WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN DECEMBER 9TH!~
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME TO OUR "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN!........We are at our FIRST full week down in the Month of DECEMBER!
"How" has everyone been doing or feeling over this past week?
What things have been going "well" for you this week?
What goals have you been working on or are you accomplishing so far?
What things do you feel you'd like to "Focus" on this month? (It can be anything!)
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates@DancingAlong @PhoenixAsh @Erato @BlueberryFriend @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @TakeAStandAgainstBullying @Moj @AliNurse @RoseRael @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @Sadme70 @Gardenlady @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @DogLover1991 @fruityvision @Essdee @Windflowers @Alia2 @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @Kevan @inventiveWheel @softFern50 @brightCherry8538 @intuitiveWest8187 @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @Iris22 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @Keola @DrDonut @AlluraRae @HopefulSong17 @Rebekahwriter13
**AND ANY & ALL NEWBIES!!
**Well this past week I got back off track a little bit, when I was having some issues with my throat, which got me off track with eating and working out as well.... And had my anxiety up a little.....It was a little challenging to eat for a few days, and I didn't feel like doing much as far as exercising or much of anything else. But, by mid week, I got to feeling much better, I managed to keep an app't, and managed to be able to make it to teach my ZUMBA Class Thursday morning, as well as Co-teach Thursday night. (So was glad I didn't have to cancel those)....
**I must say that due to the past week, I have managed to get a good amount of sleep since I found myself laying down early and getting up later to allow my body the chance to just "Rest" and not push it....One night I slept for about 11hours!! So I must've needed it?! lol...
**I'm getting on plan with the NEW Weight Watchers point system that just rolled out last week.... and I have to say I am loving the changes.... Just when I get used to their current plans and thinK theres no way that they could do better, they really surprise me. This is my 2nd run with doing Weight Watchers, (As I like to "switch up" and try new and different things).. but I realize that Weight Watchers (for me) is really the most sustainable!....And I'm satisfied with their new changes going forward. So will see how this goes...
**I'm pretty much finished up with ALL of my Christmas shopping and buying gifts!... (I only have some minor things to get, and then get them all wrapped! And that will be it... So I'm happy I got that all out of the way for the month nice and early!...
**Today is REST day... although I feel like I've been doing that alot this week. I might do a few Pound Fitness Videos a little later if I feel up to it just to make up for missing out on some activity this week...AND IT SNOWED HERE LASTNIGHT!!!! For the first time in like 3 YEARS!!... Sooo.. its ALL.. PRETTY, SNOWY & WHITE!! (**SINGS:.. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas~~~
)RTY, SNOWY AND WHITE!!
**I HOPE EVERYONE ELSE'S WEEK HAS GONE WELL!**
@PoliteOcean
Glad you are feeling better and doing so well. All your endeavors inspire me to keep up with healtly living.
@orangeOwl1462
Awww...thank you so much Orange! I really appreciate your kind words, and very grateful to hear that you feel that I inspire you. You all continue to inspire me as well on this journey. Its great to know that we are all in this journey together and can be inspired by one another. 
@PoliteOcean I'd like to focus on learning how to make tasty vegetable dishes. I want to be able to eat more vegetables, but they're pretty boring just steamed/ microwaved and plain.
@Zeraphim
So true Zera.... I'd love to include more as well..... I tend to eat veggies that aren't as bland such as Winter Squash & Corn as side dishes... I will tend to include Spinach where I can and mix it in with whatever I can....
I also like to bake Zucchini and season it up and add it as a side dish as well.... I tend not to "steam" veggies since that does tend to be a bit more bland and a little boring as you say lol....I'm sure if you look up on google or Pinterest you could find TONS of ideas that could help you find more options to include veggies into your meals or day. :)
@Zeraphim
I second baking zucchini, I actually stuff it with a spinach stuffing then bake it. I also like to stew green beans. It's very easy.
@Zeraphim, I agree that seasoning veggies and cooking them other than boiling/steaming/microwaving makes a world of difference. I *adore* veggies.
I've been doing lovely this week. I am feeling happy and have been getting to bed at a decent hour everynight, waking up feeling rested. :) Woohoo!!
@AlluraRae
That's great!
@AlluraRae
Woo Hoo Allura for a great night's sleep!!.. Keep up the great work!.. It makes a TON of difference doesn't it!?!
Ok, I haven't been doing tremendously well. Been feeling pretty awful and stressed. Most of it it my iron levels are low (ugh) plus I had a stressful 2 day mandatory work training I had to attend this week plus I had/have my period. So fun times all around.
Right now I just had a cold spell now followed by a dizzy spell and this isn't really helping m any with my anxiety or getting to sleep. And I have work tomorrow so I really need to get some rest.
The only thing that went well for me this week is I finally got all my blood test results back after some delays with the lab. I struggled a lot with my eating and anxiety and just basic functioning b/c I don't feel well.
I am working on self-care and getting my iron levels back up. Both will take time.
I would like to focus on continuing to eat healthy (b/c I was doing really well with that for a while) getting my iron levels up, my anxiety levels down, and just getting proper rest. I really hope I feel better soon because I am feeling pretty lousy right now at this moment.
I am hoping to enjoy my upcoming time off and to enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Hope everyone has a good rest of the weekend!
@orangeOwl1462
I am so sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well!.. HUGE HUGS to you!....
I can really relate to you when you say it has your anxiety levels worked up... thats how I felt last week. I also know that low iron levels (along with anxiety) can have your body feeling really crappy and all out of whack.... I do hope that they continue to work on finding out what is causing everything and get you moving towards a speedy recovery and to feeling better!
I pray that you get it all figured out and worked out and that you get the rest that you body needs as well as DESERVES!.....
I know that once all this is taken care of and your feeling better again, that you will get back on track and moving in the right direction again with your healthier eating habits.. Its ok that we get off track once in awhile (for whatever reason), but the thing is to "get back on track". Even if you have to do it in baby steps, step by step, starting small. But you will get there! And we are here to continue to support you in whatever you are feeling. Thank you so much for checking in this week and for letting us know how you are doing... Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Things that went well this week were that I was pretty much on track with my eating. Anything that wasn't was done with awareness. I've been sleeping more soundly. My mood has been pretty stable. Most of my Christmas shopping is done. Hooray!
My goal has been to focus on eating whole, healthy foods...and Christmas shopping, and getting the car inspectied, insurance reviewed (I'll be getting a refund as well as lowering my rates!), and get the tags renewed. I've done pretty well with my goals.
My goals going forward are to continue to work on my eating. I need to find some of those "go to" meals that are quick, simple staples for days that are busy or when I don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I had a lot of them when I was an omnivore...not so many now that I'm plant-based. 
I also want to work on establishing regular routines...sleep, meditation/mindfulness, self-care, etc. I sort of got away from that after my last dog crossed Rainbow Bridge back in June. So basically just getting some stability and order back into my days.
@BridgetAileen
This is quite a lovely check-in!....I'm so glad to hear that things have been going well for you...Its great that you are getting better sleep (I need to know your secrets! )...And Its awesome that your moods are more stable and falling in line with the way you ought to be feeling. Thats a really important thing for sure.
And yes,... HOORAY for almost completed Christmas Shopping! lol.... (I have been thinking that to myself all this past week, how very glad I am that I started earlier and pretty much relax now) lol... (and also HOORAY for cheaper car insurance!).. that is always a plus!... Doesn't seem to happen for me though where I live (which is close to a "metro" area) ....You are totally "knocking your goals out of the ball park!!"
I love that you are continuing to work and focus on your goals of eating healthier and staying more "Plant based"... I am still in shock that you set your mind to do this and are continuing on with it and doing such a great job.. (Mainly in shock because you made up your mind that this is what you wanted and you did it.. and how if I could get my mind to work like that with my foods there'd be no stopping me! lololol)...I think its amazing that this is working out for you........ I too would love to find better and quicker "staples" for those busier days myself. I am not much of a cook and don't like to "fuss" over meals /mealtime... Even though I am "omnivore", it still seems quite tricky at times, since I find myself eating & sticking with the "same" things/meals....(eggs, chicken) for me (no red meats)... I would like to find some better variations of meals that are also "tasteful" as well.
Also best wishes to you on meeting the rest of your goals (sleep, meditation, mindfulness, self-care).. I think I see ALOT of us here want to include and meet those goals.. (myself included)~
Please also know that I've truly thought of you as well as you were dealing with the loss of your precious babies that crossed over the rainbow bridge... Forever our Fur-babies, Forever in our Hearts.....Surely not an easy thing to do.. but, I'm so proud of you that you are doing so many great things for yourself and getting things back on track with your goals and health habits. You know I am always here for you. Thank you so much for checking in this week and for letting us know how you are doing. So glad to see you this week.
@PoliteOcean, getting a post from you is like sitting down with a dear friend for a coffee or tea. It always makes me feel so good.
I had tried to go vegetarian several times over the last 10 years, but I wasn't ever successful for very long. I'm not sure what the difference was this time. And I had *never* thought that I'd do vegan/plant-based because of my love of dairy and eggs. However, I now find I don't miss them at all...except sometimes just the convenience of knowing what I could cook. I sometimes think I miss them, but it's not a physical craving at all. It's just the memories associated with having them. Easter eggs as a little girl. Mom's tuna salad or egg salad.
My insurance company had recommended an 8 week program called AbleTo to assist me with dealing with diabetes. In the program you have a therapist and a behavioral coach you talk to once a week. My coach suggested that I watch the documentary What the Health. That's what made me decide to try it. I don't know how exactly, but I ran across a vegan challenge on fb that started a few days later, so I joined that. That challenge gave me a jump start. I haven't been perfect. I consider myself still transitioning. I'm not a perfectionist about it. I struggled with perfectionism for to many years, and I don't care to go back there. But I start each day with the intent of doing the best I can. I began on August 25, so it's been long enough that on the occasions that I haven't been 100% plant-based/vegan, I find that it's not nearly as tasty or appealing. I think that has helped me realize that I'm not physically craving certain foods, but that it's memories associated with them that I cherish. So now I can thank the memories, and move on through the meal/day. I'm so very fortunate to have my wonderful family and friends. So many people in the groups I joined on fb have complained about how their family and friends try to sabotage them, make fun of them, or criticize them. Mine are completely the opposite. "Where can you eat?" "What should I fix at Thanksgiving?" "Can you have ______?" "I was in the store the other day and saw ______. You might want to try it. It sounded good." Their support has been a tremendous help!
That's just what worked for me...the documentary, the fb vegan challenge, fb groups, and some reading along with the support of those dear to me. However, watching documentaries, fb groups, a challenge, and reading are available to anyone. Some don't have the gift of support from family and friends. I did it primarily for health reasons, and the environmental issues and animal cruelty issues were happy by-products. Other people need to approach it for environmental or animal rights aspects to make it work for them. Some people have to go cold turkey. Others need to transition. I just finally found the combination that worked for me.
I don't know that I really have any secrets about why I'm sleeping better. I'm not on an ideal schedule yet, but I have begun sleeping through the night for the first time since my dad passed away back in 2003. I generally sleep with something ambient playing (rain and thunder, ocean waves, train, fireplace) on YouTube. I used to put on 5 CDs of ambient sounds and/or peaceful music; however, that player stopped working, I've never replaced it. However, not even the music/ambient sounds used to work, so that's not the secret. I practice mindfulness, but that's not the secret either, because I used to do that before, as well. The only other thing that's different is my diet. But I don't know if that's it, either.
I keep intending to be on the lookout for those healthy, easy, delicious recipes. But somehow, I never seem to get around to it (*desperately needs a round tuit*). When I do, I'll have to make sure that I come here to share!
Thanks for making my day with your sweet note.
@BridgetAileen
Talking to you and hearing from you as well as seeing you around the Healthy Living Subcommunity always "warms" my heart!.... You've been here since the beginning of all of this, from the "start" of this community...and thats somemthing I will always cherish.
I'm glad you are doing so well with everything.... you are really an inspiration here. (Also I do believe that I have read many times that our diets can certainly contribute to the "sleeping well"!) And perhaps that is why you are now, since you have changed your for the better!. I hope that you keep it up, and that the rest of us can continue to learn from it and from you Continue to keep up the great work you have been doing I am so proud of you and what you are accomplishing and I hope you are as well... Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and for simply sharing how you've been doing on your journey
@PoliteOcean, you're making me 
. LOL!
*sending you huge, huge hugs*
@PoliteOcean
I have been doing pretty well this week :)
I lost 5 pounds!
I have been working on weight loss, looks I am getting there :)
I want to focus on meditation this month.
@Mellietronx
Wow Mellie! That is great for you! 5lbs is quite an accomplishment!.....Its great that you are succeeding in your goals that you are setting for yourself...
Its also great that you want to focus on and try new things... I've been telling myself that I will try out Meditation as well, but never seem to make the time to "sit" long enough to do it right!... I hope that you are able to do just that. Let us know how that goes for you!. Keep up the great work in achieving your goals!..And thanks for checking in this week.
Weather is getting colder, but still trying to get walks in. Hoildays are always a diffcult time to stay on a healthy diet, but will try to keep a healthy diet and exercise.
@sail46
So true Sail!..
I completely & totally agree with you on all accounts.... I usually walk almost every day in the warmer months, and I haven't been able to get a "good" walk outside in well over a month sadly... The colder weather does certainly make it more challenging to do.
And yes, Holidays can certainly be a time where we get a little "sabotaged" in our healthy eating plans.... We can only do the best that we can when and where we can... Or try things such as getting back on track with the next meal, or the next day... We are only human. Best wishes for you to stay on the right track this winter/holiday season! Thanks so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing!
I felt a little better this week with all the meds in me. Yesterday I did a 30 min workout at home, my first substantial at-home exercise in over a month. I did some cooking and got a lot of stuff done, so it was a good day. I got a lot done so far today too, no exercise though. My meals have been pretty good, alcohol consumption low, but I've eaten a lot of goodies. Mom and Dad's anniversary is this coming Friday; the first since he died. My sister took the day off to be with Mom. We got some snow overnight but it is mostly melted already, which is fine with me!
@SadMe70
So glad to hear that you are feeling a little better.. that is great news...I am also glad to hear that you were able to get in a little activity for yourself. I hope that you found that it made you feel better as well.. perhaps even accomplished?!
I love how you are always meal-prepping. I have done a little bit of that today myself. I found this recipe that I wanted to try from weight watchers, so it interested me enough to do so, even though Cooking is really not my thing. I do love a great recipe though.
How has your mom been doing? I hope that she's finding some comfort, and in having your sister with there with her as well. I hope that you all have been doing your best to "heal" and cope in the best ways that you are able. .....
I also hope that you continue to keep feeling better, and get back to some normalcy for yourself. You deserve to feel good in every way!.. Thank you so much for checking in this week and for letting us know how you've been doing and feeling. Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery for you.
"How" has everyone been doing or feeling over this past week? Depressed, and I love food and even food has seemed to lose its joy.
What things have been going "well" for you this week? I've been working on my blogs.
What goals have you been working on or are you accomplishing so far? My writing and my blogs
What things do you feel you'd like to "Focus" on this month? (It can be anything!) Holidays just have got me down
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! My birthday is later in the week and I'm just not excited.
@Rebekahwriter13
Sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time... Are there things in particular that have you feeling this way? Or is it a variety of things for you that are all adding up?
I do hope that you know we have plenty of people here that would love to chat with you if you wish to get things off your mind... The holidays aren't for everyone, and there are lots of those who feel depressed and down this time of year..... I do hope that you are able to start feeling better mentally and emotionally. We are here for you! Take care of yourself and thank you for checking in with us this week and for letting us know how you've been doing.
@PoliteOcean
Sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time... Are there things in particular that have you feeling this way? It's a lot of things.
Or is it a variety of things for you that are all adding up? It is a variation of things. My ex died of cancer in January so I have ptsd. i liked this guy ir thought i liked him until he didnt like me, now i feel alone. I can't have a cat where I live, and I can't work due to sleep issues, so I feel useless.
@Rebekahwriter13
I'm sorry for your loss Rebekah.. that sounds like alot to handle on your own. I do hope that you are reaching out to someone or getting the emotional help and support that you need to help you move forward the best that you are able...
It can be difficult and challenging to go through grief and stress alone. Sometime we need "extra" help. Do you have any "Local" support where you live? Such as a Free or low-cost clinics or resources that you can reach out where you live? A grief support group? Emotions Anonymous? Even a local church or pastor? And as well here at 7cups? Someone who can just help you to sort through all of your emotions might help you on the path to start feeling a little better mentally and emotionally (which in turn will help you feel better physically as well) It all goes together. Best wishes on working through all of this.
@PoliteOcean I've been two therapists since November 2016
I engaged in a variety of cardio-based activities in the past week: inline skating, step exercise, walking, boxing, etc.
My New Year
@StrengthFromWithin
Great job Strength! Sounds like you had a great week with activity and staying on track. Keep up the great work. And best wishes on meeting your New Years resolutions and goals. Thanks for checking in this week!