonably warm, that I was able to get my walks in again! Throughout the neighbor-hood and down by the Lake with my puppy. Great exercise for the BOTH of us!
**Today is REST DAY.... and TREAT DAY.... However, today is a Local "ZUMBA-THON" so, for 2 "Non-stop hours", there will be a bunch of instructors at a local gym doing a bunch of Zumba. So my plan is to attend that, and burn some calories so I can "earn" my treat day and enjoy it as well.
**Continued goals are to just keep moving, eat wisely, Contine to get that water in, getting better sleep, and to keep anxiety levels low. Oh and continue to wait on more Spring/Summer weather lol
HOPE EVERYONE ELSE'S WEEK HAS GONE WELL~Happy Saturday!
Very busy week, but kept anxiety in check. Was able to get outdoors for some long walks in the nice weather. Looking forward to Spring and finish with Winter. Keeping up with exercise and healthy eating. Enjoy your week.
@sail46
What an awesome check-in Sail! Sounds like things are going really well for you!.. Its great you are keeping your anixety levels low. Are you doing anything special to acheive that?
Keep up the great work with everything. Glad you are able to get out and walk! Thanks for checking in this week!
@sail46 Great to hear that :) all the best for your future healthy living!
Thank you @sail46 😊
I felt much better this week, and got to do most of my regular exercising. My meals were good but I'm still eating too many treats. I usually lose my holiday pounds by the end of January, but they are still there now. An extra week off work due to snow in January and a week of no exercise this month when I was sick have not helped! Maybe those pounds will finally come off in March!
@SadMe70
Sad I am so glad that you are feeling better!.. And that you are getting back on track little by little. Thats great!
I know what you mean about the whole holiday thing. I did more damage than I thought I had, and I've been back at it since 2nd week in January. Too bad its not as quick and easy getting all that back off as it was putting it on right?!!! 
So I'm with ya' on that and I can totally relate. Just keep going, don't stop, you can do it!... Thanks so much for also posting in the February Cardio Event! Great job! Continue to keep up the great work that you are doing and thank you again for posting and letting us know how things are going!
@PoliteOcean Thank you for always being so positive and supportive! I look forward to your messages each week!
@SadMe70
Keep it up, SadMe; you've got this. Eyes on the prize.
@SteadfastStatue Thank you!
@PoliteOcean
How has everyone been doing this past week?
Good! I survived the flight back home alone, and managed to make friends with the person sitting next to me! It was great haha and we have each others contact details so yayyy
This is our last check-in for February!..What things do you feel good about this past month?
Hmm, I got through the super stressful period overseas without resorting to bad habits to help cope, and I'm feeling really energised again to catch up on things! I never knew holidays would cause me to have missed so many things...!!!
What have been your highlights of the past week? Or the Past Month?
Past week- I survived the flight and made a new friend in the process :D past month- having so much fun overseas!!! And of coure Chinese New Year celebrations.
What goals do you feel you have reached this month, or want to continue to work on for the next month?
To be honest, I didn't set any goals for this month. I just wanted to enjoy the holiday, and I think I achieved that in the end :)))
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
It's already 2am Sunday for me now!!! Um, I want to finish unpacking, and finish my bullet journal spreads for March. And later on "today" (still doesn't feel like 2am!!!) I shall start and complete the February Cardio challenge!!! I am exciteddd, but I need to find my red ribbon... it's somewhere in the house... if not, I guess I have to find something red (but I don't own any red things!!! Eek)
Some extra info... cos why not?!
When I landed, I got an eticket and using that eticket, I went through customs in Australia no problem! Nobody checked my luggage or anything, which was a complete shock to me! So I landed at 9:12pm and was driving in the car at 10:12pm already. It NEVER takes me under an hour to get through customs!! And my mum only had to pay $7 for parking fee at the airport, which was an added bomus for her hahaha
Also, I have NEVER missed home so much during a holiday than i had during this one... and i have never felt more at home either! Lastl, I have missed YouTube, Google services and all social media SO MUCH!!! Catching up on everything 😂
@rebecca947
WOW! What a Check-in!!..
I Don't even know where to start!... After reading your post, I felt like I was right there with you through it all!! lololol
Sounds like you have been so incredibly busy yet, sounds like you had just as much fun as you had being busy too!....What an incrediible trip. I know whenever I get a chance to go away, as much fun as I have, I'm usually ready to come back home and get un-packed and "relaxed" again.
I think its really cool during your trip back that you were able to make a friend. Kind of like a "pen-pal"?! You'll have to let us know in your future "check-ins" how that all goes for you! And if you kept in contact with one another!.. It would be interesting to find out how that goes!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed your trip and all that it brought for you... and I'm sure you're glad to be back as well (and back to Social Media) lol...Its nice to get back to the "familiarity" of things. Thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how everything went for you!..It was nice to hear all about your events.
@PoliteOcean
Hahaha! Yeah, definitely busy getting ready for uni and organising everything, and starting new things! And yeah, I think this is the first time I've ever felt ready to come back home! I didn't even have the "holiday blues" (as I like to call it!) this trip. I blame it on the stressful problem we encountered...!! Thank goodness we didn't get into a worse mess- at one point, our passports could have been taken from us indefinitely, so THANK GOODNESS that didn't happen. Ridiculously thankful we got out of that mess.
And yes, we talk a bit via an app called wechat. She doesn't have an app that I prefer, but wechat works, I guess. Familiarity is definitely super nice! When I missed a day on 7 Cups due to the flight, I had a lot of notifications and messages LOL! Good times- thanks for the lovely reply :) xx
@rebecca947
Your flight sounds like it went swimmingly well, AND you made a new friend?! That is an amazing gift.
glad to hear you made it safely
@SteadfastStatue
Thank you! :D don't think I'll go on a flight overseas anytime soon :p
@PoliteOcean
How has everyone been doing this past week? pretty ok
This is our last check-in for February!..What things do you feel good about this past month? getting back into a workout routine
What have been your highlights of the past week? Or the Past Month? Valentine's Day was nice :)
What goals do you feel you have reached this month, or want to continue to work on for the next month? I want to keep on improving my after work routine
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!? REST
@Mellietronx
Great Check-in Mellie! Sounds like you are doing well and working towards a great "workout routine" for yourself. Keep up the great work that you are doing. I'm glad your feeling good and enjoyed Valentines week as well. And I hope that you get the "Rest" that you are wantng. Rest is always a good thing for us! Thanks for checking in this week.
@Mellietronx
After work routines , yes! I do hope you find what works for you and that you continue to keep an open mind in term of what is best for all of your commitments and personal health. ^_^
@PoliteOcean
How has everyone been doing this past week?
I've been doing well this week--began to feel worn out in the middle of the week, but regained some energy later on
This is our last check-in for February!..What things do you feel good about this past month?
I'm happy to say that the overall trend is I'm feeling a lot better! I gave my first speech for public speaking class, and it actually went well!
What have been your highlights of the past week? Or the Past Month?
This past week, the weather has been so beautiful, warm, and spring-like. I've been so excited to see the first flowers blooming, and sitting outside in the sun feels so good. Also, I was able to have some good conversations with my mom lately, and it's helping me to make sense of what I've been feeling. I don't know what I would do without her support.
What goals do you feel you have reached this month, or want to continue to work on for the next month?
I have been a teeny bit more outgoing, and even open up to others a little more easily now. That was something I wanted to work on this month, so I'm happy that I've made some progress in that direction! For the next month, I want to continue working on that, as well as starting to surround myself with better friends and reaching out/helping others more. Another goal I have is to gradually do some sorting in my bedroom as I have time, and give away some clothes I don't need.
What plans do you have for the Weekend ahead!?
Yesterday I spent some time with friends and family, and today I want spend more time with family, get some rest (and a bit of exercise) and begin working on my homework for the week.
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!!
I hope you all are doing well and have an awesome week ahead!!
@MoreThanAConqueror18
Hey there Conqueror!... This sounds like a really great and positive check-in for you this week!...Its awesome that the overall you are feeling better and more positive. As well, that you are feeling more Outgoing and wanting to help others more!....Thats really great for you to discover that for yourself..... its also great that You have been able to feel supported by your mom. Its good to have that extra support in your life and someone to talk to and confide in about your feelings. Not everyone can say that. So thats really positive for you.
Also, it seems like you are making and achieving some really great goals for yourself. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and friends is a really good goal.
Also I have to agree with you about the weather. Its been so un-seasonably warm here as well, and its been so great being able to get out, and enjoy it. I'm not sure where you are in the world, but it will be Spring-Time here in just a few short weeks, so that will be nice to look forward to (Having and enjoying better weather ahead)!
Everything seems to be going really well for you, and I wish you all the best in your continued goals for yourself. Continue to keep up the great work that you are doing, and thank you so much for checking in this week and for letting us know how things have been going for you!
How has everyone been doing this past week?
There's not much really to say about this week other than it rained and rained and rained and rained and rained. At least the temperatures stayed above freezing because we had a good bit of flooding, and in my part of the country, we aren't prepared to really handle ice/snow. The best we do is muddle through. LOL!
This is our last check-in for February!..What things do you feel good about this past month?
I'm sleeping better and can now sleep straight through the night most nights for at least 6 hours, usually 8 or more. It feels divine after years of not being able to sleep more that 2-4 hours at a time.
What have been your highlights of the past week? Or the Past Month?
Thinking back on February, there really aren't any highlights. It just passed.
What goals do you feel you have reached this month, or want to continue to work on for the next month?
I can't think of anything I really accomplished this month, unfortunately. February just went by. Next month I want to continue to work on my healthy eating (whole-food plant-based) and start taking that nice sleep into more of a regular schedule.
@BridgetAileen
Bridgeeeettttt!!!!...
Its so wonderful to see you check in this week. I'm sorry to hear you had so much rain!... Our weather was finally a little warmer here, but we also had alot of cloudy weather as well to go along with it.... Looks like we will be getting some of that rain this week ourselves. Not that I mind the rain, but I'm ready to start seeing the Sunshine again lol..... Im' like you, I feel like January and February were just kind of "there". I get like that every year. I just muddle through those months after the holiday season and some of March as well.
Its great to hear that you are getting so much sleep!... Wow.. good for you!.. I try to set a record for at "least" 7hours a night.. sometimes I make it, sometimes its crazy close but no dice! lolol..... Do you think this all has to do with the way you've been eating?! Your newer lifestyle changes?!.. I just lay down and pray for the best rest lol.... It might help if I actually started to go a little earlier too, I just haven't gotten in to that habit yet.
Its great that you are setting goals to continue with your plant-based lifestyle...I do like to hear your take on it, and how well its working for you as well as the changes or improvements you are feeling and seeing! Continue to keep up the great work that you are doing! And thank you so much for dropping on by this week and letting us know how you are doing.. I miss my Bridget!!
@PoliteOcean
(((((Ocean))))) 
I kept meaning to check in every week, but with such a blech month, there was nothing really to tell. I'd sit here and look at the screen and not be able to think of one single thing. So finally I decided I'd just have to check in and say that there was nothing much to report. 
We needed a lot of rain to get out of our drought...and we certainly got it. I think we're officially in the clear now. We should be. I thought we'd float away. In my immediate area people got between 5-7 1/2 inches of rain in six days. When the sun came out on Saturday, it felt sort of odd. LOL! But people were out walking, sitting on benches, and driving on roads that were no longer flooded. I love getting rain, but I also wouldn't mind if it spread itself out over 2 or 3 weeks instead of six consecutive days. 
I hope we both get some sunshine and lovely weather this week...although we're supposed to get more rain the next few days. I'm ready for spring!
I'm like you. I muddle through January and February. The beginning of March is a little better, and by the "official first day of spring", I'm generally feeling better. Not long now!
I'm not sure exactly what all has contributed to my sleeping better lately. I have been eating plant-based, but I also have an additional depression med, and I've been getting away from the electronics about an hour before I think I'll go to sleep. Maybe it's the combination of things. Unfortunately, though, I think it's the new medication that is making me feel a bit nervous/anxious/munchy. So I'm not doing so well on not eating snack foods. *huge sigh* I know that's a sign that I'm feeling better...getting antsy and munchy like that. 
The whole-food plant based program I'm working towards is Forks Over Knives. I found one of their books at my city library's Friends of the Library book sale for just $1! So I grabbed that. I subscribe to the meal planner which is a really good tool. But sometimes the checkbook says, "No, we're eating beans, rice, spaghetti, and other uber inexpensive foods this week." LOL I'm still trying to find a balance and some good "go to" recipes. I bought a tofu press so that it will be easier to press the water from my tofu than using the cloth and weight method. However, I've not gotten to use it yet.
If you get to missing me, just thwack me over the head with a wet noodle. 
I'll come running.
@BridgetAileen
I am,curious about the Forks over Knives book. It sounds familiar. How is it so far?
@BridgetAileen
I am curious about that book as well... I have heard about Forks Over Knives (and boy did you get an AWESOME Deal on that for only $1 !!) ... I thought I even saw a Facebook group on it at one point a few years ago. Keep us informed and updated about how that goes for you, or what you feel the benefits of it has been for you!... I'm intrigued! lol....
I haven't gotten very far into the book yet. This one had apparently come with something or was a promotion or something because it's not the same as the one I had checked out at the library. It's more of a getting started guide with about half the book being chapters talking about how to do the plan and the other half being all recipes. Hooray for recipes! So far, it's been very informative and helpful. There is a facebook group for Forks Over Knives. There's also the documentary. I watched it on Netflix, but I think you can find it other places, too.
I'll definitely keep y'all informed about my progress. I was so stoked when my A1C dropped from 6.7 to 6.2 even without doing the program perfectly. I do feel better. So I definitely am in this to see how much more difference it can make. Heck, I even decided to give up cheese...my favorite. I had always sworn I'd *never* give up cheese. LOL! But now I feel so much better and my skin has also improved. So I'm going to keep working on the transition.
@BridgetAileen
Oh wow! Kuddos to you Bridget! CHEESE would be a very challenging thing for me to remove from my eating lifestyle! lol....... I LOVEEEE Cheese!..
@PoliteOcean
I adore cheese! Even since before I can really remember, my mom says that I loved cheese. But I really do feel better...and yes, I still cheat sometimes. And I can tell because I don't feel as good. That's what's enabled me to cut down so much on cheese. It's nice not to feel yucky after eating. I use a lot of nutritional yeast instead of cheese. It's really quite good. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Hi, I haven't been doing very good these past few weeks. I have a synoptic exam next week, a practical assessment next week, an assignment due tomorrow, another assignment due in a couple weeks time, and we start our synoptic assignment in 3 weeks. I'm just so stressed and I've barely done any work or revision. Tomorrow I have an appointment with an adult mental health team, but I'm so scared that they're just going to dismiss what I'm saying and think I'm being a hypochondriac. I also came out as bisexual to my mum and a few of my cousins last week, which is also really scary for me. On a positive note, I haven't drank a fizzy drink for 13 days and I have been drinking at least 1 litre of water every day since then!
@strugglingmegan
Wow Megan! Sounds like you have been SUPER busy with your time... I do hope that you are finding time in there somewhere for "SelfCare"... you deserve that!... Also, its great that you found it in you to make that app't with your mental health team. I do hope that your appointment goes well for you and it works out the way you are wanting. Please keep us informed on how things went for you with that!... And congrats to you on being able to open up and coming out to your mom and your family. I'm sure that was a scary thing for you to do not knowing how the situation would go. But I also hope that you received the support and acceptance that you were looking for or wanting from them!
And AWESOME Job on the water intake! That is really great. I hope that you are seeing some great changes from the change? (Perhaps feeling better, clearer skin, clothes feeling better)?? Keep up the great work that you are doing! And thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going.
This past month I got a new running app, so hopefully I will get free of this plateau I've been struggling with. And my husband finally got me to sign up for the gym with him. I'm pretty sore right now--that's good, right?
@pluckyWillow6562
Oh wow thats awesome that you and your husband will now workout together. Its always great to have a partner and makes it much more motivating!.. Mine has been working out with me for the past 2 years. Mostly in the summer months we are doing the same things.. However, even at the gym, if you aren't doing the same things together, I still think its great knowing that you are both in the same place at the same time and "getting it done"! Awesome for you both! Keep up the great work that you are doing, and good luck getting through your "plateau" I know those are not fun at all, but you will do it and you can!! Thanks for checking in this week!
Added a part time job to my weekly ovligations. The anxiety will pass. Trying to abstain from eating too much rice. It just makes me fill full and sleepy. :)