Healthy Living: Motivation, Dieting, Yoga, and (hopefully) Success

Successful Healthy Living - How I've change my life through motivation, dieting, and yoga.

Well, not really. It sounds like a good plan though. The truth is...I have no motivation, I haven't been able to stick to a diet in years, and yoga is just another four letter word to me. When if comes to healthy living...I'm slowly but surely becoming the poster child (middle-aged woman) for unhealthy living.

So, I started this post thinking I might find some motivation to stop eating so much ice-cream and cookies. And then I came across this...

Big Fat Deal - Diet Motivation!

We all know there are people who bitch at their fat spouses for gaining weight, and gym owners who berate and shame fat people. And don’t forget random people on the street who yell things and throw garbage at the overweight and obese. In case that just isn’t motivating enough for you, we now have the talking “diet tile” that you put on the floor in front of the fridge.

Humiliation every time I take a step toward the refrigerator? Not exactly what I had in mind.

I do like the idea of changing my goal from losing weight, to living healthy to 100.

Diet Pulpit - Changing My Goal

I am changing my goal officially (see near top of right side bar under photo) from a goal of healthy weight of 140 lbs to a long term goal of Living Healthy to 100 and beyond.

Who wants to join me in setting their goal for a Fabulous, Awesome, Tenacious and Healthy life (a.k.a. F.A.T. Attitude) instead of worrying over numbers on the scale?

It's an excellent idea. But, who am I kidding? I couldn't even make it to 30 being healthy, and now (don't tell anybody) I'm even older than that. I know...It's hard to believe.

As I continued to surf the BlogHer Health and Wellness blogroll, I came across this post on yoga...

Sister Skinny - What's Up With Yoga?

So, anyone want to convince me yoga is the perfect thing for me right now? Want to tell me why you love it? Or have you (like me) had some not-so-fantastic experiences with the whole thing? I'm curious about the general yoga consensus among our readers...(see 40 comments on yoga)

And then, I remembered reading this interesting post...

Frances Ellen Speaks - Hatha Yoga Or A Pedicure?

I got it into my head that I should try yoga. Pretty much, the only things I know about yoga are, it’s a form of relaxation, it helps with flexibility, it’s good for one’s balance and it doesn’t require me to bounce around too much.

I had one problem with the yoga class; it’s held at my local hospital for the 55+ gang on Tuesday evenings and, as it happened, I had an appointment to get a pedicure last Tuesday. Pretty much, what I know about pedicures is it’s a form of relaxation, your feet and legs receive a massage and it, too, requires no bouncing.

Hmm. What to choose, what to choose…

What would you choose? A pedicure is sounding pretty good to me right now. I guess I'm not doing so great in the "motivation" area. And, isn't that the only way I'll ever be successful in my quest for health living? I know. I know. Maybe I'll start being motivated on Monday.

For even more on yoga...

Yoga Chickie

Yoga Gumbo

What I really want to know is...

Can I do yoga while sitting on the couch with my lap-top? It sure would be nice if I could lose weight doing that too.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
CatherineBlogs, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Submitted by Catherine Morgan (view blog

) on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 02:06

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Comments

I love Yoga

So why don't I ever go, when there are two yoga centers within ten minutes of my house? For some reason I just can't seem to schedule it in. The class I like most is at 5:45 P.M. and by the time I get home from that there isn't enough time left in the evening for all the things I try to squeeze in after I get through working at my "real" job.

But in spite of the fact that I'm not a very faithful yoga practitioner, I can testify that it makes you feel great, and really tightens up every part of your body (but only when you actually do it!)

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

Submitted by Kalyn Denny on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 06:57

Thanks Kalyn

Thanks Kalyn. I've never had an opportunity to do yoga in a class. So, anytime I've ever tried, it's been on my own. That's probably why I've never been successful with it. Who knows...maybe someday.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
CatherineBlogs, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Submitted by Catherine Morgan on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 09:53

What is your personality type?

I have a very weak theory about yoga. I joined a studio that offers both yoga and pilates. I have taken several of the classes in both realms and have come to my own conclusion. Yoga is a great workout and the meditative/relaxation effect is quite beneficial IF you are the type of person who actually gets stressed! I am not Therefore, I find yoga incredibly boring.... challenging at times yes, but "yawn-o-rama-get me to the end so I can officially take my nap" BORING!
I think I want one of those Hawaii chairs that Ellen Degeneres showed on her show. The clip is on her website. I think It would allow you to exercise while blogging. My idea of fun!
Good luck with your search. Read Kristy Sammis' Good health-a-thon posts and maybe you'll find some inspiration!
Cheers,
JenInShanghai

Submitted by JenInShanghai on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 07:17

Thanks for the insight

Thanks for the insight, I'll keep that in mind. :-)

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
CatherineBlogs, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Submitted by Catherine Morgan on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 14:53

Yoga ideas

Hi Catherine,

I really love yoga although I don't have nearly enough time to do it as I'd like. Here are a few suggestions to think about: 1) buy a yoga DVD that you can do when you have time. I'm a big fan of Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond. Kundalini is a very relaxing form of yoga with a lot of focus on the breath. It's a great place to start if new to yoga. 2) Check out FitTV, they have yoga classes. 3) Take a class and try av ariety of different forms of yoga to see what resonates with you.

I do really love yoga for the health benefits. Slowing down and deep breathing actually increases your metabolism, making weight loss a bit easier plus it's so great for flexibility and toning.

Wendy

Submitted by wbattles on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 20:47

Thanks for the advice Wendy.

Thanks for the advice Wendy, you've given me a lot to think about. :-)

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
CatherineBlogs, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Submitted by Catherine Morgan on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 08:46

gi gong

I like the idea of yoga - but never could stick with it. I recently became very interested in gi gong and purchased a dvd to learn some basics. It's very gentle and healing and relaxing without bending, twisting, etc. It's actually something I can do without pain, and makes me feel more energized in mind body and spirit.

Health and Happiness

Submitted by Lady Rose on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 06:06