Thankful for Thanksgiving

 

This picture was from 2019. It was such a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner with Randy. But at the same time, I was horrified as it was the first time after losing 85 pounds that my pants didn't fit when I went to get dressed for dinner.

Have you ever had that happen? When you go into your closet and nothing you want to wear fits anymore. It's a very discouraging feeling.

The thing is, it's likely to happen again. That's why fitness and nutrition are a lifestyle.

Here's a picture of Thanksgiving 2023. I had savory things cooking in the kitchen, but Randy and I enjoyed them quietly without needing to take a picture of the food. Of course, the first picture from 2019 was taken with a fancy camera and the second picture taken yesterday was a quick snap with my cell phone.

I actually ate just the right portions for a small calorie deficit. Much of this month I managed to maintain at an average of TDEE most days. 

See, the calorie deficit is VERY HARD. We want to eat whatever we feel like eating. But if we learn to enjoy what we planned, in the correct portions for the goal, we can also appreciate what we are eating. We can be very thankful for what we have.

I've been working a lot for the Sheriff's department lately. I'm very grateful that I get to do this. I'm just a volunteer but it is an important part of my life and has great meaning to me.

It's integrated with my goals for staying fit and not gaining too much body fat!!

I'm able to help out with things we do there with new technology and have been helping document procedures for our team (IT type things).  It's good to keep up with different skills.

It's been hard to motivate myself with weightlifting, I seem to love cardio the most. I love being able to run and walk with Randy. We usually run out and walk back and the terrain is rough so it's a challenge. It's not a smooth path. I remember when my hips were bad, and I could not go with Randy. Every day that I get to go do something is an extra day I wouldn't have without modern medical procedures. Every day is a gift!

Lately I LOVE the stair stepper! I have still been getting some lifting in other days. This week I need to focus a bit more on some lifting days. It's very hard to get myself motivated to do it, but once I get going, I always love it. 

And of course, I LOVE swimming! I especially love swimming at this pool on sunny winter days. It's quiet compared to summer, and even though the sun is lower in the sky it still feels good. I know the vitamin D is good. It gives me a light tan if I go a couple of days per week when it's sunny. It is not too much sun like in summer when I have to have more protection while swimming.

It's always good to exercise. It makes us feel better. We just have to keep in mind that it does not mean we can go eat whatever we want. We still have to stick to a plan. It gives us a bit of an edge with calorie burning, but it's not a fix all. Just do it anyway and know it gives way more health advantages for keeping us healthy and strong, and just a bit more calorie burning.

It doesn't matter what the season of the year, or the season of your life, we all have to continue to work on our health. It's no different than maintaining our house, vehicles, finances, and skills we need to keep our mind sharp and being a person who is helpful and giving to our society and community.

As Mina said in the last post, KEEP GOING!

Living your dream doesn't mean all is perfect. It doesn't mean you won't have grumpy times when you have to buck up and follow a nutrition plan. It doesn't mean life will be easy. It just means you follow your purpose, and you know right where God wants you to be. For every one of us, no matter what our purpose our body, mind, and soul needs to be healthy and at its best. Therefore, maintaining health and fitness is just as important for you as it is for me. It is not any easier for any of us. We all have battles no one knows about. We all have to get up every day and decide to stay in the fight. We must keep fighting the good fight. Everything thing we do now for the day, isn't the first time, and it won't be the last time. So just keep going!

For those of you in the 1P App, you know I'm always there for you and respond to every message. It was fun getting some extra messages there just for Thanksgiving well wishes. I usually get more during the holidays, and I always love hearing from people. I know people get busy with life, just as I do. I know it's harder for some people to keep in touch since I'm not on social media, but some find me here anyway because they took the effort to do so. I always respond to emails and the comments on this private blog.

Roberta

Never Settle.

Never Give Up.

Live Your Dream.