Post: #41

Hi!!! Ish

Nice to see you back...Don't worry weather change bring on all sorts of health complication...

You're back and lighter by 1 kg (that means 6.6lbs)..great going

Quote:Looking ahead to a great finish

yes you'll have a magnificent finish as predicted by you....

Post: #42

Journal updates:

Day 15: Meditate
I started meditating (irregularly) as from the Sept 30DLBL. It was quite difficult at first as the thoughts kept barging in. I usually meditate by sitting in lotus position on my bed - usually in the evening, either if I have some "alone" time while everyone is watching tv or doing their homework, or just before bed time.

Usually, I put on some music like buddhist/tibetan/indian chants or other mantras - something which is repetitive and I do not have to focus on the meaning of the words. The music helps me clear out my head, and also keeps out the normal household noises outside my room. In any case, after some time I lose track of the music.
Meditation revitalises me, specially after a day at work. I've also found that I need less sleep since I started meditating regularly.

Day 16: Breathe

Breathing has been one of my problems. I've always had lung problems, and often suffer from sinus and blocked nose as well. Since a while back, I started breathing exercises (usually part of my meditation routine), I also sometimes practice alternate nostril breathing after reading about it. It is also very helpful in restoring energy. I will try to be more regular with this practice, and maybe (if I manage to wake up earlier), I will try to do it in the morning.

Day 17: Floss Your Teeth

I've tried it before, and must admit I do not really like it. It’s hard to set a habit when you don't enjoy the task. I usually only flossed when there was something stuck between the teeth
I recently started using small interdental brushes - they seem to achieve the same results and are easier to use.

Post: #43

Just read your blog, great progress with the weight loss How you going with the exercising and walking? Yesterday, I saw people with their work backpacks jogging in the city, I think they change into their jogging gear and jog home or something! very intense..probably pressed for time as well. Was it hard to completely cut cheese and chocolate and all that other stuff out?

Post: #44

Lime_inthecoconut Wrote:Just read your blog, great progress with the weight loss How you going with the exercising and walking? Yesterday, I saw people with their work backpacks jogging in the city, I think they change into their jogging gear and jog home or something! very intense..probably pressed for time as well. Was it hard to completely cut cheese and chocolate and all that other stuff out?

Hi - thanks for the encouragement
The exercise part is the one on which I will have to work harder. I have not been to the gym yet, but i do walk as often as I can. I've also received a cd of Chi Kung exercises from a friend (thanks Sue!!). It's not yet a regular habit but I intend to continue.

Cutting out the cheese and chocolate was not too hard. First, you have to make a conscious decision, then it's a matter of planning and finding alternatives - specially for taking food to work. I've prepared spreads for my work sandwiches, something like hummous or mashed avocados. I've also bought low-fat cheese for when I had cheese cravings. It is not as appealing as normal cheddar cheese and easier to avoid.

As for chocolate, I had also bought dark chocolate (85%) for moments when I had strong cravings. Strangely, I did not really have any such moments. Before, I used to "need" chocolate, specially after a stressful day at work and felt a physical positive effect after eating it. Maybe it's the magnesium supplements I'm taking or the increased fruits/veggie intake, but I have not been feeling the urge to eat chocolate lately.

I have to admit to one major exception on Monday - Day 17 - I had been to lunch with one of my friends. The main course was quite healthy, but I cracked for dessert. They have a delicious chocolate dessert called "Moelleux". It's like a small cake served warm and the inside is melted chocolate, and it served with an ice cream ball as well. Pure indulgence!! I really enjoyed each spoonful - experiencing and appreciating the flavours

It's interesting as I did not really feel guilty afterwards. I had enjoyed it a lot. It was a major deviation in my weight loss goals, but not really in my healthy lifestyle goals. My aim is to make permanent lifestyle changes and to eat healthy most of the time and to indulge and eat something I like once in a while. Restrictive diets are very much short term experiments. Since I started the 21DHL challenge, "junk food" and snacks have gradually lost their appeal, and I have not been feeling any food cravings as well

Post: #45

Hi Ish

Quote:I recently started using small interdental brushes - they seem to achieve the same results and are easier to use.

I don't like the idea of flossing...so thanks for an alternative...

[quote] Since I started the 21DHL challenge, "junk food" and snacks have gradually lost their appeal, and I have not been feeling any food cravings as well [quote]

Good going...

Post: #46

(01-19-2011 04:30 PM)Jyothirmayee Wrote:  [quote] Since I started the 21DHL challenge, "junk food" and snacks have gradually lost their appeal, and I have not been feeling any food cravings as well [quote]

Same with me! I enjoy my two cups of coffee a day but I dont have any more. Before the challenge I would have more. NowI reach for my water bottle as I am more sensitive to the feeling of dehydration.

I am not so interested in sweets and chocolates although I do eat them. AS for snack food I know how much calories and fat are in them!

I seem to have spent half of the evening updating my 21DHL journal and commenting on others, as the end is coming up!

Charles

Post: #47

Day 18
I’m a hugging sort of person. I usually love hugging my son and daughter.
This is the first time I’ve tried hugging myself and it sure feels good.

Day 19
It's quite difficult to walk barefoot here as the pavements are not clean, and it's risky as well. In any case, during daytime the asphalt to really too hot.
I do love barefoot walking though, but I usually do that on grass or on the sand at the beach.

Day 20
Too late for the 20th as I already had a cup of tea with breakfast this morning. I used to drink diet Coke, but I've stopped since 1st Jan. I usually take tea in the mornings, and 1-2 cups of coffee at the office. I am not addicted and I've done it before, so it's not going to be difficult.
So my caffeine-free day will be Friday
In the long run, though, rather than excluding all sources of caffeine, I had planned to switch to green tea.
[follow-up: caffeine-free day is relatively easy for me. No headache or side-effects]

Day 21 – Final Review

Finishing all Tasks:
All tasks done, except Flossing and Barefoot walking which will be done during the weekend.
I’ve already gathered all the materials for my Healthy Living guidebook, and will have to organise and print it out.
I’m also not too happy with the workout task as well. I’ve not doing any strength training or cardio. Just walking 30 mins 3 times per week.

Review
1.On a scale of 1-10, give yourself an overall score on how you've done for the past 21-days.

I would give myself a 7 overall. Health and Lifestyle has been ok, but I have to apply more effort in exercising

2.What have you accomplished/achieved for yourself in the past 21 days in the challenge?
- I’ve lost 1.8 Kg during these 21 days (target was 3kg)
- I eat much healthier
- I have been able to avoid cheese and chocolate for many days. The few times I ate them, it was by choice, not because "I’ve got to have it".
- I have discovered new ways of eating raw and great shakes (thanks to Celes, Glenn and Xina). This has helped me include more veggies and fruits daily (and it’s easy to prepare as well!!)
- I have also made good lifestyle changes such as sleeping before 11pm, practice meditation, reduce my facebook time (specially games)

My main problem has been with exercise. I’ve had to drag myself to go the gym. Although I’ve been walking regularly (around 30 mins three times per week), this is not enough for my weight loss goals.

Planning makes a lot of difference. Also I do not really have important issues with food, I often eat sandwiches because it’s easy and convenient, specially for taking to work or when I am in a hurry.
I have not really been calorie counting – this could be an improvement on my plan so as to achieve weight loss in addition to healthy eating. I realise I have been having higher calorie fruits such as bananas and mangoes.

My plan ahead
- consolidate and fine tune the eating plans I’ve investigated in the past 21 days, but replacing high calorie fruits with better alternatives. Plan work lunches more carefully.
- be more consistent with exercise (check home alternatives)
- Increase practice of QiGong (I’ve received a demo CD and do not know all moves yet).
- gradually wake up earlier so that I can exercise and meditate in the mornings rather than in the evening

The whole 21DHL experience has been great. Thank you Celes for providing this opportunity!!
I have learned many new things which will help me live a healthy life and also lose weight. The most important thing, though has been the community support. I would not have been able to stick to the plan without the constant encouragement and the accountability of the daily journal posting.
Thanks to everyone!!

Post: #48

(01-22-2011 03:51 AM)Ish Wrote:  My main problem has been with exercise. I’ve had to drag myself to go the gym. Although I’ve been walking regularly (around 30 mins three times per week), this is not enough for my weight loss goals.

My plan ahead
- consolidate and fine tune the eating plans I’ve investigated in the past 21 days, but replacing high calorie fruits with better alternatives. Plan work lunches more carefully.
- be more consistent with exercise (check home alternatives)
- Increase practice of QiGong (I’ve received a demo CD and do not know all moves yet).
- gradually wake up earlier so that I can exercise and meditate in the mornings rather than in the evening

Hi Ish, I like the way you planned your healthy life ahead especially the exercise part. Congratulations Ish!! I never went to the gym myself because I don't like going to the gym for some reason. Have you thought to try pilates exercise at home? I bought a basic video few years ago and I'm happy that I bought it. It's only 20 minutes exercise, but boy, I could feel it, especially in my stomach!! So, if the weather doesn't permit me to run/jog outside, I would do pilates exercise at home. I'm thinking to buy the advance pilates exercise video soon.

I'll miss your posts and comments Ish and I wish you all the best in reaching your goals!!!

Post: #49

Hi Ish, you've finished off really nicely!! 7/10 is definitely a score to be proud of. I'm glad you've picked up a few ideas from some of the raw food Xina, Celes and myself been making too. Visit my journal once it's updated [again] to see something I'm sure you'll enjoy which I made this morning!! Really healthy too, made just using fruit.

Glenn Thomas - Sydney, Australia
Avene Website | Personal Website | Facebook Page | Twitter

Post: #50

Xina Wrote:Have you thought to try pilates exercise at home? I bought a basic video few years ago and I'm happy that I bought it. It's only 20 minutes exercise, but boy, I could feel it, especially in my stomach!! So, if the weather doesn't permit me to run/jog outside, I would do pilates exercise at home. I'm thinking to buy the advance pilates exercise video soon.

I'll miss your posts and comments Ish and I wish you all the best in reaching your goals!!!

I've heard a lot about pilates, but never tried it.
I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the advice.

I hope to see you online in the main forums again.

Post: #51

Hi, Ish, I just wanted to stop a little on your journal before the forums will be closed for telling you how much I admire you for your participation on this challenge, for sharing your progress on the daily tasks, for your progress and mostly for all the beautiful and encouraging comments that you wrote on so many journals and on my journal as well - your support and kindness means a lot for me and I`m sure for many other people as well
Thank you and I wish you lots of success with your plans on the future, I`ll "join" you in exercising more and also on meditation, thanks to Matt

See you soon, I`m sending lots of love and good thoughts to you!